Every few years, I discover a new Christmas song. It may have been around for a while, millions may love it, but to me it is brand new. Lots of times, it is a choral anthem that stirs my heart, like The Jesus Gift that we sang two weeks ago in worship. The first time I heard that piece, it was like time stood still and I felt like I was hearing the truth of Christmas being spoken in the song. The same is true for In the Bleak Midwinter; Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind; A Child Is Born, and Come to the Stable.
But there is one song that is a little more secular in nature that has been in my thoughts and in my heart the last few years. The song is Christmas Time is Here from the television special A Charlie Brown Christmas. I've known the song in one form or another for many years, but it seems to have caught up with me and demanded my attention lately.
Not only does the simple, childlike melody play itself over and over through my consciousness, but the words seem to be constantly with me. I think that it was Mel Torme's recording that did the trick. Here are the words: Christmas time is here, happiness and cheer. Fun for all that children call their fav'rite time of year. Snowflakes in the air, carols ev'rywhere. Olden times and ancient rhymes of love and dreams to share. Sleighbells in the air, beauty ev'rywhere. Yuletide by the fireside and joyful mem'ries there. Christmas time is here, we'll be drawing near. Oh, that we could always see such spirit through the year.
The song paints a beautiful picture of Christmas joy and tranquillity, peace and harmony. Everything seems to be in its proper place and wherever you look there is beauty. I love to think of it. It is the last line that repeats over and over in my head, though: Oh, that we could always see such spirit through the year.
Let's think about the spirit of Christmas for a few moments. People are more excited about giving than receiving. We share precious memories. Our dreams know no limits. There is a feeling of expectancy in the air. We smile when it is snowing, seeing only the beauty and not the shoveling and the tricky driving. The wonder of miracles gives us hope. Families draw near. That is the spirit of Christmas.
Personally, I think that it is the families-and friends-drawing near that makes the difference. We are filled with anticipation and joy when we think of gathering together with our families and our friends. We take time to travel and we plan way in advance when and where and how we will get together. The Christmas spirit emanates from the thought of being with those that we love, and all of our thoughts, words and actions reflect the joy that we feel. It is all centered on family-in whatever form family may take.
There are families of all kinds. Men, women and children, related and unrelated, of all ages make up our family units. They are the people that we love, regardless of how we have come to know them. Family is all about relationship.
It is all about relationship with God, too. On Christmas Eve, we celebrate Christ's birth. It is the time that we remember the coming of Emmanuel, God with us. God wanted us to know that we are all family. We are all related because we were created by one Creator. The love that God has for us came to earth the night that Christ was born. God came to earth to strengthen relationship with us, with family. The spirit of Christmas was born that night.
It would be such a shame, such a waste, to only feel that spirit once a year. The spirit born of God's love is with us each and every day because Christ is with us each and every day. We need only to celebrate it.
Think back to the song. Happiness and cheer, fun for all, beauty everywhere, joyful memories, families drawing near. The spirit of Christmas. We can think of these things every day, we do not need to wait until next December to make them a part of our lives. With Christ's birth, the reality of God's love for us was revealed. Our relationship with God was renewed and redefined. What a reason to celebrate!
May we see beauty wherever we look. May we share memories and make memories. May our families grow. May we live life filled with expectancy. May we see the spirit of Christmas throughout the year. Christmas time is here. Amen.
Peace,
Rev. Cynthia Bacon
Minister
You may email at:
cbacon@heritagemadison.org
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This page was last updated on January 03, 2003.