I always loved Christmas because of the presents! Like any kid, I would wake up early and sneak around shaking each gift, seeing if Santa (my parents) had gotten me what I wanted. But one day, when I was 8 or 9 years old, my mentality began to shift.
We always spent Christmas at my grandparents’ house. All of our extended family would come. My grandparents had a big, long table and they would always sit together at the end so they could see all their children and grandchildren.
That year, I was called over to stop playing with my toys to come sit at the table and listen to a Christmas thought my grandparents were giving. I don’t remember all what was said, but one memory has vividly stuck in my head. My family has a long history with uh….let’s just say we are all “follically challenged!” Someone cracked a joke to my grandfather about his bald head. He got red. My grandma wrapped him up tight in her arms, leaned over and said, “I think he’s very handsome.” Then she kissed him on the top of his head!
Most memories of my grandfather have faded now, since he was killed a couple years later in an accident. But I will never forget that moment! After he passed, the basketball court in the La Sierra University Church parking lot was built and dedicated to him. Every time I play there, or drive by it, I think of him.
This moment was the first time I started to see what Christmas is really about – spending time with those you love and being thankful for the blessings God has given us all. I remember thinking, “I want to have a marriage like that.”
In today’s world, Christmas is often very commercialized and, post-covid, it feels like it’s harder to get everyone together for Christmas. But when my grandmother kissed my grandfather it made me realize, there’s no better feeling than being loved and giving love (even better than getting presents).
Jesus is the one who taught us how to love. This Christmas season, let’s all love more! 1 John 4:18 reads, “Perfect love casts out fear.” Don’t be afraid to love like Jesus this Christmas and spend as much time as possible with your family.
Eric Smith first came to the La Sierra University Church as a 1-year-old, 29 years ago, and is blessed to be dating his wonderful girlfriend, Michelle.