It’s funny how times change.
A Rockwell Scene
I suppose the perfect Christmas would come in a Norman Rockwell setting. We would not be rushing about in a serene White Christmas postcard. Horses would be drawing a sleighful of kids and jingle bells would fill the valley. As the sleigh comes closer to the house, the kids would fall out of the sleigh and throw snowballs at each other. Giggles join the jingles.
Of course, Mom is in the kitchen creating masterpieces that smell like turkey, stuffing and apple pie. Maybe some cinnamon and orange waft from the wassail bowl as well.
That’s a nice painting and it shows well on the wall. It’s a glimpse of an American Christmas Past.
A Much Closer Christmas Past
When I was first married (never mind how long ago!), culture had moved beyond Norman Rockwell, but it was still not so fast paced.
I set out to make my own tree ornaments in those days. I determined to make my decorations and gifts as well. Home made is special and from the heart.
I sent for boxed kits with beads, velvets and laces in rainbows of colors. I waited eagerly for my boxes to arrive and spent hours and hours assembling these magnificent creations.
I made pies and fudge and cookies, too.
And when Christmas arrived, I was flat out exhausted!
Another Look
Whose idea was the Perfect Christmas, anyway? And where are those fancy ornaments now? Actually, one did turn up in a box recently. I left it there. Strange, but my son texted me a day or so later to ask if I remembered an ornament. He sent a photo. It was one of those magnificent creations! How did he get hold of that?
These days, Christmas looks much different. My children are grown and celebrate their own traditions. And life has picked up the pace. With the advent of the internet, making gifts and decorations doesn’t happen. Screens everywhere shout their wares to make my life easier. But what they really want is just my money.
The Perfect Christmas
When Jesus came to earth, born to join the human race as our Savior, the Perfect Christmas actually happened. And miraculously, it keeps happening.
Every day.
Whenever someone opens their heart to receive the love and sacrifice the Savior has for them.
When they are open to being fully known by Jesus.
When they give up holding back from God’s goodness.
The Perfect Christmas is always current.
Jesus.
“Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27b).
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