Second Thoughts ~ It Is All True

Greetings Dear Reader,

Today is one of those days where the winter cold is welcome and the dance of snow is longed for.  Eleven years ago, on this night I stood on the porch of my home in the Northern Midwest as fat flakes of new snow drifted down from God in a dance of beauty and grace.  I love snow.

Photo by Natalie Foley

What made that snow eternal was the thing it did for my Daughter, Christmas.  She had recently arrived from a world where nothing was true for her accept pain and hurt.  I had promised safety, love, and beautiful winter snow.  She stood on the porch in the dark that night as the snow was covering our driveway and lawn. 

Tears filled her eyes as she looked at me and said, “It is all true.  You do love me.  God loves me.  There is real hope.  It is all true.” 

We wept together as the snow continued to fall.  In answer to her prayer God sent her over 100 inches of snow that winter.  Even when other things crumbled it will always be true that the Father has used the weather to shower her with his love

We are the ones who fail each other.  We lose hope.  We forget that the Father has shown himself strongly to us and we leave behind the things he has for us that will make our lives better.  Sometimes we even leave behind our Father altogether thinking he is the one who is wrong.

Instead of clinging to the Father and the things he has already shown us we demand that he show us again.  We dance in our head instead of in his arms.  We forget the snow is a beautiful gift and curse it as we scrape if off our cars.

There is hope on this anniversary of Snow.  God loves my Daughter, Christmas far more than I can.  I love her.  There is snow in the forecast for her tonight.  It is all still true; we just do not always choose to believe it.

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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The Promises of Christmas ~ Promises to Keep

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

It is Christmas morning.  I have recited the Christmas story from Luke and quietly spent some time in prayer.  Soon the Grandson will awaken to the wonder of Christmas presents.  The promises of gifts will be fulfilled.

We will rest and talk.  We will have the day together.  My Daughter will nap on and off.  My eldest Son will be making the dinner.  We will call family that are far away. 

The promises that matter are so much more profound but echo in all these things.  They are that of peace on earth and good will to men.  They are of a Son who brings us all home when time is again full. 

Remember that the promises of Christmas last the entire year if we let them.  They are always there whispering of love and joy.  They are always there for us giving hope and courage.  Days go quickly by as we dream from December to December.  They will be better if we carry the promises of Christmas with us.

Promises to Keep - Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Christmas time
On a cold December morning
All is calm
And the world is still asleep
Christmas lights
That have been caught without warning
Gently glitter on
Stars to wish upon
All the world is at peace

Christmas time and the year will soon be leaving
Cloaked in time till it's just a memory
Christmas stays if we don't forget its meaning
Days go quickly by
Years they multiply
And we go searching for thee

And the dream is still alive
From that first December morning
And it always will survive
As long as we can see
That the dreams we find in life
Are the dreams we tend to seek
And Christmas has its promises to keep

Christmas time
And the moments just beginning
From last night
When we'd wished upon a star

If our kindness
This day is just pretending
If we pretend long enough
Never giving up
It just might be who we are

And so it's good that we remember
Just as soon as we've discovered
That the things we do in life
Will always end up touching others

So from a fading neon star
Somewhere shining in the night
We find a father far away
Now reflecting in its light

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ The Son

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

The journey through December is always both long and fleeting.  We have so much to do that time seems to speed through the pinch.  We long for it in ways that make is seem we will never get here.  If we are not careful we miss the greatest promise of the season.

The promises of the Son are so many that we dwell on those and forget that he is the great promise.  He is the reason for everything we hope.  The Son is the promise that all things will be good again.  Darkness and death will lose. 

We dream of so many things but our real hope is the promise of this one small child…It is in him that we live, and move, and have our being...

