The significance of Christmas is of course the birth of The Christ Child. The season is festive and mystical.
There is usually something that ushers in Christmas for me. It can be a soft falling white snow, a sentimental movie or an act of kindness by somebody. I remember sitting at Christmas programs at middle schools put on by you Grasshoppers (yes, I did attend). The Chorus was generally “off-key”. Band members missed notes. I remember thinking “how much better can it get to sit in a warm auditorium(or gym) surrounded by friends, listening to your young child play/sing Christmas music”.
This year Christmas came from a strange place. I was working out at my favorite fitness center (the local Mall) with an 87 year “young” couple. The lady (Margaret) was reminiscing about Christmas. We got on the subject of candles and using them for decorations. They are symbols of warmth, angels and hope. Margaret mentioned that she learned a song as a student in catholic grade school about candles (probably when she was 8-10 years old). She then began to sing the “candle song”. She serenaded me with the entire song. When she finished, there was just silence. It was a special moment. It was amazing that she remembered every word. She ushered in my Christmas season.
May there be many candles in your Christmas.
Enjoy the season!
Love,
Dad