I didn’t hang up Christmas stockings.

If our family had them; I don’t recall.

We didn’t have a fireplace or mantel but we could have hung them from the staircase railing. Many families have passed down the tradition of Christmas stockings from generation to generation.

I enjoy hearing the life experiences of those who grew up in the years of the Great Depression. They don’t talk like victims. Times were hard and money was scarce; yet, parents did all they could to give their children a Merry Christmas.

Typical presents were fruits, nuts and peppermint candy.

As gifts today, they don’t seem like much; do they?

We can buy fruit by the bag or crate; nuts by the pound and candy from any checkout shelf. It’s so easy to take our abundance for granted.

Jesus gave us the special gift of abundant life.

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10b KJV).”

Maybe we should all hang an empty Christmas stocking this year. Frequent peeks inside would serve as needed reminders. Life is empty and meaningless without the Savior.

He fills our hearts with love, peace and JOY!

“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;  for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:8-11 KJV).”

Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com
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