Jiggled the key into the designated spot, still showing dribbles from my attempt at lubricating the mailbox keyhole.
Better.
Lock’s old and stiff, like someone I know.
Last week I reported to my family about my check-up at the Dr. After looking at some data, she commented that I’m younger than my actual age. One person in the family responded with,”Well, I never think of you as old.”
Poco quickly added, “No, you’re more like elderly.”
Back to the mailbox, inside I found Basil’s latest school picture among the stack of flyers and other irrelevancies. Joy! Imagine my surprise finding a furniture ad promising “comfort and joy plus 30% off.”
Who knew malls and marketers could deliver such a promise thru a coupon!
Sometimes it feels like we want a feel good smidgeon of sacred something or other. Only requirement for discounted comfort and joy is cash or a credit card.
So where does one go for comfort and joy during this season of over-eating, over-spending, and over-scheduling?
I find myself returning to the Christmas story in Luke 2, lighting Advent candles, singing Christmas carols like “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
Faithful still come, not to malls but to a manger.
They come, not always “joyful and triumphant” but hope-full and faith-full, on their way to Bethlehem to see this Jesus, to find what their heart longs for.
It’s quiet, no loudspeakers blaring, ‘You better watch out, You better not pout…”
Instead, I hear…
God rest ye
Let nothing dismay
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
I hope I never get too old (or elderly) to remember the Who and Why of Christmas.
This story has been viewed 70 times
2 people HEART this story
8 Comments
Comfort and joy to you always, dear Jan. Your blogs always make my heart smile in agreement. Big hugs.
Dearest MamaJan, So beautiful! Thank you1 You bring JOY to all of us! We love you dearly!
R & S & L
Wonderful Blog! Always good to hear positive comments from a doctor. Wishing you and the family a joyous Christmas season!
Love,
Niffy
Jan, I resonate with virtually everything you write (who wouldn’t at my age?). And today’s post was no exception. Still, my eyes misted over as I read the snippets from the carols we love, reminding us WHY our Savior came. I loved that you included the line, “to save us Satan’s power.” YES!
OOPS! That should have read “to save us all from Satan’s power.” Who’s to blame when words I was sure I had typed disappear?
Hi Jan,
One more reason to avoid the mall – that makes 20! I am reading Tim Keller’s brief work on Hidden Christmas, in which he reminds us that the Gospel is Good News and not just good advice. Thanks for sharing and for encouraging me to say, “Alexa, play sacred Christmas music.” Great music and one person who listened to me today., Love you sister, Dale
Dear Jan
Your blog is always a welcome sight in our inbox!
Your words alway bless and with a chuckle
We wish you a very Merry Christmas
May your gift of words continue bless many❤️
From
A couple of elderly fans
Finally catching up on personal email after being away, and then hitting the ground running at work when we got home. We were celebrating Mom Lane’s 91st bday! Bob Lane’s 70th bday! And Jack Lane’s retirement from 38 years of teaching. It was joyous in the true sense of the word. Good quality, unhurried, priceless time together. So thankful for a good report from your Dr! And chuckled out loud at Poco’s response! So very thankful for the reason for this season – and trying hard to keep it in the a primary focus. Thank you for this beautiful reminder. Love you!