Christmas – Discovery

There is a smattering of snow on the ground. Not enough to cover the longer blades of grass, but a sufficient amount to create a powder sugar dusting effect over the lawn and driveway. This is the first snow for the puppy and it was an eagerly anticipated moment to see what the reaction would be. Sleepy indifference led to focused investigation as the puppy discovered everything he could about the snow. I cautioned him to stay away from any snow that isn’t white, but other than that – let him jump from snowy paw to snowy paw.
 

A puppy’s first snow is a time of great discovery. They plow through little drifts that reach the tips of paws and poke their curious noses into the white wet and attempt to determine why all the smells have changed. This was no exception. I had to laugh when Buddy found out that if he pushed the snow across the driveway, his mound would grow to a towering height of about three inches. At that point, he could attack it with his pink tongue and great puppy vigor. Sticks were even more fun as they were discovered laying in snow, thus serving a duel purpose of toy and a wonderful way to help with teething gums. I look forward to many days ahead of discovery for Buddy as he discovers his first winter and Christmas. The enthusiasm and excitement he finds for each of these new things is such fun to watch.



Christmas – Choir

   Here in town, an annual event is held every December, the Holiday Stroll. The downtown main street is shut off from all boot foot traffic, and the town comes out to kick-off the holidays. Music, hot chocolate, window displays, and many people come out to meet, greet, and enjoy the festivities. As a kick off to the event, local choir kids sing from the second story of a local bank down into the lobby. Microphones set to project voices, they sing carefully practiced choir pieces of jazz, traditional carols, and some beautiful arrangements of acapella music.

   Listening to that music, watching with others as our faces turn up to the young people standing and singing, I was reminded of how the faces of shepherds must have been turned up on that far ago night. An angel appeared to shepherd and brought them the news that a Savior had been born. Imagine that as the sky filled with a host of angels singing and praising God, how the faces of the shepherds were tilted up. Jaws dropping down, eyes reflecting the light around them, shocked sighs escaping their mouths. Just imagine the excitement on the part of the angel choir. Perhaps they had practiced long for this moment, with joy and exhilaration they stared down at the shepherds. This was the moment they had waited for, the performance of an eternal lifetime.
   As we hear various school programs, listen to the concerts and carolers, may our music reflect the joy of that concert, heralded in a shepherd's field.

Christmas – Blanket

   A soft red blanket waits for me on the bed or the back of a chair. It was a Christmas gift, soft and fuzzy, and perfect size to toss over my shoulders. On these cold wintry mornings when I am reluctant to leave my warm and comfortable bed to get up and face the day, that blanket becomes the last warmth that I take with me to take the dogs out or to pull myself together for the day. This is the same blanket that is the perfect temperature when I am sick or need one more layer.
   The Psalmist wrote Psalm 147, including how the “earth is covered with snow like a blanket of wool,” just in obedience to God’s word. As the snow flurries fly, that blanket of warmth is an extra comfort and source of heat. If you have ever been chilled, you know that it is a condition that causes your muscles to tighten and restrict the movement. But when you become warm, your eyes may grow heavy with the tiredness that hits. Your body relaxes and you find yourself at rest. The Peanuts character Linus was always a great demonstration of this. Linus carries around his blue blanket out and on for the ball game, during school, activities etc…
   If the snow is snowed in obedience, then how much more can I show to the maker of the snow itself? A blanket is provided for the earth while it prepares itself for a new year. We have the option of doing the same thing. We can be growing, preparing, sending our roots deep and seeking out nutrients, even while there is a blanket of snow. But, when we are covered in the blanket of faith in Christ, we can relax again and find that the security is true and real.

Christmas – Light and Dark

Every year I look forward to the winter solstice, as the day that marks when the light will be returning for longer periods, stretching the sun spilled day longer and longer. As someone who enjoys snow and moon, it is also the perfect blend of blue skied sunny days with all of that light reflecting off a thick Midwest snow. When that occurs, I head out with my camera, tripod, and thick winter coat, to see what images I can find as the light changes from brilliant to soft and subdued. The trees cast shadows as if they were giant fiddle players, bending and creaking in the breeze. Light spills from decorations, windows, and lamps, adding more layer and dimension to the landscape. The crunch of my boots in the snow leaves foot prints, now micro catchers of light and shadow on a new scale.

   Light and dark, shine and shadow: these powerful things which change the perception of the very world around us and how it is shaped. From the subtle and subdued shades of moonlight, starlight, and snow to the blinding brilliance of sun on snow, light is an incredible creation. We are also called to be light. That seems that it should be easier this time of year, with many different opportunities to share caring with others. And yet, it is often quite difficult. Yesterday alone, I felt off and on all day that I was behind. How could that be? It’s December 1, I’ve got nearly all my shopping done, Christmas cards are started, and two of the trees are built. How could I be behind already? The feeling is persistent though, as I wonder when in schedules I will fit this and that and the other activity into the next few weeks. With such a packed calendar, I become worried that my light is rather covered with wrapping paper, calendars, and Christmas decorations.
    “‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’”Matthew 5:14-16. This reminds me that I must clarify the reason for the activities, prioritize (a lot), and constantly look to be a light. Otherwise, I will be stuck in shadows.

Christmas – Towns

   O Little Town in Iowa, how still I see thee lie… Yes, I know that that is not how the song goes. Coming out of work tonight, in the dark, the snow was flitting down, and swirling around the curbs. The light posts have been wrapped in evergreen swags, bright red bows, and white lights. Store displays are starting to show the Christmas cheer with wreaths, poinsettias, glass bulbs, and brightly colored tinsel. Nativities are out in display, the big plastic light up kinds that go in yards. I love the decorations, the mood that everyone seems to be in, as the streets are a bit brighter and so carefully prepared.

   I wonder what Bethlehem looked like on that far ago night, when Joseph and Mary were getting settled in a busy town for the birth of a baby. Most certainly there were not electric lights, and I doubt that there were shops with such displays. And a space filled with the animals of travelers doesn’t seem the most festive or hygienic place for a baby to be born. I wonder if they tried to decorate it, or at least make it feel more comfortable.
   As you trim your tree, light up some vanilla or pine scented candles, and pull goodies from the oven, this is a good time to remember why we decorate. As well as the humbleness of that first town, I’m sure it was not tinsel draped.