A Dolphin Riding Cherub for Christmas

December 24, 2021

A Dolphin Riding Cherub for Christmas

Like most families, the holiday season always brings an extra time of thankfulness for us. It’s during this space of time that we reflect back on years gone by, blessings received, and even our mistakes made.

This year is no exception. Maybe even more so.

This morning I find myself looking a little more intently at the past months, the past years, and how the divinely woven cloth of my life has unfolded.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the “Christmas spirit.” All the glitter, the traditions, the shopping, the gifts, the cooking… the preparation. The preparation for just a taste of goodness and contentment. Isn’t that something we all long for? Maybe the nostalgia is like a drug. We work so hard to grasp that excitement and comfort that comes this time of year.

When I think back about past Christmases, there are many special memories of gifts received that stick out.

• The year I got a bicycle. (Complete with a banana seat, tasseled handlebars, and a flag.)

• The year I got a real jewelry box.

• The year my sister and I gave our parents housecoats made by our grandmother.

• And the year we got an Atari! (Equipped with Tank and Pong.)

As an adult those special gift memories become more about our children. I’ll have to admit, these memories are also filled with stress and mishaps and an entirely different perspective!

A few years ago my grandmother decided that she would gift her kids and grandkids with the opportunity to pick out a special item from her home. It was interesting to hear what each of us picked. For each of us, there was some item or trinket that symbolized being at Granny’s house. I remember my cousin Caleb called dibs on the ceramic wagon toothpick holder. My sister picked the wind up music box that played “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.”

For me… it had to be one of the dolphin riding cherub soap dishes that could be found by the bathroom sink! As a child I was always eager to grab the green lava soap bar that lay nestled in the seashell atop the angel’s hands. (I’m sure I was wasteful with this interestingly scratchy soap bar.) Today I keep this soap dish in my home. It makes me smile every time I see it.

It’s funny the things that you remember and what things captivate your attention. And, given the choice, what things we choose to treasure.

So today, as I reflect, I want to remember what I should truly treasure. It’s not about the gifts. It’s not about the food. It’s not even about the family events.

It’s about the gift of our savior. And it’s about making sure that everyone receives that gift.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

This year we have gained much and lost much. Some people will experience great joy this season. While for others, this season brings a heavy sadness.

My prayer today is that we will all choose to accept Jesus as our perfect gift and let him be the glitter, the excitement, the special memory that brings us true goodness and contentment.