My heart is warmed when I see a lit menorah during Hanukkah. Called “The Festival of Lights” it speaks of a great miracle at the time when the Maccabees regained control of the Temple in Jerusalem and only had one-days worth of oil for the menorah in the temple. They lit it anyway, and miraculously, the menorah stayed lit and burning for 8 days. Hanukkah means “dedication”. It is a festival of hope and joy.

I feel those same feelings of hope and joy at Christmas time. For me, Christmas is a time of miracles.

One of those miracles occurred in my own heart, many years ago as a youth when I saw the short movie, “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas” with James Stewart and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Scenes of the season, snow, shoppers, giving, music–I remember them all. I also remember feelings of sorrow for this kindly old man who kept being ignored. And then feelings of joy when he found friends.

Most of all I remember the feelings I had at the manger scene. Tears welled up in my own eyes as Mr. Krueger thanked the Babe of Bethlehem for all of his blessings, especially for the comfort he felt at the time he lost his dear wife Martha. My favorite line, “I’m Willie Krueger . . .  but you know that.”

I knew. I knew for myself that Christ knew me by name, and had also blessed me. And I loved Him. I longed to be there in that cave with Mr. Krueger so that I could give my own thanks.

To me, that is Christmas. A time of miracles when hearts are touched, as mine was.

For those who have never seen it, or those of you who have forgotten what it was about, I share it with you here. Merry Christmas!

Tags: Christmas