One Small Child – David Meece

One small child in a land of a thousand

One small dream of a Savior tonight

One small hand reaching out to the starlight

One small Savior of life

One king bringing his gold and riches

One king ruling an army of might

One king kneeling with incense and candlelight

One king bringing us life

See Him lying a cradle beneath Him

See Him smiling in the stall

See His mother praising His Father

See His tiny eyelids fall

See the shepherds kneeling before Him

See the kings on bended knee

Oh, See the mother praising the Father

See the Blessed infant sleep

One small child in a land of a thousand

One small dream of a Savior tonight

One small hand reaching out to the starlight

One small Savior of life

Oh, oh, oh, oh

One small child, oh

One small child, oh

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ The Father

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

As a father these last couple of days before Christmas are thrilling for me.  The excitement of the things I have to give my Children and Grandchildren builds in me.  Every gift is chosen out of love for them.  They are boxed and prepared and I anticipate.  Every item is an expression of my delight in who they are.

This is what the Father promises.  He promises that there are good gifts in store for us.  Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

One of the great promises of Christmas is that there are good gifts in store.  They will be given freely.  They do not have to earned.  The gift of the Son is the beginning of the great stream of gifts that are our heritage as the Father’s children. 

The purpose of gifts is to show love to my children.  Naughty or nice they are my children and will receive gifts based on my love for them.  They may not always see my purpose or agree with my choice.  We do the same to the Father often. 

The promise of the Father is that he will give us all good gifts.  He will do so according to his love not our merit.  We can ask for anything but he what only give us what he deems good.  He wishes us to ask.

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ The Spirit

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

Yesterday I came upon a shop clerk who I know from constant custom in her shop.  She looked weary and stressed.  When I inquired as to how she was doing she offered that she was three hours past her time to be done for the day.  She then related that she has things she needed to do to be ready for Christmas.

I felt a rush of compassion and asked if I could run any errands for her.  I only have a couple of things left to do and there is no pressure for me.  Her response was to start crying.  She asked if I could go pick up something important for her and bring it back to the shop.  I was glad to do it. 

The promise of Christmas is that if you invest your spirit in the lives of others you will get genuine opportunities to be kind to them.  When I returned with her item she had thought through that she had asked a customer to run an errand for her.  She felt embarrassed.  I explained that I was honored to be able to gift her with help in the Spirit of Christmas.

We have this opportunity to invest in the spirit of Christmas.   The promise is that if we do we can build the level of selflessness and kindness in the world.  We are allowed to be a part of something grand and immense.  In that there is the promise that we find the spirit growing in us. 

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ The Solstice

Happy Christmas (and Solstice) Dear Reader,

Today is not the “Shortest day of the year.”  Today is the day with the shortest period of daylight.  The interval of daylight for this year’s winter solstice is less that eight hours. 

I know that many are impacted by seasonal affective disorder.  I understand that the extended darkness is a challenge for some.  I care deeply for your struggles and pray that you find some comfort.

The promise of Christmas in the bleak midwinter is this:  From here until the zenith of summer the days will grow longer and brighter.  This is the most physical darkness you will know for another year.  This is the turn or the seasonal tide. 

As we celebrate the child who is the Light we are reminded that one day the darkness will be gone for good.  One day the Light will gives us light that consumes the world with its warmth, safety, and peace.  This is the purpose and promise of Christmas.  One day all things will be good again.

So as the Solstice bells ring out remember that we do have something to celebrate.  The Solstice heralds the celebration of the incarnation and the advent of the growing light.

Ring Out Solstice Bells – Jethro Tull

Now is the solstice of the year

Winter is the glad song that you hear

Seven maids move in seven time

Have the lads up ready in a line

Ring out these bells

Ring out, ring solstice bells

Ring solstice bells

Join together 'neath the mistletoe,

By the holy oak whereon it grows

Seven druids dance in seven time

Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming

Ring out these bells

Ring out, ring solstice bells

Ring solstice bells

Ring out, ring out the solstice bells

Ring out, ring out the solstice bells

Praise be to the distant sister sun,

Joyful as the silver planets run

Seven maids move in seven time

Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming

Ring out these bells

Ring out, ring solstice bells

Ring solstice bells

Ring on, ring out

Ring on, ring out

Ring on, ring out

Ring on, ring out

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ Snow Cream

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

Since our local weather prognosticator has called for Christmas Eve snow I thought I would share a promise that my Grandsons love.  When I was young, on the rare occasions we would get snow, my Grandmother would make snow cream. 

