Shine the Light

 

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!