by Candace Beane
Grandpa never told me about any of his Christmas’ that he experienced as a child, but I cannot be sure that they held any happiness, and if they did, it was very short-lived. I also believe the years he lived through the depression played a significant part in his ever-grateful spirit.
There is one Christmas that I remember most fondly. That Christmas made my heart nearly burst with pure joy and fulfillment. Grandpa was still with us then. And I remember that I kept seeing things that reminded me of him, and I felt the need to buy them! I do not remember all of them, but one of them was an “Old Timers Emergency Kit” hat! Some gifts were comical, some were useful, and others just came from the heart. We wrapped them with love and giggles and placed them under the tree. Christmas could not come fast enough!
The day finally came! As we started handing out gifts and as all the bright packages were pleasantly burying our family, Grandpa seemed to enjoy things until everyone had gotten their gifts, but we were still bringing him ribboned boxes and cheerful bags just for him. His demeanor quickly changed, and his face became red; he seemed overwhelmed by the volume of gifts. As he opened box after box, tears crept down his cheeks, “Why did you guys get me all these?” he almost whispered. The answer was simple, love. How can you repay the time given and spent laughing, talking, and just being together? How can you repay the care provided and lessons taught? You cannot, but you can give from your heart to say, “thank you!”
Receiving on Christmas day is a lovely thing, but it feels like you can never get enough—it is never truly satisfying. But when you give a gift—that’s different! Then it feels like you can never give enough! Yet it is so satisfying to give to the people you love, to watch them open what you have chosen or made for them, and to show them your love and thanks for them being a part of your life—it’s just a fantastic feeling!
Christ was the very first gift of Christmas. God gave out of a heart of love. Without the precious gift of Christ, given to us out of the love of the God of Heaven and Earth, none of us could experience the amazing, genuine joy that comes through salvation. I know Grandpa’s start in life was difficult, but when he finally opened his heart to the Saviour, he could then enjoy the true joys of Christmas.