Christmas Memories

Thinking about Christmas brings many fond memories to my mind.  Our mother was a telephone operator and our dad was a mechanic.   We didn't have much money, but our parents made sure that we had a roof over our heads, and they always planted a garden which kept food on our table and for our neighbors. My brother Marc had many allergies.  He was allergic to evergreen trees.  When we were growing up there were NO artificial Christmas Trees.  Our awesome dad very carefully spray painted   Christmas trees green so Marc wouldn't get sick.  I can remember that one year the new fashion was coats with hoods.  All my friends had one.  I probably was around 10-11 years old.  I knew my parents couldn't afford one,  but I wanted one, no matter what and nothing else was on my list.  I selfishly dreaded Christmas Day because I knew I wouldn't get what I had asked for.  Marc woke up early and came to my room wanting me to wake mom & dad up.  He would have been 3-4 years old.  I took him to our parent's room.  He was so excited and I was being pouty.  Well when we went into the living room, there under the tree was the most beautiful coat with a hood.  Our mom had taken my dad's pin stripe suit and made me this beautiful coat, completely lined.  Our parents made so many sacrifices, showering us with love.  They may have not had much money, but they tried to be sure Marc and I had wonderful Christmases.  They taught us what real love is all about - Giving instead of receiving.  Through the years as I recall this special Christmas, I think about God my Father giving us His son Jesus on that cold night in Bethlehem.  If God loved us so much, and my parents could go to so much trouble showering Marc and I with love, then I need to do the same.  CHRISTMAS is LOVE!  Love we don't deserve, yet it is freely given.  That tiny little baby, the most wonderful gift given to all of us.  As you celebrate Jesus' Birthday,  give Him a gift - your HEART!  Remember God loves you and so do I.