The Blessings Of Christmas Past

Last Christmas we had our family dinner on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day like we usually do. It took a bit more planning and organizing to be able to prepare and enjoy a feast and still make it church for the 10 pm candlelight service, but we did it.

I knew my daughter didn’t want to come to church with us (and I wasn’t going to force the issue with a 20 year-old), but I thought my son could be convinced. I took advantage of his status as a relatively new driver eager to get behind the wheel, and made him our “designated driver” for the evening. (That also meant that the adults could enjoy a glass of wine with dinner without setting a poor example of drinking and driving.)

Although my Mom often goes to church with us, my Dad hadn’t been very often because he was an active member of his own church. I was glad when he agreed to join us on Christmas Eve, because our candlelight service is so lovely. The church is warm with the glow of dozens of tealights hanging from the ceiling over the altar, and festively decorated with red and white pointsettias and fragrant evergreens. At the end of the service, the lights are dimmed and we sing “Silent Night” by candlelight. Then, all of the lights are turned all the way up while we sing “Joy To The World.” The contrast of dark and light, solemn and exuberant, is very moving.

When we got back home, my Dad told me what a special evening it had been for him. He enjoyed the totally-from-scratch apple pie my daughter had made, was impressed by my son’s careful driving, and was touched by the church service.

(My Dad with my kids, but not last Christmas)

As Christmas approaches, I am relishing my memories of last Christmas, and the very special time that I had with my Dad. If I make it to our Christmas Eve service this year (which I am talking myself into by writing this, even though it will be hard), I am sure that I will cry for him (as I am crying now just thinking about it), but I also am sure that the magical glow of the candles will lift my spirits, and that the Holy Light of the Holy Night will fill my heart.

Treasure the blessings of today, so you can treasure the memories of yesterday.