Written by Frank Vialpando
When I was growing up with my sisters and brother, we had a Christmas tradition, just like everyone else. Not a very big deal, but we would open our presents on Christmas Eve. We would wait till after dinner was over, read Luke chapter 2 verses 10 through 17 and, one at a time, open gifts we received from our parents. Every year, one of us kids would take a turn being “Santa Claus” and hand out presents. I left home when I was 17 for the Air Force and tried to return every year to partake in the tradition. The tradition continues, but opening presents has turned into an all-night affair. It used to be just six of us, four kids and our parents. We now have great-grand kids attending! We have had to enlist the services of an “elf” to assist the lucky Santa who is selected for the year.
When I was unable to attend, I would call and talk to everyone. Now we use technology so we can see everyone. I miss being able to be in the home I grew up in and seeing all the kids, grand kids, my parents, nephews, and nieces. I especially like to see their faces light up when the gifts are opened.
I have not been able to attend very many, but I am always part of the tradition. A tradition that I will do my best to carry on.
If you’ve missed any of our previous daily readings, you can find them all archived here. We hope these readings are helping you encounter God this season!