Wednesday, December 19, 2018

The Christmas Closet

The 7’ by 7’ closet off my mother’s living room was really just the L of the front porch that had been closed in. We called it the “cold room” because it had no insulation or heat, and in winter made great storage when the refrigerator got too full.

At Christmas, Mom stockpiled various tins and plastic containers of Nut Horns, Potato Candy, Date and Nut Pinwheels, and other baked goods in the “cold room” closet. She also kept an ever-present supply of soda pop—Orange Crush, 7-Up, and a couple cans of Diet Pepsi for my husband.

Several metal folding chairs were stacked up against the one wall under a clothing bar crammed full of seasonal clothing. We dragged them out each time there was an extended-family gathering.

On a shelf above the bar were boxes of Christmas decorations, old photos, etc. Huge nails pounded into the walls at useful locations held outdoor Christmas wreaths draped in old sheets, 50’ extension cords, a tangle of twinkle lights, and a couple of holiday wall hangings. The floor along the walls was lined with boots, window AC units, and more boxes of “stuff” she kept “just in case”.

When Mom down-sized last year, her apartment had no such closet. Many of the things that were brought out just at the holidays were re-distributed among family members.

At Christmas, we seem to bring out much that, for most of the year, we keep stored away. Along with putting up cheery decorations and giving gifts, we smile more, donate more generously, tolerate inconveniences more politely, make more visits to friends and family, distribute our wealth more freely, and in a myriad of other ways share love—unselfish, unconditional love like God bestowed on us when He sent Jesus to be our Savior.

This year, let’s share the treasure God gave us—a treasure that moths can’t eat, rust can’t destroy, and thieves can’t break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19) Let’s share the Good News of John 3:16, God loves us so much that He gave His only Son Jesus to save us from our sins.

And, when the Christmas season comes to a close, let’s not pack up our generosity, tolerance, selflessness, and smiles along with the nativity scene and decorations from the tree. Instead let’s live every day as Jesus calls us to—righteously, lovingly, and sacrificially.

Be encouraged!
Pam

©2018 Pamela D. Williams