This is a rare and delicate confection that is quickly made and consumed.  Its viability is fleeting as it melts quickly once made.  It is a delight for children as it holds a little of the magic of winter.  You are eating freshly fallen snow miraculously transformed into ice cream.

Where is the promise of Christmas here?  I would hope it is obvious.  The simple precipitation of winter that so many come to view as an annoyance becomes a delight.  The simple things can delight us if we allow it.  We can create a little magic for the young that can become a life-long memory.

We all think of a little magic when it comes to Christmas snow.  We can turn the magic into a moment if we choose to add a little effort and confection.  We can enhance the promise of Christmas by turning the simple into the amazing.

SNOW CREAM RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup milk (any kind)

1/3 cup granulated sugar (I use Splenda)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 pinch salt

8 cups clean snow or shaved ice (more or less depending on the density of the snow)

Topping: sprinkles!!!

DIRECTIONS:

In a large bowl, whisk milk, sugar, vanilla and salt together until combined. Go scoop up some fresh (clean!) snow, and immediately stir it into the milk mixture until you reach your desired consistency. Top with sprinkles or other ice cream toppings if desired.

The ice cream should be fluffy and not runny, but melts quickly. Consume immediately and with the understanding that you are consuming untreated water.

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ Love

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

As we are in the last week before Christmas we must address the dearest promise of all that Christmas offers.  It is love.  It is pure unselfish love.  It is a promise that we are loved without condition or expectation.

The story is so very simple.  A Father who loves his only natural Son knows that his Son is the only way to save his other children.  He and the Son agree that this must be the plan. 

It is love that drives the two to be parted for the first time.  It is their love for all humans that causes the Son to become human.  It is love that chooses a simple life and trade.  It is love that takes on the teaching of the Gospel.  It is love has the Son endure the cross.  The cross satisfies justice, righteousness, and judgment for the sake of love. 

Over the centuries we have foolishly add so much meaningless baggage to the story.  We have let our baubles and trinkets hide the stable and the love.  We have forgotten that men put the all the added weight onto Christmas. 

The promise of Christmas is that the Father LOVES us.  He wishes for us to love each other.  His Son loves us and was born to make a way for us to reconnect to the Father.  The love of God is a Christmas promise that is kept every day if we will but see it.

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ Hope

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight…”

I have mentioned before that I have a friend who considers “hope” a four-letter word.  She has a deep sense of the cynical and often scoffs at my optimism.  Still one of the great promises of Christmas is hope.

We are given hope that things will be better.  We are given hope that things will return to good.  We are told to have hope that our faith is coming to fruition.  It would be wrong for me to ignore that hope is very difficult for some.   It would be rude to presume that hope is shared as readily as it is available.

Hope is a choice.  It is a choice based on belief.  It is the obverse of the coin of faith.  When I feel a lack of hope then I must address the state of my faith.  I must hold fast to my faith when hope seems thin.  Holding fast is understanding that the promises of Christmas will come true.

I may not be able to comfort all those who struggle or have need.  I can hold out hope that things will be better.  It may not be the way I imagine it or want it.  It will, however, be better.  The promises of Christmas ask us to remember that when we waited in hope our hope was realized.

It will be again.  The promise of Christmas is that the great venture begun in Bethlehem will be realize.  The story is only part way through.  The hopes and fears of the ensuing years will be met as well.

