THIS IS WHAT I feel about Christmas.And she shall bring forth a Son and you shall call His name JESUS for he shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21 NKJV)
THIS IS WHAT I feel about Christmas.
Some do not know that my ancestors came from Germany to settle in Odessa, Russia. My father and mother were born there in 1881 and 1884. My father came to this country when he was 7 in 1888. My mother was 18 (1902). My folks had known each other's families in Russia.
Being from the old country, they believed that Christmas was the birth of the Christ Child, not a day for receiving toys. It was a celebration of Jesus' birth. This is my feeling about Christmas and I can't shake it.
My mother said that in Russia one time they had someone come to the house at Christmas. She didn't call him Santa Claus, but he had frightened the children so her father never allowed him again.
I was in church plays and received bags of candy, fruit, and nuts. These things were especially great to get. Grandma would always bake a homemade cookie (just a plain cookie.)
The first toy I ever had was an electric stove my sister gave me when I was 12. The one and only doll I had was one I found that someone had thrown away. She had no arms and her face was all cracked. So I repaired her and made doll clothes. She was really precious.
I have had many enjoyable Christmases, but I remember one that was really great. When I was young, my nephew lived with us, and I helped raise him. He was like a brother to me. I was 13 when he was born. I hadn't seen him for a number of years. He had married and went into the Service. He was in Korea and we were in Japan. He came to see us on R&R at Christmas.
I'm glad when Christmas comes because I celebrate again Jesus' birth and that he saved me from sin.
By Pauline Rundle
