Some of the most cherished
Christmas memories I hold snugly in my heart center around the kitchen where
my mom and my grandma would prepare trays filled with an assortment of homemade
cookies and candies to be delivered to family and friends. For several days a variety of sweet-smelling
aromas filtered throughout our house. At
times the temptation to sample the once a year delicacies was too much so I
would snitch a Christmas tree sugar cookie or a piece of divinity. Yes, I was usually caught but kindly
forgiven. However, once the trays were
completed for delivery, our family enjoyed the leftovers. J
But it wasn’t until Mom asked me to go with her to
deliver the trays that I discovered the true meaning of giving. The look on the recipients’ faces when Mom
handed them a tray and their words of gratitude brought joy to my heart.
Something inside me transformed as I witnessed the Spirit of Jesus in action.
It was thrilling to be a part of this Christmas gift.
Another special memory of mine took place at the
annual children’s Christmas Eve program at our church. I was cast as Mary from the Christmas
story. Being a second or third grader ( I
don’t recall which one), I was excited to play the part of Mary. There were no
speaking parts, just action. I remember
walking down the aisle with Joseph beside me and taking our places around a
wooden manger in front of the altar. As
the narrator told the familiar story with the coming and going of angels,
shepherds and wise men, I felt honored to be portraying Mary, the mother of
Jesus. Even now after all these years,
the scene remains vivid in my memory and warms my soul.
Of course, included in my Christmas memories were the
gathering of family and the exchanging of gifts. One special gift that surpassed all others
was the arrival of a puppy that welcomed me with whimpering and licks of love
as he leaped from a decorated box lying under the tree. I was so surprised and
thrilled that I called him “Happy.”
Happy, part Chihuahua and terrier, became my best buddy through my
junior and senior high school years. His devotion and affection brought me
joy, comfort, and unconditional love, characteristics of Jesus who entered our
lives at Christmas.
And because of Christ’s arrival, my Christmas memories
wouldn’t be complete without those simple but significant Christmas Eve
candlelight services. In my home church
the children’s Christmas program was held on Christmas Eve at 6:30 and then at
11 o’clock, the candlelight service began. As I grew older, I came to
understand the candlelight service with a deeper spiritual appreciation. The
special music, the Christmas hymns, the message of Christmas, the lighting of
the candles, and the silence upon departure drew me closer to the heart of
Jesus, who was born for me and for the entire world.
Since our home was only a block from the church, my
family would often walk the short distance, weather permitting. I remember one
night in particular when I walked ahead of everyone else. The stillness of the
night surrounded me while the cold, crisp air refreshed me. I looked up and what seemed like thousands of
bright, glittering stars covered the ebony sky. It was breathtaking!! When I turned the corner toward our house, I
imagined what the shepherds must have felt as the angels appeared with the
announcement of our Savior’s birth.
Truly, the ultimate GIFT!!
“And suddenly there was
with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory
to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” Luke 2: 13-14