Closing of the Year – Wendy and Lisa

If I cannot bring you comfort

Then at least I bring you hope

For nothing is more precious

Than the time we have, and so

We all must learn from small misfortunes

Count the blessings that are real

Let the Bells ring out for Christmas

At the closing of the year

Let the Bells Ring out for Christmas

At the closing of the year

Up on the knees of a Sergeant Major

Ride through the woods with the wind in your hair

Silver bells on a golden reindeer

As they race to the castle over there

If I cannot bring you comfort then at least I bring you hope

Now all the winter bells are ringing

Hear them echo through the snow

And the children’s' voices singing

On the streets so far below

This is a time to be together

And the truth is somewhere here

Within our love of people

At the closing of the year

We'll walk in the sun

With all of the faith

And all of the Patience

All of the way

With all of us right

And all of us saying

"No one an island"

We'll fly in the arms of time

Walk in the waves, never fall

Don't fall.....

At the closing of the year...

At the closing of the year!

If I cannot bring you comfort, then at least I bring you hope

Then at least I bring you hope.....

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ Joy

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

Yesterday I was privileged to participate in helping someone feel great joy.  To me there is little that is better.  This person had a genuine life need and I watched this person's friends and family band together to meet that need. 

At Christmas time the promise of joy is there.  We find it best when we get to reveal or create it in others.  My joy is best lived when I look outward to bring joy to others.  I am most joyous when the lives of others are enriched.

I have needs.  I have wants.  It is not my place to worry over my needs or dwell on my wants.  When I invest my heart and mind in the joy of others my difficulties seem to diminish.  Their ability to distract me from good weakens.

The promise of Christmas is joy is that it will be there.  It is up to me to find it in others and revel in it.  In this I can see the working out of the promises of Christmas.  I can carry this all year if I choose to do so.  Good tiding of great joy are for all people.

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ Good Will to Men

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I wonder if we really ponder what it is to have good will toward each other.  It could be as simple as having a good predisposition toward others.  It is as complex as laying aside what we are told to think about each other and obeying the command to love everyone.

It is as easy as choosing to be kind to everyone you encounter.  I have written about my “share my table” sign that I use at a local coffee house where I go to write.  The last three times I have been there someone has come to share my table.  That sign proclaims a promise to all who see it: “I offer you good will.  Join me if you wish.”

In the acceptance of that invitation I have made friends with a pastor, a cartographer, and an astrophysicist.  My life has been so very enriched by just leaving the door ajar.  The small promise of welcome at my table is a part of the greater promise of Christmas that I try to embody all year. 

We need to have constant good will toward each other.  It is vital to getting the world back to good.  It is easier than one would think.  I have mentioned in this series letting go of the past.  We must also not collect any ill will along the way.  If others have it seek to heal the situation if you can.  Do not take up the gauntlet of new burdens born by ill will.

We can change the world.  We can get to good.  We must first determine that we will be the difference.  We will have good will to everyone.  The promise of Christmas is that God has this toward us.  We should in turn pass it on to each other.

Old City Bar – Trans-Siberian Orchestra

In an old city bar

That is never too far

From the places that gather

The dreams that have been

In the safety of night

With its old neon light

It beckons to strangers

And they always come in

And the snow it was falling

The neon was calling

The music was low

And the night

Christmas Eve

And here was the danger

That even with strangers

Inside of this night

It's easier to believe

Then the door opened wide

And a child came inside

That no one in the bar

Had seen there before

And he asked did we know

That outside in the snow

That someone was lost

Standing outside our door

Then the bartender gazed

Through the smoke and the haze

Through the window and ice

To a corner streetlight

Where standing alone

By a broken pay phone

Was a girl the child said

Could no longer get home

And the snow it was falling

The neon was calling

The bartender turned

And said, not that I care

But how would you know this?

The child said I've noticed

If one could be home

They'd be already there

Then the bartender came out from behind the bar

And in all of his life he was never that far

And he did something else that he thought no one saw

When he took all the cash from the register draw

Then he followed the child to the girl cross the street

And we watched from the bar as they started to speak

Then he called for a cab and he said J.F.K.

