Page 42 - 2018 AdventDevo-Flip book

Saturday, December 22
Christmas Tensions & Joys
“Thou dost show me the path of life;
in thy presence there is fullness of joy.”

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6, Psalm 16: 11

My fondest Christmas memory takes me back to my grade school days,
(probably first or second grade). So much of my life has happened since
then. All members of my immediate family are deceased. Since I’m the
youngest, I’ve been the one left with memories that I often just process
with myself. I appreciate the opportunity to share this with all of you.

Often holidays brought fun but also a great deal of tension to our home.
It seemed everyone somehow got triggered about something, like buying
the right gifts, having the best decorations, and being on time for all of
the activities. As a child, I felt this tension and my tummy often went into
knots because of it.

One Christmas Eve everything changed. We were having dinner in our
dining room, and I remember feeling the tension even then as we had to
eat and then hurry to get to Christmas Eve service on time. Someone
suggested I look out the window (we had large almost floor to ceiling win-
dows), and there stood Santa in all of his glory. The snow was coming
down and he just stood there smiling at me. I was always afraid of the
Department Store version of him, but this Santa was different. Suddenly
someone got up, went to the front door, and let Santa into our foyer. We
all got up to greet him. He looked down at me with such warmth and
handed me a present. I remember feeling much needed joy and peace
due to his kind, gentle way. It was as if he saw right into my heart and
wanted to relieve me of the emotional pain I was feeling. He also looked
beautiful with a wonderful full white beard and gorgeous deep red velvet
suit.

As I grew older and this memory was discussed, I found out this Santa
was our neighbor. His wife made his outfit and my parents gave him the
present to give me.

When Christ, with His very gentle way, makes himself known to me