Rummaging through my memories this past week, I uncovered some peace and perspective, a remembrance tucked away the Christmas of 2004. Here's my story:
Stars
peered down to watch us stand among a group of bundled up
strangers in the crisp, cold darkness. As we waited, bits of conversation and clouds of white escaped our lips. The frantic pace of all that comes with
Christmas suddenly seemed far away here at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm.*
How many years did I determine to somehow simplify the holidays? Tradition’s strong
tug and the fear of disappointing my family put miles on my Reeboks, piles of
bowls and cookie sheets in the sink, and lists in my dreams. I physically felt
the pressure, and even coming here for this “nice family event” became one more
thing to do.
Our
tour took us inside log cabins to simpler celebrations in various time periods.
We visited a one room school house where we sang carols with our
stranger-friends. And yes, the pathway even led to the barn. Here, among the
farm animals, musicians played the old Christmas hymns on a guitar, violin, and
autoharp. Interspersed with the sweet melodies, the familiar Old and New
Testament Scriptures whispered God’s beautiful story of hope for mankind. Tears
blurred my eyes as my heart reached for each word. Somehow, standing in the clear
winter chill enveloped only in the wonder of a miracle, the holiday season came
back into proper focus. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior . . .
Emmanuel . . . God with us” (Luke 2:11; Matthew 1:23). The lump in my throat
could not stop the prayer from my soul - a prayer of confession, of
thanksgiving, of praise for His lavish love and grace.
As we walked back along the path lit with white paper bag lanterns and gratefully sipped hot cider, I savored this heavenly peace. Back home the pile of packages still waited to be wrapped, the cookies still needed frosting, and events still filled up too many boxes on the calendar. Yet it all faded into the background. The image of redemption stood clearly in the forefront. God used the simplicity of the past to give perspective to the present. “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).
My
husband squeezed my mittened hand, and our little daughter smiled up at me as a
costumed guide led us to a blazing outdoor fire. We sat on rough log benches
and listened to him recount bits of local German history. The fire snapped and
leaped. I began to warm up to the idea of sharing this time together. The
peacefulness of the place seeped into my heart, and the tension slipped out
into the night.
As we walked back along the path lit with white paper bag lanterns and gratefully sipped hot cider, I savored this heavenly peace. Back home the pile of packages still waited to be wrapped, the cookies still needed frosting, and events still filled up too many boxes on the calendar. Yet it all faded into the background. The image of redemption stood clearly in the forefront. God used the simplicity of the past to give perspective to the present. “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).
*Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Old Time Christmas 2012
Saturday & Sunday, December 8th and 9th
Reservations not needed. The last tour starts at 7:15 p.m.
Group Tours (12 or more) by reservation only, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
All photos from Quiet Valley Website
What great timing for this post! We had a long conversation about our focus this Christmas just last night. And whether we travel to Quiet Valley or not I will have been there. Your description of it has me hearing the crackling fire and smelling that hot cider...Pretty sure those are cinnamon sticks garnishing the top...
ReplyDelete