Christmas past

When I was growing up we never had a Christmas tree or spent the holiday in our own home, we were either at my mother’s parent’s home or making a trip to California to visit my dad’s relatives. The first Christmas tree we ever had in our own living room was the one that I bought using money from my 86 dollar a week salary I got working at the corporate offices of John Deere. I proudly spent my money for an aluminum Christmas Tree with the revolving light, making its silver branches twinkle with beautiful colors, red, blue, gold, and green, a Barbie doll for my sister, and a basket ball and goal for my brother.

For so many Christmas seasons, I helped put together musical programs, excellent productions and fun banquets. Seems that those days are all gone, but what is left is the real joy of knowing that Jesus came to this earth to become our Savior. He actually gave His life twice, didn’t He? Once when He left the majesty of heaven to come to this earth, and then on the cross, which was His path back to the Father, as He became the supreme sacrifice for us.

As I think about all the Christmas carols, family get-togethers, friends that have died, my own mother going to heaven on Christmas Day, and some loved ones just too far away, I can enjoy my memories. I miss many things about the “old days” but I have a wonderful family of my own and looking forward to the two new additions in the spring. God has been so good to me that my heart swells within me in gratitude for His generosity to me.

My hope is that some how, some day, I can make someone’s Christmas special for them so that when they delve into their memories as I am doing now, they will remember that I helped them have a special day. Looking forward to a Merry Christmas!