The "Shine The Lights" Story

Yesterday, commenting on another shrewd analysis of the sorry state of GSO city government, I told Joe Gurarino that he was one of the lights in an otherise dark world. I told him to "shine on". In my almost two years in the local blogosphere, I've been amazed at where (and from whom) I've found encouragement and support . . . and who has slammed the door in my face.

To those who have slammed that door (while asking everyone else, "How can I help?"), I feel the need to take the role of a Dickens' ghost and say (rattling the chains), Your actions do not match your words and expressed ideals. Sometimes "need" is not a function of socioeconomic class or race/national origin or anything else that you think might grab the headlines this time of year. Sometimes it's just a matter of doing your job the way it's supposed to be done.

I digress. This summer, I was browsing through "The Master's Loft" in Winston-Salem (there use to be one in Greensboro, but it closed), when I spotted a simple white-lighted Cross in the window. It was about three feet high. I promptly scarfed it up . . . planning to display it this Christmas in the "Amityville" window over my front porch (which is currently adorned with a Moravian Star). Alas, getting to this window is problematic, and I forgot all about placing the Cross above the porch (and switching out the star . . . which hangs there all year . . . because the window is so hard to get to) before I had surgery.

I did not decorate this year. I usually have a lighted (red white & blue) wreath on the garage, and an enormous silver Christmas tree (in honor of my Grandmother Ercie's aluminum tree), and a Snoopy Flying Ace inflatable in the front yard. The lampost and mailbox and birdhouses are all adorned with bows (the birdhouses actually get tiny stockings).

I also usually have a small nativity scene on the mantle in the den . . . my favorite is one I bought the glorious Christmas I spent in New Orleans . . . three black children are dressed as the Holy Family. It's precious.

Last year I decorated, but my heart just was not in it (what with it being the first Christmas without Dad). And this year, I just did not feel like it . . . physically or emotionally.

I only just put up a Christmas Wreath on the front door yesterday. The high-school Yas are all coming in tomorrow, and my house will be Grand-Central for a few days. I felt I had to do something. So I plugged in one candle in a front-porch window, and the Moravian Star in the Amityville window, and that was it . . . a minimalist Christmas.

When I closed the front door, I saw the Cross peeking out from the corner of the dining room. I had forgotten all about it. Knowing full well there was no way I could get it (in my pseudo-blind and still stiff/sore state) up to the porch window, I pondered about where to put it. As I fiddled with the Cross I noted a small tag attached. It was a note from the craftsman, and I thought I would share it here:

The "Shine The Lights" Story

Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

The lighted cross that you have purchased was designed by a native of Winston-Salem, NC, Pamela Hairston (shinethelights@yahoo.com). For years, she was saddened by celebrating Christmas and Easter with past traditions of trees, Easter bunnies and malls and yearned for a more spiritual expression for what Christ has done for us. A lighted cross, she thought, was the perfect message for the world today.

She placed the first lighted cross in her window during the Christmas season and someone came to the door and asked, "Where did you purchase your decorated cross?" Encouraged and supported by her Aunt and Mom, production began and is now a wonderful hand-crafted gift to honor the Lord.

The lighted cross is representative of "The True Light Of The World", our Lord and Savior, Jesus. He is the Christ of Christmas and Lord of all Christians who are now called to shine the light of the Gospel by sharing the message of salvation to those who are lost. And also, by the life of love we live.

To God Be ALL The Glory!!!

These hand-crafted crosses are designed to joyfully proclaim the Gospel by shining the light of Jesus's love in your home and business. Let's remember Jesus not only at Christmas, but also throughout the year . . . In everything give thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For He Alone Is Lord!!!

Matthew 5:14, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."

Not having a lot of options, I placed the Cross on my kitchen table . . . in front of one of the huge picture windows that look out on the street and up to my mountain view (it's actually a glorified hill). I turned off the lights and plugged in the Cross. Like magic, the glow spread across the yard and throughout my kitchen. The cats instantly quieted, and gazed upon it as if hypnotized.

I walked outside and noted that the Cross perfectly offset the candle in the window and the star.

The minimalist Christmas works for me. And it served to remind me of what I need to pull out of the corner, and put front and center.

*On that note, here's a tip: To anyone in the neighborhood who has never attended the Moravian Christmas Eve Love Feast at Home Moravian Church in Winston-Salem (see worship services), it is the most beautiful service I have ever attended any Christmas anywhere (I am partial to the last service . . . featuring the men's choir). It's too late this year, but I also recommend the Candle Tea . . . held the first two weekends of every December at the Single Brother's House in Old Salem. I've gone almost every year since I was a wee toddler.

Jesus Christ is the Reason for this season, His Life and Love are it's Greatest Gift.

Deal with it:)