Christmas Lights

This Christmas has really come quickly! Thanksgiving came late, and the ice storm held us captive for a week.  The last remnants of ice and snow have finally faded giving way to Christmas lights and decorations.

Ice finally melted from one of my favorite trails!

I love Christmas lights. The tradition of illuminating our street is beautiful, warm and inviting. Some neighbors have sadly reminisced about the house that will be dark this year. Those are the homes whose owners have moved up from this world. The Lord willing, those homes will be glowing again next Christmas!

One of the ladies adamant about keeping this neighborhood tradition alive was tardy in setting her luminaries out. She had a very good explanation.  It was her turn to host 12-14 ladies at her home.  She explained if they were placed before the lights would be run over by her guest. Obviously she speaks with a voice of experience. It makes perfectly good sense to me.   That is the reason our luminaries will not run along our driveway.  The danger would not lay with my female visitors but alas the female resident.

Sweet neighbor across the street.

Can you see a dozen women racing up this drive?

While visiting a friend this fall, we were surprised to find her home fully decked for Christmas.  She saw no reason Christmas should not be celebrated anytime, anywhere, or anyway one choose.  She was as perfectly comfortable with her Christmas trees and lights in July or December.  How can one argue that? 

Our Bible Study class members chip in a dollar or so every week to a special fund.  At Thanksgiving and Christmas we provided whatever needs to a family that is assigned to us.  We forget how a little here and there goes a long way.

Santas helpers!

We were delighted to have a family with small children this year.  It was so much fun shopping and playing Santa. It had been too many years since we had this kind of fun.  The Mom picked up the gifts in secret tonight for her babies’ Christmas Eve celebration.

The light of Christmas beams through sharing and carrying others burdens large or small. A little goes a long way! The love, joy and peace that follow are priceless.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3