Name: Linda
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Christmas Memories
There is a beautiful Quiet Corner where we have been invited to come and share our Christmas memories. It is warm and cozy and there is lovely Christmas music playing. You must come and visit.
I have so many special Christmas memories - of my own childhood and that of my children. I keep thinking about one from when I was just a little girl, so I think that's the one I'm meant to share.
We had a girls' group in our church when I was growing up, started by an older woman. She was originally from Canada where Christian Girls in Training originated (better known to us a C.G.I.T.). Every girl in the church eagerly looked forward to the day she was old enough to join. I was barely eight my first year in C.G.I.T. It was everything I had anticipated. We had Bible stories and memory work and learned so many crafts. We went camping in the summer. It was just great!! However, the "premier" event was the Christmas candlelight program the group presented every year. I could hardly wait to be a part of it.
The program began with all the girls marching into the sanctuary with lighted candles. The tallest girls were at the front of the line and the smallest at the end. I was the very last one. I will never forget the feeling of walking into that darkened sanctuary. There was beautiful Christmas music playing as we slowly marched up the center aisle - lighting the decorated church with the warm glow of our candles. Our families watched with glistening eyes.
I had a special part in the program that year - along with a few of the other little girls. We did the hand motions to the song "There's A Song In The Air". Our leader (Aunt Ethel) played the piano while her daughter sang in a lovely soprano voice. It was just magical to me. It was Christmas - the real Christmas. It felt like the very presence of God filled that small church.
I think it a wonder that although I know I had the usual Christmas full of presents and cookies and shopping and parties - this is the memory that is special to me. I believe it is so for our children as well. We have the most precious gift in the world to give them for Christmas, and they receive it with open hearts. We worry they will be disappointed if they don't get exactly what they want. I wonder.... Perhaps they would surprise us.
Blessed Christmas,
Linda
I have so many special Christmas memories - of my own childhood and that of my children. I keep thinking about one from when I was just a little girl, so I think that's the one I'm meant to share.
We had a girls' group in our church when I was growing up, started by an older woman. She was originally from Canada where Christian Girls in Training originated (better known to us a C.G.I.T.). Every girl in the church eagerly looked forward to the day she was old enough to join. I was barely eight my first year in C.G.I.T. It was everything I had anticipated. We had Bible stories and memory work and learned so many crafts. We went camping in the summer. It was just great!! However, the "premier" event was the Christmas candlelight program the group presented every year. I could hardly wait to be a part of it.
The program began with all the girls marching into the sanctuary with lighted candles. The tallest girls were at the front of the line and the smallest at the end. I was the very last one. I will never forget the feeling of walking into that darkened sanctuary. There was beautiful Christmas music playing as we slowly marched up the center aisle - lighting the decorated church with the warm glow of our candles. Our families watched with glistening eyes.
I had a special part in the program that year - along with a few of the other little girls. We did the hand motions to the song "There's A Song In The Air". Our leader (Aunt Ethel) played the piano while her daughter sang in a lovely soprano voice. It was just magical to me. It was Christmas - the real Christmas. It felt like the very presence of God filled that small church.
I think it a wonder that although I know I had the usual Christmas full of presents and cookies and shopping and parties - this is the memory that is special to me. I believe it is so for our children as well. We have the most precious gift in the world to give them for Christmas, and they receive it with open hearts. We worry they will be disappointed if they don't get exactly what they want. I wonder.... Perhaps they would surprise us.
Blessed Christmas,
Linda
17 Comments:
They always surprise us don't they? I am here by way of The Quiet Corner...I love the candlelight services that we enjoy at our church..they do feel magical.
What very special Christmas memories, Linda. I have some special memories, too, of candlelight services and meaningful hymns...They are all part of my Christmas memories.
And I think you're right...Our children receive and understand more about the true meaning of Christmas than our jaded adult hearts can believe.
Merry Christmas, Linda. :-)
Oh what sweet childhood memories you share...through the eyes of a child.
Your family must have just bursted with delight as you were the last little girl enter the Sanctuary in the line! How sweet and endearing it is that these are your cherished memories from childhood. There is nothing more exhilarating or passionate than feeling the presence of our dear Lord while the beautiful music fills the church, surrounded by your cherished loved ones.
That is a wonderful memory. These are all so lovely.
Oh, what a sweet memory. I can just imagine all the little girls in the candlelight.
What a beautiful memory. I felt like I was there in that darkened sanctuary. I'm so glad MomRN2 thought to do this. I love reading all the wonderful things people are posting.
What a beautiful memory! I can just picture the church with the music and the lights... Beautiful!
I think you're right. I think our children and their memories will surprise us!
Thanks for participating and sharing such a magical Christmas memory!!
what a beautiful Christmas memory you shared!
Loved reading about your special Christmas memories, Linda! I often miss the feeling I had as a child, when Christmas was approaching...I still love Christmas but it's just not the same as when we were children.
What a sweet, precious memory! And what a way to transition to being an older girl with that sense of responsibility and joy in being a part of the program.
Barbara H. @ Stray Thoughts
This sounds beautiful. I love candelight services, but It must truly be awesome to watch the children participate in this type of service.
Thanks for the nice things you said on my blog, I really appreciate it.
I love that this is your favorite memory. It was shared so beautifully!
I love your special Christmas memory... the candlelight service sounds so warm and inviting.
This is really special! I love all of these memories. I finally got my memories/ornaments post written and up.
What a precious memory. How sweet. There is something about candlelight!! And, you are right in a few months they won't even remember what they got for Christmas, but Jesus is the gift that is never forgotten and always treasured for a lifetime!!
Hi, Linda. Saw you on Lisa's blog and wanted to meet another Christian Texas grandmother! You have a lovely blog.
Hi, Linda. Saw you on Lisa's blog and wanted to meet another Christian Texas grandmother! You have a lovely blog.
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