As the Christmas Season winds down, the question arises what was the best part? The shopping? The hustle? The bustle? The traffic? The September to December Christmas music? The bombardment of commercials, emails, advertisments telling us how much needs to be spent to show our love. The constant casade of candy, cookies, cakes, calories and cholesterol? The rearranging of home and hearth to accomodate lights and decorations to show proclaim the holiday's theme.
Any of these things on your short list of favorites? Most likely not. Yet there is something to be said for: finding an unexpected item that is just what a loved one needs (such was a gift from a son to a father - slippers that are used almost everyday to keep old feet warm); hustling to finish a gift that graces a fridge to remind us of family times and ties; music that first brings thoughts of - Can they really be starting it now, and just as soon ends with thoughts of - Can it be over so soon, I just heard my favorite song once; love shining from every home to proclaim the joy of season and hating to take them down and leaving winter to the darkness.
From these fragments of Christmas pressures comes the best part -
BEING THERE.
On Tuesday morning, December 23rd, I rose from my bed to do my morning exercise, no raquetball today, just pumping the pedals on a stationary bike, for 35 minutes, with lots of sweat and tired legs and will 500 calories be burned so I can eat a Christmas treat. After the work out into the shower. Light head and faint caused me to lay down to recover. After some breakfast in bed, not intentionally but gratefully accepted and a short recovery nap it was time to prepare for work. Sitting up on the edge of the bed, I said it feels fine, I am ready to face the day. Walking to comb my hair waiting for warm water to pour out of the faucet, I suddenly thought - No I don't think I can stand any longer, reversed by tracks and laid down again. Thinking there is nothing wrong, no pain just a little dizzy. Then WHAM it hit, my chest felt as if a sledge hammer had come to visit and stay. A groan, rapid breathing, sweat pouring out, Mary Ann asking what is wrong, "Chest PAINS". She is on the phone - 911. No thoughts of death occur, only thoughts of how to get away from THE PAIN. A quick ride to the ER, a procedure done by trained and skillful hands, a stent, no make that two, provide an open path for life to flow into a craving heart. My world returns and finds peace and rest and gratitude for loving faces around my bed, comforting words and touch from my Sweetheart and Priesthood exercised by a worthy friend.
From these fragments of a Christmas pressure comes the best part -
BEING HERE.
So the Dr says in the hospital you will stay
until mid-Christmas day.
"Why?" I cry, "I feel fine."
Can't I go home to dine
and be a part of Christmas Eve and Morn?
My heart has been reborn.
She insists and so I sit in a quiet hospital cell.
While my family the reason for the Season does tell.
Soon enough comes Christmas day
And I am home to stay.
Because it is Christmas
And the best part
BEING HERE and THERE
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas Songs
For a wonderful selection of Christmas music, check out our Son-in-Law's blog. It has some great music.
I would like to add: "Some Children see Him" by Alfred Burt. It is one of my favorites. I can't find a audio version on the web so here is the written text. It is a touching carol.
Some Children See Him
By Alfred Burt
Some children see Him lily white
the infant Jesus born this night
Some children see Him lily white
with tresses soft and fair
Some children see Him bronzed and brown
the Lord of heav'n to earth come down
Some children see Him bronzed and brown
with dark and heavy hair (with dark and heavy hair!)
Some children see Him almond-eyed
This Saviour whom we kneel beside
Some children see Him almond-eyed
With skin of yellow hue!
Some children see Him dark as they
Sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray
Some children see Him dark as they
And, ah! they love Him so!
The children in each different place
Will see the Baby Jesus' face
Like theirs but bright with heav'nly grace
And filled with holy light!
O lay aside each earthly thing
and with thy heart as offering
Come worship now the infant King
'tis love that's born tonight!
'tis love that's born tonight!
Merry Christmas
I would like to add: "Some Children see Him" by Alfred Burt. It is one of my favorites. I can't find a audio version on the web so here is the written text. It is a touching carol.
Some Children See Him
By Alfred Burt
Some children see Him lily white
the infant Jesus born this night
Some children see Him lily white
with tresses soft and fair
Some children see Him bronzed and brown
the Lord of heav'n to earth come down
Some children see Him bronzed and brown
with dark and heavy hair (with dark and heavy hair!)
Some children see Him almond-eyed
This Saviour whom we kneel beside
Some children see Him almond-eyed
With skin of yellow hue!
Some children see Him dark as they
Sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray
Some children see Him dark as they
And, ah! they love Him so!
The children in each different place
Will see the Baby Jesus' face
Like theirs but bright with heav'nly grace
And filled with holy light!
O lay aside each earthly thing
and with thy heart as offering
Come worship now the infant King
'tis love that's born tonight!
'tis love that's born tonight!
Merry Christmas
The Season's initial scenes
The Season began with the lighting of the Nativity in Layton Park. The ceremony was attended by over a hundred faithful Christians. It was beautiful with light passed by candle and smile until the Nativity lights broke the evenings darkness. This year we completed the Nativity set with the addition of Wise Men and Camels. And through the generosity of the community we have them all paid for.
