December 25, 2024
Written by Bruce Boyer
My Worst Christmas Ever
True story.
In my family, there has always been great anticipation for Christmas Day. My parents always gave us multiple gifts, a mix of clothing and fun items they knew we needed and would enjoy. One year, I spoiled the anticipation, which led to an unforgettable life-lesson. I was a high school student when I spotted a clipboard on the dining room table. It contained the list of everything all of my siblings and I were going to receive for Christmas. I couldn’t resist the temptation to read it. When Christmas Day came, there was much less Joy and excitement as I opened each present. Even though the gifts were carefully chosen, they were less appreciated because they were expected. I took the gifts “for granted.” In those days, shopping was not done online with express delivery to our front door. My parents had to go to multiple stores to find gifts in the size and color I would appreciate. An important part of any gift is in the selection, preparation, and expression of love from the giver. Knowing what was in each package robbed me of the excitement of receiving the gift.
It is human nature to want to know in advance what will happen in our lives. Life doesn’t happen according to a script. There is no list to tell us the future. The people living in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth had no way of knowing what was happening in their tiny village. No one expected that the Savior of the world would be born there. No one expected the Savior of the world to come as a baby and to be revealed in a humble manger setting, with lowly shepherds as witnesses. Yet, there was great excitement. Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:13-14).
Looking at the Christmas shopping list on the clipboard took away the excitement of the unexpected that year. I learned my lesson from my worst Christmas ever. Now, I appreciate the Joy of the unexpected gift and the unscripted Christmas story. It was God’s will for Jesus to come in such an unexpected way. It motivated the shepherds to drop everything and go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”(verse 15).
Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. The announcement was a welcomed, unexpected gift when the angel said to the shepherds, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). Wishing you Hope, Faith, Joy, and Love this Christmas.
Merry Christmas from your Fountain of Life family.
Bruce Boyer
Elder