Holiday memories remind us of God

Christmas -- that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance -- a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.

-- AUGUSTA E. RUNDEL

What is Christmas? It is the tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.

-- AGNES M. PHARO

What do you remember from past Thanksgivings? What do you remember from past Christmases?

Are you wondering why I mentioned Thanksgiving in the first place?

After all, this is a column that you will read just a little over a week before Christmas, and thinking about Thanksgiving in the middle of December may seem to you as relevant as reading yesterday’s news, but read on.

Both Thanksgiving and Christmas are special celebrations, filled with certain foods, decorations and traditions. At Thanksgiving, we remember that the Pilgrims sailed to this country to escape religious persecution and to seek a better life. It is a holiday when we are encouraged to step back, remember and give thanks for all the blessings we have.

At Christmas, we remember what God did for us, the wonderfully unique way he offered us a better life in the form of baby Jesus born in Bethlehem. It is also a holiday when we are encouraged to step back, remember and give thanks for the blessings we have.

Obviously there is a great deal more to both those holidays than what can be written in a few sentences, but I think that some of the magical fragrance that wafts through both days is the aroma of nostalgia.

At Thanksgiving, we remember the Pilgrims, the American Indians and God’s faithfulness. At Christmas, we remember the tiny baby born on Christmas morn; a miracle from centuries ago that offers peace, love, joy and hope today.

One of my favorite things about both holidays is when I am with others and we take the time to give thanks for our blessings and share about what God has done in our lives. Over Thanksgiving, I enjoyed a time around the dinner table when we answered questions that focused on traditions and gratitude.

Last weekend, my husband, Jon, and I shared a wonderful evening with friends, and we each spoke about what our past year had been like. I loved the honesty and the way each one of us recognized God’s faithfulness in our lives. We heard stories of joy and of pain, but each one was highlighted by the awareness of God’s presence and love.

As you find yourself fully engulfed in this Christmas season, may you remember God’s faithfulness in the past, may you relish in his joy in the present, and may you rejoice in his hope for the future.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive, Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.

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