And Abraham Went Out . . .

Christmas: Musings on a Wednesday and a Poem 

This last weekend Nutmeg and I went shopping for a Christmas gift in old bookshop. A group of carolers from the "baby boomer" generation were gathering to practice in the shop before going out on the streets to sing. Nutmeg loved it! The leader of the group paused for a moment for a brief moment of "encouragement" for the group. She said something along the lines of "You never know who we will touch. Some of the older people will think that this is always what it was like but its not, they've forgotten. And you know, we do this for the children. We want them to think this is what Christmas will always be like." 

I'm thinking "What?! Did she just say what I think she said?!" Seriously? Ack! Is Christmas just a show where we try to trick ourselves into feeling happy/festive for a few short weeks every year? We'll give it our best shot so that at least the kids can have fun for a few years? Then they'll grow up, wise up to the sad reality, but then in turn put on the show for their own children. Boy, that really stinks!

I'm the first to admit that I love the season. I love the music, the decorations, the good feeling of it all. I love the magic of Christmas! But yes, like most of us, I have experienced the After-Christmas-Letdown. I have gotten sucked into mere "good feelings" associated with Christmas. I've let it overshadow the timeless beauty of the babe; our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Last year our family was in a hard place. This year we are in another hard place. I'm sure many of us are in a place that is less than sparkly, comfortable, and cheery. We do not have to put on a "show" and try to get into that happy place that our culture tells us is all important. We really can have JOY! We CAN have more than a cozy feeling that dissipates December 26! There is the possibility a gift that can be renewed over and over again: HOPE. A multitude of unbreakable, never boring gifts: FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE. All from the source of Jesus. 

I write this not to preach out into cyberspace. I say this out loud hoping the echoes will seep into my own heart. Be still my heart and rest in the peace of Jesus. While I'm reminding myself of all of this, I'll be reminding my children as well. I will do my best to show them where the real happiness joy is found. They'll know its not easy but possible.  

Anyhow, all this babbling came because of this poem I just read with the kiddos. I found it embodies what I'm trying to say. I hope you may find it worth your time reading. 

Christmas Bells

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come, 

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Til, ringing, singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime,

A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South

And with that sound

The carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent

The hearth stones of a continent,

And made forlorn

The households born

Of peace on earth, good-will toward men!

And in despair I bowed my head;

"There is no peace on earth," I said;

"For hate is strong,

 And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will toward men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men!"