In November of 1967, the Beatles fan club Christmas message included their new song, “Christmastime Is Here Again”, re-recorded in 1999 by Beatle’s drummer, Ringo Starr for his own Christmas album. It’s a pleasant enough little seasonal ditty. Though admittedly lyrically unsubstantial, yet it is not altogether ineffective in perhaps warming, even ever so slightly, a soul grown cold with the past year’s emotion-chilling, societal & political frozen fog.
“It’s too early to be talking about Christmas!” you say? “Humbug!” you mutter. Fair enough. Indeed, there is another holiday on the near horizon. I think is has something to do with gratitude…
A little over four hundred years ago, roughly a modern day busload of determined travelers ventured forth across late fall Atlantic waters, in quest of a world where they could freely worship their Creator according to the Bible and conscience alone. Driven by their wholehearted devotion to, and thankfulness for that first “Christmas gift” — Immanuel — and though enduring incredible hardship that first year, still they gathered the next year to give thanks to the Lord for His providence and love. Would that I might do as well…
Little did the Beatles truly understand that Christmastime is here again, not only each December, but any time a soul will consider afresh &/or receive God’s offer of a clean slate, a trustworthy and able defender & provider, and a seat at His eternal table. And that, my friend is worth thanksgiving everyday.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
II Corinthians 9:15
So go ahead…secretly…in your heart…maybe even quietly under your breath, if you must, let the strains of Joy to the World, Silent Night, or even Christmastime Is Here Again slips past your gums. I won’t tell anyone, if that will help…or I might just join you, and add the first harmony! 🌟
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