Archives for December 2009

John MacArthur in his Christmas book God With Us passed along this story:

I read a haunting newspaper story several years ago about a wealthy Boston family who had a christening party for their new baby. They invited all their friends and relatives to their magnificent home to celebrate the birth of their precious infant. A half hour into the party, when it was time to bring the baby out for everyone to see the mother made a tragic discovery. The large bed where she had left the baby asleep was piled high with the coats of the guests. The baby was lying dead underneath the mound suffocated by the carelessly discarded wraps.

The pathetic scene perfectly illustrates what he world has done to Christmas. Lost is the realization that Christmas is first of all a celebration of the birth of the Savior. He is all but forgotten, cruelly and thoughtlessly smothered in the haste and confusion.

Please understand, I’m not suggesting that our Christmas celebrations should be solemn, somber, grim religious observances utterly devoid of cheer. On the contrary, Christmas should be a time of real joy and gladness, as oppose d to the manufacture sentiment and wild revelry that characterizes the way the world observes Christmas.

Last night in our Prayer Meeting I told the story of the Homecoming. It is a Christmas story written by Earl Hamner Jr. It was made into a movie and eventually formed the basis for the television series The Waltons. In my opinion, one of the greatest television series ever. Researching the story I discovered Mr. Hamner’s blog and this delightful Christmas memory. I have corresponded with him since to thank him for the role his work has played in my life. I like to think it encouraged him. Read it slow and hear that distinct Virginia voice we all remember from the opening scenes of The Waltons just before the harmonica music began to play the theme.

A CHRISTMAS MEMORY

When I was growing up in Nelson County, Virginia during the Great Depression, all the seasons seemed to be filled with a sense of wonder. I remember the dogwood spring, the watermelon summer, the russet and golden leaves of autumn, and the frosty mornings that marked the waning year. [Read more…] about Earl Hamner Jr.