Simply put I want to give joy to others at Christmas time and this is one way that I can accomplish this.
Christmas became special to me at the age of four. I saw my first string of colored Christmas lights on a snow frosted pane window and I watched my first Christmas parade on High Street in downtown Columbus, Ohio.
That day there were so many people nestled together, trying to stay warm while watching the floats. Some people grasped packages in their arms and others held their children.
All of the street poles were wrapped with crisp colored lights and bigger than life sized ornaments. Garland and lights were strung across the streets from pole to pole. The outside of the stores were decorated with lights, ribbon, garland, and Christmas wreaths.
Fresh cut Christmas trees were lined above the overhang of the Woolworth and Lazarus stores. Above the Lazarus overhang were strings of lights which seemed to stretch to the sky in the form of a Christmas tree with the largest, most brilliant white star. Below the Lazarus overhang were the famous Lazarus windows that came to life with various Christmas themes and animations.
All of this seemed so magical. There was such a thrill in the air with anticipation that Christmas would soon be here! This was such a sight to see for all ages.
Almost 50 years later when I think of that experience and it still stirs my heart.
Today many people have not been given the opportunity to obtain wonderful memories of Christmas. In many ways Christmas has been watered down, commercialized, lost it's traditions and sometimes even lost it's meaning. Past generations have distant memories but many people today do not have many positive ones.
It is my hope that our display might somehow stir your heart, give you a chance to reminisce, celebrate Jesus birth, and make new memories!