THE BIBLE IN MY LIFE December 25, 2006 Issue

BURSTS OF LIGHT

CHRISTIANE WEST LITTLE

MY LOVE OF THE BIBLE started in Switzerland with our mother, whom we called Mamita. I loved her gentle voice reading to me and my sister from her small Luther Bible, filling our thoughts with the light of God's healing love.

The best reading was always on Christmas Eve. What wonder and light as Dad ushered us into the Christmas room! There were fragrant pine branches on the small table, a plate of cookies, some nuts and raisins, a few presents. But most of all, I remember the sudden burst of light from white candles clipped to the pine branches.

Mamita read from her Bible in German, because our German-speaking grandmother was living with us. Her readings were always from the book of Luke, telling of God's glory shining, as the angels announced the Saviour's birth. She always ended with the heavenly chorus: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." I thought, How kind of God to let the shepherds know of Jesus' birth.