The Best Gift

by | Dec 24, 2021 | Christmas | 6 comments

gift_fir_tree.jpg

Today, we’re sharing a beautiful Christmastime testimony from Sister Cathy Genaro.

As young parents, my husband and I always tried to stress the importance of the “reason for the season.” Sometimes I would bake a cake, and we would sing “happy birthday, dear Jesus!” We enjoyed the traditional gift giving, festive food, lights, and decorations, but we always wanted our children to know that Christmas was about Christ.

One Christmas in particular, we were in a bit of a financial bind. I was a stay-at-home mom, and although my husband was working full time, we had a few substantial and unexpected expenses that prohibited us from our normal holiday shopping. We strived hard to live within our means without running up credit card debt.

Our children were 9, 12, and 14 at the time, so we explained that this year there would be only one gift each under the tree. My husband would get a bonus after the first of the year, so we promised the kids some January shopping to make up for the lean Christmas.

When we gathered on Christmas morning, each child opened one gift. Then we sat in a circle and began to pray, thanking God for His blessings. As a parent, you want to make your children feel special, but that Christmas, in spite of feeling spiritually blessed, I felt sadness in my heart. I thought that they would feel that this Christmas was very disappointing since there were so few presents under the tree.

Years later, as the children grew old enough to have jobs and buy gifts, we received a gift and a card from our son. I can’t remember the material gift, but I keep the card in my purse because his words were priceless! He thanked us for the greatest gift he ever received from us — raising him to know Jesus Christ. Then, to our astonishment, he wrote the following:

“The best Christmas I can ever remember is the one where we received only one gift and spent the rest of the morning in prayer, giving thanks unto God as we were all touched by the Spirit. I often ask myself how many other families would have found such great joy in such a time of struggle because on that Christmas we received gifts from the Lord … thank you for the gift.”

It has been over 20 years, but I still read that card from time to time. No material things can ever compare to the gift and blessings we receive from Jesus Christ our Lord!

Tell Us Your Favorite Christmas Memory

Did today’s article touch your heart? Do you have a Christmas memory that you feel to share with your fellow Gospel Blog readers? Click here to share your memories.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.

Author

6 Comments

  1. Enza Pusillo

    What joy tis was to read!

    Reply
  2. Anonymous

    What an awesome experience!! I think we need to get back to that. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • Brother Gary Thompson

      Amen, beautiful. Thank you for sharing, was very Blessed by this.

      Reply
      • Sis. Jan Humphrey

        Your beautiful Christmas story touched my heart. Thank you for sharing it. The God-centered way you raised your son is a testament to the deeply spiritual man he is today, as an Elder and now a father to his own children.

        Reply
  3. Sharon Sloan

    This is the most powerful message of the meaning of Christmas.

    Reply
  4. Carmela Gray

    Just a beautiful experience!! Thank you for shareing it.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Further Reading

Drop the Blanket

Do these words sound familiar? “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Quietly and confidently, Linus says, “Sure Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” Then Linus walks to the center of the stage with the lights shining...

Read More

The First Christmas Gift

As we prepare for Christmas, many of you will probably head out to the store or go online to buy that gift for your special someone. Or, maybe you’ll make a homemade gift. Regardless, Christmas has become a time to give gifts to others.  But where did that...

Read More

Never Miss a New Article

Subscribe to Our Email List
Sign up and get every new blog post sent straight to your inbox so you always have the day’s devotional at your fingertips.

We never share your email address with anyone for any reason, and we use it only to send you Gospel Blog emails. Just articles, not ads!

Your Story for God’s Glory

Share Your Testimony on Miracle Monday

We devote Miracle Monday to sharing miracle stories. From finding a lost wedding ring to healing cancer on the spot, Jesus Christ has done it all, big and small.

And we want to hear about what He’s done for you.

The Gospel Blog Is Open for Submissions

We encourage devotional-style or scripture-based articles in the ballpark of 500 words. We are open to any topic that glorifies God and unites the Church.