MY FIRST CHRISTMAS

To me, one of the highlights of the season is our church’s Christmas Eve service. Listening to the choir’s music helps me release the stress, letting me enjoy the season and reflect on Christmas’ true meaning.

I recall my first Christmas after inviting Jesus into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. Even though I was single and on a limited budget, with great excitement, I celebrated “MY VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS AS A CHRISTIAN.” Which proved to be the best Christmas ever.

I shamefully remembered how I had “celebrated” Christmas before I became a Christian. With my new birth came a fresh desire to honor the CHRIST of Christmas. Centering on Jesus’ Birthday. I joyfully taped handmade letters to my wall that spelled out “H-a-p-p-y- B-i-r-t-h-d-a-y-J-e-s-u-s.” I decorated my tree with ornaments made from bowtie pasta, colored pipe cleaners, glitter, and glue.

My small apartment hosted my Sunday school class for their Christmas gathering. At lunchtime, I rushed to my apartment, put the turkey in the oven, and went back to work. That evening, my modest apartment was filled with people—all Christians. And I felt God’s presence in a way I hadn’t known before.

After receiving Jesus as my Savior, I had an overwhelming desire to share the love of Jesus—a love that reached out, touched my heart, and forever changed my life! I remember crying tears of joy as I drove home with gifts for my parents, which I purchased at a Christian bookstore. This was a brand-new experience for me.

Here's a picture of the books that I gave my parents.

On Christmas morning, I read “The Christmas Story” and presented “the love gifts” to my parents. I had given them presents before, but for the first time at age twenty-eight, the love of Jesus overflowed through my giving. After my parents passed away, I kept the gifts as a precious reminder of that first Christmas as God’s child.

I was so excited to share Jesus with my parents. I had the privilege of leading my mom to the Lord a few years later.

I vividly recall that year's New Year’s Eve. Thoughts of peace and joy still resonate in my heart as I recollect how the Singles Sunday School class and I prayed out the old year and prayed in the New Year. Something I had never done before!

And today, as I sit at my desk, forty-six years later, I'm still relishing in the Christ of Christmas. As we prepare our hearts for this holy season, may we never forget the ONE who sheds His love in our hearts. May we search out ways to demonstrate His wonder to others. Remember, without Jesus, there would be no celebration!

KEEPING JESUS THE CENTER OF CHRISTMAS

One of the best ways to celebrate Christmas is with gifts from the heart. If your budget is limited, perhaps like Peter and John when they were approached by the lame man at the temple begging alms, we can respond, “.. Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). We may not have much monetarily, however, we can give what we have, Jesus!

I know God will give you creative ways to present His love to others. All you have to do is ask Him. There are a zillion gifts that can fit any budget. Well, a zillion might be an exaggeration, but try researching ideas. You’ll be surprised at what you find.

Below is a sweet treat that’s inexpensive and loads of fun to make.

The “Sweet Gospel of Christmas,” Candy

Eight ounces Glace’ Whole Red Cherries (coarsely chopped)

Eight ounces Glace’ Whole Green Cherries (coarsely chopped)

One cup coarsely chopped pecans

Sixteen ounces of white chocolate, melted (I use Almond Bark)

Melt white chocolate, stir in cherries and pecans, and spread a thin layer onto a greased cookie sheet (I used tin foil sprayed with Pam). Let it stand until firm. Break into pieces.

Store tightly covered at room temperature. (This keeps well for several weeks in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator.)

You can vary the recipe by adding broken pretzels and/or peanuts. Pack candy in individual candy containers. The small plastic ones work well since they are airtight.

Copy or retype the explanation below onto a 3 X 5 index card and include it with your gift.

o Red Cherries symbolize the Blood of Jesus, which covers our sins. (Hebrews 9:22)

o Green Cherries symbolize eternal life, which we receive because of Jesus. (1 John 5:11)

o White Chocolate symbolizes the purity of Jesus. (Isaiah 1:18)

o Broken pieces illustrate the Lord’s body, which was broken for our sins. (1 Corinthians 11:24)

o Nuts represent the “meat” of the Word, which nourishes the Christian. (1I Peter 2:2)

Recipe and illustration by Billie Corley