The Snowman Strikes Again!

The snowman is at it again! Yesterday afternoon, a new dusting of snow sifted down, briefly covering the ground with white and this morning the temperature is eighteen degrees. The snowman? Well, he smiles enigmatically from the mantel, thinking his own thoughts. Personally, I believe he’s plotting a big one!

All is peaceful this morning. The first cup of Folger’s Colombian-ground is hot and flavorful, the Christmas tree lights glow softly, highlighting the ornaments. My dog drowses at my feet, and the fireplace mutters.

This being the day before Christmas, I think of my favorite Bible passage, the one that announces an amazing event, Luke 2:7-16, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

And now I say, Merry Christmas with a verse which I wrote and Leanin’ Tree bought twenty-five or so years ago:

Wishing you the peace of candlelight, the warmth of firelight, and the love of Christ to light your life throughout the coming year. — Blanche Day Manos.