From the Heart
Don Jellison, my newspaper boss, used to call me schmaltzy. I took it as a compliment.
I am even more schmaltzy at Christmas. I hear “Silent Night” and my eyes leak as I remember Christmas’ past. I grab extra tissues for the Christmas Eve services.
I hear “Oh Holy Night” and I remember why we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. He appeared and the soul felt its worth. It is that worth that helps us to see ourselves and others, differently … through eyes of love and goodwill towards men.
That child came to give us hope. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. We need more hope and rejoicing. Perhaps we need to fall on our knees a bit more.
Joy to the World. The words of that song remind us of the wonders of His love. Have we gotten too busy to notice them?
Scripture tells us that wise men made their way to seek the child, born in a manger. Shouldn’t we become like wise men?
Christmas, a time of comfort and joy, if we slow down enough to enjoy it.
“Let nothing you dismay,” so says the Christmas carol. Not always easy when family is involved. Let not only the bells ring, but grace and mercy.
While taking time off from work I am taking time to watch a few Hallmark movies. (Okay, more like binge watching). I know what will happen. Boy meets girl. They kiss. They fall in love but work or a boyfriend/girlfriend gets in the way. Miscommunication happens. The relationship breaks. Fate brings them back together. They live happily ever after. And they kiss a lot.
Yes, they are all schmaltzy but perhaps we all need bit of schmaltzy. Perhaps we need to embrace the people in our lives with some glad tidings and Christmas cheer.
For this Christmas column I bring you a reminder that a baby was born in a manger, not the way that was expected. Life has a way of bringing about the best … in the most unexpected ways.
That baby changed the world and he is still changing us … if we take the time to listen to the Christmas carols and really pay attention to the words. You might need a tissue while listening to Silent Night.
Sit with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and watch a Hallmark movie. A little schmaltz is good for the soul. Don Jellison told me we need a bit of schmaltz. Thank you Don, I know you will be singing with the angels this Christmas and I’m still being schmaltzy.
I wish for all my readers that they find both comfort and joy this Christmas and that you all sleep in heavenly peace.
And may God bless us, everyone, with a bit of schmaltz.