As Christmas draws near, I reflect more and more on the years gone by. Guess that’s a sign of old age. O well, it does my soul good. Especially when I think about how simple things were back then.
Dad and I would always combine a hunting trip with getting the annual Christmas tree. While we hunted “cottontails” we stayed on the look-out for the ideal tree. When we arrived back home the decorations began. For many years the only “store-bought” ornaments we had were a few glass bulbs and a big red and white plastic star that adorned the top of the tree. Everything else was home-made. Mom made pop-corn balls and we would string pop-corn on fishing line to wrap around the tree. Add to that a few well-placed candy canes and the tree was finished. Man, I can still smell the cedar today!
Of course Christmas morning was what it was all about as far as my sister and I were concerned. Typical gifts consisted of fruit, nuts, a few new clothes, and one toy, and no one could open their gifts until Christmas morning–that was dad’s rule and he refused to compromise. That doesn’t seem like much by today’s standards, but it was a big deal to us. My favorite gift ever wasn’t even new. It happened when I was in the seventh grade. Mom took an old top coat that belonged to my grandpa, before he died, cut it down to my size, and gave it to me at Christmas. Wow–I thought I was the most stylish kid in the school.
The memories could go on and on, but the most important thing about Christmas was missing—and I didn’t even know it. There was no mention whatsoever of Christ. Although mom professed to be a Christian, we never attended church and never discussed “religion”.
Sadly, Christmas for many today isn’t all that much different. While the traditions, trappings, and gifts are different, most people still miss the main thing–which is Christ. Listen mom and dad, you are making memories that will stick with your children for the rest of their lives. Don’t leave out the most important thing. Talk about Christ. Sing about Christ. Tell them about Jesus. And live everyday in a way that reflects your love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Your children will thank you for it someday. THINK ABOUT IT!