Put the girl in the cab and the cab drove away

And we saw in his hand

That the cash was all gone

From the light that she had wished upon

If you want to arrange it

This world you can change it

If we could somehow make this

Christmas thing last

By helping a neighbor

Or even a stranger

And to know who needs help

You need only just ask

Then he looked for the child

But the child wasn't there

Just the wind and the snow

Waltzing dreams through the air

So he walked back inside

Somehow different I think

For the rest of the night

No one paid for a drink

And the cynics will say

That some neighborhood kid

Wandered in on some bums

In the world where they hid

But they weren't there

So they couldn't see

By an old neon star

On that night, Christmas Eve

When the snow it was falling

The neon was calling

And in case you should wonder

In case you should care

Why we're on our own

Never went home

On that night of all nights

We were already there

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ Peace on Earth

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

Yesterday whilst I was out and about I ran into a lady who wished me a Merry Christmas She then asked if she were on the naughty list.  I assured her that I had no knowledge of her being naughty.

She twent on to confide that she was very excited about Christmas but worried about peace.  She is sure that the world is building to another great conflict.  Christmas does promise us peace on earth.  Most of us would agree that we do not see it.  We would say that we keep seeing less and less peace. 

We are promised peace but not on our timetable.  In the time whilst we wait for it we need to as much as possible live peaceably live with all people (yes even weird Aunt Ida who gives you underwear when you are thirty).  We need to be the peace we want in the world.

Setting aside our family strife and issues is a good start.  We can choose to be at peace with the things we cannot change.  We can live in kindness and charity with those around us.  If we choose it we can spread it. There will be a final peace but we need to let go of our private little wars until it gets here. 

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ Veterans

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

One of my Christmas habits is that I do not pass a Salvation Army Red Kettle without putting something in it.  At the grocery store where I shop regularly there has been a very old gentleman ringing the bell for the last three Wednesdays.  He wears a U.S. Marine Corps hat that is in good shape but quite old.

Each time I pass his kettle I drop in my donation and say, “Merry Christmas Marine.  Thank you for helping the ‘army’”.  The first two times he has laughed and returned my wish for a merry Christmas.

Yesterday he put a still strong hand on my arm to stop me from continuing on my way.  I looked up and saw tears in his eyes.  He said, “Three time now you have addressed me as ‘Marine’.  No one has done that for thirty years.  The thing I have done best in my life is to be a Marine.  I was one for twenty years.  I lost a lot of friends.  I miss being called that.  Thank you.”

We chatted a bit more and I thanked him for all he did to protect and serve our nation.  I thanked him for serving the Salvation Army.  As I walked away he called out cheerfully, “Don’t tell the other leather necks.  They would never forgive me.”

The promise of Christmas is that some day good men and women will not have to put their lives in harm’s way because of the foolishness of other men and women.  I long for the day when this is true.  Until then I want to make sure that every veteran knows how much love and respect I have for the time they gave.  I know that my freedom to celebrate comes from their efforts.

Merry Christmas to all of you veterans.  Thank you for your gift.

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ Parental Promises

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

The promises of Christmas that come from parents are multitude.  Some are spoken and some are implied.  I think a clue as to why retailers are launching Christmas in September may be hidden here as well.

I can clearly recall threats of Santa watching me as early as August.  The promise in my world was that no matter how good I was a single act of disobedience could scuttle it all.  The promise was that the scale was always tipped in the parental favor.  The promise parents should make is that gifts are given out of love. The promise of Christmas is that we are freely given the gift of redemption.  Giving gifts is supposed to be a reminder of that gift from the Father.  Presents, like the gift of Christ must be freely given. They cannot be earned. 

Another parental promise that is inherent in Christmas is to put your family first.  This is not just getting the right gifts.  It is showing love to everyone you encounter as an example.  It is being good to each other.  It is giving a little more to promote peace and restoration.  We must do this as an example to our children.  We must not put up signs that say peace on earth if we are not willing to work toward it in our own family.

The promise of Christmas is that a Father loved us enough to send his Son to reclaim us as his own.  Nothing can be more parental.  Nothing can signify more that parents have a great deal of responsibility to promote the promises of peace on earth and good will to men.

