A CHRISTMAS CARD, A TIMELESS MEMORY

This story was shared in a Christmas card to SOTV from Lyn Weiler.

“A special Christmas card for family and friends of my parents, Bob and Lee Weiler. This Christmas card was to be a project Mom, and I were going to work on together but on September 10, Mom’s Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, called her to her eternal life.  

I would like to share the story of the card as it turned out to be more special than I ever thought it would… The card front is from a picture I took of the 15-foot Christmas tree that graced the sanctuary of Shepherd of the Valley [Lutheran] Church in Apple Valley, MN last Christmas (2023). It’s a beautiful Christmas tree, but what makes it so special?  

The story is two-fold - the tree was adorned with handmade, needlepointed Chrismons (Christian symbols) that were made by Mom and Dad over 25 years ago. As many of you already know, Mom was the visionary and Dad was the craftsman. Dad needlepointed the actual ornaments to Mom’s vision. Together they worked on the project and upon completion presented the white and gold ornaments to [SOTV] to decorate the Christmas tree. Since their move back to Wisconsin in the mid-90’s to care for their parents, we were never sure how or if the ornaments continued to be used.  

Last Christmas (2023) Mom and I went to one of the Christmas Eve Services at Shepherd of the Valley and we were both genuinely surprised and thrilled to see that very tall sanctuary Christmas tree adorned with those special Chrismons made by Mom and Dad some 25 years ago.

What was special is that for many years I had not seen Mom smile and beam with such sheer delight as she did when she saw the tree. It turned out to be a special night for both her and I as we sat in the church that  provided for her and Dad their Christian home for so many years.  

That night prompted so many fond wonderful memories for both mom and me…What a special Christmas Eve and a great Christmas gift of comfort and joy Mom and I were able to enjoy together!  

This story will always remain a special memory for me as I feel it gives perspective…Faith makes all things possible, hope makes all things work, love makes all things beautiful.  

My best wishes to you during this very blessed holiday and may you, too, find perspective in your lives and appreciation for the memories that you have been given.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”
Sincerely, Lyn Weiler