Corrie Ten Boom’s Christmas Memories Sýnishorn

Christmas in Corrie’s childhood

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. - Isaiah 9:6  

When Corrie is 84 years old she recalls the sweet memories of the Christmases of her childhood. She shares that the Christmas Joy was not about a short and transient gladness that disappeared as soon as the chilly January month made his entrance to finish the Christmas season. But it was, and is about an everlasting  joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Yes, there were the sweet childhood memories of her mother and aunt who both had a gift to make Christmas as colourful and happy as possible. She remembered the holly and the mistletoe, sometimes even a little Christmas tree, the Christmas table with the red ribbons, where the family gathered, enjoying the hot chocolate and the Christmas bread with powdered sugar. They all walked to the Sint Bavo Cathedral for the church service and sang “O holy Night” and “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and the sound of the world-famous organ filled the church. All expressions of an everlasting and unspeakable glorious joy. 

But first and foremost they celebrated that the words of the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled, that night in Bethlehem 2000 years ago: “God so loved the world and sent His Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). They knew He is the “Wonderful Counsellor”, He is God, He has brought peace in the midst of circumstances. And one day He, will come back and reign forever. And it is the passionate commitment of the Lord Himself that guaranteed this.

That was what Christmas in the ten Boom family was all about. They wanted to serve this King with all their heart, mind and strength. And they wanted to share this Christmas Joy with as many people as possible, because they knew that the Lord Jesus had said: “Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

To reflect

Let us celebrate Christmas, knowing that it is all about an Everlasting Joy, because God so loved the world that he sent His only Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life. He is our Lord and King today!

Prayer

Thank You Lord that we can celebrate Your coming to this world all year through because it is about a never ending  truth and joy.