On the Saturday following Thanksgiving the Christmas group (Shades) Mary Ann and I belong to had our official season opener at the Garland City Community Christmas dinner. Each year Garland holds a dinner and an auction to raise funds for a deserving family in the community. It is a wonderful event attended by about 150 Garland faithful. Each year for the last 10 or so, Shades has performed, it is our dress rehearsal. It is a wonderful time
Shades has had a mild season this year. We have sung for five sacrament meetings, and five or six party groups. The Sacrament Meeting performances are the best. Our program has evolved into a wonderful spirit filled presentation. I like it because it emphasizes the Savior and the wonder of His Birth. Our first performance was the Sunday after Thanksgiving in a wonderful ward in Clearfield.
This ward looked like any other humble LDS ward in Utah. Immediately a couple of things stood out. In the back a young girl was lying in a wheel chair wrapped in an electric blanket. She appeared to be about nine. I saw her father plug the blanket in. Her stare was blank and her mouth hung open. I wondered as I gazed upon her, what had happened.
As the Sacrament was passed an interesting occurance happened that I had not seen before. One of the Deacons was blind and he was assisted by an older Aaronic Prieshood holder. He was lead from Sacrament table to a row of ward members. He held his arm out and the Sacrament was administered. It was a touching scene. On they went from row to row blessing the lives of the members by performing that sacred service. And a young man was able to serve those who loved him.
My eye returned to the young girl in the wheel chair. I tried not to stare but wanted to observe. Soon the water was passed to her father and he carefully poured a few drops onto her lips. She swallowed with minimal expression and some effort. Immediately after her father leaned over and spoke to her. I am not a good lip reader, especially from 35 or so feet. But whatever was spoken, it was with obivious love and kindness. He spoke for several moments interspersed with kisses and longing looks of love.
As our presentation moved forward in the off moments I like to look around the congregation and study the effect of the song and spoken word upon those present. Another face caught my attention, this one was a beautiful mature woman who was paying rapt attention to the service. She appeared to be one of the most totally honest and beautiful women in the congregation. As the meeting concluded and we were leaving this woman stood an revealed a humped back the likes of which I had not seen in many a year. My mind quickly sped through the trials that she has had to endure.
These thoughts were joined by others of the trials of the blind Deacon and the handicapped young girl. Each was had a challenge they were dealing with, one that affected their families and the Ward as well. Then the realization hit me as to why the Spirit had been so strong in the meeting.
Here was a Ward of loving, caring, serving Christians that obviously cared for and loved their fellow Ward members. Every where I had looked people were filled with love and compassion for those who had seen and unseen challenges and trials. And the Spirit of Christmas was present that day and most assuredly through out the entire year. My heart sang - Glory be to God, His Love is spoken here.
Such was the start of the Christmas Season. It was a wonderful to behold.
On the Saturday following Thanksgiving the Christmas group (Shades) Mary Ann and I belong to had our official season opener at the Garland City Community Christmas dinner. Each year Garland holds a dinner and an auction to raise funds for a deserving family in the community. It is a wonderful event attended by about 150 Garland faithful. Each year for the last 10 or so, Shades has performed, it is our dress rehearsal. It is a wonderful time
Shades has had a mild season this year. We have sung for five sacrament meetings, and five or six party groups. The Sacrament Meeting performances are the best. Our program has evolved into a wonderful spirit filled presentation. I like it because it emphasizes the Savior and the wonder of His Birth. Our first performance was the Sunday after Thanksgiving in a wonderful ward in Clearfield.
This ward looked like any other humble LDS ward in Utah. Immediately a couple of things stood out. In the back a young girl was lying in a wheel chair wrapped in an electric blanket. She appeared to be about nine. I saw her father plug the blanket in. Her stare was blank and her mouth hung open. I wondered as I gazed upon her, what had happened.
As the Sacrament was passed an interesting occurance happened that I had not seen before. One of the Deacons was blind and he was assisted by an older Aaronic Prieshood holder. He was lead from Sacrament table to a row of ward members. He held his arm out and the Sacrament was administered. It was a touching scene. On they went from row to row blessing the lives of the members by performing that sacred service. And a young man was able to serve those who loved him.
My eye returned to the young girl in the wheel chair. I tried not to stare but wanted to observe. Soon the water was passed to her father and he carefully poured a few drops onto her lips. She swallowed with minimal expression and some effort. Immediately after her father leaned over and spoke to her. I am not a good lip reader, especially from 35 or so feet. But whatever was spoken, it was with obivious love and kindness. He spoke for several moments interspersed with kisses and longing looks of love.
As our presentation moved forward in the off moments I like to look around the congregation and study the effect of the song and spoken word upon those present. Another face caught my attention, this one was a beautiful mature woman who was paying rapt attention to the service. She appeared to be one of the most totally honest and beautiful women in the congregation. As the meeting concluded and we were leaving this woman stood an revealed a humped back the likes of which I had not seen in many a year. My mind quickly sped through the trials that she has had to endure.
These thoughts were joined by others of the trials of the blind Deacon and the handicapped young girl. Each was had a challenge they were dealing with, one that affected their families and the Ward as well. Then the realization hit me as to why the Spirit had been so strong in the meeting.
Here was a Ward of loving, caring, serving Christians that obviously cared for and loved their fellow Ward members. Every where I had looked people were filled with love and compassion for those who had seen and unseen challenges and trials. And the Spirit of Christmas was present that day and most assuredly through out the entire year. My heart sang - Glory be to God, His Love is spoken here.
Such was the start of the Christmas Season. It was a wonderful to behold.
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