The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. ~Isaiah 9:2
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. ~St. Francis of Assisi
Christmas is the season of light and life. As we retell the story of Jesus' humble birth in a stable, our hearts swell with gratefulness. We celebrate God becoming one of us in order to save us all from sin and death. So many reasons to rejoice and praise rejoice and praise our Lord and King!
If you are a baby boomer, you've seen plenty of changes over the years and made countless Christmas memories. Some are exquisite treasures to unwrap as we reminisce about days gone by. Others may evoke a melancholy when we remember the dear ones we love who are no longer with us.
I dare say that most of us experience both types of these memories at Christmas.
Last year, Danny finds a box of ornaments that he remembers from his childhood. I don't personally have any ornaments from that long ago, the the ones my parents and grandparents placed on the tree looked a lot like these.
I find myself waxing nostalgic for those days when these fragile orbs sparkled in the lights strung on the tree. I suppose they would be classified as vintage now.
And speaking of vintage, Danny also salvages a toy fire truck he played with as a kid and places it under our tree.
I know that's a bit unorthodox, but it matches the red firetruck ornament that his sons used to hang on the tree each year.
He thinks the grandchildren, who will be visiting after Christmas, will get a kick out of it, and they probably will. And take a look at which not-so-old ornament is hanging right above the truck?
Some of you will instantly recognize the Tunnel to Towers logo and know the incredible work this organization does. It's a noble charity that both Danny and I are proud to support. Founded by Frank Siller whose little brother, a firefighter, died attempting to rescue people from the Twin Towers on 9/11, Tunnel to Towers helps families of firefighters, police and veterans who are injured or killed in the line of duty. They provide mortgage-free, and when necessary, handicapped-accessible homes for these selfless heroes.
Not just in this season of hope but all year round, this organization is shining the light of hope in what would otherwise be a dark time of grief and despair for those families of the injured or fallen in the line of duty. Would you like to join in their efforts? You can! For only $11 a month, you can support Tunnel to Towers and help them continue to do good for our brave men and women in uniform. Their website is www.T2T.org if you wish to shine the light of Jesus into the lives of so many deserving patriots and their families.
As we reflect upon and give thanks for the greatest gift ever given to us in Jesus, may we open our hands and hearts to give love to others this Christmas season.
Amen!
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What a wonderful post, Martha. Christmas is a special time when we remember once again its real meaning. It is so sad that these days many do not believe, or even want to believe, that God visited us in human form here on earth.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is also a time when we remember our past Christmases. Especially ones we enjoyed with those now no longer with us.
What a great charity you support. If only more people thought of others at Christmas and supported the many charities needing help in these difficult financial times.
God bless you and your family.
I'm so gratified to know that this post touched you so deeply, Victor. We truly have been given the greatest gift in Jesus and we need to do all that we can to bring others to Him and to show generosity to others even when times are tough. Tunnel to Towers is an American charity, but I'm sure you have similar ones in the U.K. I do love their mission statement to "do good."
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Wonderful post Martha. I used to have old ornaments but they have long ago broken or not been salvaged. As for T2T, I love watching their commercials even though I fight back tears when I see vets struggle. They do a good work. My commitments lie elsewhere but that would be one I would support if possible. It seems much more responsible to support people than pets, when those same people are willing to take the life of an unborn baby. Methinks babies (born and unborn) are more important than dogs or cats.
ReplyDeleteTheir commercials always bring me to tears, too, Bill. Taking care of one another is tantamount to serving the Lord. Although I will give to Samaritan's Purse from time to time, T2T and St. Jude's are the two charities I'm committed to. We all have our preferences and abilities to give. You give so much to others just by virtue of how you serve as a pastor!
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Our Christmas tree is a collection of memories -- a present from an aunt, vacation trips, weddings, our First Christmas, gifts from friends. Every time I unpack the ornaments, I'm reminded of much that's gone, and much that's still here.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Glynn, for sharing what your Christmas decorations mean to you. So much in the past, yet so much promise in the moment. Beautiful thoughts!
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I know this brought back some great memories as Danny came across the ornaments from his younger days. I usually use my old ornaments to decorate our tree, but this year I chose to go with a nature theme, using dried oranges and all kinds of natural greens. I gave many of the ornaments that were on our tree (when my girls were young) to them. They now have them on their trees. This is a wonderful charity that you support and I know so many are blessed by the giving to this great need. The "Make a Wish" foundation as well as Children's Hospital is near and dear to our hearts. Our grandson had leukemia when he was young and he fought a hard battle....and WON ... Fighting and pushing forward was difficult during that time. So many foundations and projects need to be remembered and helped. Thanks for this post Martha. Wishing you and Danny a wonderful week...and I just want to say Thank you for remembering us this Christmas season..
ReplyDeleteLike you, Shug, I have given ornaments to my children, too. These vintage ones, though, take me back in time to a simpler place and time - sweet memories! And these charities you've mentioned here are worthwhile in every way. I do give to St. Jude's monthly in addition to T2T. And what a wonderful miracle you've shared with regard to your grandson. Wow! Miracles are always among us.
