Special Stockings

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.”  This familiar line from the poem The Night Before Christmas, by Henry Livingston, is a tradition found in many of our homes.  My earliest memories of Christmas involved dumping out the Christmas stocking on Christmas morning (usually way before dawn) to see what Santa Clause had placed inside.  Seeing the stockings hung by the fireplace weeks before Christmas added to the expectation for that special day.  What great memories these were!  This same tradition holds true in the Vallandingham household this year.  All nine stockings are lined up across the mantle of our fireplace as a reminder of Christ’s blessings.  I no longer find myself concerned about what will be in the stockings on Christmas morning.  My joy is found in the person each of those stockings represent.  Those stockings represent family.  My family has grown considerably over the last two years. The memories made this year will continue to bring joy, not because of the gifts, but because of the people with whom I am privileged to spend the season.

May God bless each of you during this Christmas season.  May you remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.  May God surround you with family and friends.  And may the memories of the past and the happenings of the present bring you great joy.

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)