Christmas Past and Present

Certain things shout out Christmas to me. One of the big ones is Clementine oranges. They were a special treat Mom would buy at Christmastime. We'd find a few of them in the bottom of our stockings. Whenever I peel one of those the scent of Christmas is released. And it triggers memories of Christmas past.

A pot on the stove, filled with water, orange peels, cinnamon, maybe cloves. As it boils a wonderful aroma fills our home. I breath it in. Ah! Christmas. And the picture of my mom's smiling face, as she stands by the stove flashes in my mind.

Cookie cutters. The 12 days of Christmas variety. Colored corn syrup and paintbrushes. The laughter of my brothers and sister as we paint each cookie, run string through it, and hang them on our tree.

Real trees. The running and searching for just the right one. And then inevitably the image of my brothers adjusting a tree in their...uh....hmm... pajamas. (My family will know exactly what that means!)

A lighted tree at night. I hear the soothing melody of Manheim Steamroller's O Holy Night in my head. I picture myself curled on the couch sipping tea and just resting, pondering on the words of that song.

My dad's big black Bible. His voice reading over the Christmas story comes to me, refocusing my heart on the meaning of Christmas. Immanuel, God with us.

My parents gave us so much, so many memories, and fun times. And even now, today, in Christmas present they live on.

But, not every memory is joyous and peaceful. Usually about a week or so before Christmas my heart grows heavy. Something happens that triggers another memory. It could be something totally unrelated, but it happens. And so it should. This year it was the words of my son while in the car, "I miss Daddy." Memories of excitement, driving with my future sister in law to see my sister and my brothers at the beginning of Christmas break. Excitement that turned to utter grief. I will never forget the day my sister-in-law's father died. It burns in my mind: the look on my brother's face when he answered that call, his eyes that spoke volumes to me. If I could give one gift, if I could change anything about the past, it would be for her to have had one last day with her dad. I did not know him well, I only met him a couple of times. But, I knew my sister in law. I loved her. I told my brother he had to marry this girl because she was the closest thing to an angel on earth. I know we aren't as close as we were during college days, but I still feel the same way about her.

Christmas Past is always in Christmas Present. I know there are many who are grieving right now, whether because of a death, or because of abandonment, or because of a loved one who is half the world away. Some I know their names, some I don't. But my prayer is that this Christmas Present you will feel the comfort and peace which comes from the Prince of Peace, the Almighty God, the Everlasting Savior. That sweet memories of Christmas Past will fill your hearts making Christmas Present even sweeter. I pray that each one of us will finally come to a place of stillness and worship as we realize that Immanuel is with us.

I am looking forward to being with my family this Christmas. I hope some of the old memories will be reborn into new memories. Memories my children can share as well. I look forward most of all to hearing my dad's voice, drawing us back to the purpose of Christmas,

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.... Glory to God in the highest,
      And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!