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ Children’s Wishes

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

The deep promises of Christmas are held by children.  Just this weekend when asking my younger Grandson about his Christmas wishes his first response was that he wished me to come over.  So often the heart of Christmas is evident in the hearts of children.

It is the hope of children that feeds my energy.  It is keeping Christmas promises for them that fuels me.  We need to be constant examples of their hope.  Instead of indulging in our petty differences we can assure that there is peace for the children involved.  If we must quarrel we should leave it for another time.  The gift that is most precious to children is seeing adults exemplify kindness and patience.

I must be sure that I set an example of being loving and kind.  I must be patient when others are not.  I must be good to everyone.  I must make time for others.  The wishes of children are that adults would be the example they need, that they would be present.

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Promises of Christmas ~ Trans-Siberia

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

If you have not taken in the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra you are missing out on something beautiful.  Beyond the music there is content.  The stories and message of their music are transcendent and timeless. 

I realize that is a bold claim but I stand by it.  Christmas Eve and Other Stories is the album I would recommend first unless you are the kind to save the best for last.  You can listen to the entire album HERE.  I recommend finding a way to see it live, however. 

The stories they tell deal in the potential of Christmas.  They promote what is best in all of us.  Along with all the music I most cherish they challenge us to be more than we are.  They ask us to see beyond what is common and to believe in the uncommon and the possible. 

The promise of Christmas is the heart of the impossible.  It is impossible for us to cure the world’s ills on our own.  They are varied, virulent, and viable of their own accord.  The world is infected with them and we are too busy being common to see the chance to be better. 

I must embrace the possible.  I must see the promises in this music and live them.  How you ask Dear Reader?   “By helping a neighbor or even a stranger; to know who needs help you need only but ask.”

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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The Promises of Christmas ~ Santa

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I know that there is discussion among my fellow travelers about the entire idea of Santa Clause and his place in the Christmas story.  The fact is that he is there and I must deal with him properly.  The truth is that like all legends there is some truth in the telling.

I have an advantage.  I see the value of Santa in the Christmas story.  I understand his place in the narrative and that it can be used for good.  I have another advantage.  Little children often think I am Santa.  I admit that I contribute to this by the way I dress during the Christmas season. 

There are promises in the Santa story.  The original ones are those of a good man who loved God and wanted to give to the needs and dreams of children.  He is an excellent example of what we can become if we choose to follow Christ. 

As for the modern Santa story, there are promises there as well.  I wish there were that much “magic” in the world.  I wish that we all had enough faith to keep believing in the possibility.  I realize I sound a little “Hallmark” but I am a man of faith.  I do believe in the things we cannot see.

The modern promise of Santa is that we must hope and believe and if we believe in the right things we will not be disappointed.  It is humans that have turned Santa into something commercial and fantastic.  The promise is that there is something to believe in and long a ago a man cared enough about it to change things. 

I would give up much to be able to give gifts to every child on Christmas.  That hope and promise is beyond my reach but it is work believing in.  So, I do a little to help the magic along.  I do what I can to spread the kindness, joy, and spirit of the season.  I respond with kindness to the wonder of children.  There is magic there if we will only see it.  There are promises Santa has yet to keep.

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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The Promises of Christmas ~ Snow

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

My first white Christmas came when I was four.  It was also the year that I first began to comprehend the promises of Christmas.  The gifts I received that year were those to fill a boy with wonder.  I was taken to feed reindeer in the snow. 

Photo by Echo Mills 12/08/17

It was not for many more years that I regularly have been able to have a white Christmas.  I treasure it.  Yesterday my family in north Georgia received four inches of December snow.  It will not likely last until Christmas but the pictures and were magical.  They showed the wonder of fresh snow on still verdant woods.  They showed the joy of my seven-year-old nephew at the thought of a snow day.

