Post 42 Tuesday 22 December . . . (Christmas Extra) Lights do it. On Monday evening the word was “Go.” Amid occasional rain and finger-numbing cold we walked the trails of Wellfield Botanic Gardens Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights in Elkhart. Wonderful! We wore coats that shed the sprinkles and minimized the shivers, though our hands were freezing as we snapped pictures. Wood fires added to the festive setting. Masks, timed-ticket entry and one-way trails allowed social distance and all such safety measures ( no hot chocolate this year) to be readily met. We ate it up.
In the Christian tradition Christmas trees lights, symbolizing Jesus as the light of the world, are traced to early modern Germany where actual candles were used.
I spent an exchange year in Germany in the mid-1960s. The forester in our area cut down a tree for the church that met at the retreat center and retirement home where I was a volunteer. During those weeks of Advent and Christmas services my job involved lighting the candles on the tree and sitting close by with a pail of water. How sweet and fragrant it was; no mishap, just a host of flickers that lightened the darkness. The sermons I’ve forgotten; the candles’ flickering light I remember.
A walk through the Wellfield Botanic Gardens
Evening Prayer, 1928 Book of Common Prayer
“Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord, and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night, for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen.” A prayer for all conditions of humankind.
Merry/Happy Christmas!
-John
It's About Now 
What a splendid and colorful journey through the gardens. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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Thanks, Marlene. We need all the color we can get, of course, including black and white.
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Thank you, John
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Always good to hear from you, Laurene. Blessings!
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Thanks for the tour. We won’t make it to see the nighttime beauty this year.
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Beauty reigns where’re one wistfully observes. I recall that one of Willard’s teachers often repeated the maxim, “Observation is the key . . . ” Now what is it, “to all learning?”
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Thank you for sharing this visual treat and the accompanying descriptions, history, and prayer. I feel guilty viewing it in the warmth of my home, but I’m sure you preferred your ambience despite the bitter, damp cold! I remember the Episcopal liturgy as saying “A prayer for all conditions of men.” I guess even the 1928 Book of Common Prayer has been made more inclusive, whether by others or by you, John!
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Yes, Marcia, you caught me out. I did take literary license to make the language inclusive. Thanks for noticing.
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LOVELY display!
Karen
*From:* It’s About Now *Sent:* Tuesday, December 22, 2020 4:47 PM *To:* moshkr@emu.edu *Subject:* [New post] Stay-Go-Be-Do #10
John Bender posted: ” Post 42 Tuesday 22 December . . . (Christmas Extra) Lights do it. On Monday evening the word was “Go.” Amid occasional rain and finger-numbing cold we walked the trails of Wellfield Botanic Gardens Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights in Elkhart. Wonderful! “
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Thanks, Karen. I can only imagine the wonderful colors of the items that take shape from your knitting needles.
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Loved the journey of lights. Now is the time to celebrate a light that is reborn in every act of kindness, and a spark that can never be extinguished. Indeed it is the season of light. Beautiful, even through your pictures.
Kaye
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Kindness, light, beauty. It’s all around, even in the darkness. Thanks.
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John, What fun to see the well field lighted! Walking the familiar paths in the lighted darkness is a treat and brings back good memories from our years of sojourn in Elkhart.
Stanley
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The treat would only be enhanced with a post-garden hot something, another treat of good memory. Best!
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Thanks for all the light you shared this past year. Merry Christmas, John & Marty! Looking forward to the New Year when we will all have 2020 hindsight!
Monty & Ginger
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Yes, Monty and Ginger, we’re so much in favor of 2020 hindsight to propel us forward. Perfect! All good wishes for your entry into the New Year.
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