Childhood Christmas Memories
I grew up in a poor family but cherish my upbringing. I believe that the background of my past life had part in the providential workings of God for the Gospel ministry that He had planned for me. I remember one Christmas in particular. My father did not make enough money to provide for much Christmas buying for us kids. He and my mother bought me a used bike from Goodwill. I remember my excitement over the bike and the fact that it was not new did not bother me in the least for it represented the best that my dad could do! I was raised poor and really did not expect much by way of Christmas gifts. Anything us kids got was a bonus!
I customized the bike anyway for “bicycling in the 50’s” meant making a bike cool to meet the standards of the times. I remember removing its fenders, and attaching balloons to the wheels to give it the sound of a motor. I remember riding that bike for miles peddling Grit magazines. They sold for 25 cents a copy and I made a nickel a paper. I did not know what to do with so much income!
I am thinking of Paul’s words. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” – II Corinthians 8:9 The Son of God left the riches of the Father’s right hand and ivory palaces of Glory to assume poverty on our behalf. He came to die on Calvary. He fully paid our sin debt. The gift of salvation makes us rich! What we have needs no customizing and furthermore never wears out.
I remember those childhood Christmases and, yes, get a little teary eyed around Christmas every year. My parents have been gone for years, including my youth. I will, however, celebrate this Christmas as a “rich man” for the poverty that my Lord assumed in my stead, resulted in the riches of the salvation he gave me back in 1968. I anticipate a wonderful Christmas, even though I will not get a Goodwill Store bicycle. There is no telling how many more miles I could have peddled Grit magazines if I would have had a “10 speeder”. I am even sure that my salary would have been doubled too! – Chuck Peters – 12/9/2023
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