Make room this Christmas

The Way I See It
By Doug Dickerson

Make room this Christmas

"And she will bring forth a Son, and you will call his name Jesus, for He will save his people from their sins."

- Matthew 1:21

Make room this Christmas

The boy was born into a large family back in 1934. Back in that day, with five other siblings, the family was certainly not considered wealthy by today's standards, but was certainly rich in love; standards by which we'd do well to emulate today.

The child's father was a minister whose calling took the family to many places in which to live, attend school, raise the family, and worship.

One such parsonage the family moved into presented a special challenge to the family. In this home, the children (five boys and one girl) were never allowed to go into the living room except for one day each year - Christmas day. The rest of the year, the door was locked closed.

I am not sure why the children were never allowed to go into this room. Likely, it was the rule of the mother of the house to keep her six children from wreaking havoc, or it was the rule of the parsonage committee who recognized the possibilities the six children presented. Either way, they were only allowed in the room one day a year.

The story of my father growing up is one that reminds me of the way we live our lives at times. We close the door to many possibilities around us and we don't allow ourselves to experience the love, joy and happiness of life that is lived all around us.

As we count down the remaining days until Christmas, days filled with shopping, musicals, parties and so much more, let's not forget to make room for what's really important. Let's open the door of our heart to the true meaning of Christmas and what really matters.

Christmas for me is bitter sweet this year. It's the first Christmas without my father who passed away back in August. My memories of my father will live on with me for the rest of my life and I know on Christmas day he will be watching over us and sharing the moment in a most spectacular way.

I would like to share a poem with you that's meant much to me this Christmas season and has helped me with his loss. I don't know who wrote the poem but I hope you enjoy it, especially if you are missing a loved one this year.

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,

with tiny lights, like heaven's starts, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, for I

am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,

but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,

for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I know the pain inside your heart, but I

am not far away, we really are not apart. So be happy for me dear ones, you know

I hold you dear, and be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my Heavenly home above. I send d you each a memory of my undying love. After all "love" is the gift more precious than pure gold.

It was always so important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do, for I can't count the blessings or love He has for you.

So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away the tears. Remember, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Doug can be reached at editor@berkeleyind.com or call him at 843-761-6397