Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.”
–Washington Irving
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
–Luke 2:7 (NKJV)
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With all of the movies out there, and the commotion that will soon be on the rooftops, perhaps a little history lesson might be in order for Christmas. The way we hear people bickering about Christmas; maybe if we knew a little more about some of the symbols we might not get so upset. A word of caution is always necessary though–use discretion and do not avoid the truth. Growing up I really didn’t give too much thought to Santa Claus, one reason being that we didn’t have a chimney, only a stovepipe, and I never could in my wildest imagination picture someone with the girth of Santa making it down that stovepipe, not to mention flying reindeer or making it around the world to every house in one night. It just wasn’t sensible or logical in my mind, but there is something to the person/legend of that man in the red suit.
According to tradition, Nicholas was born in the ancient Lycian seaport city of Patara, and, when young, he traveled to Palestine and Egypt. He became bishop of Myra soon after returning to Lycia. While in that position he was placed in prison under the Roman emperor Diocletian, but was released under Constantine. He was an attendee of the first Council of Nicaea (323). After his death he was buried in his church at Myra, and by the sixth century his shrine was well known. The remains of Nicholas were stolen in 1807 by Italian sailors and merchants took them to Bari, Italy. This will add to his popularity in Europe and Bari became one of the most crowded pilgrimage centers. The relics of Nicholas remain enshrined in the 11th century basilica of San Nicola, Bari.
Good ol’ St. Nik, or properly, Nicholas. He was know for his generosity, kindness, and miracles, especially to those who were poor. He gave marriage dowries of gold to poverty-stricken girls who would have gone into prostitution. He is said to have restored life to three children who were butchered and put in a brine tub. He became the patron saint of Russia and Greece and many organizations, and who said that man in the red suit was only a myth?
The Dutch brought the idea of their version of St. Nik to New Amsterdam in the early days of the American colonies. This man was known as Sinterklass. Sinterklass was in turn adopted by the colonies’ English-speaking people under the name of Santa Claus and his legend was then tied into the Nordic folktales of a magician who punished naughty children and rewarded good children with presents.
We could add the stories of a certain Kris Kringle, but most of our ideas today come from the writings of Clement Moore. In 1822, he wrote a story for his family, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” From then on Santa was the stuff of legends and was enhanced by the drawings and advertisements by Thomas Nast and Haddon Sundblom. And we must not, cannot forget the infamous letter that indeed, “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” and even the court system recognized him in “A Miracle of 34th Street.” Personally, I will never forget the Christmas when my Grandpa Jones, a rather rotund man, dressed as Santa Claus and passed out presents to all of the family. Oh, and by the way, the red and white suit came from St. Nicholas.
In all of this remember that Santa, Kris, or Nik all represent the spirit of giving. They give presents as the wise men gave presents to the King of Kings. Giving is the important thing at Christmas. Remembering and knowing that this is the day we celebrate the greatest gift of the heavenly Father giving His Son. One more thing, notice that the Child was given to a family to nourish, nurture, and train. Family is vital to the Christmas story. I like what Burton Hillis wrote, “The best gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”
So, from ol’ Ira and his family to yours — a very Merry Christmas!
Month: December 2020
Echoes From the Campfire
Ax handle busted. Woodpile low.
Ain’t got much fire tonight.
The drifts have knocked some fence lines down,
I trust you’re all right.
My pot of beans boiled dry,
and scorched while I was out today.
Them cows are driftin’ awful,
Merry Christmas anyway!”
–S. Omar Barker
“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!”
–2 Corinthians 9:15 (NLT)
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I’ve spent many a day walking in a winter wonderland. Some of it was work, but much was so I could get out in God’s wonderful creation. I remember one time, when living on the north side of Colorado Springs I spotted a herd of antelope. They were down in a little ravine. I donned my old white hat, put on some painter’s white coveralls, and headed out to see if I could get close to them. When they spotted me, they took off eastward, out toward the prairie–I decided to follow. I moved slowly through the ravine, then as I came to a rise that would take me out, I moved to my knees and slowly moved forward. The antelope had joined a larger herd, but there was one acting like a sentinel watching. It was a great experience, and I realized that I had been gone just shy of three hours.
It was cold, there was snow, but I was happy. Of course it was nice to get back to the apartment to warm up. I see that so many people worry about the “weather.” I’m not just talking about the snow, rain, or heat, but they worry about almost anything and if they didn’t have anything to worry about they’d make it up. Of course now, we have the media to make up things for folks to worry about.
Listen! The agenda to destroy Christianity has not changed. The devil will do his utmost to bring havoc and confusion. He will allow people to be his pawns in the attempt. He has used political correctness, now he is adding to that fear, and says that you must not travel, or gather together. Hmmm, what were the words of that old man? “Bah–humbug!”
