The stage hands are getting in place backstage to close the curtains on the Advent stage. As they do so, sounds of the Christmas music can be heard in choir rooms, sanctuaries, and other gatherings where people are gathering to celebrate the season which is about to dawn fully upon us. The music of Christmas is such special music. Unlike songs like "Amazing Grace" which can be heard throughout the years, songs like "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Silent Night" echo in the air only once a year. Both the infrequency of their use and the message they proclaim make them into music which deeply stirs our hearts.
As an older guy with lots of memories, I miss those days of the past when folks would gather for an outdoor trek through neighborhoods singing Christmas carols. There were times when a wagon filled with hay would transport us along our way. After a knock on the door and surprised faces appeared at the door, we would start singing. Those were times of singing, wishing neighbors "Merry Christmas," hot chocolate, and memories being made.
Our culture has changed much in the years since those memories were made. Fear drives our present culture in such a way that we afraid to respond to a knock on the door after dark. The older people who used to live out their lives in the homes where they reared their children have been shunted off to nursing homes. It is more likely that are neighbors are strangers rather than friends. Times have indeed changed. Perhaps, the biggest change is that we have become too busy for such an act of giving this gift of joy to those around us. What a wonderful thing it would be if we could get this picture off the Hallmark card and back in the minds and hearts of our young.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment