''Twas the Night Before Christmas. A note from Jan. Jud's Journal Entry Fifty-one

“Twas the Eve before Christmas

Good night had been said

And Annie and Willie had crept into bed.

There were tears on their pillows and tears in their eyes

and each little bosom was heaving big sighs.” 

This excerpt from a poem called “Annie and Willie’s Prayer” by Sophia Snow in 1884’s been part of our family for three generations.

My Norwegian grandmother (Bestemor) began the tradition of reciting it, then Mama and now I.

It skipped the next generation…maybe Lily will take up the mantle.  

This sets me wondering what makes for the skip?

And does it matter?

What’s my prayer for our children, grandchildren and generations to come?

Annie wanted  “a wax dolly, a tea set, a ring and an ebony workbox that shuts with a spring.”

Willie’s prayer, “I want you to bring me a bright shiny sled with bright shining runners and all painted red, a box full of candy , a book and a toy and ‘Oh, Jesus, I’ll be a good boy.’”

Promises.

Promises.

Hoping to get what we want.

Prayers like wish lists.

One year I wished for a box of 24 Crayolas and a new tablet, unlined for drawing. I was 8. Simple wishes At 18 I met Jud. That’s when I upgraded my wishes weaving hopes and dreams into my prayers. Anticipation a strange and wondrous gift.

As I drove to the Christmas pageant tonight at Christ Church, tears made driving challenging since it was already raining. Tears of gratitude to Jud for picking me. Trust me, he had choices! Neil, his friend for more than 60 years, called today from Florida, reminding me of when Jud told him about meeting Janice Dawn Jensen. Jud and Neil, friends ever since they met at camp when they were young teens.

Jud would’ve loved the pageant. I hope God let him peek. Unlike the pageants of my childhood in small Baptist churches, no children roamed the sanctuary as shepherds, dressed in their Dad’s bathrobes. Some Dads probably came to see their robes.

Sheep haven’t changed much. Still “prone to wander, Lord, I feel it.” One lamb escaped and frolicked up and down the center aisle. Some day her parents will love retelling that story.

Kate, an angel, with a short career, I fear. Well cast to not be the proclaimer of “fear not,” since those nearby need fear her flying elbows, wild twirling and dancing. (No Baptist in her DNA). I thought her Popo must’ve called over a few to look out below at his granddaughter, free flying angel with cockeyed halo. Maggie sang like an angel and acted the part. Eldest child. May God bless and protect her.

Jud made his wishes known.. Time together…always and often. Enough to endure torturous treatments to extend his time with us. Thank you, dearest Love, for that grand, courageous gift.

You were always fun to surprise at Christmas. You wanted nothing. “I have everything I need and so much more.” Thank you for looking at me, most of the time, when you said that. Easy to please.

Just reread what I’d written and noticed I’d switched from talking about you to speaking to you that gives me comfort and takes me back to  

Promises and prayers for our children and grandchildren So many hopes and dreams for them and generations to come. the privileged, hard work of  prayer

Feels like an angel, with size 14 feet, just showed up to say,”Don’t be afraid.  I bring you good news. God is with them and you.” Thanks. I needed that. and maybe you did, too, this Christmas.