This time of year we should take time to understand the benefit that Christmas brings to us. The birth of our Savior Jesus Christ is primary, but there are other things presented. Look at the lights! Our downtown square is decorated beautifully this year. Listen to the carols, and for that you might have to find your own. There is “Christmas music” that has taken away the place of those wonderful carols/hymns that tell the story of the Incarnation. Ahhh, enjoy the smells, just the thought makes me hungry, but back in the day there was also the smell of a real tree in the living room. There are smiles, if you can see them through a mask, there is laughter–or there should be. Enjoy the season!
Christmas is given to us to remember to enjoy life. One of the great joys of Christmas is to prevent the remorse of memory. Take time, now, to enjoy life. Take time, now, to value the present. Live in the present with thanksgiving, wonder, and awe this time of year brings. Christmas teaches that we need to thank God for the things of the day; live in the present by giving thanks, that in turn will put in place pleasant memories. When God offers us a flower should we not take time to look at it and enjoy its beauty and fragrance?
Often people become despondent and depressed and the devil would use this time of year to attack in such a way. The choice is ours. Sure there are “bad” memories, but we too often forget that there is also a cup of gladness. We take life for granted, thinking that blessings are owed us, but this Christmas dare to drink and ponder the cup of gladness that Christmas brings to us.
Listen to the sounds of Christmas, the bells. Look at the lights, and then at a child’s face when they see them. Rejoice in the star (Jupiter/Saturn) and then remember that “Star” long ago that shone down on the “Light of the world” lying in a manger. Think about how someone would think enough of you and take the time to wrap and give you a present. They put it under the tree simply because they care for you. Then as you sit at the table that represents all of the bounty that the Lord has given, think a minute before diving into the turkey and dressing of all the happiness that the Lord has given you and how this time of the year represents His Gift.
The Saga of Miles Forrest
I turned off at Mancos to head on up toward Telluride. There was snow all around, but the main roads were well traveled with supply wagons and stagecoach. It wasn’t until I headed out of Dolores that the road had only been traveled by horse or mule.
There was no real concern in my mind about Charlie and why he was delayed. Why, there were a number of reasons a sheriff could be delayed, including this winter weather. Charlie knew how to take care of himself, but that doesn’t mean accidents can’t or don’t happen.
I decided to stay the second night in Rico instead of sleeping out in the cold. It was my plan to get up early and get on over Lizard Head Pass. It was about ten miles to the summit. I had talked to some of the locals and they said a person could make it over, but it was not open for wagon traffic yet, another couple of days if the storms held off.
The clouds began to creep in and I didn’t like the look of it. I surely didn’t want to get caught up on the Pass when the storm hit. Just as that thought came to my mind, the snow began to fall. Large, fluffy flakes began falling slowly at first, but before long it was hard to see up to the next bend. About what I figured was two-thirds of the way I saw a man staggering in my direction. He took a couple of steps, fell, then picked himself up and leaned against a boulder next to the edge of the road.
Upon seeing him, I gave Hawk a nudge with the heel of my boot to hurry him just a bit faster. The snow was coming down harder now and soon would cover the trail broken by previous riders. As I approached I could see the man was hurt, blood was on the shoulder of his coat.
“Miles! Miles, it that you?” exclaimed the man. “Thank the Lord, Miles!” he began to stumble in my direction. It was Charlie.
Hawk must have sensed the urgency for he picked up his gait. In seconds I was next to Charlie and I quickly dismounted.
“Charlie! What in the world happened?” I asked looking at his arm.
“Ambushed,” he murmured, “about a mile on up the trail.”
“Can you ride?”
He nodded. I went to the pack mule, throwing off some items that were not essential; took some to pack on Hawk, then Charlie mounted. “Are you sure?”
There was no answer, he just gave the mule a kick and turned him back down the trail toward Rico. I looked up and saw nothing but snow coming down. We needed to hurry.
A couple hours later, Charlie was barely hanging on, but we came into the camp of Rico. He was almost unconscious as I helped him off the mule where he then fell into my arms. I have carried, half drug him into the small hotel. There was a fireplace blazing so I didn’t bother taking him to a room, but laid him on the floor in front of the fire.
“Hey there,” came the voice of the clerk. “You can’t leave him there!”
I glared at him. “Get his coat off, heat some water. I’m goin’ to care for the animals, and will be back.” I rushed on out, mounted Hawk, grabbed the reins from the mule and took off toward the livery. I could barely make out the outline of the building and it was all closed up. Dismounting I began to bang on the door. After several minutes the door opened and not waiting for an invitation I took Hawk and the mule inside.
“Look after the mule while I unsaddle my horse. I’d be obliged if you’d rub him dry and get him some oats, I’ve got a wounded man to look after back at the hotel.”
