“ … I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” —Luke 2:10b-11

I am looking back over the years to a wartime Christmas. My family lived in a port city on the northeast coast of England, where shipping was vital for receiving goods from other countries. This area was targeted by the enemy for destruction, a direct line across the North Sea. Because of the air raids, we spent many nights in a shelter, safe from the bombs.

But Christmas was Christmas, and, of course, we wanted to celebrate with family. A few days before Christmas, we set off on our journey to visit my grandmother. We had no car, so it was quite a journey. We traveled by bus to our city center, then a train ride of about three hours, then another bus before we finally reached our destination. Picture my mother with my ten-year-old brother and me. I was just six. We all shared in carrying luggage for a week-long stay, plus the gifts we were bringing, the gas masks required by law, and the special cake my mother always made. My dad would follow later when he got out of work on Christmas Eve.

I can remember so clearly seeing my grandmother standing in the lighted doorway with her welcoming smile! The joy and excitement at the journey’s end!

On Christmas Eve, our dad arrived, and we all set out to walk to the church for the midnight service. We children loved staying up late and walking together in the crisp, cold air, thinking of the joys coming the next day.

At last! It was Christmas Day! We opened our little gifts from “Father Christmas,” and then all the exciting presents from under the tree. It was in the middle of a war, so our gifts were small, but for us, they were wonderful! Next followed Christmas dinner and that special cake with two layers of frosting and very pretty decorations! We shared love and laughter and joy as we celebrated with family.

I don’t recall that we had any air raids on Christmas Day—our enemies had their own Christmas to celebrate. But I remember a few days later, the sirens blared, and we dashed down to the basement for protection. By this time, we were used to bombs, and this was just “another one.” We carried on sheltering there and enjoying each other as a family until we heard the “all clear” siren.Take time out to reflect back on your own Christmases and the excitement and joy of family. I pray that you do have many memories to be thankful for.

When I think of my grandmother standing in the lighted doorway, it reminds me that one day, I will see Jesus standing in the light of Heaven, welcoming us to our home with Him forever. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, may we rejoice in His salvation and share the message with others in the coming year.

Lord, we thank you for all our blessings. May we faithfully share with others. Keep our eyes on You and our faith strong, and may we love our neighbors with prayers and grace.

Margaret is Sharon’s Mum. She and her husband have had 68 years of marriage and four children. They enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, and just being outdoors, watching wildlife. Margaret played the piano for many years as part of a nursing home ministry. She has written many articles for her church newsletter, and some of these have been compiled into a trilogy of books: Holding My Father’s Hand, Holding My Daughter’s Hand, and Holding My Heavenly Father’s Hand, all available here on Amazon. 

Saved by grace,
Margaret Fowler

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

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To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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