For more than 40 years, the children of Margaret (Hunt) and Griff Von Schmittou have continued a tradition begun when they would gather at their maternal grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve along with their cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. Quickly, they outgrew that little house and they began meeting in other venues and eventually changed the date to the Sunday before Christmas. We were able to attend this year and I watched as they took a photo of the seven siblings (2 sisters, 5 brothers) and thought, “It’s amazing in these times that not a single divorce has taken place among the children.” Of course, their parents and grandparents had set that particular example for them. It struck me then, that it is what children see day in and day out that teaches them far more than our words. They had honored their vows, and probably without even thinking about it, recognized their duty and the need for commitment. Of course, the very fact that this occurred revealed the love that was evidenced not so much in words as in deeds.
All of a sudden it came to me, “That is what the real Christmas story is all about.” God so loved the world that he sent his only Son to save us. Jesus Christ, honored his Father, recognized his duty, and was committed to fulfilling it—no matter the cost. Through his death, he bore and experienced the degradation of all our sins. He paid the full price and more importantly, he was victorious over death and made it possible for us to join him in his glory. As the apostle Paul taught, the greatest gift we can receive is love. He also told us what real love is: “Patient, kind, NOT envious, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking, or easily angered. Love keeps no record of wrongs or delights in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. Love never fails.” (I Cor.13:4-8)
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