When I first decided to ask about your favourite Christmas gift, it was with the intention of spreading some Christmas cheer. Little did I ever imagine it would also be about increasing my faith but sometimes the best gifts are the most unexpected ones. I hope the sharing of dear family friend Laurie Gaffney touches your heart like it did mine.
Hello Mike and friends,
Your message got me thinking, but it didn't take long for me to know my answer. I will get to it, but thought I would first mention a few other gifts I have enjoyed over the years. Thanks Mike for asking, and good to read the responses so far.
Well, my four favourite gifts were toys when I was in elementary school that really were the popular toys at that time. The first was a toy called a slinky. For some reason one of the things I loved about it was the way it would go down the stairs on it's own if you gave it a little help, and set it just right. The challenge was to see how many stairs it would go down in a row, and it was also just fun to toss from one hand to the other. The second was an Easy Bake Oven where I would cook little cakes after school in the basement, and ice them with the sickly sweet icing that came with the cake mixes. At the time I found it to be a good after school snack even though the taste was kind of disappointing. I also loved the way you could look through the window and see the little cake baking, The third was the game Twister, which was kind of fun to play with my siblings although I can't recall that it was a game that we played after a few months. My fourth favourite gift was a nice bright white pair of new skates. Coming from a family of 7 children, often you would wear hand me downs.
Through the years I have received other gifts such as clothes, jewelry, books etc. which brought me pleasure, and surprise, and I am very thankful for and continue to enjoy.
But, my favourite gift ever, by far, was actually for my birthday when I was in my mid- thirties My birthday is in December and close to Christmas. It was from my parents. It was a crucifix. The crucifix represented my most amazing gift of faith that I had recently received. When I opened my gift I was deeply moved that this was for me. Me!!!!?? It spoke volumes to me/my soul. It touched me like no other gift ever had. I felt so honoured to receive this. I was very much filled with deep joy. I knew I was different. I fought back my tears, tears of deep joy for all this meant.
Let me explain a bit more. I had been going through an extremely difficult time over a number of years. Finally, out of desperation I found myself starting to pray again. And suddenly one night God responded. I had an epiphany. It was as if overnight my eyes were open to the truth/God!!! I truly felt his love envelope me the evening before after praying, and then about to fall asleep. He answered my call for help. God had given me the gift of faith! I saw the world differently. I felt different. I suddenly knew what the term "Born Again" really meant as that is truly what I was experiencing. I had a deep hunger. I read books about God. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is one that really stands out. It was my father's. He was also a big fan, and one of my new joys was discussing faith and Christianity with my father, and his too, I think. I found myself looking forward to Mass, and really listening. I would find myself choking back tears when listening to the beautiful hymns. And, of course I was reading the Bible, but in a whole different way. The truth jumped off the pages, and into my being. I felt joy, and hope for my redemption. I felt I understood what St. Paul meant when he said "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.". Some of my friends thought I was a little crazy, and looked at me funny when I spoke of my faith. My eyes started to open to the truth! My beautiful white Bible that I had also received from my parents at my grade 8 Confirmation was now so precious to me. My life with Christ began. I can't say it has been easy, but it has been filled with God's presence and love. And, beautiful friendships. and blessings. The crucifix hangs over my bed. I would not trade my gift of faith for anything. I am so grateful, and amazed. Praise God!
"Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call to God in Christ Jesus, Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained."
Philippians 3:12-16
AMDG
Laurie
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