a christmas carol, Manger scenes, bubble lights & much more

---

We are not far removed from the hauntings, commemorations and reformation associated with ALL HALLOWS evening and day; and wouldn’t you know it, Christmastime is fast approaching.  So, 'The Christmas Carol', by Charles Dickens seems like a more than an appropriate transition. Spirits and social commentary try to reform not only Scrooge, but society as well in this tale. The Carol was a thespian opportunity for Warren Rasmussen, who once played The Ghost of Christmas Present. While LyNette and I weren’t around for Warren’s performance, we’ve seen many, if not most, of the cinematic versions, as well as a couple of the Guthrie Theater productions.  By far and away the family’s favorite, somewhat embarrassingly admitted, was The Muppet Christmas Carol.  Dickens, played by the Great Gonzo, is assisted by Rizzo the Rat in this special retelling.  It will be wonderful seeing this movie again with grandchildren.

Speaking of Christmas time performances, a year ago Bennett was an 'angel in the sky' during the Christmas program for Bethlehem Lutheran pre-school.  The photo here is of Bennett (green plaid shirt) processing into the church sanctuary.  Bennett has the look of reverent prayerfulness that woefully understates the total chaos associated with such productions and a collection of dazed and confused participants.  Bennett and classmates shared their own version of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.  It must have gone well, because at the song’s conclusion, Bennett added his happy dance.  Maybe he was just glad it was over.

A Dazed and Confused state is not that uncommon for Christmastime. Much of holiday chaos is self inflicted with too much of a focus on gifts, food and parties. However, even without these distractions the wonder surrounding the birth of a child, both human and God, is sufficient and a legitimate cause for being dazed and confused.  

This Christmas we are much looking forward to a visit from Christine, Peter, Madison and Liam to Colorado.  Hardly anything seems more fitting for this happy holiday than the wonder and hope of children.  Grandchildren birthdays in December include: Madison (22nd), Liam (20th) and Kinley (15th).

Bubble Lights are loved, not just as a child, but even now as an illuminated rebellion against the absence of December daylight. Maybe this love in part ties into the family’s familiarity with Erlenmeyer flasks, test tubes and chemistry. More likely it is simply the color and action that is captivating.  Our parents use to illuminate their Christmas trees with real candles. Wow, that would be viewed as extremely dangerous today. Bubble lights are an appropriate descendant of Christmas tree candles and a poignant seasonal symbol of water and spirit.    

And oh, how the music and sounds of Christmas are treasured.  Loved carols Christmas songs include  'Away in a Manger’, 'Jesus Christ, The Apple Tree’, and ‘Go Tell it on The Mountain’, The Luther College Nordic Choir’s arrangement of Away in a Manger is beautiful simplicity.  The donned face masks and separation of choral participants in the linked video recalls a time not many Christmases ago where family and loved ones were physically separated.  Maybe Jesus Christ The Apple Tree is not a traditional Christmas carol.  Yet the birth of a second, and sinless Adam renews our hope. Finally, the telling of Christmas from the mountain tops is natural in Colorado. Knowing that this last song was a favorite of Lawrence Siersbeck strengthens a meaningful family connection.  

As with the All Saints Service from Minnesota and the National Lutheran Choir, we will enjoy, at least virtually the NLC Christmas Festival, titled ‘A New Hope’. LyNette is an alto in the Augustana Lutheran Chancel Choir. Their Christmas Concert, which was attended by Weldon and Arlene is linked HERE.

May your Christmastime overflow with light, sounds and the spirit of the Christ Child.