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!
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!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
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!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
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.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
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.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Lovely ornaments and memories evoked.
ReplyDeleteSweet and sentimental memories, indeed, Christine.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
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.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
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.
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