Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever. - Bess Streeter Aldrich
Can you imagine having been there to hear the first songs of Christmas? The first song that night must have been a lullaby. Yes, Mary and Joseph swaddled Emmanuel and lay him in a manger—but first Mary held her son. New mothers croon to their babies, and as they nurse them or soothe them, the tender strains of a lullaby come so naturally. The lullaby of Christmas Eve still bids us all to rest. We are told to be born again and Jesus delights in children—“For such is the kingdom of heaven.” Our Heavenly Father neither slumbers or sleeps (Psalm 121:4) , and he sings over us. It’s possible because Jesus came and redeemed us so we would be joint heirs with him. That made God our Father… and so we can now rest in His loving arms.
The second song? Oh, how I would have loved to experience that, too! A whole host of angels filled the skies and sang. I’ve been to my share of Christmas productions at churches or schools where enthusiasm ran rampant and talent was in seriously scarce supply. But on the first Christmas, the music washeavenly. The glory and majesty of that music had to be awe-inspiring.
Christmas is the day that holds all time together. - Alexander Smith
Oh, how true this quote is! Christmas marks the greatest act of love in all eternity—the Word was made flesh and came to dwell among us. Everything in history pivots on the moment when Love touched down from heaven. For thirty-three years prophecies were fulfilled, and on Easter the greatest act of Mercy was demonstrated for us.
All because the Prince of Eternity set aside his crown and robes and took on the most helpless and humble form. How blessed we were to receive the very first Gift that Christmas! With a very grateful heart, I’ll celebrate that event… just don’t expect me to sing. The music is in my heart and soul, but out of respect for the Almighty, I’ll let the talented ones do the singing. I’ll shout out Glory in the highest, and on earth, peace and salvation to all!
Merry Christmas!
Cathy
Beautiful thoughts and pictures, Cathy. Thanks for a restful moment amidst the final prepartions for the holiday. And I'm like you--I'll leave the singing to others who aren't tone deaf. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Hugs, Judy
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy. I'm trying to find spots of serenity in the midst of chaos. I'm very thankful you didn't expect me to wear the Santa Lucia candle crown. I'd be deadly. Believe it or not, It's been one week shy of six months, and my foot is STILL broken and the post concussion syndrome persists. Since I can't dash around and do everything, things aren't getting done--or I'm delegating them. Or shopping online. Or hiring help. Having music play in the background is a delightful reminder that it's not the things we do or the gifts we give that matter--it's the Gift we received and the attitude of Christmas we carry in our hearts all year long that will be our most enduring contribution.
ReplyDeletehugs right backatcha,
Cath