We have a little tradition at my house – on December 1st we are officially “allowed” to start Christmas decorating. The kids count down to when they can pull “Christmas” out of those dusty boxes we’ve had packed away all year and we set up the Christmas tree – much loved ornaments are rediscovered and my favourite bit – we get out the Christmas lights and all the sparkly pretty things that shine and dance when the light hits them, whimsical and fun and captivating and so lovely to look at – it seems at Christmas we make up for all our cut and dried and down to business during the rest of the year.
What is it about the twinkle of Christmas lights on a tree or a mantle that I love? Our human nature will always draws us towards light and loveliness – but it’s this as well – they slow me in my busyness and lift my eyes towards Him.
Those lights and lovelies we string around our homes are a celebration and a reminder of things finer and higher than the world we touch and feel and handle every day – a reminder to us that His light has come to our darkness, that there is Hope when it all seems hopeless, that right in the middle of our unloveliness, Jesus loveliness has come. A reminder –
– – – –to yearn for Him, to remember what it was like to live in darkness and to give thanks to the One who is always shattering the night. Edie Wadsworth ~ Life in Grace
– – – And then in January we pack it up and put our shiny and sparkly away and our houses get back to being functional and serious and business like again? — I’m thinking no – – –
I have a string of Christmas lights that hang in my lounge room all year round for no other reason except I like them and they look pretty at night with the light bouncing off the walls. They bring a shine to the most ordinary of week nights and throw a different light on my modest little lounge and they do this – they slow me, and remind me to be thankful for everything Jesus has given me and to enjoy the moment He has given me right now. Lovely things do that – they can stop us – they can point us towards Jesus.
There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. John 1:9
So here’s to slowing down and gazing long at Christmas lights, singing Christmas carols loud and celebrating every day that our Light has come.
Tracey xx
Some Christmas songs I’ve been singing all year
“O Holy Night” ~ Justin Figueroa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-utLE_K_kZQ
“Joy” ~ Tracey Thorn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maRckqODJnA
This Week!!
Ladies Night Out
This Friday night the 5th December is our Women2Women Christmas celebration – drinks, dessert and merriment at Vaflers from 7.30pm. It’s not to late to RSVP to tracey@thecrossway.com.au
Exercise with Cherry
Today 4.30pm at the reserve on Murra Murra Rd, Kanahooka Point. Walking and cardio – bring a towel or yoga mat and a drink. Everyone welcome regardless of fitness level.
Personal Trainer Session scheduled for last Monday was rained out so will be happening next Monday the 8th, 4.30pm same location.