Never was there a place like my grandmother's house during Christmas.
For four years, I was the only grandchild on my father's side of the
family. I don't remember those Christmases, but I'm sure the presents
abounded. I do, however, remember those that came after the next four
grandchildren came along.
My grandfather was an ice cream
delivery man and made only a meager salary. My grandmother worked at the
local hospital as a nurses' aid. Her salary was meager as well, but she
had a charge card. She also had money taken from her check each week and
placed in a Christmas fund. As Christmas neared, the tree in the corner
of the living room began bulging with presents. The stack grew until it
was one half as high as the tree itself. I-along with the other
grandchildren, couldn't wait to dive in.
Mom and Dad-or my aunt
and uncle, couldn't compete with my grandmother's extravagance. They
did, however, continue the tradition. Eat first, sit in a circle in the
den, have the oldest grandchildren distribute the gifts, and then open
all the gifts. When my grandmother retired and could no longer afford to
buy so many gifts, Mom took over the tradition.
Christmas at my
grandparents was enjoyable-and not just because of the abundance of
gifts. Eating together, rehearsing old memories, and catching up on each
other's lives made the celebration-whether the Christmas stack was
plenteous or not. We had each other.
As my grandmother gave
abundantly, so did God. A baby born in a cave and laid in a feeding
trough-and to parents from an insignificant town-might not seem like
abundant giving on God's part, but it was. This small baby was God's
gift to the world-a gift that still has far-reaching effects for those
who choose to accept Him as God's Messiah.
This small baby would
die on a cross 33 years later and pay for the sins of humanity. All who
accept God's gift have their sins forgiven and are assured of an
abundant eternity. Though we may be possession poor, we can be
spiritually rich.
Are you celebrating Christmas abundance?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of abundance You gave us in
the birth of Your Son.
Martin Wiles
Hodges, South Carolina, USA
