Thomas Edison, the inventor of the first successful practical light bulb, created the very first strand of electric lights. During the Christmas season of 1880 these strands were strung around his laboratory – the first Christmas lights.
So why do some of us go a little crazy about putting up Christmas lights? I must admit I was inspired by my neighbours. In our street there’s quite a few of us that put in the effort to light up our homes.
A lot of the reason people put up lights at Christmas is that it’s an easy way to share the joy and happiness of the season. It’s not hard to make a child smile when bright, different coloured lights turn on at dusk and make the trees glitter like rainbow coloured fireflies.
I was fortunate this year to adopt a rather large Nativity scene. Each year I have tried to make a different type of Nativity scene. One year it was even in an old fish tank. This year however thanks to Joy Beatie, I have possibly the largest Nativity scene in Canowindra.
Many may have seen the very same on Joy’s roof in South Canowindra. These wonderful pieces needed a little love and a repaint, but being an artist that wasn’t too hard. Even my husband has got into the spirit of the season this year, excited about installing the scene properly.
It is true my husband and I do believe strongly in the reason for the season – that is the birth of Christ and its incredible significance. But I think for everyone it’s important to realise sharing joy, hope and happiness at Christmas can be a very rewarding. It can be as simple as wishing someone a happy Christmas, or giving a card or gift, or going the extra mile for someone in need. There are those in our town who could do with a bit of extra Christmas cheer. Christ was born to bring joy, hope, peace and forgiveness to earth. I do hope you not only experience this this Christmas but are also able to share it with another.
Merry Christmas to all and may peace come to your home this season.
By Sue Hodge
