As a child growing up in Indianapolis Christmas was a very magical time. Downtown as the shoppers crowded Monument Circle, there were various church choirs singing. At the Soldiers and Sailors monument in the center of Monument Circle, the fountains were iced over and there were people ice skating.
The monument itself stood nearly 285 feet tall, and each year they would string it with lights and it would illuminate the circle. As the city celebrated a Tree Lighting Ceremony they would fire off the greatest fireworks display one had ever seen, and there is no way to describe the feeling of exhilaration and wonder one would feel.
Couples would ride horse carriages around the old brick circle, some would ride the trolleys, and some would just walk, take in the sites, and breathe the chilly night air. For those who may not know - it gets very cold in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Vendors would line the streets with hot cider, and other drinks, and yes... the was no shortage of great food to eat. I have since these times longed to go back one Christmas and let my wife Ann experience it all with me, and maybe we will do this one year soon.
Complimenting the the many decorations, music, and heavenly aromas... were the people. It was like this stone cold city was at peace and full of life, and the people were all in one accord. One thing that stands out most of all in my mind is that the people greeted each other with Merry Christmas without any thought about being politically correct. People would volunteer more at the Homeless Shelters or at least spare some change to the city's homeless on the streets.
I'm not saying this was heaven on earth, but for a little while it was maybe the best we could do. For a brief period of time - just a season, humanity was humane. I wouldn't be so foolish to compare it to the wonders of the Heavenly City, for instead of streets of brick we will walk upon streets of gold. I like to think however, that maybe... just maybe, this earthly jubilation was a small glimpse of the Heaven we all long for.
Too all of my friends and family who have taken the time to read my blog, and hear an old man reminisce... Merry CHRISTmas, and may God Bless you all!
The monument itself stood nearly 285 feet tall, and each year they would string it with lights and it would illuminate the circle. As the city celebrated a Tree Lighting Ceremony they would fire off the greatest fireworks display one had ever seen, and there is no way to describe the feeling of exhilaration and wonder one would feel.Couples would ride horse carriages around the old brick circle, some would ride the trolleys, and some would just walk, take in the sites, and breathe the chilly night air. For those who may not know - it gets very cold in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Vendors would line the streets with hot cider, and other drinks, and yes... the was no shortage of great food to eat. I have since these times longed to go back one Christmas and let my wife Ann experience it all with me, and maybe we will do this one year soon.
Complimenting the the many decorations, music, and heavenly aromas... were the people. It was like this stone cold city was at peace and full of life, and the people were all in one accord. One thing that stands out most of all in my mind is that the people greeted each other with Merry Christmas without any thought about being politically correct. People would volunteer more at the Homeless Shelters or at least spare some change to the city's homeless on the streets.
I'm not saying this was heaven on earth, but for a little while it was maybe the best we could do. For a brief period of time - just a season, humanity was humane. I wouldn't be so foolish to compare it to the wonders of the Heavenly City, for instead of streets of brick we will walk upon streets of gold. I like to think however, that maybe... just maybe, this earthly jubilation was a small glimpse of the Heaven we all long for.
Too all of my friends and family who have taken the time to read my blog, and hear an old man reminisce... Merry CHRISTmas, and may God Bless you all!
