I don’t know the state of your home today, on January 1, 2024, but there may still be remnants of Christmas. There is the tradition of the 12 Days of Christmas but I have not usually celebrated in that way. Then there was the year I left the tree up all 12 months and had the help of grandchildren to redo for Valentine’s Day, spring, summer, fall, and some other special days. I will not repeat that fun year.
I went to a New Years gathering last night and the home is beautiful but no tree this year. We mature people are minimizing. I have packed away some special things but the memories are all that we can really keep. Family traditions should not change because they are traditional and repeat and honor the past. However, they do fade as will we. It is important for me that people be honored. My family reflects the remnant of my life’s purpose – family. Nothing is too hard for God and I am grateful for many Christmases – all different.
I am also wrapping up the Christmas music. I have a piano and a collection of sheet music. It’s been edited down to the best. I am not done rejoicing in the incarnation and will know when the time is right to put it aside. I have always loved the slow and sad melody of, ‘What Child is This?’. Not many songs have a question mark in the title. The words are very evangelistic and mixes the birth of Jesus with calvary. Here is my paraphrase of the traditional words.
Who is this baby honored by angels and shepherds? It is Christ the King.
Why is ‘The Word made flesh’ in a manger? He will bear the cross for me and you.
The King of kings salvation brings let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Honor Him for Christ is born. The Babe, the Son of Mary!
I went to my favorite photo resource, pexel.com to look for a nativity for this essay. I paged down through ‘Christmas’ to find beautiful decorations, a dog in a Santa hat, snow scenes, random holiday, etc, to finally find a tiny ceramic Jesus in some fake hay following 50+ photos. I know the world does not honor Jesus enough but I am reporting my dismay. I’m not mad but realize that not honoring Jesus will effect where we all spend an eternity… This photo is from a church nativity near a charming village in Switzerland called Wiler.