decorated with lights, Santa and reindeer. Lights were put up and snowmen were made. It took days to find the perfect tree, and it was often much larger than our doorway could handle. We pushed and twisted and pulled until it burst into the room. Covered in fifteen hundred lights, about twelve to fifteen boxes of ornaments and a whole lot of icicles — Everyone loved my dad’s trees. We had fun!

Another fond memory is how well my parents saved yet provided so much during Christmas. We were often quick to go to bed on Christmas Eve. Part of the fun for Dad was to keep us guessing about Santa... Were we good enough? Would we get to bed soon enough? Did we set out the cookies and milk? Would we get what we asked for? What would be the surprise gifts? My brother and I would talk about all these questions for hours as we tried to sleep. My uncle, who lived with us, would tease us and laugh because we were so restless. The year my brother was eight remains the most memorable for us. Hours had passed, and we drifted off to sleep. After a little while, my brother awakened and slipped quietly down the steps. Like lightening, he came back to the room and woke my uncle and me to tell us that Santa had not come and all was quiet. NOTHING WAS STIRRING, NOT EVEN A MOUSE! Yep! You guessed it. “Santa” fell asleep. We waited oh so long for Santa to come as my uncle kept saying, “Uh huh, you were caught being bad. Probably got sticks and ashes!” Many times, my brother sneaked like a cat down the steps. Still nothing. We waited longer than ever before... and nothing. As the dawn of a new day was soon to occur, my brother’s famous words caught the ear of the sleeping Mr. & Mrs. Claus, "Well we might as well face it: he ain’t coming this year." Then, with a “HO HO HO” and the rustling of paper and packages, my brother zoomed up to bed and under the covers. But just think, for a few small boys that night was long. Those words were words of sadness, and could still be a sad end for those who only believe that Christmas is Santa, trees, toys, reindeer and snowmen. Our Heavenly Father made Christmas awesome, too. Not only was Jesus the promised Messiah, but He came, and He is with us always. We celebrate because of the Messiah God gave to us and we share in giving because love compels us to give. It is a blessing to give, especially the gift that Jesus has come and is coming again. Salvation and hope are great gifts. DO YOU KNOW HIM? Have you accepted God's gift? Jesus Christ, His Son, came to save us. It really is the most wonderful time of the year; have fun celebrating. Make Christmas a great family time; fill it full of memories. But make Jesus and the message of salvation the center of attention. Santa may not come, but Jesus always will.

-Rev. Gene Hill, Pastor

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