Christmas Reflections

The day after Thanksgiving I watched a neighbor hang evergreen garland around his front door. I smiled to myself, welcoming the first signs of Christmas, my hands-down favorite holiday. Every year at about this time I pull out the old Christmas recordings my mom played for me as a child -- Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians -- and warble along to their sublime harmonies. I bake (and consume) dozens of the pecan crescent cookies my family has always baked (and consumed). I drive through local neighborhoods at night, looking for houses decked with lights, or walk along the streets of Hoboken, glancing into windows warmed by illuminated Christmas trees. I'm touched when I receive a gift that shows that someone truly knows me, and I get giddy as I watch my wide-eyed son take in all these things for himself. Far above all this, I feel again the anticipation of celebrating the true beauty of Christmas - the birth of our Savior.

 

A big part of my anticipation comes in asking God to show me something on which to meditate throughout the season. Over the years I've found contemplations in a thoughtful sermon, or a stirring hymn, but I was surprised...

 

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