Christmas Eve warmth.

It’s been an usually warm Christmas Eve in the meteorological sense.  Southern Ontario has had its warmest such day since 1964.  Here in the bucolic corner of Southwestern Ontario where I’m spending Christmas, the lack of winter was very evident today.  The town road crew—perhaps with not the best judgement, was patching potholes with asphalt in the heavy traffic this morning at the corner of Main and Wallace, the busiest of the town’s two intersections with a traffic light.  Usually the crew would be out plowing snow or spreading sand and salt on the streets.  I saw a flock of confused geese on an ice-free pond.  Why go south when the weather is still good at home?  This afternoon, Dad washed his truck and my car.  Mom put washing on the line to dry.  Tonight, cars were nearly stuck in mud in the parking area at church.

Notwithstanding the lack of winter weather here, Christmas Eve has featured all of the usual warmth, the warmth that matters most.  The children’s pageant at Trinity Lutheran was charming and I don’t know how anyone there could have missed the message.  There’s something that grabs and maintains ones attention when children are wearing home-sewn costumes and tinsel haloes while reciting the story of Christ’s birth in St. Luke’s Gospel.  The giant spruce Christmas tree in the corner of the church instantly lit up with gasps and muted wows from the pews.  The Pastor’s sermon, ostensibly based on St. Luke’s Gospel, emphasized the humble origins of Jesus Christ in contrast of those whose grandeur—or delusions of it is based on their sense of entitlement and privilege.  My whole family joined me for the service and I was so thankful to have them there.  My Small People, ages 6 and 4 were excited to see the balcony of the church after the service.  Naturally, they wanted to see the basement too.  A Sunday School teacher graciously gave each of them one of the extra bags of candy that had been prepared for the other children.

There was indeed warmth all around this Christmas Eve.  In the air, in the home, and in the church.  However, I cannot forget those, who due to unfortunate situations, are not able to experience the warmth of the latter two places.  Those who are in need or in distress cannot be forgotten and we have to remember that the Saviour whose birth Christians are celebrating offers grace, love, and mercy to all.

Merry Christmas to everyone!