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A Christmas to Remember

Christmas was always a very special time around our house. The family would climb into Dad’s pickup truck in search of the “perfect” Christmas tree. After searching two or three Christmas lots, we would go back to purchase the first tree lots we had seen.

Decorating the Christmas tree was a family affair; Dad arranged the lights. Mom and we girls would put all of our special ornaments on it. Then came the tinsel for the finishing touch.

At last…the lights were turned on – there we stood with our eyes wide and bright, staring in awe at the tree.

Trying to fall asleep on Christmas eve was a real struggle. The minutes that ticked by seemed like hours. With each tick of the clock, the anticipation grew! Getting up in the morning was difficult for all of us, but not on Christmas morning! On this special day we were up before daybreak. We would peek into the living room at the Christmas tree to see all the gifts.

A parade of three little girls would scurry down the hall to Mom and Dad’s room to gently knock on their door to wake them up. We all excitedly rushed to the living room to open our presents. The tree glittered when Dad turned on the Christmas tree lights. There was a dazzling array of presents, all shapes and sizes. Our names were placed individually on each personal gift. Even though we each received the same gift, each was special in it’s own way. We knew our parents loved each of us equally. Christmas was a fun time.

It wasn’t until several years later that a friend shared with me the true meaning of Christmas. She explained, “Christmas is a special time to remember the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Just by His coming did not make Him our Savior. It was His death on the cross and His resurrection.” I learned from my friend’s Bible that I was a sinner condemned until I came to trust Jesus Christ as my Savior. My good works were not a requirement to get to heaven … only my faith in Christ. I’m so glad my friend shared the truth of John 3:16 with me:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

When Dad and Mom presented my Christmas gift, I reached out and accepted it. I have also reached out and accepted my free gift of eternal life from Jesus Christ. His arms are outstretched offering you “His gift”. Will you also reach out and take it by faith? When you do, you, too, will have a Christmas to remember!