Christmas Eve... Beautiful
Walk with me, if you will, on this Christmas Eve, while I take you to a place of peace and serenity. Stand at your picture window, a hot cup of coffee, tea or cocoa in your hand and see through my eyes, what my heart sees today. Just for a moment, feel the warmth and let all your cares be silent. Open your door for just a moment and breathe in the wonderful aroma of a fireplace, it's bellowing smoke filling the air with the fragrance of wood.
The sun is setting over the mountains as the snow begins to fall gently to the ground. Huge, puffy white flakes, like pillows race one another to the ground. A few touch your cheeks and you put your tongue out for them to land upon. The smile that comes when they light on your tongue is soft and the child inside you quietly sighs. You shiver for a moment and pull your sweater close to your body as you close the door. Your hands circle your cup and the warmth fills your body. The snow begins to fall faster and the air is filled with white. The ground is blanketed with the pure, untouched snow and it looks as if a beautiful white carpet is being laid.
Watch with me as the sun disappears behind the trees and darkness slowly over-takes the day. Street lights are prompted by night-fall to illuminate the streets and houses. Their yellow glow, like halo's on Angels, light the way for two lovers, walking hand in hand through the snow. A dog barks somewhere in the distance and a howl follows his lonely call. Houses begin to come to life as the trees, now lit inside the warm houses, shine through the windows for all to see. The outside of the houses fill the darkness with their brilliant colors, red, green, blue and white. The street becomes it's own show as lights flash on and off and their shadows are cast over the trees and ground.
Your lights join the others and you turn down all but the Christmas lights. There is a feeling of contentment as you stand in the light of the Christmas tree and drink from your cup. A smile crosses your face as Charolers stop in front of your window. Dressed in the most beautiful colors, coats buttoned to the neck, they open their sheet music and begin to sing. Walking to the door, you open it once again. Their voices enter your home and the sound of Silent Night fills your ears and your home. You softly sing the song to yourself and thank them as they wish you a Merry Christmas.
A sound brings you back to awareness and you turn to see the fireplace, it's embers burning the wood to it's very core. The poker moves the wood around and you add another log to the fire. Snap and crackles resonate through the house and the warmth of the fireplace now reaches out and hugs you tight. A glass of wine replaces the coffee and it's warmness fills you, body and soul. Sit now, in your favorite chair and watch as the snow falls softly, like feathers that float in the air after a good pillow fight.
One star stands out brighter than all of the rest as you look to the skies and you smile. Your thoughts drift to another time. A time when a baby was being born in a manger. You stare back at the gifts that surround the tree. Closing your eyes, you thank God for the blessings he has given to you. Jesus, the son of God, was born on just such a night. Remember, that amidst all of the gifts and lights and beauty that the world displays, Christmas is truly about our Lord and Saviour. As the fire slowly fades and the snow turns to tiny flakes, the house is quiet. You smile once more, pour yourself another glass of wine and rst in the contentment of the season.
I wish for each and every one of you the very best of God's love and warmth today and hope you have the very Merriest of Christmas. Love always, Darrel