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Merry Christmas to you and yours, Martha!
ReplyDeleteThanks Diana! Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I love the fire truck at the base of your tree. I used to display old toys at Christmas - a vintage top, a dump truck, toy airplane, a rocking horse - I eventually donated them when we did our big move up here.
ReplyDeleteYes T2T is a very worthwhile charity.
Nice post, Martha. God bless.
That's such a cool idea, Debby! Vintage toys can bring smiles to all of us, can't they? Glad to know you agree with me about T2T. They do awesome work.
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Lovely ornaments and memories evoked.
ReplyDeleteSweet and sentimental memories, indeed, Christine.
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I love the ornaments Danny found. I personally think it is nice to have a blast from the past around you. My mom made sone gorgeous ornaments and pieces that we have around the house, and I feel a part of her is here with us.
ReplyDeleteI also think the fire trucks fit perfectly.
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.
Have fun with your family that is coming too.
Love, sandie
I think it's wonderful that you have ornaments that your mother actually made, Sandie. That's so very special and personal, and it certainly evokes fond memories of her love and care for you. And yes, sometimes a "blast from the past" is exactly what we need to make Christmas more merry and bright.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Dear Martha, I also love the ornaments! Unorthodox or not, (echoing your own term), they are great! Enjoy your time, dear friend. Merry Christmas to you, Danny and all your loved ones. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that you love the ornaments, too, Linda. Yes, we are absolutely thrilled that my daughter, her husband and the three grand-girls will be with us for a week after Christmas. We haven't seen them since last March and are missing them terribly.
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Thank you for letting us know about this organization. I had never heard of it! How wonderful! Red trucks are still all the rage, and these look really good right where they are. I love this sparkly kind of ornaments as well, and think they never go out of style. Other ornament fads come and go, but this kind is always beautiful in any year.
ReplyDeleteT2T is an amazing organization, Ginny. If you want more info, you can look them up online. I hear you about the red firetrucks, too. I've always loved them as they symbolize that help is on the way. I guess they do fit after all since Jesus came to save us, right? And you can't go wrong with sparkly ornaments, that's for sure.
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I remember ornaments like those, too. I think the fire truck fits in there just perfectly, and I'm sure the grands will love it too. Have a Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOh, I know they will, Martha, especially when we tell them that their Papa played with it when he was a little boy. And I'm realizing (see my comment to Ginny above) just how well the firetrucks fit in on the tree. Merry Christmas to you, too!
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I have one ornament from my childhood--my dad's childhood too. The story goes that as a ten-year-old (1934), he was sent to the dime store (remember those?!) to pick out a new ornament for the tree. If my memory serves me correctly, it cost 10 cents--a blown glass lamp-shape, green and silver. The green has faded now, and I no longer hang it on the tree for fear it will get broken. But I'm so delighted to still have it!
ReplyDeleteOh, Nancy, that's a treasure, indeed! And I agree that you shouldn't take chances with something so old and with such a history behind it. Both of my parents would have been six in 1934. Hard to believe when I really stop to think about it.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
What a thrill Danny must have felt to rediscover those ornaments -- and the firetruck. Wow. Yes, I recognize several of those from yesteryear. All that's missing is the tinsel! (No, I don't miss that!)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link to the T2T.
Oh, my goodness, Myra, I remember the tinsel my mom insisted we put on the tree, but what a mess when it came to removing all the ornaments when the time came to take the tree down. Yes, we are really enjoying the memories that these older ornaments bring to our hearts and minds. Hope you will check out T2T when you have the chance.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
A great post when I think of Christmas I think of all the great times at my parents place and before that at my grandparents place.
ReplyDeleteThey were the best, Jo-Anne, I agree. All our beloved memories converge on this most wondrous day of joy, love, salvation, and family.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Hey Martha, love the ornaments Danny found that remind us baby boomers of back in the day. :-) And also the Tunnel to Towers logo. Most of us have a special place in our heart for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice that fateful day and for the victims and families. May we never forget. Merry Christmas to you and Danny!
ReplyDeleteKaren, I'm so touched that in the midst of all that's going on with you, especially today, that you would take time to read and comment on my post. Please know how much I treasure your friendship! And yes, these ornaments certainly transport us back to our younger days and T2T has to be one of the best organizations out there. Thanks for the Christmas wishes!
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Thank you for another sweet and inspirational visit to your home, Martha--and for a heartwarming excursion back to my own childhood and some of the happy Christmas memories that your pictures and your words brought to life again. It's amazing to me how God designed us so that even though time might rob us of opportunities and diminish our resources, it cannot steal the blessings God poured out on us in days gone by. If anything, the years actually add to the depth and richness of joyful times shared with people we love. God bless you and Danny for the smiles you sent along with your post, and for adding some bright new ornaments to our hearts this Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ron, for your kind and thoughtful words here. I agree wholeheartedly that God designed us to be able to "travel back in time" to visit the sweet blessings of Christmases long ago and see, once again, with the eyes of a child just how magical and amazing this season is. As past and present seem to join hands in the old-fashioned ornaments and the twinkling lights, we can declare Christmas to be "the most wonderful time of the year."
