Life Outside the Cage

The greatest gift ever given is Jesus Christ. Given out of grace, love, and mercy, no present can ever top the one delivered in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. That is why we celebrate Christmas. We recognize and commemorate the birth of Jesus. Every year I never tire of reading the story of that fateful night. I love the angels, shepherds, and then the wise men following the star to honor Jesus with 3 gifts.

Gifts for Jesus. Have you ever presented a gift to Him?

My favorite Christmas carol is Little Drummer Boy. Why? Because it is a tale of a young boy who so much wants to offer something special to this amazing baby, but he has nothing. He is a poor boy. Then he thought of his drum. He can play and use his talents to honor this newborn king.

Gifts for Jesus. Have you ever given Him your talent?

Finding the perfect Christmas present can be challenging. We race around town trying to find the ideal item from our loved ones wish list at the lowest price. You probably have bought gifts for many people this year . . . spouse, parents, siblings, children, friends.

Gifts for Jesus. Have you pondered what gift you will give Jesus this Christmas?

I challenge you to make this Jesus’ best Christmas yet by wrapping up what He desires from you and placing it under the tree?

I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,

Go ahead. Give Him your best.

Christmas decorations reflect your personality type. My certainly do. I’m quite the sentimental gal. I love reminiscing about past favorite moments. Perusing old photographs brings me pleasure. My garage is bursting from boxes stuffed with Nancy Drew books, Barbie dolls, and other treasured keepsakes.

The same applies to my Christmas trees. Yes, trees. I have three of them. One is for décor only, shining brightly with its classy red, silver, and white ornaments. The other two are a stroll down memory lane. One resides in my office and is adorned with all the ornaments that have special meaning: ones that represent milestones, souvenirs that remind me of places traveled, and gifts from former students.

The third one stands as a tribute to childhood Christmases spent with my grandmother who knew how to decorate for the holiday. Arriving at her house from Colorado, we never knew what to expect. She often flocked her trees in colors. Over the years we experienced blue, silver, and pink branches standing guard over our presents. Each gift was especially wrapped in such a way that you ever so carefully attempted to open it without messing up the paper.

When Nana passed away, we discovered her many boxes of ornaments. My sister and I smiled as we divided them between us. Now her blue and silver ornaments warm my heart each time I see them draped upon my tree.

Special Ornaments space Nana's bulbs