Merry Christmas my dear family and friends! Yes, today is still Christmas – as we celebrate the season and joyfully celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. God’s child sent to us to bring hope, to teach us about God, to be an example of love and grace, given for us all.
We all know that this year experiencing Christmas has been very different. There were not nearly the opportunities to be together, to hear live music, to watch children’s programs, to worship in church, and to gather for parties and family time. I missed some of the normal events but I also felt less stress before Christmas. For years I have felt that we go ‘over the top’ and get caught up in the commercialism, and the non-religious part of Christmas. This year we had no choice but to narrow down our activities, and to focus on ‘the reason for the season.’ So, yes CoVid is bad and scary – but it has also brought a silver lining. It makes me think about Linus in the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. Wise words from that adorable toon boy!
I am self-quarantining for 10 days or so since coming home from my daughter’s home. Even though I only traveled by car, and never got out along the way, and only saw my close family members at my daughter’s home, I want to make sure that I did not get exposed to CoVid – and I certainly do not want to pass it along if I might be a-symptomatic. It’s a good time to stay in. It’s chilly outdoors, and this week between Christmas and New Year’s is a quiet week anyway. I can watch movies, and football, and get back to more reading. I’ll try not to go stir crazy! As was this time, when I am at one of my daughters’ home and am playing with the grandboys I get a break from the troubles of the world. Now that I am back home, I’m catching up on it. The explosion in Nashville was so strange. I know that block really well that get destroyed by the blast. It’s right off of Broadway, where all the honky tonks are, and where CMA Festival takes place. I have walked that block a lot when going back and forth from the hotel I stay in each summer (except this past one due to CoVid.) The Doubletree Hotel is on 4th Street. The RV that exploded was on 2nd, between Broadway and Commerce. Thankfully there were no deaths. There were police heroes – and we need to acknowledge those very good ones who put their lives on the line to keep order and to handle panic situations.
Did you hear a Merry Christmas – or even a Happy Holidays from our president? Trump has checked out even more than he was before. And, I’m alright with that for the most part. I’m glad he finally signed the bill to provide $600 to Americans who need it. $600 doesn’t seem like much. But, it’s $1200 a couple, or family, and that can help pay a month’s rent, or buy food. Last time when the checks were sent out we got one. I don’t understand why but we did. We certainly didn’t need it. So, we decided not to deposit the check. This time I have decided that if we get one that I will go ahead and cash it – and give that money to local charities who can use it. I encourage you to do the same if you are in a situation where you are living okay And are not waiting for this extra money to pay for basic needs. There are others who need more – it’s a great way to give back.
Would that not be what Jesus would want from us?
There are 12 days of Christmas and the season ends on January 6th. I can’t guarantee that all my decorations will stay up that long though. I like to keep the festive colored lights up through New Year’s Eve. But, usually by then I’m ready to box the decorations up, and clean the house well. It’s a New Year’s Day activity. A new day… a new year… a new start.
We are all ready for a new year and a new start! We are ready for getting the CoVid vaccine, and for returning to normal in 2021. We are ready for new leadership, and for calmer days ahead. We, Fabians, are ready to welcome a new baby in 2021! We are ready to experience joys – and some disappointments – in the new year.
Christmas leads us into the new year… and I don’t think that should be overlooked. We end a year and start a new one as the news of the Christ child – and the season of celebrating Him goes on. His hope, His love, His peace continue as we go…
And that’s a pretty wonderful thing! Merry Christmas to all!
Marla’s Musings 