Out Our Way: Knowing what's over the hill - Psalm 19:49-50

Out our way the first snowfall may not be a big thrill, but the first Christmas lights in town sure is. Even as an old coot, I remember the thrill of anticipation this time of year. The trees going up, decoration, lights, and eventually presents. For those old enough to remember the comic strip Pogo, you may also remember the classic line: "Any year that ends in Christmas can't be all bad." 

Even now, that line rings true.

Back when Charlie and I were working the herds up on the Tiger Ridge, we didn't ride so much this time of year, but before it got too cold, we usually made a few rides. I can tell you that even with a range coat, wool vest, heavy jeans and chaps, it got chilly up there. I had insulated ranch gloves that helped, but even then, the fingers began to go numb now and then. So, as the day darkened early and the wind blew down from Canada promising an Alberta Clipper would soon be paying us a visit, it wasn't all that bad as we approached the last ridge.

Although I confess I often couldn't tell one ridge from another, Charlie could, and both Jet and Doc sensed the trailer was just over the rise. Though they looked the same to me, I could often tell the hill ahead was the last one by seeing the way the horses perked up and their gait quickened. Just over the hill was the start of the trip home.

Although we celebrate Christmas in December, the actual date is more likely early spring - "lambing season" in Judea. That's why the shepherds were out in the fields with the flocks by night. The Christians opted to celebrate in winter during the solstice festival in order to blend in and avoid persecution by the pagans. But Christmas is the season of new life and not death; of hope instead of despair, and of the renewal of light - solstice - instead of darkness. Christmas is that last hill we have to climb to see the joy and hope that awaits. 

For many, Christmas is a hard time. Especially for those who have lost family members. Yet it is the season of hope even for - no, scratch that - especially for them, for it is the season of promise.

Though Bethlehem seems as mythical as the North Pole to some, and Christ no more real than Santa Claus and his reindeer to modern skeptics, the fact is both Bethlehem and Jesus are real. Christmas celebrates a real event even if many have forgotten that fact. Well Herod didn't believe it either - but it worried him enough to try to use his power to eliminate the story, especially if it somehow proved to be true. Many have since followed in his footsteps for the same reasons. Though they might openly scoff and ridicule the idea of Christ and those who believe in Him, they still feel threatened. In 2000-plus years they have always failed.

In the lengthening shadows and cold, we ride up that last hill we call Christmas and see the promise we had held in our hearts all this time fulfilled. The lights in town and on the trees tell us the Christmas celebration is nigh, but it is the Light in the heart when the reality of Bethlehem finally sinks in. When the Star begins to shine within, Christmas not only arrives but remains all year through.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Brother John     

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The Rev. John Bruington is the retired pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Havre. He now lives in Colorado, but continues to write "Out Our Way." He can be reached for comment or dialogue at [email protected].