There is a promise in December snow.  It is the promise of Narnia.  We are reminded that we may have winter but we also have Christmas.  It is the painting of the world with hope when it is gray and barren.  It is the promise that there will be new life.  It is the beauty in the world that is for everyone if we will only see it.

The first snow each year I sit with my pipe and bowl and take in the smell, the beauty, and the wonder.  I remind my heart of hope and promise.  The smoldering Cavendish keeps my hands warm.  The hope keeps my heart thus.  It is often my best December prayer.

Visiting a Crystal Gallery

Silently the clouds crept across the sky,

Negating the brilliance of the haunting harvest moon.

Only the brightest of stars could I still spy,

While the cottony gray darkness still had rips and tatters.

Sending chills over my exposed face,

North winds begin to whip across the field fiercely

Offering me an invitation to retrace

What steps I have taken and return to my cozy home.

Something inside drives me to pursue,

Narrowing my focus to climb the hoary-frosted hill.

Only the higher field will give a proper view

When the dance begins in earnest.

Softly they begin their waltzing flight

Navigating their way through the winter wind,

Outstanding crystals of drifting delightful white

Whispering to me that God is still an artist.

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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The Promises of Christmas ~ Fruitcake (YES Fruitcake)

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

Fifty-two miles west of Savannah, between Daisy and Belville lies a sleepy southern town. With a population of about twenty-five hundred there is not much industry.  There is a poultry processing plant that provides fresh from the farm poultry that is of the finest quality.  This small Georgia town is world famous for another reason.  It is the home of Claxton Fruitcake made by the Georgia Fruitcake Company.

For over a century fresh fruit and nuts have been baked into this seasonal delight that I first encountered with my Grandfather.   He and I would have fruitcake whilst we watched television during the Christmas season.  It is one of the hallmarks for me of Christmas joy.

I realize that fruitcake is much maligned and hated by those who have never had it.  I must disagree.  I love fruitcake.  I am, however, a purist.  I do not love all fruitcake and I enjoy Claxton the most.  I understand that some of you see my approval as the final proof that I am mad.

There is a Christmas promise in this concoction that we can all embrace.  Whether you like fruit cake or think those who do nuttier than one, the humble fruitcake reminds us of Christmas.  Even when I pull one from the freezer in June to celebrate my late Grandfather’s birthday I am transported to the memories of him and our time together at Christmas. 

You may not like it and you may get it as a gift.  You surely know someone who does.  Claxton sells five million pounds a year.  Someone is buying it on purpose.  Pass it on to them.  The promise is that there will be joy in their hearts on receiving it.  

Everyone does not love you.  Some will and do.  The real promise is like the fruitcake: there may be those who dismiss us out of hand.  There will be those who love you and they will be all the more precious because they see us as we are and still love us.  Now I need some fruitcake and eggnog.  How about you Dear Reader?

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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The Promises of Christmas ~ Eggnog

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

 It may seem that the only promises in eggnog are more calories.  Another may be that of the spirits in some recipes.  There are, however, promises other than a light head and heavy frame.

There are those who do not like eggnog and I do pity the loss of enjoyment.   They are not wrong but feel they are missing out.  Perhaps they have not had quality eggnog.

This all begs the question of how writing committed to following Christ can find promise in eggnog.  I am sure that are parallels for us all.  Every year I look forward to the appearance of a certain quality eggnog at my local grocer. 

This eggnog is not like any other I have ever tasted.  It comes from Oberweis Dairies.  Present in real glass bottle that show the colour and viscosity of the rich liquid; it brims with promise.  The rich taste and perfect spicing make it a true seasonal favorite for me. 

There are other good eggnogs.  There are also some very bad ones.  Avoid any canned eggnog that need not be refrigerated.  True eggnog takes work and is fleeting in its freshness.  It is the eggnog of promise.

The promise is this: there is sweetness in the season and in the world.  There is richness to remind us of what is to come.  We must not accept lesser things than the best God has to offer.  We must search for the promise that is the sweetness of the Father’s best.  It is always there if we seek it.  It leads us to the very best promise of all; home.

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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