Christmas is always a time of fun for our children and grandchildren. Memories are created that last through generations when shared. I’d like to share my childhood favorite.
The night was filled with celebration as everyone gathered to open presents. A squeal of joy was heard when a new toothbrush with toothpaste was opened. Hugs ensued at the revelation of two bars of bath soap. Laughter erupted through the air when someone received a hairbrush and hand mirror. Wait! Where are the fun things? In 1963, British Guiana (Guyana) the mission home was filled with people who were excited not only to receive, but also to give the most important things one needed for everyday life. Because of their love, they understood the needs of each other. Now in my 70’s I remember that Christmas like it was last year. I am thankful for its unspoken guidance on the difference between basic need and desire—fun, and essentials—a lesson on giving to the need—all imparted in love.
Isn’t that what Christ provided on that first Christmas morning, a celebration full of joy, peace, family tradition, and yes, even fun? But there’s more! As the angel said to the shepherds, the birth of Jesus Christ is “good news. A savior has been born.” Why did we need a Savior? In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve fell. Down they went, dragging all humanity with them into the darkness and death of sin. And what did God do? He did not tell us to find our own way out of the mess we were in, and He did more than shout down happy thoughts to us from heaven. No, He saw our need and He came down to where we were and got us—Because He loved us! Amen! That’s what Christmas is all about—God’s seeing our need and coming down to rescue us, to do whatever it took to deliver us from sure death.
Christmas in one word? LOVE!
Andrew Oldham is a Northsider.
