I couldnt help but think this morning how the material part of Christmas has changed through the years. When my mother was growing up (she will be 90 in 3 weeks), she said that she and her brothers and sister couldnt wait to get into their stockings. You heard that right, not presents but stockings. Inside were treats that the family never had throughout the year - English walnuts, sugar-coated orange slices, chocolate drops, a new dress rolled up that her mother had made out of a feed sack. She said that all were thrilled beyond belief. Just imagine. When I was a small boy, my brother and I were very content with just 1 or 2 gifts each and a large game or baseball or basketball to be shared between the 2 of us. We were absolutely thrilled! My children are grown, and somewhere along the way, both learned great lessons from the past and almost never asked for anything. One year, I do remember Brian asked for something. When he was 14 or 15 he asked for a batting glove and sweat bands. Talk about easy on the wallet. Of course, he got more. And Beth asked for a doll once and a make-up kit another Christmas. Total contentment with just that. When I see so much being given, I always wonder how deep the appreciation goes, and in how many homes the real meaning of Christmas is shared. So from the Milam home to each of you, I wish you 3 Christmases. The first is that crazy and hectic material Christmas that we all seem to enjoy - the songs, the lights, the Santas, the music, the food, the gifts, and all of the glitter and craziness that goes with it. The second is the one long-ago Christmas that stands out in your mind. The one where you took a trip into the country or out in the state or another state and you were thrilled to get there to share with the other side of the family. The one that you shared with grandparents who are no longer living, the parents (some of whom are no longer with us), when you experienced an excitement a little different than being at home. But most of all, I wish each of you that very deep and personal Christmas that only you can describe that unites you with a savior who is Christ the Lord. If you havent experienced this Christmas, I hope that you find it and live in its glory. Thank you for being such a vital part of life. Merry Christmas.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 16:00:51 +0000
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