I am thankful for the church calendar. Today, I realized that everything has space and time because of the church calendar. It helps us to hold space as we wait for the Incarnation. It helps us with anticipation of the good things coming. It also holds back the wheels of time that want to keep moving faster through life. I like observing the church calendar with its seasons and liturgy. Otherwise, I would forget, let all of this go, and miss the details in this season. This was my first random thought of today. I am grateful for the steadiness of the calendar.

The second thought of the day is the need for stories. We may find ourselves in the similar predicaments this Christmas; sad and unable to see loved ones in person. I feel such sadness over the loss we each may have over Christmas because of stupid COVID. If you feel sadness’ shadow this Christmas, many reasons exist for it. Here is where the stories come in.

While not trying to fix, my idea may provide some shared warmth and community in these next few weeks. I would love to “hear” your rollicking, happy, frightening, sad, (and everything in between) Christmas stories! Sharing stories provides ways of connecting and stirring togetherness. Let’s face it, we have stared our own hard, difficult stuff in the face. Sharing stories invites people into connection.

So here goes…my first story…

When I was about 8 years old. We lived on and worked a farm. One Christmas Eve, we had opened the allowed gift, usually new pjs, and went to bed after leaving milk and cookies hoping Santa Claus would come soon. In the middle of the night after Mom and Dad went to bed, a loud ringing woke us kids up. We scampered into the living room and stood still looking down at the gifts under the tree. We didn’t know what to do because it was well established that we could not mess with the Christmas gifts without Mom and Dad present. After a few moments, that felt like a lifetime, of ringing, Dad walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. Then, Mom slowly came in and joined Dad on the couch. Mom was not a morning person. Dad asked us, “What did you do?” Looking at Dad with wide eyes, we promised we did not do anything! Daddy smiled and told us to find it. Lickety-split, we dashed under and around the tree picking out gifts and listening to them. It was buried under several layers of gifts and the ringing was becoming softer. It was determined that the person whose name was on the gift tag would open it. My sister opened the wrapping paper, then the box. Oh! Come on! Open it already!

She pulled out an old fashioned gold alarm clock with two bells on top. The alarm had run its course. I love this Christmas memory because of the imagination stirred over the curious ringing under the tree in the wee hours of the morning. Dad unbeknownst to Mom had wound up the clock, set the alarm, and then wrapped the box with the clock inside.

Now it is your turn! Go to the Christ City Blog and share a story of Christmas past. Come back and read and comment to one another. Let’s share our stories and stir each other’s hearts and minds together during this time…

Much love to you, Christ City Church!

—Dianne