When we were young we knew what Christmas was about. Christ's birth in a stable in Bethlehem. We still looked forward to Santa, Christmas trees, and gifts. When we grew and understood that Santa was really Daddy and Mama Christmas meant a day we celebrated Christ's birth with family. It was a warm happy day when we enjoyed a meal and visiting. Santa in my childhood was a magical time I will always treasure. I have nothing against Santa but I do have a problem with Santa taking over and pushing Jesus aside.
Christmas is a time when we feel the memories of those gone to Heaven more strongly and we miss them in our homes. Our memories come to the front of our minds and bring back the happiness of the times we had together Christmas is a day of love and togetherness, of warm hearts and fuzzy memories. It is a day when problems and worries are set aside for a while.
I think Christmas should have a place in our hearts everyday. The real meaning of Christmas, not pumpkin pies and gifts but the love of Jesus and the gratitude for the Salvation he brought to us. For the Holy Spirit He left in our hearts and minds.
Christmas's of my youth were a sight different than the way Christmas is celebrated today. We were not in a hurry, going in a store and grabbing, pushing, and spending large amounts for things that were quickly cast aside.
I remember one Christmas Eve that got me a spanking for throwing a fit in Church. We were in Church on Christmas Eve no matter the day of the week. The kids would do a program where we sung Christmas Carols. The old Christmas Carols like Silent Night, We Three Kings, and O Little Town Of Bethlehem.
We had a stand we stood on that resembled a Christmas tree. On top was the Angel. I got to be the Angel one year when I sure didn't act like an Angel. There was a big Christmas tree on the stage where we each had a gift. Of course what we didn't know was our Parents put the gift there, not Santa. Brenda got a doll at Church and I got something else. I wasn't happy at all. I had no way of knowing that my doll was at home under the Christmas tree. I think I was five and in a five year old's mind it is only here and now. I kept on until I got a spanking, right there in front of everyone. BUT, Brenda got a doll and my fangs came out. A spanking in front of everyone in Church? You just betcha.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel
