Just a Little Holiday Nostalgia
This time of year makes me nostalgic. I think I’m not alone in this. Christmas is one of those times that brings back memories of childhood, family celebrations, friends’ antics, church meetings. New Years, too, sends our hearts on backward journeys, because it’s hard to move forward without glancing behind, whatever that looks like. The Holidays seem to be a ticket to the days of youth and a longing for days gone by–just a little holiday nostalgia.
Changes
This year, the holidays have looked a little different to us. In August, my parents moved out of the house they had occupied for over 50 years. Over the decades, it was our gathering place–big and comfortable and welcoming, full of food and laughter, and sometimes tears.
Memories of my children, wide-eyed beside their grandparents’ Christmas tree, somehow became memories of my children drinking champagne toasts at their grandparents’ kitchen bar. I don’t know how the time passed so quickly. Time is a slippery thing. I don’t think I realized that last year would be the last year, and my heart is not prepared.
A Nostalgic Find
I helped my parents pack. As we were sifting through their possessions and family memorabilia, I came across a box of my grandmother’s things. In the box I found a framed poem written by my brother Ed many years ago. He wrote us all poems that year for Christmas. I regret that mine was broken and destroyed in a move. However, this one, I thought, particularly spoke to my heart as I’m sure it did to Grandma’s:
“To Grandma on Christmas, 1985”
When I was walking one December night
As snow cast whirling shadows in the air
And no moon lit the sober, icy clouds,
This thought for just a moment came to light
And whisked away the cold that settled there–
And as I walked I spoke these words out loud:
Soon I will be home again, and soon
Will feel the surge of life, of holiday,
Of joy and Christmas, hear the friendly tune
Of family voices wishing wealth and sway of love.
Always Changes
Things change–things, people, places we love, change, and sometimes it’s sad.
Today, I’m sad, but I take comfort in the fact that things were never created to stay the same. When I miss home, I need to remember that this world is not my home. The day is coming when all that is lost will be restored, and there will be no more sadness. It’s a promise.
Forever Promises
“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (John 16:20).
You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing. No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth. I thank you from my heart, and I will never stop singing your praises, my LORD and my God (Psalm 30:11-12).
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:4).
A Different Holiday Nostalgia
Thinking of heaven makes me nostalgic, as well, but it does not make me sad. I know that as great as many things in my life have been, everything in heaven will be greater, and they will be eternal.
God bless you, and may all your sadness be swallowed up in joy.
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