If you think about it, it’s a bit strange for someone to put goodies in an old sock. But like many Christmas traditions, the tradition of Christmas stockings comes from an old legend.
A long time ago (so the story goes), a poor man had three daughters and couldn’t afford to give them a dowry (money or goods given to the groom’s family by the bride’s family). In those days, it was very hard for a woman to get married without a dowry. A Christian bishop named Nicholas heard about the problem and wanted to help, but the man refused to accept money. One night, Nicholas threw three balls made of pure gold in through the open window of the man’s house. Each one landed in a stocking hung by the fire to dry. The next morning, each daughter found a gold ball in her stocking. With this bounty, they were all able to get married.
Stockings can remind us of the importance of service. The greatest example of service is Jesus Christ. He always “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38).
Take some time to think about the Savior’s selfless acts of service. How can you give Christlike service and show kindness to others this Christmas Season?
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
In Indiana, a candy maker wanted to make a candy that could be a reminder of Jesus Christ, so he made the Christmas candy cane.
He started off with a stick of pure white hard candy. The white color symbolized the virgin birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and the hard candy symbolized the solid rock which was the foundation of the church, and firmness of the promises of God.
The candy maker made the candy in the form of a J, which represented the name of Jesus and the staff of the Good Shepherds.
He then stained it with three stripes which showed the scourging Jesus received, and symbolized the blood shed by Christ on the cross.
When you break the cane, it reminds us that Jesus’ body was broken for us.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Tom Curtis cofounder of SOS Events Ministry said, “Getting up every morning is an event.”
Do you thank the Lord for each new day?
Tom woke up many mornings not feeling physically well, however, he always used each day to Praise the Lord and tell everyone he met about his wonderful Savior, Jesus.
Today, rejoice that you have this new day to be used by God to do His will. 
This isthe day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.Psalms 118:24
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
It is such a joy to go shopping and hear songs of the season. Maybe not the hymns we love about baby Jesus, but happy uplifting songs that bring joy.
Jingle Bells, Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. These songs though not about the true meaning of Christmas gives a spring in our steps.
People seem happier at this time of year. More smiles and more tolerance of long lines in the grocery store or at the mall.
That is why I love the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
We must be careful not to get so caught up in the worldly activities that we forget the true meaning of the season. Jesus is the reason for the Season.
Holidays are something to be thankful for because it gives us time to be with family and friends.
It is time to stop and count our many blessings thar God has given us.
As we go now into the time of year when many holidays are celebrated, we as Christians must let our lights shine bright.
Christmas lights are everywhere. Shopping and the hustle of parties and other activities take our time and attention, we must remember it is the perfect time to witness for Jesus.
So be thankful for the holidays coming and use this time wisely.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.Matthew 5:16
God’s Word, the Bible. His way of communication with us.
All the answers to life’s problems and concerns are found in the Bible.
Where did I come from? How can I know what to do with my life? How do I choose a spouse? What should my relationship be with my children? Neighbors? Friends?
Is there life after death? How do I get to spend eternity with God?
All of life’s questions are answered in the Bible. God wants to bless us and He does give us the answers, but we have to be reading, searching and understanding what He has to say to us in His Word.
Today give thanks to God for giving us His written Word. Then make it a priority in your life everyday.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Many of us are blessed to have brothers or sisters. It is a special bond that can only be understood by those who have a brother or sister.
Maybe you do not have a sibling but have always desired to have that relationship.
You can fill your life with friends that are sometimes closer than physical siblings.
As Christians we are born into God’s family and that makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. That is also a special bond that we share with one another.
Today, pray and thank the Lord for your siblings and for your spiritual brothers and sisters.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12 KJV
You may have a very large family or you think you have no family at all.
If God has blessed you with a good family, thank Him today.
Maybe your loved ones have passed on or your family is dysfunctional. I have good news for you!
When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are born again. We become part of His family. We have all the rights and privileges as His child. That is something to be truly thankful for.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12
Remember the challenge? Find something special to give Thanks to the Lord everyday in the month of November. What are you thankful for today? Have you shared it with someone else?
Center for Evangelists 
You must be logged in to post a comment.