Literally.Having had the family here for the week-end before, we're rattling around in this big old farmhouse while echoes and memories bounce like pinballs off the walls and our hearts.
Christmas morning has it's very own aura. I envision shopper less stores and city sidewalks still dressed in holiday style, but not quite as bustly. I'm sure there is a Disney parade at some point today, but they're passing the September taped announcers off as if it's live.
The world pauses. The breath of heaven causes stirring in our hearts. People question if it all could be true and the movies and songs make us want to believe.
As I reminisce about another year gone by (today I will start the YIR video) warmed by the fireplace and space heater, my mind's eye recalls; outdoor decorations that dotted the landscape on the way to Illinois ~ Christmas prayers prayed by Grandpa Bauer in fast motion ~ bringing home a real tree from the lit lot, bubble lights, tinsel slung, a star on the grain bin leg (same star pictured), my first bible, ice skates, a remote control race car track, madame alexander dolls, the whole family in Marshall Fields toy department, snowmobiling, family and food everywhere, "Christmas Story" marathons, and memorized renditions of "Twas The Night Before Christmas" and Luke 2.
The meaningful lights linger. One more day. I took most of these pictures last night, because we all know Christmas Eve is much more magical than Christmas night. But after conjuring up my Christmas past, and quietly bemoaning how I'll feel about the decorations tomorrow morning, I wondered how the world felt the morning after the manger.
Some, surely continued on without a hint of what the first Christmas could possibly hold. And yet there were those who believed; a handful of shepherds and wisemen. Mary and Joseph. Maybe the innkeeper. Those who could not ignore that bright star in the east and then the heavenly hosts in the skies over Bethlehem. I wonder if the news travelled via the front desk of the inn? Or what the reaction was on streets the next morning?
What do you think about this greatest story ever told? Do you truly understand the implications of the miracle of Christmas? Why has this event in history, a story which happened thousands of years ago, remained to this day in 2013?
Today the light shines on the Christmas story. A candle next to the manger scene. Miles and miles of light strands decorate our yards and homes. The light always dispels the darkness. The street lights will come on again this evening. I'll keep the star lit. The candles will turn on at dusk, but shine their brightest in the dark of night. When the light comes in the dark must flee. In the room, on the street, and in our hearts.
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of the darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
No comments:
Post a Comment