Day Six

by McKenzie Richardson

“These things I have spoken to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” -John 15:11

My grandmother would prepare for Christmas months ahead. Money was limited but her faith and joy in Jesus was abundant. Her gifts were handmade with love, talent and thought. She had nine grandchildren and we were each given her love without prejudice, judgment, or expectation. She was a woman who owned very little other than her old treadle sewing machine, and I am sure it never occurred to her to consider if we deserved her gifts.

On Christmas morning, there, hanging around the living room, would be new flannel pajamas, every set created by her with tenderness for the child who would wear them. The button holes were cut and stitched by hand. For the girls, there would be her special tatting to compliment a pocket, a sleeve, hem, or a collar. The thing I know each of us looked forward to was the red envelopes on the tree, one for each of us, with our names on the front and a hand drawn holly leaf. Inside would be a crisp one-dollar bill. I remember putting mine under my pillow and dreaming about all the wonderful things I might purchase.

All of these memories, and yet the gift she gave me that has lasted my lifetime, is remembering the joy she had on her face as she celebrated the birth of Christ each Christmas Eve. Her faith never wavered and her joy never ceased, regardless of her circumstances. When I think of Christmas and of the birth of Jesus, it is impossible for me not to think of her and rejoice in the knowing of her.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us your love and planting faith in our hearts. On the days when the world threatens to overwhelm us, may the joy of your birth remind us that you brought us a gift we cannot earn. Amen.