A "Poor-Man's" Christmas?

"When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?"

- G.K. Chesterton

I don't think that I am alone in saying this year, Christmas will be tight financially. Walking around the grocery store the other day, I noticed that I simply just could not afford to purchase everything I needed (more like wanted!) to bake all the scrumptious cookies and treats that I grew up baking in my family because the ingredients are just too expensive!

I was pretty upset that, this being the first year in my own home, getting ready to be a bride, I could not provide my husband to be with a hearty Christmas Eve hosted by his bride-to-be - filled with cookies, and cakes, and a feast to please his heart and tummy...I told my husband to be that I just wanted memories of sipping hot cocoa, watching Christmas movies, laughter, baking, the works - I wanted to be that bride that had that kind of ability entertain her husband and make him feel like the holidays were really something to be had...something to be cherished and longed for in eager anticipation...

Then, my sweet husband to be did something to remind me that Christmas was already going to be special even though we aren't rich and can't afford all the "luxuries" of Christmas. On his way by to see me, he stopped by the store. When he got to my house, he told me to sit on the couch and close my eyes and wait a few minutes.

And what did he do?

He remembered me telling him about the memories I longed to create for him - but my husband to be - being the man that he is - found a way to do it...on the cheap, but just as beautiful! He made me hot cocoa with Andes mints in it and arranged store bought thumb print cookies around my cup.

He told me that Christmas is where we are...not where stuff is.

And we watched a movie on television - something Christmas related, but I don't remember what - I just remember marveling at this man that I am to marry and remembered - Christmas is really just Thanksgiving part II - it is yet another seasonal reminder of what we are to be thankful for - and what we are celebrating - the birth of Christ and what His life did for each one of those who believe in Him. It isn't about who has the most hand baked treats, or the most overflowing stockings, or the most beautifully decorated house...

It's about love - a love story between God and His children...a love story so beautiful that, as the best present ever, God gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish...

...now...doesn't that beat any game, trinket, jewelry or treat?

Which would you rather have? Stockings hung by the fire, overflowing with goodies - or stockings around your God-given legs that will one day dance before the King? I don't think any of us who believe in Jesus Christ will be having a "poor-man's" Christmas...in fact...I think that our Christmas...no, each day we live...is rather lavish and rich because of His love for us!! What do you think?

So I have my sweet husband to be to thank for reminding me that Christmas isn't where the presents are...Christmas is where Christ is...and that...hopefully...is in each and every one of our homes - where He is celebrated, loved, praised and thanked each and every day...for giving us legs to fill our stockings so we can be the feet, legs, knees, and body of Christ...

What a wonderful Christmas gift from our King to we small, sometimes way-too-wrapped-up-in-unimportant-"details"...children...Thanks Daddy for the ultimate gift!!! We promise to share it with everyone we meet :)

Dear Heavenly Father - Thank you for reminding us what Christmas is truly about. We may be struggling right now, but we know that You are our ultimate provider and always take care of us. Thank you, Lord, for causing our eyes to turn towards the gift of the season that is the only one that matters - the gift of the birth, death and resurrection of Your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Help us to re-gift His gift over and over again, each and every day - with each person we meet - so that they, too, can experience the gift of His love, mercy, forgiveness and grace. We thank You, we love You and we give You all the praise...in You Son Jesus's name...Amen.

Until next time...God bless you & keep you close to His heart!