Bronson Park

 


This is me, and in this picture I am 1 1/2 years old. 

The manger is one that used to be (or maybe still is) at one end of Bronson park in Kalamazoo.  And, if my parents never took me back there - then I REMEMBER THIS NIGHT!

"Sure" you say, "sure you do..."

But I do!

I remember looking at Mary and Joseph who were taller than me, and seeing that little baby Jesus in the manger.  I remember my Dad telling me about Him, and noting that Mary had a baby, and my mom was soon going to have a baby.  I remember the HUGE camels, the donkey, the sheep, and the wise men...

Now, in addition to the manger, Bronson Park had never looked so festive.  Along each path  there was a long row of lighted candy canes that you could walk under.  The night sparkled with the lights on the little Christmas trees that had been brought in and decorated.  There were bells, and lanterns, tinsel, and at the center of the park even a Santa in a sleigh, way up in the sky being led by his team of reindeer.  

But for all of the glitz and glamour  - it was the scene at the end of the park - the one with the star, and the baby in the manger that captured my attention.

I like that JESUS is one of my first memories...

And as I approach this Christmas - I am happy that the wonder and awe I felt way back then - remains.  HE is the REASON for the season!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." - Romans 15:13










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