Sharing the joy of a white Christmas

     

     “Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” 

— Kahil Gibran  

     Our recent snowfall has brought a beautiful winter wonderland to Glenmeadows. And, it is the Season that we see an extra dose of kindness being spread around. 

     How our great, big, wonderful world can do with that. Many societies, companies and individuals have been collecting and providing hampers for the many needs surrounding us. As we help those, who for various reasons are a little less fortunate than ourselves, Jesus’ true spirit of love and giving shines forth. 

     As the countdown is on, and only “a few more sleeps” until the big day, many will be feeling stressed. We each find our own ways of celebrating this event called Christmas. 

     It’s been said, "we are a shop-'til-we-drop nation.” I often find myself cramming too much into my daily schedule, not always recognizing or respecting my limits. 

     But then, who wants to miss out on the delicious dinners and Christmas events happening in our community? 

     

     Or, the lovely Irving Berlin’s, White Christmas musical I recently attended at one of our local theatres. Throughout all of our at times, crazy busyness, it might be wise for us to consider how we are relating to those around us — especially our families, but also, that tired cashier at the grocery store. 

     Someone wisely said, “We have not fulfilled our duty to others until we have learned to be pleasant.” 

     Also, a calm, unruffled silence is often the most eloquent response to unkind words. It just might be wise for us to remember, as we gather with groups of family members or friends. You’ve heard the saying, maybe even from your mother. . . "be sure your sin will find you out.” 

     

     Actually, it’s in the Bible — found in Numbers 32:23.  

     Daily the media continues to expose those accused of sexual assault or harassment, abusing their position or taking advantage of their roles. Recently, a breach of ethical standards by our sitting prime minister — breaking multiple rules — is beginning to shake our confidence in government officials who misuse their offices. 

     Even the bread industry’s wide, price-fixing scandal to unjustly increase their profits, has recently been revealed. 

     What has happened to the integrity and truth we believed our powerful leaders would show in their leadership of our great country? There seems to be a flagrant disregard for truth and decency. Though many caught in the act say they just made a mistake, my Bible calls it “SIN” — a word we don’t hear used very often nowadays — sometimes, not even from the pulpits throughout our lands. 

     My dictionary explains it thus — “the breaking of divine or moral law, especially by a conscious act," or, "an action regarded as a serious offence or fault.”  

     

     Sin grieves God. In the Bible, Isaiah 1:18 says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”  Christ-followers celebrate the birth of a Saviour, because as the angel said to Joseph, “He will save His people from their sins,” and they know they are the sinners He came to save.   

Have a Blessed Christmas everyone!

— Beulah

Christmas: a season to renew friendships

     

     Christmas is in the air!

     The words of beautiful carols keep drifting through my mind.

     I've just returned from a weekly seniors’ luncheon where we were entertained by a choir of seniors from a nearby church. I was especially pleased to hear them perform, as I sang in this same choir a few short years ago. 

     As the words and music of the lovely Christmas carols began to fill my mind, thoughts came, reminding me of Christ’s marvellous entrance into the world that first Christmas. 

     As I approach the Season, I find myself struggling to know how to properly celebrate this beautiful event. 

     Looking beyond the familiar trappings around me that try to portray Christmas, I long to experience its true spirit — the spirit that decorates our hearts the way lights decorate a barren tree. 

     “This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12)

     

     Imagine! The eternal, omnipotent, (absolute power) omniscient, (all knowing), omnipresent, (present everywhere at the same time) all-righteous, all-holy, too glorious to look upon — God, was… "laying in a feed trough — a filthy stable. 

     Sounds almost like a myth, but it is fact. 

     When I find it difficult to have a proper Christmas spirit, I need to think about His humbleness and love from that lowly manger — showing me there is nothing He wouldn’t do to bring me into a relationship with Him. 

     A beautiful thought — Immanuel, God with us. Praise God! I am no longer alone! His Spirit is with me and in me. 

     

     Again this year, I am already enjoying the several hours I spend each week helping to man the Salvation Army kettles. 

     Fascinated with the interesting folk I meet and their comments, many pause with a word of thanks for this smiling, friendly, white-haired grannie doing her part to help the less-fortunate. I even think it inspires some of them to feel the urge to help as well, as they toss something into the pot. 

     One gentleman faced me, looked me in the eyes and said, “You are truly a beautiful angel!” (Ha!). 

   

A photo of Norma and I during our travels in earlier years.

     I’ve been recovering this week from a visit with my good friend Norma in Calgary. What a lovely week we shared, renewing our bond of friendship and recalling our many shared escapades since we first met 25 years ago. 

     I say "I’m recovering" as keeping pace with Norma, (soon to be 94 years young) is not exactly an easy task. 

     

Boardwalk Seniors Residence, Calgary, Alta.

I was treated royally at the Boardwalk Seniors Residence where she lives. 

     Norma really enjoyed introducing me to all the staff and many of the residents. She seemed to know most of them, having lived there over five years already. 

     The twice daily, scrumptious meals, the warm and inviting atmosphere, a cozy fireplace in the dining area and entertainment room, active programs, all help the many residents feel it is truly their home. 

     A scenic bus tour of the city, two movie nights, an old-fashioned hymn sing, a night of musical oldies, a visit to a Christmas pageant already, all of which, provide plenty of choices to keep the residents active. 

     

Seniors enjoying conversation together at Boardwalk Seniors Residence in Calgary. Boardwalk file photo.

     
     Norma had me involved in several of the above, as well as the privilege of attending her church and her mid-week ladies’ Bible study. 

     Never a dull moment to be sure. It was quite an eye-opening experience for me. 

     Another bonus for me, was a chance to renew friendships with Jerry and Helen, my brother and sister in the Lord. I met this lovely couple here in Kelowna in April of this year. They graciously travelled across town to greet me. 

     At a nearby restaurant, our time over lunch saw us sharing about how God has blessed our lives since we were last together. 

     Back to Kelowna; the interior of my home has been decorated for Christmas  earlier this past November. My elves, Mark and Debi (who do the decorating), are now holidaying in sunny Mexico. 

     On my return trip from Calgary, Karen and James had decorated the outside of the my home. "Why am I so blessed?"  

     Now, I’m excited about my upcoming weekend visit with my Kamloops family — Dave, Carolyn and Marian.   

     Something to think about — Let’s remember, 

“Your days are numbered. 
Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. 
If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it.”  

— Marcus Aurelius  

— beulah