My wife and I headed north for Christmas to spend time with family and friends in Utah. The route selected took into consideration travel conditions and my desire to see the snow that had fallen in a recent storm. The one overnight stop destination was the small community of Kanab, Utah. The quaint town had the charm I anticipated, and we arrived early enough to enjoy a meal at the Rocky V Cafe (I recommend) and drive through neighborhoods as Christmas lights were coming on.
Light research led me to one meaning of the name Kanab, coming from a Native American word…a willow basket used to carry an infant on its mother’s back. It brought to mind the simplicity of the Christmas manger scene. The thought continued the next morning heading north on State Route 89. It was like driving through a Christmas card. Snow layering small communities and older homesteads with smoke rising easily from chimneys.
The journey was a chance to reflect on the simple, yet profound meaning of that first Christmas. God coming, dwelling among us…
There is a quote from Eckhart Tolle that I believe points to a deeper and more profound meaning of the message of Christmas… You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness that is already within you, and allowing that goodness to emerge.