Meditations In the Christmas Story – Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

For the next twenty-five days I am going to try to post twice a day.  I am trying to immerse my thinking in the Advent season and how I should interact with others during it.  I will not have as much family time as I desire and hope to extend my love and joy to others who need it.

This will be me meditating in the Christmas story to keep it and its purpose in the forefront.  I love many of the other trappings of the Holy Day but I refuse to put them ahead of a constant desire to show the love and promise of the birth in Bethlehem.

Amidst the chaos of shopping, spending, and getting we must keep Christ central.  I must not simply make him someone I acknowledge.  I need to assure that I am moved by Christ amidst the trappings and not merely making a token gesture to him.

Finding him in the moment everywhere can be easier if I prepare my heart to do so.  I will keep the songs in my head and the kindness in my heart.  I will seek to show the joy of the seasons to everyone I encounter.

Feel free to enjoy these evening meditations with me Dear Reader.  Perhaps you can find a thought or two of your own.  Perhaps you can find a silent night in which to connect to the babe who becomes the man who loves you beyond measure; the God who would rather die than live without you.

I Need a Silent Night – Amy Grant

I've made the same mistake before

Too many malls, too many stores

December traffic, Christmas rush

It breaks me till I push and shove

Children are crying while mothers are trying

To photograph Santa and sleigh

The shopping and buying and standing forever in line

What can I say?

I need a silent night, a holy night

To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise

I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here

To end this crazy day with a silent night

December comes then disappears

Faster and faster every year

Did my own mother keep this pace

Or was the world a different place?

Where people stayed home wishing for snow

Watching three channels on their TV

Look at us now rushing around

Trying to buy Christmas peace

I need a silent night, a holy night

To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise

I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here

To end this crazy day with a silent night

What was it like back there in Bethlehem

With peace on earth, good will toward men?

Every shepherd's out in the field

Keeping watch over their clock by night

And the glory of the Lord shone around them

And they were so afraid

And the angels said fear not for behold

I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people

For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord

And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace

I need a silent night, a holy night

To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise

I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here

To end this crazy day with a silent night

To end this crazy day with a silent night

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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