LIGHTS ABLAZE - AGAIN

Do you remember, as a child, crossing your eyes as you looked at Christmas tree lights? Do you remember how beautiful they were? Through blurred eyes, not only were there twice as many lights, but each glowed brilliantly, like the many colors of a jewel-toned, stainedglass window. Three days before Christmas 2003, I found myself fretting over my “to do” list, dreading all the things undone that needed to be tackled before Christmas morning.

Our son had unexpectedly been home for several days from school, sick and feverish. That morning, he had asked if I’d like to sit with him to enjoy a video. I had turned him away, explaining the multitude of details that needed to be tended. Our daughter that very day also had begun feeling nauseous, and it was all I could do to keep their rooms clean and (hopefully) somewhat free of germs. I can safely say that I was unfairly becoming quite “testy” with the children, focusing on the Christmas deadline, which was quickly approaching.

How was I to get everything done?

That evening, after the children were finally asleep and the house was calm, I put on a Christmas CD, and for a moment, sat alone by our Christmas tree. I closed my eyes in frustration, and thought over the events of the day. I had been totally wrapped up in the tasks that were before me, blindly overlooking the love I could have shown two sick children, the only two children that God has entrusted to my care. I realized that I had missed several golden opportunities to slow down and wrap up in the glory that is Christmas, the excitement and anticipation of children.

How could I have been so foolish to let such an opportunity slip away? I sat with my head bowed for several minutes, my eyes closed. As my eyes involuntarily welled with tears, I recalled the real meaning of the season. Love. Love for our children, our spouses, extended families, friends and for a heavenly Father who thought enough of us to sacrifice his child so that our sins might be forgiven.

Whispering a thankful prayer that I would have other chances to savor the meaningful moments of the season with those I love, I slowly opened my eyes. Through lashes still wet with tears, the sight before me was an unexpected surprise. Through the blurred eyes of a child, I once again saw, and remembered, the beauty of the Christmas tree's lights; millions of lights ablaze with brilliant color.

— Barbara Heard

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist