LINGERING CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

I remember when I was just a child, when Christmas came and lingered awhile;  when even after the "big day" passed, Christmas-remembered would make you smile.  Each time you walked into the parlor, it seemed that Christmas came anew.  The tree was draped with silver tinsel, sparkling gaily just for you.  Each lovely treasured ornament had been unwrapped with care, each one placed in the perfect spot so the tree would not look bare.

The blue glass reindeer hung in place, the paper stars were arranged with love.  Each shining ball held memories, with the Christmas angel smiling above.  Your mother was the master trimmer, insisting the tree must be trimmed "just so."  The strands of tinsel must not be thrown, but placed on the branches, high and low, and nestled beneath the finished tree was a snow scene with magical cotton snow.  A mirrored pond glistened like sparkling ice, with ice-skaters gliding to and fro.
 

And there on a cottony hill nearby, children pulling their sleds climbed high, while others, when they reached the top, piled on their sleds and sped merrily by.  The figures who frolicked in that snowy town had been chosen from a Woolworth's shelf.  No batteries or wires made them perform; just the stories you dreamed up for yourself.  When each little figure was in its place, you watched while sitting on the floor as your mother turned to her favorite task, to honor the Savior she adored.

The wooden stable was the focal point where the Christmas story would live again.  Dear Mary and Joseph were tucked inside, with animals, shepherds and three wise men.  Then she held the sweet baby in her hand, remembering all that the Good Book said, and whispering a prayer of thanks to God, she gently laid Jesus in His manger bed.  The tree stood tall for two weeks or three; there was no rush to take it apart.  Each day, Christmas dreams were re-played for you; sweet memories lingering in your heart.

This is what the LORD says,
"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is,
and walk in it."
(Jeremiah 6:16A)