A Christmas Journey: A Christmas Eve Service of Candles and Carols
Devotional
A Christmas Journey
A Collection of Resources for Advent and Christmas
Object:
The Rest Stop
The sun was peaking over the buttes as the mini-van was being loaded. The frigid winter air left little doubt that winter would once again cover the open prairies with a blanket of snow. Suitcases and presents were carefully stacked behind the backseat. The most precious cargo was still to come. Leaving the motor running gave the vehicle a chance to warm up as the children, bundled in blankets, were carried out and then buckled into place.
By mid-morning the backseat came to life. As noon drew closer the dreaded question grew louder: "Are we there yet?" Many more miles had to be conquered before the answer would be "Yes." About the time hunger set in, the arches appeared. While happy meals were being ordered, the play area absorbed excess energy. After burgers and fries, even the youngest fry was ready to be on the road again.
The sunlight began to disappear as we came upon a rest area out in the middle of nowhere. It was a welcome sight as the children were cranky. A mixture of aromas greeted us: the smell of coffee, hot apple cider, and fresh baked Christmas goodies. A hearty "Merry Christmas" came from a grandpa and grandma who served as hosts.
The children were elated, for this grandma's goodies were as good as their grandma's goodies! The visit lasted a few minutes, but it was long enough to learn their story. Since their grown children couldn't come home for Christmas, they decided to share a touch of Christmas with those who were traveling home. Yes, it took some doing to receive state permission, and it took a lot of work to do the baking. But the smiles and words of thanks they received from travelers were gifts they would take home. And what stories to tell when the phone calls were made to their children on Christmas Day!
The sun was peaking over the buttes as the mini-van was being loaded. The frigid winter air left little doubt that winter would once again cover the open prairies with a blanket of snow. Suitcases and presents were carefully stacked behind the backseat. The most precious cargo was still to come. Leaving the motor running gave the vehicle a chance to warm up as the children, bundled in blankets, were carried out and then buckled into place.
By mid-morning the backseat came to life. As noon drew closer the dreaded question grew louder: "Are we there yet?" Many more miles had to be conquered before the answer would be "Yes." About the time hunger set in, the arches appeared. While happy meals were being ordered, the play area absorbed excess energy. After burgers and fries, even the youngest fry was ready to be on the road again.
The sunlight began to disappear as we came upon a rest area out in the middle of nowhere. It was a welcome sight as the children were cranky. A mixture of aromas greeted us: the smell of coffee, hot apple cider, and fresh baked Christmas goodies. A hearty "Merry Christmas" came from a grandpa and grandma who served as hosts.
The children were elated, for this grandma's goodies were as good as their grandma's goodies! The visit lasted a few minutes, but it was long enough to learn their story. Since their grown children couldn't come home for Christmas, they decided to share a touch of Christmas with those who were traveling home. Yes, it took some doing to receive state permission, and it took a lot of work to do the baking. But the smiles and words of thanks they received from travelers were gifts they would take home. And what stories to tell when the phone calls were made to their children on Christmas Day!
