Christmases of long ago blend

with Christmas now.

Memories of delicious popcorn balls

and boxes of  hard candy.

Christmas programs.

The sound of my older brother

reciting Matthew 1:18-25.

Whenever I hear those familiar words

‘now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise’

my eyes fill with tears

and I remember that Christmas program

of long ago.

He was dressed as a shepherd and I an angel.

Shining moments of long ago.

And then my thoughts skip to

beautiful Christmas concerts

as I hear certain songs.

Amy Grants ‘Emmanuel’

and my Mom singing ‘There’s a Song in the Air’.

For a few years we had a Christmas Eve program

at home. Just my family.

My younger brother played the trumpet;

my older one the clarinet.

I’d play the piano and my mom sang.

My sister sang=

Yes, I can still hear her singing

“It’s Beginning To Look A lot Like Christmas’.

Precious, shining moments of long ago

that brighten my life today.

All of it

reminding me of the tender bonds of love

gifts from the Father’s Hand.

The old wagon that dates back to when my father was a child

holds teddy bears and my old tiny tears doll.

My heart holds it all.

Along with the old memories and the ones of today

the golden thread of Christmas

shines brightly.

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace  to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

Let the wonder of the memories surround and fill you this Christmas.

And through it all

sense His Love and everlasting care

for you.

Make this Christmas your best Christmas ever, won’t you?

Take time to be quiet

Take time to be still

and enter softly  into the heart of Christmas.