All My Heart This Night Rejoices

All my heart this night rejoices 

as I hear far and near sweetest angel voices.

"Christ is born," their choirs are singing 

till the air everywhere now with joy is ringing.

Forth today the Conqu'ror goeth, who the foe, sin and woe, 

death and hell, o'erthroweth.

God is man, man to deliver, 

his dear Son now is one with our blood forever.

I woke up this morning to snow.  Not a lot but just enough to make the ground white.  Seems so still and quiet until I hear our dogs bark outside at something they think shouldn't be there.  When we first moved here the barking was a bit annoying until I realized that they really do keep the critters at bay.  No more deer in the yard which is good come summer time when the garden is in full swing.  

I also woke up to the Christmas lights coming on.  Dan has put lights on the house with a timer so they come on early in the morning before it gets light out and then in the evening when it gets dark again.  The Christmas tree does the same so it is nice and cosy getting up.  I've done some decorating and made some cookies.  There has been some sewing and I'm currently knitting wool socks for my special someone.

Shall we still dread God's displeasure, who, to save,
 freely gave his most cherished Treasure?
To redeem us, he hath given his own Son 
from the throne of his might in heaven.
He becomes the Lamb that taketh sin away 
and for aye full atonement taketh.
For our life his own he tenders; and our race,
 by his grace, meet for glory renders.

This is always a good time of year to reminisce and reflect.  If you are as old as I am (I tell the grandkids that I'm as old as dirt!) you may also have had many years of Christmas gatherings, always with too much food.  There is laughter, tears of joy and, of course, the yearly wrapping paper wars.  Christmas has changed for us over the years as all our children are grown with families of their own.  Now, trying to get together is like herding cats.  So we catch it when we can and are grateful for even more memories given.  So far this year (starting at Thanksgiving) our youngest daughter, Lydia, her husband, Lance and their baby Franklin have come to our place in central Oregon.  The following weekend we had our oldest daughter Sarah with her husband Kevin and their whole tribe (12 in all) come.  More laughter and more food.  And, of course, the grandkids wanted to watch Home Alone 2 mainly to see their grandma laughing so hard that she cries.  How they find this hilarious is somewhat embarrassing.  This coming weekend Hannah's family will be in town for another family get together.  Hannah's husband, Jonathan always comes up with something different in the food department which makes everyone happy indeed!  Dan and I might be doing some traveling after Christmas to extend the holidays by seeing more kids and grandkids.  Really the date isn't as important to us for celebrating.  It's always being with those you love.  

Hark! a voice from yonder manger, soft and sweet, doth entreat; 
"Flee from woe and danger.
Brethren, from all ills that grieve you, 
you are freed; all you need I will surely give you."
Come, then, banish all your sadness, one and all, great and small; 
some with songs of gladness.
Love him who with love is glowing; 
hail the star, near and far light and joy bestowing.

Christmas Eve we will be taking Dan's folks (they live on our property) and we will be meeting up with Hannah, Jonathan and whoever to go to church for an early Christmas Eve service.  I have so many fond memories of the services on Christmas Eve.  So long ago we would dress up fancy and go as a family to hear about Christ's birth and sing Christmas carols.  Growing up in the Lutheran church I didn't really understand the significance of the moment but I knew that there were presents at home waiting for me.  Now the presents, still fun for sure, have lost the glitter in light of the story of Christ's humble birth.  He is the greatest treasure and  gift to mankind.  

Yes, reminiscing can bring so much joy to us.  But I wouldn't be of this earth if I didn't recognize that the sad things in life are most hard around holidays.  I don't know of anyone who hasn't experienced some sorrow, loss or hardship.  This season we know of some facing sickness, loss of a beloved family member and broken relationships.  There is, I'm sure, more to this list of sadness and that is why the story of God becoming man for us is so crucial.  

Dearest Lord, thee will I cherish. 

Though my breath fail in death, yet I shall not perish,

but with thee abide forever 

there on high, in that joy which can vanish never.

Dan and I do wish you a Merry Christmas.  We hope that you find the joy of Christ the Savior to be a radiant fire that touches everything for you.