The Wonder of Christmas

Some of us are writing Christmas memories for the prelude of the Christmas Eve service.

This was one of my memorable Christmases. All of them were great. This year I was maybe 8 years old and I really wanted this space station thing. I wasn’t really into sci-fi – but the idea of space was so cool to everyone at that point. We’d actually gone there. It really intrigued me. Of course I wanted to go to space. I still do!

But the trick with this deal is transportation. We were going to Albuquerque to be with my grandparents in a VW Beetle. Do you remember how much trunk space those things had? All in the front? So the presents took up a lot of room that year. I’m sure my parents wished I would have wanted baseball cards instead.

They were always great about getting me what I wanted. I remember the year of the bike and one of my favorites was the Pogo stick. I wanted that so bad, and I wore the rubber stopper off of it when I got it. I wonder if it contributed to my ADHD? I’ve never stopped moving…

I pray as you head into the craziness of it all (buying the space stations, heading out for the grandparents, etc) that you will remember how important all of this is to the children. Their entire world is transformed at Christmas time. And all of the stuff we do is worth it to them. Whether it’s kids or grandkids or whatever – don’t lose the wonder of it all. I know for them a lot of it is about the presents, but I think they do get the real story. Help them get it. But buy them the dang space station. Or the Red Rider BB gun. My sister was so excited about this doll whose face turned to show her happy, sad, and asleep. It’s good to give at Christmas. Most of us do too much and there is way too much materialism in it all. I know. I KNOW.

But I’m thankful that my parents figured out a way to always give me more than they probably should have.

Merry Christmas,

Tim

Comments

[The Spirit of Christmas!]

Merry Christmas to you as you all build Magical and Wonderful memories for your children!

[Debbie H.]

I remember finding one of my presents under my parent's bed... Gee, was I trying to find something? I DID,,, I FOUND I WAS GETTING A PATTI PLAYPAL DOLL. I was soooo excited but had to keep quiet. On Christmas I had to "act" excited. However, I never again went "investigating" It's better to wait. I loved that doll tho.