The warmth of the fire must have helped revive Charlie some for his eyes were open by the time I got back. The clerk had his coat off as well as his shirt. He was washing the wound when I approached him.
“He’s fortunate. Another hour out there and he would have been done in,” the clerk informed me. “We don’t have a doctor here in Rico, but I’ve cleaned the wound. Here, lift him a little so I can get a bandage on him. I had to cut him some as the bullet was just protruding from the skin.”
From what I figured, the heavy coat must have slowed the bullet from going all the way through. It was better than for me or the clerk having to dig around in his shoulder for it.
We got him patched up; he still hadn’t said anything, but his eyes were open and he was breathing normally. “Say, friend,” I addressed the clerk, “do yuh have any coffee?”
“I’ll get some directly,” he replied, “just help me make him as comfortable as possible.” He stood going over to a small stove by the counter.
Soon his was back with a cup of hot coffee. I lifted it to my lips. “Hey! I thought that was for me!” came the raspy voice of Charlie. I finally had his attention.
“I needed to check it out first. Make sure it was too hot,” I responded lowering the cup to his lips. He reached with his right hand, taking the cup from me.
He took several small sips, for it was hot. Handing me the cup, he asked, “What in the world are you doing up here?”
“Marta was gettin’ worried, so I told her I’d go look for you.”
“Thank the good Lord, and Marta, that you showed up when you did.”
I gave the cup to the clerk, nodding at him. He took the clue then headed back to refill the cup. “Any idea who shot you, Charlie?” I questioned.
Groaning a little, he moved to relieve the pressure on his shoulder. “I could guess, but that’s all it would be. I had some trouble with a group while in Telluride. Shot one, put another man in jail…they had some friends,” he uttered, then licked his lips when the clerk returned with the freshly filled up. “What day is it?”
“Tuesday.”
He took a deep swallow this time. “If we leave tomorrow morning we can make it back by Christmas Eve.”
“Yur crazy! We can’t travel in this storm.”
He gave a little smile. “It’ll stop sometime tonight. Plus I promised Marta I’d be back before Christmas…”
Echoes From the Campfire
When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things—not the great occasions—give off the greatest glow of happiness.”
–Bob Hope
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.'”
–Matthew 2:1-2 (NKJV)
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What are you thinking about this Christmas season? Is your mind filled with the wonder or the season or are you frought with fear because of the virus? Do you get angry that you have to wear a mask, or do you get angry at those who spurn the use of masks? The devil will do anything to destroy your joy, to get your mind off the Babe in the manger.
Are you thinking of hope? Hope that there is a vaccine from the pestilence that fills the land, or hope in the Son of God, that He was sent from the heavenly Father to redeem mankind? Hope that there is a soon returning of those who have accepted His sacrifice and look forward to His second advent?
Does the season fill your heart with peace? Perhaps anxiety seems to rule. If so, rebuke the devourer, and turn your eyes to the Savior. Peace is upon those who have placed Him in their heart. Are you guided by His Word, then you should have peace, knowing that He has everything under control.
There has been much ado regarding the “merging” of Saturn and Jupiter tonight. It is something that doesn’t happen very often, and we are told to look for signs in the skies, but our hope is not to be put in signs. Turn the eyes of your thinking back to that “Star” centuries ago. The magi followed the Star with hope; hope that they would find the newborn king. As they had hope that first Christmas in seeking the king, so should we have hope in the return of the King.
“Oh Beautiful Star the hope of light
Guiding the pilgrims through the night
Over the mountains till the break of dawn
Into the light of perfect day
It will give out a lovely ray
Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem shine on.”
–R. Fisher Boyce
Seek the King. Seek Him and He will fill your heart with hope and peace. In the midst of these trying times; times of pestilence, terror, riots, hatred, and bitterness, turn your eyes to the Hope of the world. Let Him fill your heart.
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I also want to remember those in our military, whether at home or abroad, but all those who are serving; those who are sacrificing in protection of this wonderful nation. Ponder the prayer by Eddie Rickenbacker as he found himself in an ordeal of being lost at sea for twenty-four days.
“O Lord, I thank thee for the strength and blessings thou has given me, and even though I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death, I feared no evil, for thy rod and thy staff comforted me even unto the four corners of the world. I have sinned, O Lord, but through thy mercy thou hast shown me the light of thy saving grace.
“In thy care we are entrusting our boys and girls in the Services scattered throughout the entire world, and we know that in thee they are finding their haven of hope. Be with our leaders, O Lord; give them wisdom to lead us to a spiritual victory, as well as a physical one. And until that day, be with those at home–strengthen them for whatever may lie ahead… In Jesus’ name I ask it. Amen”
This was a prayer in the midst of World War II. The world situation has changed, leaders have come and gone, but the truth of this prayer is still valid. Turn our eyes to the Lord–let Him strengthen us for the days ahead.