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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Christmas Gifts (11/13/08)
THREE WISE MEN


Folks rushing around shopping; buying gifts for friends and family pushing everyone along, digging for bargains. The stores are decorated; the displays are glistening with colors and lights luring customers to their counters and racks. The sounds of Christmas carols are in the air; smells of candles and perfumes, fine chocolates are on display.

“If you buy this set, you will get a bonus gift”, the eager salesman tells me as I stop at a counter.

Why am I not happy? This scene never made me happy. There is real joy
in the hand crocheted lace ornaments, homemade cookies and finely crafted quilts from scraps of gingham material. It would take many hours to make someone happy with that special handmade item, thinking all that time of the smiles and happiness it would bring to the recipient.

I recall my family gathered around a beautifully decorated tree, the carolers drudging through snow going house to house, singing songs of joy. The offer of a hot chocolate would be a welcome treat.

“Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day”, I told my children as they anticipated the festivities and helped to bake cookies and holiday treats.

“Is Santa Claus coming tomorrow?”

“How will he get into our house?” were the questions.

They were anxiously awaiting the gifts under the tree on Christmas morning, a
new doll, a truck, a game the whole family could play. Now asleep, their dreams being about that magical time of year.

Where did it go wrong? How did gifts become the center of our holy day? Did we really forget why we receive gifts and the great joy which comes from giving?

As we observe the birth of Christ; we are all still looking for gold, myrrh and frankincense.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
11/20/08
An entertaining approach to a common thread this week.

I felt that this lacked focus somewhat--just bounced around a bit from place to place and from point to point.

Interesting title, and I like the way the last sentence ties in with it.