It is Christmas Eve morning and I was struck by the urge to build a fire in the fireplace. And so here I sit, cup of chai tea beside me, surrounded by the glow of the lights on the mantle and on the tree and warmed by a crackling fire. Playing softly in the background are the strains of the amazing music of the season. And though the house is quiet, I am not alone.
Softly the spirits of Christmas past replay the voices of children laughing and squabbling, playing and whispering, peeking and shaking and wrapping. In my mind’s eye I once again see the Christmas programs – our children as Mary and shepherds and angels swinging high above the church platform! I hear their young voices singing Away in a Manger and Silent Night. The fragrances of the season also drift through my consciousness once again – warm cinnamon rolls just out of the oven, an unbelievable array of cookies, wassail steaming and coffee brewing! Our home filled with love – in years of plenty and years that were slim.
Next come the spirits of Christmas present. And again our home is filled with such joy! Here are our wonderful staff who were able to brave the snowy weather and join together to celebrate what God has done this year. There are the moments spent searching for just the right gift, hoping each recipient will know how much we love them. The voices raised in song are now those of our grandchildren. Yesterday the children and grandchildren gathered here for candy making and gingerbread house building. Later that afternoon we traveled to a local bowling alley for a family Christmas outing – the founders of the outing are in sunny Texas, but we could feel their presence and hoisted a cup of soda in their honor.
Last to arrive – the spirits of Christmas Yet To Come. They bring hope and a promise. Hope for a New Year filled with all God’s greatest blessings- health, strength, prosperity and homes filled with love and laughter. And a promise that, no matter what the new year brings, we have great faith and great love for one another – and that combination is unconquerable!
Now the fire is dying and the sky is lightening. The day will soon begin, bustling again with preparations for getting together with family and friends. May your day be wonder-filled! God loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to live among us and demonstrate the greatness of the Father’s love! Let your home be warmed with His spirit and the spirits of Christmas – past, present and yet-to-come!
Love, Tanya
