Christmas and Gifts

AS A KID growing-up, Christmas was always the best of all the holidays for me. No doubt part of what made it so special was the preparation and the anticipation leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Thinking back to those early years, here are just a few of the many great memories: putting up the tree, stringing the lights, hanging the tinsel and the ornaments; school activities; church programs; greenery and colored lights hanging above the streets in our little town; Christmas carols and other music of the season; friends; family; and wonderful food, including mom's fudge and my aunt's divinity. Everything about Christmas gave me - and our family - leisure moments to cherish.

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And, there was never a Christmas without some beautifully wrapped packages under the tree. Usually these packages started appearing at least a couple of weeks before Christmas Day. Several always had my name on an attached tag. As might be expected in young lads, temptation often got the best of me and my younger cousin. We would often find ourselves carefully shaking the colorful boxes with bows in an attempt to perhaps get a clue to what was inside.

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My parents, grandparents, or other relatives were never a part of the rich and famous. So, gifts were never enormously expensive or elaborate. However, it was amazing how folks with limited incomes could somehow manage to give Christmas presents which demonstrated their love and at the same time brought great joy and satisfaction to each individual receiving the gifts. This was especially true for me as a recipient. Even at that early age, I knew that I was loved - and very fortunate.

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Of all the numerous gifts I received during my growing-up years, a couple of them stand out as big gifts - and big surprises! And, even at my young age, I knew that my parents had to stretch their dollars in order to give them. First, there was a bicycle which I received when I was eight. Then, a few years later, my big gift was a ping-pong table. My bike was loads of fun and - as it turned out - my main means of transportation until I started driving a car. The ping-pong table provided many hours of enjoyment over many years. Both gifts may be part of the reason I ended-up in the recreation and leisure profession!

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The very best gift I ever received came when I was nine. It was God's gift of salvation and eternal life which came as a result of my belief and faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that gift, my life was changed forever: my sins were forgiven, and I was adopted into God's family. And, when my life comes to an end on this earth, I will be immediately with God in heaven for all eternity. This great and glorious gift is available to each and every individual who repents of sin and professes faith in Christ.

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During this season, let us celebrate, give gifts, and express our love for family and friends. But, let us also remember the real reason for Christmas: to celebrate the birth of Jesus, born in a manger in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. And, as the songwriter encourages us, "O Come, Let Us Adore Him: Christ, the Lord!"