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I remember all the fun we had decorating the tree when we were young. Good memories of good times. Wishing you and Danny and all your loved ones a very happy and peaceful holiday season.
ReplyDeleteI remember that same joy in decorating as a child, Bill, and they are the best memories. Thank you for your wishes for a Christmas filled with peace and happiness. I wish the same for you and yours!
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Christmas past and present. Memories that line our lives with warmth and smiles. Have a special holiday season.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings
May your Christmas create new memories and awaken the childlike wonder within you, Jim. We are so looking forward to seeing family during this season of light, hope and peace.
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So cool that Danny still has those old ornaments, Martha. I always love that quote and song "Make me an instrument of Thy peace." May we love like Jesus! Love and blessings of a hope-filled Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI think it's amazing, too, Trudy, that they've lasted this long and haven't somehow gotten shattered over the years. And may this Christmas time make us all instruments of God's peace.
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Your post is so beautiful. Love all of your ornaments and the truck is very nice. I hope you have a beautiful Christmas. God Bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Debby! I hope and pray the best of Christmases for you and yours, too.
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I appreciate how you honor memory, faith, and quiet acts of goodness, especially tying the past to how we can still shine light for others.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind and thoughtful words here, Melody.
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I have been pondering light this Christmas season. Light/dark. God's light even in dark. Christ's light in our hearts. Lighting our way. Grace and blessings on your holiday season dear friend!!
ReplyDeleteThat's such a beautiful gem to be focused on in this season of light, Jean. When I read your words here, I got the first inkling of God's nudge toward my word for 2026 - could it be "light"? Wow, my friend, I can't thank you enough! Earlier today when I was wondering how the Lord would let me know what He wants me to choose for my word, I felt a sudden overwhelm of peace as if He was whispering that all will be revealed soon. Wow, wow and wow! I could never imagine that the "light" would shine so soon. Thank you!
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I hope your days are shining.
ReplyDeleteThey are, R. C., and I do hope yours are, too.
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We were discussing this topic, the light and dark...keeping in prayer, that is all anyone can do. Wishing you a lovely Saturday.
ReplyDeleteKeeping in prayer is the very best thing that any of us can do, Linda.
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There is a lot of nostalgia that we experience at Christmas! So many memories from the past. How wonderful that Danny found such a treasure of those vintage ornaments! I've heard of Tunnels to Towers and the work they do, so wonderful to support such amazing organizations! I love the firetruck under the tree - I'm sure the grands will love it! Blessings to you dear friend, and may the presence of the Lord be special in your life this season!
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct about the nostalgia that Christmas brings to our hearts and minds, Marilyn. It can be bittersweet as we remember past Christmases celebrated with loved ones who are no longer with us. Tunnel to Towers is definitely an organization that Danny and I are both so privileged to give to monthly. We love our first responders and veterans!
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A beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas! ✨ I love how you tie the light of Jesus to acts of love and generosity, both big and small. The Tunnel to Towers story is so inspiring—thank you for sharing a way we can shine that light into others’ lives. 💖🎄
ReplyDeleteThank you, Veronica, for your kind words here. Yes, may we all shine the light of Jesus into the lives of others at Christmas and all through the year.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Martha those lovely old bulbs do remind me of what we too used to hang on our tree. It was such a special tradition decorating it each year. My mom loved icicles (those old fashioned ones that continued to show up long after the Christmas tree was gone - :)!) Hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas...so glad for your visits and your lovely posts. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteI remember icicles on trees, too, but we didn't have any. My mother loved the shiny tinsel that was such a pain to clean up after Christmas as we always had a live tree. Thanks so much for your visits here, too, and for your lovely blog, my friend.
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Martha, I'm so glad you said something about your post today. I don't know how I didn't know you share here at Meditations of My Heart. Iwill be following in the future. You are such a faithful friend and wonderful encourager. God bless you and your famiy. Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure either, Deb, but I'm thrilled to have you on board! You have been one of my favorite Christian bloggers through all these years and I'm always inspired by your posts. Thanks for following in the new year.
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Olá, Martha
ReplyDeleteBela postagem. Que a luz de Cristo brilhe sempre em nossos corações, Ele é a Luz do mundo. Linda árvore e os enfeites antigos de Danny deram um toque todo especial. Feliz Natal e um ano novo abençoado por Deus, obrigada pela presença amiga no meu blog durante esses anos, és bênção do Senhor, aprendo muito por aqui, um forte abraço.
Thank you, Lucinalva. You are most certainly a blessing to me, too! May we always shine the light of Jesus to everyone we meet.
DeleteGrace and blessings!