The Miracle of December

                    The decorating has begun! The front doors say, "Welcome! Come on in!"

This year my mind has been playing over and over the miracle of December. It doesn't happen every year. In fact, there have been quite a few years when the unhappiness of  life overruled the excitement of December and the joy of Christmas.

Not this year. The Saturday after Thanksgiving I put up the garland and lights around the ceiling in the living room and dining room. When I worked in Rockville 20 years ago, one evening driving home I took in all the decorations of the homes I passed. Through the front window of one home I saw garland and lights around their ceiling. I liked the effect it made inside. A new tradition in decorating began!

         The garland and lights are up. The mantle is being dismantled for Christmas decorations! My Longaberger Sweetheart baskets will have a rest, except for one which holds the Christmas cards that arrive.

In earlier years, when Jerry and I were better able to get around, along with the garland and lights we put up red bows on each hook and ornaments hung from the garland. I tried to find a picture of those earlier years, but have not been successful.

                                Thank you, Jerry, for getting behind the grandfather clock!

Now, Jerry isn't able to hang the garland and lights, so I gave it my best attempt and after two hours it was done. No red bows or ornaments, but the ambience from the garland and lights was inviting and warm. Jerry did come to the rescue in reaching the hook behind the grandfather clock to attach the garland and lights. I couldn't stretch that far.

Last Sunday afternoon, I began putting the living room year round decorations in a plastic tub in preparation of bringing out the Christmas decorations. Again this year and all future years, the decorating is toned, but joyful enough to enjoy.

Last week the DVD of The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado arrived in our mail. We've watched it twice so far and will probably watch it a few more times through December. The main song in the movie, "Miracle Hymn" is sung by Susan Boyle, who has a supporting role in the movie.

I love the music and the lyrics, which were co-authored by Candace Lee. Following is the chorus:

"There are miracles all around, miracles yet to be found.
Hid in every heart is an answered prayer, Like a candle's flame, hope will lead us there."

You can see Susan Boyle sing this hymn at the following site:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd1LPKuAQZw

 Yes, the miracle of December is showing up around our home. I love sitting at night with only the Christmas lights and decorations on. It's a time to get quiet and prepare my heart for the greatest miracle of all. The celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus.

                                           The mantle is now full of snowmen! Let it Snow!

"Ah! dearest Jesus, Holy Child, Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled, Within my heart, that it may be A quiet chamber kept for thee."  Martin Luther (1483-1546)

May the miracle of December wrap itself around you and rest in your heart all the month through!