Heart of the Home

When my friend had a daughter, I packed the little box away and vowed that someday I would give it to her when she was old enough to appreciate it. Just last summer, I had the opportunity to do that. It gave me great pleasure to give the gift that meant so much to me to someone who will cherish the meaning behind the gift.

My favorite kinds of gifts are the intangible kind: when someone gives of their time, a hug when I need it or a cheery note when I'm feeling down.

This time of year reminds me of my greatest gift - my relationship with Jesus Christ. What a precious and everlasting gift. He has blessed my life immeasurably, and the joy He brings into my life is a gift that compares to no other.

Love,
Kate Marshbanks

Together with God

I find myself troubled this Christmas by the amount of anger growing in this world. We all seem so short-tempered from waiting in line, waiting on the phone, hurrying to get somewhere and going nowhere. I have even been toying with the idea of not decorating this year. It seems so repetitive constantly to be pulling out boxes and putting up a tree, only to take it all down and pack it away again.

The children are grown, living in other cities with their own families, and I wonder why bother. I can remember when it was such a joy. The excitement of the season and the pleasure of shopping for gifts used to fill me with peace, and I long to feel that peace again.

I find myself wondering if the magic is gone, and I don't think we can afford to allow that to happen. The magic of Christmas was not the decorations, or the lights, or even the snow. The magic of Christmas is the blessing, and that is what we must pass along to one another so that we can learn to stop the anger. The magic of the blessing is the promise.

On second thought, I think I will pull out those boxes and decorate my small corner of the world, as a symbol of renewing the promise. Those lights across my porch will burn through the dark night with bright hope for each new tomorrow. I love Christmas for the hope it brings.

Father, thank You for this blessed day to be able to express our joy for Your promise and the belief in Your message by decorating our homes and our hearts with Your love. May we find peace in Your light and the joy that once filled our childhood. Protect our soldiers and bring them home safely to their loved ones. Father, this Christmas teach us to replace the anger with love. Amen.

D. Susan Rutz