Christmas Repose 2023

Lights on a slim Christmas tree illumine the darkened room, a pyramid of white stars cascading from beneath shimmering angel wings. To the right of the tree, a small vintage cane-seat rocker cradles two new black-red buffalo plaid blankets. To the left, from the speaker beneath the television’s silent image of a Yule log’s dancing flames, mellow Christmas carols, hymns, renditions of the Nutcracker, and instrumental seasonal tunes fill the air. Listen! Do you hear what I hear…the drums, the flutes and horns, the piano and organ, the strings? Can you feel the warmth of the virtual fire washing over dear hubby and me as the furnace, in seeming synchrony, offers its welcomed whoosh?

Now later, in the wee hours of Christmas morning, I linger, happily caught in this ambiance of Christmas, the angel-star-Yule log glow. Having just enjoyed Christmas Eve with family celebrating the amazing gift of our Savior and of one another, I am not yet sleepy.

Imagine that dark, silent night so long ago, when shepherds warmed themselves before fires, were amazed by the Star of Bethlehem, were awestruck by the hosts of angels singing. Tonight a tiny reflection of that Holy Night has reached here to this lowly living room in a small city, in a large country, in a century far far away…the warmth, the starry light, the angel music.

Like the televised old dog struggling to keep his eyes open while basking in the warmth of the fire, I, too, must give in to sleep. Yet, I’m reluctant to leave this cocoon of Christmas peace. Then comes a thought as gentle as that Holy Baby’s breath…though decorative lights and music of the centuries fade, the blessings of Christmas, God’s gift to all who would receive Him, never cease. May the glory of the Light of Christ shine into and warm our hearts every day. And may we forever join His angels’ songs of praise.

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Thank You, LORD, for the gift of Jesus. For times of reflection and rest; for Your presence and peace; for being with us through all we face. Thank You, Immanuel, for dwelling in our past and in our present, and for being the Life and Light and Hope of our future. In Your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Matthew 1:23 NLT “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

John 16:22 NKJV “Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.”

Hebrews 10:23 NKJV “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”