O Tidings of Comfort and Joy

In preparation for celebration Christmas, the wreath is hung on the door to welcome all with "tidings of comfort and joy." The tree is decorated with memories from many years and Christmas's past. Ornaments from my childhood are carefully placed on the boughs, as I recall seeing them gleam through the cedar branches lit by the larger Christmas lights every year in my home when I was a child. I recall having hung them for several dozen years before, and each time finding just the right spot for each to glimmer and reflect the lights. Though I am much older now, still Christmas has the power to transform us into the children again, and renew our hopes and joys, with gratitude for the Christ child whose birth we celebrate.

This is one of the precious faces that brings such joy, as she holds her own spot on our tree, my baby girl in kindergarten, and now her daughter is this age. Wow! Where do the years go?

These special ornaments are filled with the smiling faces of my children just 30 years or so ago. It seems they should still be this age, but instead have blessed me with wonderful grandchildren, whose pictures can also be found hanging on the boughs. Time goes by so fast, but some things remain the same, like the love and faithfulness of our Savior. It is a wonderful time to remember all the blessings we have received and enter into this holiday season with thankful hearts.

This is my precious son, when he was two years old, and went to school to have his picture taken at the school when his sister had hers taken. This ornament fills me with joy, as he now has 4 children of his own, and I am blessed with many sweet faces filling our tree.

Beside our tree sits the china cabinet of my youth, filled with even more memories of past Christmas' when family would gather around the table, and celebrate together. The china dishes were used and many of the "best" bowls and silverware were used at this important occasion. My aunts and uncles would come and join us, as my grandmother lived with us, so all of her children came for the holidays too. I remember we had snow on Christmas more often back then and I would listen for sleigh bells on the roof on Christmas eve. It was next to impossible to go to sleep, knowing that when I woke up "Santa" would have already been there. I always wanted a doll, and I think I still love dolls, probably due to my association with that being the special Christmas gift I most looked forward to receiving.

Another happy memory hangs on the door, of the china cabinet. The ornament, my daughter made for me, hangs on the key, reminding me of yet another Christmas and the joy that comes from our family and friends. Each loving act of kindness we share with others continues to bring joy through many years to come.

Don't forget to "enjoy the journey" through this holiday season, and spread tidings of comfort and joy.