I was raised Catholic and practiced those traditions until recently.  Many Christmas memories go back to my church.  The family Mass held various activities such as the children decorating the church tree, the pastor gathering the children in the sanctuary as he sat in a rocking chair to tell the story of the first Christmas, or the children’s pageant where children participated in the Christmas story as the Gospel of Luke was being read.

One particular Christmas, after Mass my children and I went over to look at the nativity scene.  As we were standing there a woman with long, gray, curly hair came beside us, picking up a piece of straw saying; “every year I take a piece of straw to remind me I will never want for anything.”

Back then I thought that was such a profound statement.  Today I see things differently.  Perhaps the piece of straw is a reminder, but all we need is found in God’s Word.  Jesus was born that first Christmas to give His life as a perfect sacrifice as a ransom for us.  Throughout scripture God has provided for His people, and He will provide for you too.   This Christmas seek Him first above all.  “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”  (Matthew 6:33 NLT)