Christmas Eve wonder…
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Christmas Eve has been a time of wonder for me. Even though I very much enjoy Christmas Day, there’s something about Christmas Eve that makes it the most special time of the year for me. As a child, I cherished time with family on Christmas Eve while waiting for Christmas Eve midnight service. Once at church, the candles, the singing, and the reading of Christmas scriptures all combined to create a magical sense of wonder in my heart as the service made the nativity real and personal. Then to top it all off, I loved walking out the door of the church to see stars sparkling so brightly in the night sky which always made me think about the heavenly hosts that the shepherds saw and the Christmas star that the Magi followed.
Years later, raising a family in a small town, the Christmas wonder was still there, reflected in my children’s eyes. Across the street from our home was a full size nativity scene and the surrounding neighborhood houses (including ours) had Christmas lights and decorations all about. Christmas church service was earlier in the evening, but just as exceptional. After church, we would come home to have our homemade lasagna dinner, often with a few close friends who joined us. Finally, the opening of a single gift, checking Santa’s progress on NORAD Santa Tracker, putting out the customary milk and cookies, and then finishing off the evening with reading “The Night Before Christmas” followed by hugs and prayers.
Now that my children are grown and on their own, the holidays are different but still filled with love. Better than even the best cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter night, I appreciate that even now our family continues to celebrate many Christmas traditions together. When everyone has gone home, though, now I share a quiet cozy time with my pup and cat at home as I listen to Christmas music while savoring the peace of the season. I think of family and friends that I’m blessed to share life with now, and I remember past Christmastimes and those no longer with me. Finally, I like to reflect on the very first Christmas…when God, who IS love, came to us.
On this Christmas Eve, I pray that each of you reading this narrative will feel a childlike sense of wonder as you wrap yourself in the abundant joy and peace of God’s love…
