Come on Ring Those Bells – Silver Bells

Greetings Dear Reader,

I love the song Silver Bells.  Every time I hear it I sing along.  My favorite rendition is an older one but each year I look for a new version of it. This song reminds me of those in need.  It reminds me that I need to listen for the distant ringing of the bells.

Every year my family volunteers to ring bells for the Salvation Army.   That link will take you to their web page.  It is still not to find a kettle shift in your area.  It is in this that there is much good.  My family sings, we have fun, and we go out for breakfast after an early shift.

Everything about this is beautiful.  The organization really uses the funds collected to help others.  They have one of the lowest overheads of any charitable organization.  It is time work the effort and with benefit.  It is easy and enjoyable.

Also there is the aspect of watching how people respond.  There are those who are thrilled and thankful to see bell ringers.  Some parents and grandparents use the opportunity to teach wee ones about giving.   There are those who avoid the kettle.

One of the things that happened this past weekend was a family that was headed toward our door had several reactions.  The three elementary aged boys were visibly excited to see and hear my family.  The dad waved and began digging in his pockets.  The mum dragged them all to another store entrance.

There are also those who avoid the gaze of the bell ringers.   Please know that whether you give anything or not we are happy to see you.   We care as much about spreading a little cheer as we do about the money.  We want to lighten your day and give you a moment of calm in the chaos.

I hope that when you hear the bells or the song you are reminded that there are those in need.   I hope you drop a little change in the bucket.  One of my Christmas promises is to do so every time I pass one.  Even if you do not, greet the bell ringers and give them some encouragement. 

For now, enjoy the song you hear every year and remember that those bells in the song are the Salvation Army bells.  They remind us how blessed we are and that we have an opportunity to share our blessings with others.

Silver Bells – She and Him

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks.

Dressed in holiday style

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas

(Children laughing,

People passing,

Meeting smile after smile)

And on every street corner you'll hear

Silver bells, (Silver bells) Silver bells, (silver bells)

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling (ring-a-ling),

Hear them ring (hear them ring)

Soon it will be Christmas day.

(Strings of streetlights

Even stop lights

Blink a bright red and green

As the shoppers rush

Home with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch

See the kids rush

This is Santa's big day

And above all this bustle you'll hear

Silver bells) the corner Santa Claus,

(Silver bells), it's busy now because

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, (it fills the winter air)

Hear them ring (you'll hear it everywhere)

Soon it will be Christmas day.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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