First Noel

Memories from Christmas’s past. Yesteryears were filled with magical moments. As a child the Jordan Marsh and Filene’s windows held the most incredible displays of animated and somewhat surreal characters. The lines waiting to see Santa held up as a nostalgic memory so many years later. Today, we have greater technical displays, but somehow we’ve  missed the meaning of Christmas. It’s become a hectic, commercial, somewhat plastic holiday. The aisles are crowded with boxes of throw away gifts, impatient shoppers and overworked employees. It’s stressful enough for parents to provide with these outrageous prices and then long lines to return of the unwanted or broken items. Maybe it’s time to get back to the oranges and candy filled stockings. A time when DIY gifts held heartfelt meaning. That fresh baked loaf of bread or homemade item. Who knows what creativity can be mustered up these days. How about stopping by a light display and singing; “The First Noel”.  (“The first Noel the angels did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay, In fields where they lay keeping their sheep. On a cold winter’s night that was so deep, Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel.”) Just yesterday hearing this song while driving, tears streaming down my face without any reason, just the pure love of these lyrics and thoughts of what the meaning truly represents. (“Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord That hath made heaven and earth of naught And with his blood mankind hath bought Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel”). May you have a “First Noel” filled Christmas season, and behold the light of the world. Choose to make this year yours, one that’s filled with happy and beautiful memories. Blessings.