Clean and inviting
Washed, fresh, and pure
It is what you see
Real, genuine, and sure
Peaceful and good
Full of beauty and grace
An uplifting spirit
And encouraging face
Forgiveness, acceptance
Yields hope and builds might
Shining like snow
To the darkness… brings light
Combining all colors
… from God is true white
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Crunch of snow beneath our shoes
Cold wind nipping at my nose
Winter’s chill hurries steps
Foggy breath declares the news
Harvesttime past
Summer long gone
As crisp air beckons
Some venture forth
I blink at bright sunlight
Dream of lazy warm days
And retreat like woodland creatures
To my sheltered den
Our recent snowy weather has stirred up childhood memories of winters past with my family. Building snowmen was a group affair full of laughter and the usual banter. There were cold noses, snowball fights, sledding, and then hot chocolate to greet us when we arrived indoors to warm up.
In December, as Christmas approached, the house brightened with colored lights, ornaments on the tree, and candles. Angels, a wreath, greenery, and bows brought cheer and the manger scene had a special place in the living room. Putting up and decorating the tree was a story in itself as we rediscovered ornaments made in Christmases past, remembered times gone by, and heard tales of long-ago family Christmases. The kitchen was a special gathering place for baking and decorating Christmas cookies and cakes and for preparing the Christmas meal. Christmas day was family time, hearing the Christmas story and the reminder of God’s greatest gift to us, the excitement of opening a few simple gifts, and perhaps watching some Christmas programs on the television or playing with a new game. Good memories.
So, as we enter another “Christmastide,” may we cherish the simple, make way for quiet enjoyment with friend or family, reach out to others, and be thankful for God’s greatest gift of all through His Son, Jesus.
*Luke 1:30-33; Luke 2:1-20
• Clean white snow can lift the spirits
• Beauty forms around dust and struggle
• We are all uniquely crafted
• Swirling snow offers soft music
• Forgiveness is like being covered and washed clean
• The Son is reflected when we show compassion
• Small acts of kindness accumulate
• The Father’s works are wonderfully made
• We all feel a bit rolled about sometimes.
• As we roll about, we accumulate stuff.
• That accumulated stuff contributes to our formation.
• As we are formed and grow, wondrous things can develop.
• Development comes individually and with others.
• Much enjoyment can be had when friends create new things together.
• Added accessories increase appeal and develop personality.
• Materials needed for use may be seasonal.
• Each season brings its own appeal.
• Simple pleasures and activities bring joy.
• A snowman’s stay, although short, brings smiles to others.
• A smiling face lifts one’s spirit.
The Still Small Voice 