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

Every year, my mother would take all four of us kids to the toy store to pick out a present. If we were not naughty but nice, Santa would deliver it on Christmas Eve. We eagerly set out in different directions to look.

On one such occasion, I was in the doll section, and one doll in particular caught my eye. The name on his high chair was Tortino.

Stringy yellow hair hung over his eyes, his face was twisted, and a lever under his high chair made him flop up and down.

My sister chose an Easy-Bake oven, one brother wanted a telescope, and the other a drum set, which my parents and neighbours ended up regretting later!

When my mother saw Tortino, she suggested that I choose a different doll — but he had already captured my heart.

The other dolls there were so beautiful, they would have no problem finding a home, but I couldn't bear the thought of Tortino not being chosen and being all alone in the store on Christmas Day.

On Christmas morning, he was waiting for me under the tree. I was so happy, and Tortino loved flopping up and down to every beat of my brother's drum!

At that time, our family was not saved, and Jesus didn't have the proper place in our hearts or pre-eminence in our home. Although we were taught to respect God, at Christmas, all our thanks and praise went to Santa.

When my husband and I became adults, we were saved. It became very important to us that our children understood the plan of salvation, and that Jesus' birth was the reason why we were celebrating Christmas. I'm sure that as believers in Christ, this is vitally important to you also.

Sadly, for many children and adults, Christ's birth is not the reason for Christmas celebrations. In fact, many people in different places have replaced "Merry Christmas" with "Happy holiday", and it is just another gimme-gimme day as described in my poem.

Christmas Mourn

Seems as I talk to boys and girls
As Christmas time draws near
They all seem so excited
About Santa and his reindeer

Their Christmas list is piled sky high
They hope that they'll receive
At best, a portion of the toys and gifts
As they wait on Christmas Eve

I listen very patiently
I even try to smile
I tell myself that certainly
They will mention the Christ Child

But the sparkle in their eyes is gone
Their voices become still
They didn't mention Jesus
Or God's promise He fulfilled

The time is fast approaching
I call it Christmas Mourn
A time when people celebrate
But forget that Christ was born

The precious Christmas story
Of the Saviour and His birth
His precious blood atonement
And His mission here on earth

Must be proclaimed by those of us
Who know Christ and can say
Thank You Lord for saving us
And for Christmas Your birthday

The time is fast approaching
I call it Christmas Mourn
A time when people celebrate
But forget that Christ was born

Prayer: Lord, may we always remember that we celebrate Christmas because it is the birthday of our Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Amen.

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About the author:

Cheryl Mariano (Cheremiah) <cherylmariano@gmail.com>
Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
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