December 19, 2008

Christmas Supplement

Christmas teaches children about gifts of faith and joy

By Lisa Marie Taylor (Special to The Criterion)

As I look back at all the Christmases of my childhood, I do not remember one particular gift received although our tree was overflowing with gifts from Santa every year.

I remember the joy. I remember waiting with anticipation for Santa, for Christmas Mass, for the family gatherings. I remember looking into the manger scene with wonder at what it meant for Jesus, our Savior, to come to us as a baby.

Is Christmas only for children?

I believe Christmas teaches all of us to be like children, to look at the season with wonder and awe, to believe in the baby and to seek him without all the cares of this world.

Our five children were given to us to teach us very valuable lessons about Christ’s love for us. Our oldest, Jessi, teaches us about strength. Our son, Joe, shows us compassion. Our daughter, Maria, shows us complete joy. Our daughter, Mackenna, teaches us about determination. And the baby, Madeline, teaches us about grace.

Sometimes I wonder if our children are getting the importance of Christmas and why we celebrate. Our Christmases are small compared to the amount of gift-giving in many homes. They receive three gifts and a few stocking stuffers.

A few years ago, our finances were extremely lean. I was worried that our children would see what other kids got from Santa and be disappointed about their own presents.

However, that evening, after all the busyness of the day, our son quietly proclaimed, “Mom, this was the best Christmas ever.”

I do not remember one particular gift received in my childhood, and I hope that my children will not remember them either. I hope they will learn from each other about strength, compassion, joy, determination and grace!

Christmas isn’t just for children. It is all for those who believe in the One who sent his son, Jesus, to teach us about love. I pray we all remember joy this Christmas season.

(Lisa Marie Taylor is a member of St. Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis.) †

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