12.03.2007

Christmas is a Feeling

"Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given-when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes." (Joan Winmill Brown)

This morning I pulled out a new (to me, anyhow) piece of Christmas music and played through it on the piano and found myself completely in tears and overwhelmed with the spirit and love of the gift that is Christmas. I love the music of Christmas, but I think it's because of the spirit that always comes with it. Those feelings of love, gratitude, joy, peace -- for me, they all come through the music.

So today, I'm thankful for the feelings of Christmas. And I'm so, so grateful for the music. I'm grateful for the talents that the musicians of the world share, I'm grateful for the inspirations they have received and acted upon, and I'm grateful for the way it makes me feel.

Warm. I love it.

11 comments:

Mia said...

I mentioned to my Dad (Lonnie Monreal) the other day that I like to stalk yours and Natalie's blogs. He told me that you have the sweetest sprit, that your love for the primary children is evident even when you perform the smallest of tasks like leading the music. He went on for quite a while telling about how it is a blessing to know the both of you and your sweet spirits. I want to thank you for sharing that sweet spirt on the internet so that those of us who are far away still get to feel that special joy you exude.

Emily John said...

Wow, you seriously just described Christmas for me. I love the gifts and giving the gifts but, it just brings out the Spirit to most everyone!

Unknown said...

you are too right! music is the best way to feel that christmas spirit!

Darleen said...

I love the feelings of Christmas! That's a huge part of what makes Christmas wonderful. I always think about what kind of feelings the shepherds and wisemen felt when they stood before the babe. Gloria!

Natalie Scott said...

I LOVE hearing you play the piano...I wish I could've been there to feel that spirit with you!

Christmas would not be Christmas without music. I guess life just wouldn't be life without it, either! At least not for me :o)

Melissa said...

Wish I could just sit down and play like that...what a great gift. I love music, any shape or form...it touches the soul!

Fantastic Five said...

oh jan. that is tender. it is awesome that you can play through a piece with such ease that you can even have room in your brain to feel the spirit. what a wonderful gift you have. music is my favorite thing about christmas. that and smells. i just love it. if you have digital cable, turn it to channel 801. they have great christmas music on there all day.

Holly O. said...

What a wonderful post. You are so right, I have been listening to Christmas music in the car, in the shower, as I make dinner. It brings such a wonderful spirit into our home!

tara said...

I couldn't agree more Jan. Best way to really "feel" Christmas for sure:)

Jori said...

Jan, I sure have been missing your uplifting posts! I am SO thankful for this time of year too. I loved singing the Christmas hymns on Sunday. Just fabulous!

hoLLy said...

what would life be without music? it is so powerful-especially Christmas music. it does fill the soul with such warmth. i wish i could just sit and play a piece on the piano. i play the piano but my sight reading isn't too good and i can sit and play a song(but not without a million mistakes!) i wish i was better!