The Candlelight
Sanctuary
Church Page
Acquiring the Benefits of Biblical Wisdom
on Amazon.com
Buckhart Cemetery
and
Family History
Achenbach Cemetery
God Bless America
By Jerry L. Ginther
Many of my generation will remember the fragrance of a fresh douglas fir or spruce Christmas tree. Some may remember actually harvesting a tree from a wooded area where you could pick your tree and cut it yourself. There were grower/vendors in some areas that allowed cutting your own. During the '40s and '50s, my childhood years, most families would purchase a new, live tree each year to display the colorful ornaments and lights in their homes. Today, most of the trees are artificial, flame-retardant and serviceable for many years. However, it seems to me that these holidays are coming around more frequently and I'm putting our tree together and taking it apart more often than I used to in years past.
Another noticeable difference would be some of the ornaments, particularly the strings of lights. When I was a child, 5 or 6 years of age, the size of Christmas tree bulbs was considerably larger, at least that was the case with ours. The bulbs were round, much like a regular incandescent light bulb. That has changed over the years as the strings of lights have gotten longer, prettier and the bulbs much smaller. Also, like the artificial trees, the newer versions are much safer. The old fashioned types were very easily broken and more prone to being a fire hazard. Sometimes advancing technology actually improves our lives.
I love being out on cold evenings, going from store to store, being in the crowds of busy shoppers, and hearing the greeting, "Merry Christmas" from smiling faces. Who could imagine this time of year without the magic of this friendly greeting and the ringing of the bells produced by the Salvation Army volunteers. Also, each store's sound system playing Christmas music about roasting chestnuts and warm fires stimulates thoughts of a romantic and cozy holiday. The snow is outside; love and hot chocolate are inside.
One thing I haven't heard in recent years is the little three or four piece bands that used to play Christmas carols on city street corners during the holiday season. Perhaps I just haven't been in the right place, but it is something I have missed. The Salvation Army bell ringers, the little corner bands and groups of carolers moving about the town all spread the joy of Christmas. They are traditional and bring to life the reason for our joy in this season, the birth of Christ.
When you are out among the throngs of shoppers, their spirit is animating. Fortunately, we still have the tradition of caroling where I live and most stores allow the Salvation Army to set up their bright red collection canisters near their doors and ring those joyous bells to their heart's content. I suppose those bells are the next best thing to sleigh bells.
I love Christmas more each year. As a father and grandfather I know that the giving of gifts and the excitement of children creates lasting memories. Still, the Christ child is the reason for the season, so, perhaps my appreciation for God's greatest gift to humanity has expanded over the years as well.
This will be my last column for 2014, so, here I will say Good Bye to the old year and wish all of you a very, "Merry Christmas" and a most prosperous and Happy New Year!
Copyright © 2002 - 2015 Jerry Ginther, All rights reserved worldwide
