Caitlyn's December Blog

As a little girl my absolute favorite Christmas song was “Away in a Manger.” I always loved picturing the stars twinkling in the skies and hearing the cattle lowing. I would whisk myself away to that small barn. I pictured seeing the Little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay, and wondering just what it would feel like to be there.

Of course, as you grow older perspectives seem to change. Matters seem to be more pressing than kindling active imaginations. That is how my mind has been these past few months. There have always been classes to keep ahead on, many chapters to read, and school clubs to be active in. I love having a busy schedule. It keeps life exciting! But sometimes, it is good to take a breather. That is part of the magic of the holiday season. Sure there are relatives to entertain. There are numerous foods to prepare and tons of socializing to be done. It can get a little crazy. But, I don’t think we would like it any other way. There is a reason why we continue to go through this hectic routine.  Think about it. Your spirit rejoices in the warm of fellowship. All of the cooking makes your home smell incredible; and if something gets burnt that just creates another memory to be shared! Even shopping is fun. It is an opportunity to choose a gift for someone that will make their day, possibly more. The best part is you are able to share in their joy when they open it up on Christmas morning. I don’t think anyone else says it better than Linus in a Charlie Brown Christmas:

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

“That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

The true reason I was able to imagine being there- at the birth of our Savior- was because while I was singing, everyone I loved was singing with me. Every year we have a Christmas caroling party. There’s a whole lot of cleaning and a whole lot of cooking. My entire family is a part of the prep work. Then, when it’s all ready, our guests arrive. It is a night of laughter, sharing, and a lot of caroling. Being there, surrounded by those who I care about, celebrating Christ’ birth, and making memories to last a lifetime is what the magic of Christmas is all about.

God Bless and May You and Yours have a Very Merry Christmas.

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