Many elements of the Christmas season trigger memories of long ago, including:
- The carol, “O Holy Night,” takes me back to the pew of my childhood church where I listened to a gifted soloist, my mother, sing that Christmas hymn. I remember anticipating the high notes—so rich, clear, and resonant. The lyrics, including “Let all within us praise his holy Name” came from her heart.
- Waking up on a winter morning to the sound of a snow shovel scraping against concrete. Dad would always clear the sidewalks for the suburban commuters who’d walk past our house on their way to the train station—just one example of Dad’s thoughtfulness.*
- Red, green, and white tissue paper remind me of the gifts our grandmother would pile under her tree for my brother and me (her only grandchildren). You would think Grandma Clara’s shopping budget was unlimited, to see the number of packages. But what she lacked in funds Grandma made up for by shopping for super-bargains all year long. The tissue was probably an economical way to wrap some of the packages, so her precious dollars could be spent on what was inside.
- The aroma of pies, cookies, or breads baking in the oven take me back to Grandma Rachel’s kitchen. No one’s piecrust was as flaky, no cookies as perfectly browned on the bottom, no Parker House rolls as tender. And no holiday was complete without these treats.
- Red N-O-E-L letters with angel cherubs adorning each one remind me of childhood home #3. My mother would perch them on the sill of the leaded glass window by the stairs. I don’t know what happened to Mom’s set, but Steve’s aunt had the same ceramic letters and we eventually inherited hers. Now I’m the one who lines them up each year.
Not one of these memories is attached to a significant event, yet they are precious treasures of my heart. Now why would that be? Is it just the nostalgic atmosphere of the season that seems to envelope many of us at Christmastime?
Perhaps such memories highlight best what our Heavenly Father provides for us: his peace, love, and security–entities that our souls crave. A verse from Isaiah gives us a perfect image of his constant loving care—one that Handel used in Messiah, “He Shall Feed His Flock.” (And yes, my mother sang that one, too.)
“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd:
He shall gather the lambs with his arm,
And carry them in his bosom,
And shall gently lead those that are with young.”
–Isaiah 40:11 KJV
I first experienced the love, peace, and security of God the Great Shepherd within the fold of my loving Christian family—not just during the euphoric season of Christmas but all year long. Memory after treasured memory give proof, and I am so very grateful.
* * * * * * * * * *
I thank you, Father, for treasured memories of the heart, and for the love, peace, and security my family provided throughout my growing years. I praise you as the Source of those glorious qualities.
You first loved us and allowed your only Son to be sacrificed in our place. Such love is beyond human comprehension. You provide peace as we trust in you, just as the angels proclaimed to the shepherds. And our final destiny is secure because “nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
How can I not be grateful?
(1 John 4:19, 10; Isaiah 26:3; Luke 2:14; Romans 8:31)
What Christmas memory speaks love, peace, and security to you? Tell us about it in the comment section below!
*After forty years in Florida, my husband and I moved back to the Midwest in 2014 to be near our sons and their families. Imagine my delight to hear that shovel-on-concrete sound again after so many years, and have that ancient memory come bubbling up from the depths.
(Art & photo credits: www.youtube.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.flickr.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pinterest.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Oh, Nancy! Precious! Our children are now all in their thirties and spread around the globe, but I hope that they also have these kinds of memories that come back, especially as they get older. Blessings to you this Christmas!!
Thank you, Dawn. I think all of us grow in our appreciation of precious memories as we get older. Your children will surely do the same! Merry Christmas to you, blogging friend!
Beautiful, thank you! O Holy Night.
Thank you, Carole, and Merry Christmas!
You have wonderful memories Nancy. I remember receiving roller skates that you put on with keys, even living in Ohio and it being cold, I had to put on those skates and skate down the sidewalk.
It would be wonderful if the whole world was at peace with God and celebrate the birth of Jesus , what a gift and blessing it would be.
Merry Christmas to you and Steve and your precious family.
I enjoyed my clip-on skates, too. ‘Not surprised you had to try out your new ones, bitter cold as it was. I would have, too.
Someday, Laura, we WILL enjoy peace on earth–the new earth–and celebrate our Savior as we’ve never done before! It’s going to be AWESOME!!
Merry Christmas to you, dear friend!
Happy Birthday, Nancy!
Thank you, Diane. It was a delightful day!
My mom loved crafts, so I very much associate Christmas with her decorations. And with food. And gifts–sheesh, I was a materialistic kid. But, yes, underlying all the “stuff,” I think, was that sense of love and security.
Sounds like your mother expressed her love to you in many ways. Maybe you weren’t so materialistic–just an enthusiastic recipient. (And your mother surely appreciated it.)
Christmas can be such a time of overwhelming emotions and I think you have identified one of the sources of this upheaval – our memories – both the treasured one and the difficult ones. No wonder this time of year becomes a roller coasters – then add in the stress, rush, and deep deep desire for peace on earth and between families. wow. I do love how you bring our focus though to the treasure, the real treasure of Christ. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Nancy
That’s the way to peace,isn’t it: worship of our precious Savior. Believe it or not, you’ve introduced my post for tomorrow! 🙂
Nancy, I so appreciate you sharing your beautiful memories. Reading them has taken me down memory lane of my own childhood as well as that of my son’s, grandchildren and now with my great grandchildren. How blessed we are! I wish you and Steve a very blessed Christmas, and a happy, healthy 2017. Love, Ruth
Thank you, Ruth. Indeed, as the blessings continue to flow through children and grandchildren, our joy and gratitude grows all the greater. Merry Christmas to you, too, dear friend!
Such a lovely post. A Christmas memory for me is recalled from Taylor University’s final chapel before Christmas when we all sang ‘The Hallelujah Chorus’. I loved that time…
And one more memory is from my childhood when every year I would persuade my brother to enact ‘The Night Before Christmas’ with me in our living room. Sweet memories…
How could I have forgotten singing the Hallelujah Chorus in chapel?! Thank you for reminding me. Other precious memories of singing that piece at various churches come to mind each Christmas and Easter as we hear the majestic chorus again. I never get tired of it. I’ll bet your family loved those “Night before Christmas” performances!
Beautiful writings of beautiful memories, Nancy.
Thank you, Grace. I’m so glad you enjoyed the reminiscing!
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Thank you, Marcus. I am honored you considered this post worth sharing. Praise God for his inspiration!