A long time ago what we celebrate at this time of year began as bonfires on all the hills to bring “light” to a dark world and the story of a child, the “light” of the world.
These events are still the center of the way we celebrate the season. The carols, the Christmas trees, traditions, concerts, the gatherings of friends and family, and the quiet times for reading and meditation. All of these harken back to the lighted hills on the darkest night and the birth of Jesus and his message of kindness and hope for the future.
We wish you a joyful Christmas Day!
little tree
e.e. cummings
i will kiss your cool bark
and hug you safe and tight
just as your mother would,
only don’t be afraid
look the spangles
that sleep all the year in a dark box
dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine,
the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,
put up your little arms
and i’ll give them all to you to hold
every finger shall have its ring
and there won’t be a single place dark or unhappy
CHRISTMAS MAIL
Ted Kooser
At stop after stop,
she opens the little tin door
and places deep in the shadows
the shepherds and wise men,
the donkeys lank and weary,
the cow who chews and muses
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!
THE WORK OF CHRISTMAS
Howard Thurman
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.
To view the previous Christmas Season NESTER post – click here
Merry Christmas and a Happier New Year. I will be in Hawaii( Oahu and Kauai) visiting old time friends for the month of January. Here is to better times to come!