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Christmas Past…

By December 16, 2016August 30th, 2022Devotional

Each December, our Bible study group celebrates the end of our season with a dinner that is traditionally hosted by one of our members. We always get together after work and share conversation, good food and fellowship before adjourning for the season. As part of our celebration, we always share some sort of entertainment – either watching a video or discussing some theological topic.

But tonight, our host, Rich, surprised us with a video of a Christmas program that went back to the time of Richard and Karen Carpenter. It really took me back in time listening to Richard playing traditional carols and to once again hear Karen’s wonderful voice. To think that we lost her to the medical issues that were a result of anorexia back in 1983 almost defies logic. Where has the time gone?

In addition to hearing Richard and Karen, there were references to Mel Torme, Perry Como and many other crooners of the era. I closed my eyes and just listened to the past. It was great. But it also occurred to me that I haven’t watched any of the tradition Christmas programs this year at all. No Grinch, or Charlie Brown, or Rudolph, or even Frosty with Burl Ives. Do you remember all those programs? How about Miracle on 34st Street or It’s a Wonderful Life? We haven’t watched those either.

To be sure, we haven’t gone to any Christmas concerts, or done any of our normal activities, with the exception of our gathering tonight – such as watching the arrival of Santa Claus in Zionsville town square. I think that we just have been busy with other hustle and bustle but I can clearly see that it doesn’t take much to be distracted and suddenly forget all about the festivities of Christmas.

That kind of surprises me. For years we have been committed to celebrating the past as well as the future, but that is becoming a little more difficult to do. The grandchildren are getting older and there are more programs at school as well as other commitments – including those at work. Poor excuses, I grant you… we should always remember where we came from…

The verse for this evening is from Psalms 143:5, which tells us, “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” The psalmist gives us a great reminder that it’s never too late to think about the past, when we were younger and seemingly more disciplined about being true to our traditions and celebrations. My encouragement this evening is that God wants us to remember the things of the past – they give us a foundation, or footing, from which to spring. My prayer is that while we progress into the future, we will continue to be true to the past. It’s important that we keep the continuity of the things we have learned and be open to the things we are currently involved with. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…   

 

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