Luke 2: 11 Today in the town of DAvid a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
A ten year old child is a very unique person. They are too old to play with “baby” thing and not old enough to be grown up (teenagers think they are grown up). I remember that age very well. In the fall of that year my father had a massive heart attach. He laid in a hospital bed in our livingroom for weeks recovering. I had to be “quiet” so he could rest. I grew up quickly that year, because my family went through some very difficult financial times. My father could not work for several months. At Christmas time there was no money for presents. By 10 I realized that there was not a Santa Clause and really did not expect to get anything for Christmas.
In the 1960’s most gas stations and grocery stores gave out stamps. In our area it was S & H Green stamps. My Mom had been saving green stamps all year hoping to be able to get me something for Christmas. The Stamp Stores (they actually had stores where you went and shopped with your stamps) did not have “toys”. The stores stocked small appliances, housewares, dishes, etc. That year for Christmas I received: a boxed pen and pencil set, a travel alarm clock and a small suitcase. I was thrilled with all of these “adult” presents. I felt so grownup and important. With a travel alarm clock and suitcase I thought I would surely travel the world. I actually did use the travel alarm later in life.
We were poor at that time in my life, but I didn’t notice because we had all the love of the holidays and my Dad was getting better. As an adult I understand the sacrifices that my parents made and how resourceful they were to provide me with something for Christmas. They thought I might be disappointed, but it really was a very special year.
I hope everyone who reads this will remember the true meaning of Christmas and even if you don’t receive any earthly presents, remember we have all been given the most precious gift of all in Jesus Christ, our Savior. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
