It has now been almost eight years and more than 150 essays
since I started writing this blog. One
of the earliest essays was
(See more at: http://fylegacy.blogspot.com/2009/05/crease-of-dawn.html) Today I share a story and a wonderful picture
from another dawn, in a much chillier setting, from the snowy mountains of
Vermont.
I have had the pleasure to come up to Vermont with my dear
wife Jennie and her family since we first started dating in the early
80’s. My father-in-law went to grad
school and began his teaching career at Yale, and many years ago bought
property in a small village in northeastern Vermont. Over the years our extended family has built
a home on the land and we have enjoyed it across all seasons. While summer and fall visits are uniquely
delightful, our tradition of gathering here to celebrate Christmas is one that
I cherish.
This holiday, after a year of particular discord domestically
combined with war, terrorism and tragedy across the globe, this Vermont
Christmas visit seems uniquely peaceful and lovely. My holiday wish is that we can all use this
time of year to connect or re-connect with family and friends and find ways to
remind us of the things that actually bind us all together. Last night’s Christmas eve service at the
village church was one such example. My
father-in-law lead the music at the service that included numerous traditional
carols, a magnificent rendition of “Oh Holy Night” by Jennie’s sister
Elizabeth, and a touching performance of “Peace Child” that brought tears to my
eyes. It was a poignant experience for
me, remembering family and friends now passed, and literally cherishing the
moment of sitting in a little pew with my two beautiful children, my wonderful
wife, her family and our entire village church “community.”
Rather than focusing on the ideas or ideologies that divide
one group from another, I hope that we can stay centered on the fact that
families and communities matter. That as parents we care for our children and
work to make the world a better place for them, as children we care for our
parents as they age, respectful and thankful for their roles in our upbringing,
as neighbors that we are available for those who live close by, ready to be
helpful in moments of their need regardless of race, background, or
nationality, and the list goes on!
I wish you, your families and friends a very merry Christmas
and I am reminded as I see this amazing “Crease of Dawn,” of the angels’ song
from a Christmas night thousands of years ago…
“Glory to God in the highest, and
on earth, peace goodwill toward mankind”
(Luke 2:14)
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