Published: December 20, 2007 11:30 am         

Celebrate Christ's birth, people

Battling tops, Rock'em Sock'em Robots, and Hot Wheels Sizzlers are just a few of my favorite Christmas presents from my childhood. Forget clothes and hats, I wanted robots and cars! Even to this day, I like cars and wouldn't mind having a robot to help with chores around the house.

I often think back to those carefree Christmas afternoons building a racetrack on Mars while well-armed (and I do mean multiple armed) robots stood guard in case of a stray meteor. But, I also remember the grand gathering of family for Christmas dinner.

Aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins all convened at our house for the big feast. I can still hear my grandfather snoring away in the recliner after eating. I can see my mom frantically scurrying about the kitchen for hours and then collapsing into a deep armchair after the blessing was said. I can remember my sister, Donna, filling the house with her buoyant personality and laughter.

Although some faces remain the same at our family Christmas gathering, too many are absent. My grandpap is not there to snore, mom's not in the kitchen fretting over her stuffing, and I try hard to make up for Donna's absence. I suppose many reading this have similar experiences of loved ones having gone home to glory, giving Christmas a different feel. But should it?

Although some old faces may be absent, there are some new ones now that bring an excitement of their own. There is still joy in being with family and sharing presents and there is still a sense of comfort in being with those we have loved all our lives on the most special day of the year. The real spirit of Christmas remains.

This holiday season, I encourage you to really see and enjoy those that God has given you by celebrating the birth of Christ and the people in your life. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

David Sandvick is the pastor of First English Baptist Church in Frostburg.