Christmas Eve Reflection

A serious thought on this special day of rest — time for reflection.  The week before Christmas 2017, in Roseville Michigan, Sister Cannon and I were busy helping people.  So, we didn’t think about what to give each other.  Kay lovingly sent gifts to our children the previous week – always ahead of me in that regard.

(Posted Tuesday, December 19, 2017:)

As missionaries and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we do what we can to spread the good news of the gospel while assisting others with temporal needs.  As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we know He lives and is aware of people's needs, hopes, and desires.  It is our hope to follow His example of love this Christmas season and thereby experience a happier New Year!

Warm Blankets

We feel the winter cold here in northern Utah, as expected for our Christmas celebration.  I’m thinkin’ warm blankets at night when “the weather outside is frightful.”

Newborns deserve a warm welcome in any season.  I see swaddle blankets online, designed as security, wearable, adjustable, personalized, photo props, with matching hat, etc.  Baby has come a long way!  Our daughters and granddaughters could also talk about dolls. 

Did you or your child have a special “blankie” that was difficult to let go of?  On a larger scale, Kay’s mother made adorable quilts cherished by our youngsters.  I recall my 1970 Argentine red poncho served as a warm walking blanket in my youth.  (With all our moves, where did it go?)  My wife was grateful for the calming effect of heated blankets at Huntsman Hospital.  A bit of family history. 

Mary wrapped her baby Jesus in something warm, welcoming Him to earth life.  (The “swaddling clothes” were likely “long strips of cloth wrapped all around the baby.”  — BYU New Testament Commentary, by John Welch re. Luke 2:7)  In some respects, a simple, warm existence at that time.  In other ways, a bitter, cold world.  However, Christ came and grew to give us all the warmth of His redeeming love.  He overcame death for all mankind.  He lives!

Christmas Choirs Too

This one is for music lovers, with excerpts from a 2012 post.  As Christmas music has blessed my life, today's choir practice brought to mind some great choirs I’ve enjoyed in the past, and a heavenly choir I’ve read about, which blessed the scene of our Savior’s birth.  What are favorite choirs you sang in or listened to at Christmas time?

In 2012, my wife Kay liked this suggestion: East High School A Cappella Choir, which reminded me of Christmas performances I loved with my EHS choir directed by the legendary Lorraine Bowman.  Years later, Kay sang in that choir.  She could have also mentioned the Northridge High School choir our daughters sang in.  We enjoyed their 2012 concert (with orchestra) which ended with a thrilling rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah (1742) by Handel (1685-1759).  The annual concert always brought joy to us ... and certainly to the performers.

The jacket of a vinyl LP (with a 50-cent DI price tag) found in our basement “archive” lists the members of the Brigham Young University A Cappella Choir 1980.  I enjoy their Christmas music this month on BYU's Classical 89.  One album I am sure must exist would go with Kay’s CD, "Angel Voices -- Libera in Concert" recorded May 30 & 31, 2007, in a Netherlands cathedral.  I haven't heard their Christmas music, but it’s on my wish list.  The boys’ choir provides a heavenly listening experience that would lift anyone’s spirit this season.

There’s more I could add here, but this will do for a fast one.  Suffice it to say, “I’m crazy about choirs!”  So … Merry Christmas, and have a happy choir experience!

Another Tuesday

Today was temple work, Golden Corral feast, and a project: scanning contents of my wife Kay’s little box of wedding invitations, etc. we received since 1971, carefully organized … (hundreds!)  Treasures of family history and memories of dear friends.  (We both came from large families, and we moved a lot.)

Is this evidence of my OC digital hoarding?  I like to think it is preservation of valuable history, backed-up on “the cloud” while lightening my load. 

Something about Tuesdays … since September 2018, gets me going … with love. 

Precisely Placed

Our family gathered in Kanab for Thanksgiving this week, a perfect place, precisely picked in a serene, southern Utah setting.  So sweet of our daughter’s family to host at their cozy home. 

Fast Friday deals are online, perfectly placed right after Thanksgiving, when we have nothing else to do but shop for Christmas as I did for a few minutes yesterday morning in the comfort of home. 

As the grand finale for Ogden’s annual Santa Parade this evening, fireworks were precisely placed for a perfect view from my apartment window.  Families and friends endured the cold together … for fun!  The Christmas season has surely begun.  May we keep in mind the true reason … with love.

I believe our Heavenly Father purposefully placed my wife Kay and me in faithful families at the right time in this free country.  More than my morning afterthought.  A long-held conviction with gratitude.

Recall Thanksgiving?

Last Monday at Golden Hours Senior Center lunch, we were invited to write one word on a [“I am grateful for”] card and get our photo taken with it.  I wrote “family” as my first thought.  I smiled. 

Christmas preparation appears in full swing, such as the delightful lights and Village set up downtown at Ogden Park.  I am nevertheless grateful, especially in this season of Thanksgiving, for my wife Kay, family, friends, our brave veterans, and all of God’s blessings. 

Driveway Moments

A term used years ago on Classical 89 (BYU radio) and a few days ago on WRCJ (Detroit Classical) really resonates with me.  Moving frequently, my wife Kay & I lived in many homes with a peaceful place to park our car.  Arriving home in the middle of a masterpiece of music on the car radio, I often lingered for a minute, listening with love.

It’s called a driveway moment — a time of reflection, relaxation, and appreciation.  I should slow down and write my impressions next time it happens — most likely with sweet memories of our love for great music.  Our children and forever friends understand where I’m going with this.