It is that time of year when shopping becomes a common routine for many as we hustle and bustle to “get ready” for Christmas. We hear the question often as friends and neighbors greet us and ask, “Are you ready for Christmas”? Along with the baking, decorating, programs and parties, shopping becomes a priority.
People have changed the way they shop, which has led to many malls and stores closing. I read a story this past week about former happy shopping times in a mall. One where three older sisters took their younger brother shopping one afternoon so their parents could do some “alone” shopping. The shopping mall had just opened, and it was a delight to these three young teens as they struggled to watch their younger four year old brother. These were safer times, and the girls were excited for the adventure, but they were to meet their parents in front of JC Penny at a certain hour.
Christine Curry, the author of this tale and also the oldest sister, tells how the first thing they did was ride up and down the escalator. Then they proceeded to take the same route, but on the glass elevator. She recalls how beautiful the mall looked, and how they were all smiling and just soaking up the excitement. It all went well until they checked the time and realized they had fifteen minutes before they were to meet their parents….and little Frankie was no where to be found!
After hurrying down to the main floor to Sears and then to the Food Court, tears started and the sisters were shaking at the realization that their little brother was gone. They called his name into every store, but to no avail. As you would expect, their father was furious. Now the whole family was in a panic and searching. As they approached a men’s store across from the glass elevator, she relates that she saw her brother through a window and he was vacuuming! A huge relief, but also very funny.
Her dad walked in and looked at Frankie, who gave him a big grin but kept on running the vacuum. The sales clerk was a young man, and he told the father that he knew the little lad was lost. He thought it would be a good idea to occupy him with the vacuum in front of the window so his parents could find him!
This little story gave me a smile, and I’m glad it ended well. But it also can give us a lesson for the real reason that we celebrate Christmas. It is easy to get so caught up in the busyness and glitter and sparkle of the season and commercialism, that we lose the baby in the midst! Our focus needs to be the Savior amid the celebrations of Christmas. “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11)
God is alive. He sent His son to live among us, as He entered the world as our Savior, Emmanuel. He grew into a man, teaching us by His actions and words. Keep the message in your heart, praising His name as you celebrate this Christmas.
Merry Christmas as you spend the moments of each day. Dwell on His promises. One of my favorites is “ Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” ( John 14:27) PEACE TO YOU IN THIS SEASON!!
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