Advent Devotional by David M. Fulk

Romans 5:6-8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

This Romans text has me considering the sacrifices people make during the holidays. In adulthood, I know this happens, but as a child I never considered my parents may have made sacrifices to ensure Christmas was under the tree for my me, my three brothers, or for themselves.

My mom cut our five heads of hair to avoid paying a barber. In an unairconditioned house in summer she kept our falling hair off of her by wearing a plastic dry-cleaning bag. She was drenched at the end of it.

A huge garden, canning, self-repairs to the house, vehicles, and other economies kept expenses down. I’d be foolish to think those were only done to provide a good Christmas. Cars, insurance, new or repaired farm equipment, and college were part of a bigger picture.

Looking back, I understand and celebrate what they taught me: what I want isn’t as important as what others need. How poignant for the holiday season when we do so much to help the powerless and needy.

I can imagine at a young age asking my mom how to spell the word “sacrifice” and that her answer would have been L-O-V-E.

With Christina Rossetti’s poem Love Came Down at Christmas in mind, Advent is our way to ensure love comes every Christmas…for ourselves and others. I think that’s why she penned the phrase, “Love shall be our token: Love be yours and love be mine…”

No matter how undeserving we are of Christ’s love and sacrifice, we can show our gratitude for it in how we receive and give love in this season.

David M. Fulk