If Charles Dickens was still with us, he might have written about Windsor and Paradise, instead of London and Paris, in his historical novel, “A Tale of Two Cities.”
Both Northern California towns have equal populations, about 27,000 residents each. As we know, Paradise was destroyed by fire—there was only one way in or out. Windsor survived the 2017 blaze with smoke and minor damage. Many areas were not so fortunate during the worst disasters in California history.
This past decade has been “the best of times and the worst of times.” America has experienced non-stop prosperity since the Great Recession of 2008-09. Unemployment is at an all-time low. Wages and salaries are up (for some) and the stock market continues to set records.
Meanwhile, others continue to suffer. Thousands lost homes, property, pets and businesses along with friends and loved ones. Insurance has not always covered fire damage and victims have been thinking twice about rebuilding versus selling their land and moving away. Rather than be defeated, and lose faith, these experiences can make us stronger, more resilient, and bring us closer together in a spirit of unity and solidarity, by holding on to our anchor in a time of (fire)storms.
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude for the blessings we have, and a season where people express compassion and reach out to help others less fortunate. Some $32 million was raised after the Tubbs fire in November and December last year to help fire victims. People not only donated money, but food, water, clothing and personal time in a massive outpouring. Figuratively speaking, there was room at the inn, whether at public shelters or in private homes, motels, trailers, tents and vehicles. If you want to help, go to: https://sonomacountyrecovers.org or call 707-565-1222. To support those in Paradise, go to: https://campfirebutte.recovers.org.
Dickens believed in the true spirit of Christianity and penned the immortal Christmas tale Scrooge, about a miser who was shown the error of his ways, turned around (repented) and became a loving benefactor of mankind. He discovered his true purpose and business goal, humanity.
Christmas has always been a time for giving, along with praising and thanking God for his blessings and care for us no matter what our circumstances may be. We praise Him in carols, by lighting candles during Advent, recreating nativity scenes, going to church on Christmas Eve and making special provisions for the poor – and, yes, watching the movie It’s a Wonderful Life – another story of redemption. Someone once said the greatest sermon ever preached was about giving a loaf of bread to a hungry person. Another said, you never stand as tall as when you stoop to help a needy child.
The spirit of Christmas is alive and well today in Windsor. Here are just two examples.
- New Song Church is hosting a Christmas Concert Dec. 7 and 8 at 167 Arata Lane celebrating the birth of the “Light of the World.” Performances start at 7 p.m. and include a Community Choir from Sonoma County and musical artists presenting pop, jazz, rap and gospel music of the season. Tickets are available online for $10 (adults) and $5 (kids under 12). Go to http://www.ticketor.com/newsongwindsor, or call 707-838-9191 for details. Proceeds will support the Redwood Gospel Mission’s programs for the homeless.
- Five free Christmas music services will be held at Windsor Community United Methodist Church at 9451 Brooks Road South. On Dec. 9 the Windsor Strings Orchestra performs; on Dec. 16, Kirk Parris will play the recorder; Dec. 23 will feature a Christmas Cantata; Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. is the Christmas Eve program, and on Dec. 30 there will be a carol sing. All events — except the last — take place at 10:30 a.m.
- The Windsor Care Network is serving a FREE Christmas dinner for town residents on Dec. 15, noon to 3 p.m. at the Methodist Church at 9451 Brooks Road South. Call 707-322-1882 to reserve carryout, two per order, or to arrange home delivery if over age 65. No one needs to be alone. Over 525 attended the Thanksgiving dinner, more are expected at Christmas. Santa Tim will be there, along with three musical groups – and there’s a piñata for the kids.
Check the Windsor Times faith community listings or contact one of the 12 churches in town to find out what else they are doing to celebrate and enjoy the sounds and sights of the season this year.
Gary Quackenbush is a Windsor resident and writer with his own public relations consultancy. He is the founder of the Windsor Care Network and a former CEO of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at [email protected].
