When I think of Christmas's of my youth I get such a feeling of wonderment that I become a kid again. I feel that same growing expectancy that I had as a kid sitting by that scrubby little tree that was beyond beautiful to me. I look up at that silver star on top with one of the Lights from the seven light string, the white one, placed in the middle. I see the icicles glistening on the tree. Daddy would say, "just stand back and throw them on that way they look more natural". We did as Daddy said and the result was a bunch of wads of the tinsel in different spots on the tree. I can see that in my mind right now and it is still beautiful to me with the big lights shining on it. I can see some packages sitting under that tree wrapped in one kind of Christmas paper which was bought from a roll at Hall Parks store which tore off like a roll of aluminum foil, with no bows. They are beautiful and enticing me to pick them up and shake them.
I can see the little Denning Methodist Church on Christmas Eve with the big Christmas tree on the right side of the stage with those mysterious bubble lights which fascinate me so. I sit close and watch them bubble as long as I'm allowed. I see all us kids on the left side of the stage standing on the wooden tiered living Christmas Tree. I can hear the songs we are singing, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Away In A Manger, JoyTo The World, Silent Night, and others. My heart is lightened by the sounds as they ring through the warm loving place. I see myself sitting on Santa's lap and peeking up under his white fluffy beard to a face all it's own. I feel the fluffy beard on my hand as I sneak a touch. I can see myself standing on that stage singing, "All I want for 'Thristmas is my two fwont Teef'. And standing in the applause feeling so warm and loved for my achievement. I feel that knowing I had that Jesus was standing on a star applauding me also. I see the sack given to me with an orange, an apple, and some candy. I feel so happy with everything.
I feel that anticipation of going home and getting to open all those wonderful gifts put there so lovingly by my Parents. No matter the gift my heart thumped with happiness. I can see Daddy sitting under the tree with a hammer and a brick cracking nuts for us to eat. I see the sack of mixed nuts and little sack of Christmas candy. Oh yummy, my mouth is watering from the taste.
I can still see me on Christmas morning running to meet Brenda across the pasture where we met to tell one another what wonderful things we found under the Christmas Tree. We played all day with our dolls or whatever it was that were so thrilling.
I can see that old home made square table with the pretty oil cloth on it as I sit down in home made cane chairs and ate whatever was on the table. Not a feast like most think they need now but the same food we ate everyday. We all ate at our own homes then out we'd go and play some more.
Nothing is the same anymore but my memories sustain me. It is still Christ's Birthday. Even if things are so different today I can still pull up the Christmas of my Heart. That warm fuzzy feeling of love and contentment that was a part of my Childhood Christmas. I don't have to say, happy holidays, go into a store to push and shove or be pushed and shoved, don't have to go in to debt to buy things that are not appreciated and quickly cast aside, I don't need to scurry around to achieve so much shopping and cooking while forgetting the Meaning Of The Season. I don't have to go with the flow I just need to go ahead and be that kid again and enjoy the wonderful day when the world received The Greatest Gift of Jesus Christ. I am Thankful for that gift of Jesus who brought to me my Salvation.
That is the Christmas of My Heart and as I sit here right now I have once again pulled it up from my memories and re-lived it in my mind. To me that is what Christmas should be.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
