Chrstmas – Duane S. Montague: Recent Episodes
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The author expresses feelings of "melancholiday" - a mix of sadness and joy during the holiday season, especially on what they call their "First Last Christmas". The family is preparing for a significant change, as eldest daughter Audrey is set to marry, altering their longtime holiday traditions. The author reflects on the importance of cherishing time with loved ones and intends to focus more on present moments, despite nostalgic feelings.
The phrase “rest you merry” has nothing to do with Christmas. It dates back to Medieval England–as early as 1300, when it was used in a romantic tale called “Floris and Blauncheflur.” Of course, that was in Old English, and much harder to read today. By 1548, English Bishop Thomas Cooper referred to it inContinue reading "Resting Merry Isn’t Just for Christmas"
As the Christmas season ends, I like to look at Mary’s perspective. Her life has been turned upside down in the last year. She went from being a young girl excited about marriage to encountering angels, facing expulsion or even worse, death. The government has caused her world to turn upside down, there is politicalContinue reading "Following Mary’s Lead Into the New Year"
I can hear a Christmas carol playing while I stand in line here at the Starbucks in Denver Airport. I think I’m the only person listening to the words, which are full of Good News. Whether it’s sung by Bing Crosby or Perry Como, by Bob Seeger or Elvis Presley, the music of the seasonContinue reading "Good News In the Starbucks Queue"
Unexpected news? A bill you didn’t see coming? Health issues for someone you love? Relationships strained? I get it. It’s hard any time of the year, but worse at Christmas. Looking at my friends’ profiles, it’s easy to see that I’m not alone in thinking the peaceful season is fraught with pain and worry andContinue reading "Why One Line in This Christmas Song May Be the Greatest Ever Written"
We often forget how awfully terrible the birth of Jesus was. When we look at our nativity scenes, with cheerful people adoringly staring at a smiling happy baby in a manger, we forget the mess: The mess of politics that drove the young couple from their home nearly 100 miles away to an overcrowded townContinue reading "The Messiness of Christmas"
The story of Christmas doesn’t begin in Bethlehem. It begins at the beginning of time when two people willfully disobey God’s one command, shattering the relationship between the Creator and His creation. The very day that sin enters the world, God promises that a Savior, the Messiah, will come… someday. Abraham, Jacob, Ruth, David, allContinue reading "It Doesn’t Start With the Manger"
I first wrote these words to myself on this day two years ago: you are going to be okay. It’s amazing how much this phrase still resonates during the holidays. Everyone needs the reminder, because everyone is facing something that grips them during this time of year. Whether its schedules and busyness, worries and fears,Continue reading "All is Well"
There’s an important story in the life of Christ that might be good for us to take a look at before we jump into the busy holiday season that really kicks off for most of us this week. As we get ready for the familiar feelings of baking, being with friends and family, decorating forContinue reading "Don’t Forget the Wonder"
In 1997, Starbucks introduced a special new cup to hold its beverages during the holiday season. “The theme for holiday was “Give in to the Rhythm,” and the red festive cups punctuated the jewel-toned palate of deep reds, greens, blues and yellows and a jazzy Santa with a profile that evoked the Starbucks siren,” accordingContinue reading "I Really Don’t Care How You Feel About Red Cups"
Every year, I search for a great new Christmas album to add to my collection. With more than 11,150 Christmas songs in my collection since I began in 1987, I’ve heard everything. Good and bad. When you find a holiday album that is simply perfect in every way, it’s a cause for celebration. This year,Continue reading "A Jazzy, Classical, Somewhat Folky but Still Appalachian Christmas"