Bits of Ribbon
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
I love Christmas and the whole Advent season. I love the songs that come on the radio, Christmas cookies, Christmas parties, presents, decorating a tree, and so much more. One of my absolute favorite traditions of the Advent season is reading The Santa Claus Lady, by Buzzy Gardner.
The book tells the true story of the Santa Claus Lady, a nice and generous old lady who delivers small presents and trinkets to less fortunate children whose families struggle to make ends meet. The “small packages wrapped in pieces of bright paper and tied with bits of ribbon” are carried in a brown paper shopping bag.
The Santa Claus Lady displays the “true spirit of Christmas,” and in the busy Advent season, helps me to slow down and remember what Advent is really all about – God and giving. To always remember it is better to give than to receive. God gave each and every one of us a gift through the birth of his son Jesus. Just as the Santa Claus Lady brings her trinkets in a simple paper shopping bag, Jesus was born in a humble way. “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus. Help us in the busy season of Advent to slow down and remember what this season is truly about, not to get caught up but to recognize that the small and simple things are what makes a difference, just as the little baby Jesus continues to make a difference in our lives. In your Son’s precious and holy name, we pray. Amen.
Hannah Windle is a Sophomore at Episcopal High School and plays softball and basketball. She has attended South Main her whole life and is the daughter of Bill and Sally Ann Windle and the older sister of Rebecca.
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