"Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world - stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death - and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love? Then you can keep Christmas"
-- Henry Van Dyke
On this December 1st, I am anxious to begin 'keeping' Christmas. Boxes should come down tomorrow, decorating will begin at that moment....then there's tree chopping in the "promised land", sharing this time with family and friends and the holiday season can begin. We will have christened the season with these few, small rituals.
Yes, we will be ready because we know that love is the strongest thing in the world.
Our giving, sharing and decorating becomes part of our remembrance of Christ's birth. The way the lights shine throughout the season, the way the house smells and the way the neighborhood feels warm, despite the cool, wet night air. The busy-ness of the season feels comfortable, it fits well. I love this time of year. I want to include everyone in these traditions, these feelings. I want to give them all a moment to savor. A smile, a word of encouragment, a touch. Doesn't everyone deserve that? I say yes....
Welcome, Christmas, come on in!
Welcome, Christmas, come on in!
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