Sunday, December 13, 2020
by Kittie McCool

Christmas was always special at our church in Clinton, Indiana. Everyone looked forward to the special music, the beautiful decorations, and the big dinner after the sermon.

In 1952 one member of our church, who was a trucker, fell on hard times when his truck broke down and he was unable to make his deliveries on time. His children would have to go without a big Christmas dinner and presents. Our congregation pitched in to get together a fine feast and gifts for the family.

My husband, Ed, and I, with our own children, volunteered to bring all this to the man, his wife, and four little children. As we entered their run-down, little, three-room house, there was only a small coal stove and the children’s clothes barely kept them warm. What little furniture they had was chipped, and much of the wallpaper was torn or coming off the walls. The man was so grateful, and his wife had tears in her eyes as she saw her children so excited to have such bounty.

But the greatest gift was really given to our own three children – Lee, Lynn, and Kay. They certainly learned that day to appreciate what they had. They were shown the true meaning of Christmas – in the same way that baby Jesus was given to all on that first Christmas so long ago.

My own three children may forget what they got for Christmas in any given year, but they will never forget the year they brought Christmas to a family in need.

 

When he was a man, Jesus said, “Whatsoever you do unto the least of these, you do also unto me.” (Matthew 25:40).  May we all remember that, and always keep Christmas in our hearts.