Christmas Thoughts on Magic

“Seeing isn’t believing. Believing is seeing.”

-Some little elf on “The Santa Claus”

I used to think that was a silly line that didn’t make any sense. But as I look in wonder at my lit Christmas tree in the dark of an early morning, I think I understand it. And how true!

Magic is in perception. In the seeing of that magic. As a child, everything we see is bright and beautiful and mysterious to us, and so, magic is everywhere. The magic has never gone away; it’s still there, waiting for us to perceive it once more.

A Christmas tree sparkles with tinsel and white lights that shine like a decorated night sky; And the angel, majestic, glowing, and holy in such a warm and loving way, stands guardian on the top. A sweet sentinel of memory and worship. These are things that will live in our memories of Christmas! In a child’s growing up, in all her days, she may forget the gifts, the activities, but she will remember how she felt, how warm her heart was, how filled with family, and it will be washed in the glorious glow of Christmas tree lights sparkling like stars.

All of this lighted glory stands against my picture window. An ornament hangs in the window, red and shiny, and reflects the glory of the tree and angel. The lights on the tree spill over to the lights reflected in the window glass, and I see it all through a reflection in my mirror. A reflection of the reflections. How appropriate when we think of our perception of Christmas. For now we see only shimmers, sparkling glimpses, of what is to come. Those mere glimpses are the most glorious parts of us, the most celebrated, the most anticipated. . .and yet they are mere glimpses. What rich treasures forever must hold! What sparkling beauty and homecoming and song and celebration! I hope to do much more work here first, but oh how I long to celebrate Christmas in Heaven!