I admit it, I get extra sappy this time of year. All of the sights and sounds of the season move me. I love the Hallmark commercials and everyone's own special Christmas stories.
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| neighborhood light display |
These Christmas lights hold their own treasured memories. The display is about a block away (this is not actually all the lights). It takes up the entire cul de sac. The family starts putting it out right after Halloween. The cross on top goes up first and stays lit continuously until after New Years. We can see it from our window. It comforts me to have this constant reminder throughout the holidays.
They've been doing this for years. When several years ago the grandfather passed away in October and his son considered not doing the display, the grandson insisted they put them up and make them even bigger and brighter so grandpa could see them from heaven. The display has grown each year since. They collect food and toys for those in need as the display attracts considerable traffic. I love walking through the neighborhood at night this time of year. Each home holds its own stories.
This, the first day of Advent our pastor challenged us to not just listen to the Christmas music that bombards us, but to truly hear the words, to ponder the message in our hearts like Mary did. I challenge you to do the same.
Do you have a favorite carol? Perhaps mine are Away in a Manger and Silent Night. In the stillness of the Christmas Eve service we end with Silent Night and that is when I truly ponder the meaning and all those things God has given us through Jesus Christ. My prayer this Advent season is to quiet my heart every hour of every day the same way I do Christmas Eve and to give constantly, unconditionally and sacrificially.
Have a blessed season of Christmas music!
Have a blessed season of Christmas music!
Linda <><
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What a wonderful story & thanks for sharing it! I love this time of year with all the lights, decorations, & most definitely music!
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Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog! That story seems like it was taken straight out of a book! It's amazing what inspiring stories we can get from our own hometown.
I get nervous, tired, and anxious looking at the busy shops and packed mall parking lots around Christmastime. It was fun as a child to tag along my parents as they went Christmas shopping for others. As an adult however, I just want peace and quiet! I would rather have family and friends huddled around the fireplace talking about the blessings God has given us. That reminds me of what I need to be thankful for, too. Last Thanksgiving was when my husband got really sick, so we couldn't attend the family celebration. He is still sick today, but we are trying to instead look at what we still have that God has given us.
Definitely, Silent Night is a favorite! I also really like What Child is This? It is so beautiful.
Rachel
http://alamodest.com
Christmastime definitely is different as an adult. I recall the comfort and wonder of walking the busy downtown streets between my folks as a child, holding both of their hands. When I shopped for groceries this week driftfed away from prayerfulness to impatience as I tried to rememerber my prayer for Advent. My prayers are with your husband and you in his illness.
DeleteHow wonderful it would be to be in a cabin on a mountain somewhere to have the quiet to just ponder the important things of the season....but, back to reality! I like your challenge and I will try very hard to do it! Great post!
ReplyDeleteI think we all should be in prayer for each other to find that quiet in the hustle and bustle of the season!
DeleteThat is a wonderful story how the light display got started with this family. What a wonderful tribute to their grandfather.
ReplyDeleteThere is a home near me that has a slow train of cars passing by each evening. I have loved to do this at Christmastime since I was a child. My Dad would pile us all into the car and we would ride around to look at all the lights. It's a lovely tradition to be reminded that Jesus is the Light of the World.
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