Growing up in rural Ware County, Ga., provided me with my earliest Christmas memories. I entered this world in the mid 1950s. My earliest memories started around the age of 5. As I think about those first years, I remember what some of those first Christmases were like.

Our Christmas tree was always a small pine tree that was cut down because we didn’t have the money to buy one. The tree was brought into the house just a few days before Christmas so it would last.

Decorations were colored lights, which I love to this day. However, my wife will only let me have a few. This didn’t happen until our grandchildren were born. They have their own tree at G-Mama and Granddaddy’s and it has colored lights on it. I sure am glad the grandchildren came along!

Well back to the story.

Our tree when I was a little boy had a few Christmas balls on it as ornaments and it was topped off with silver icicles.

Presents were few and far between.

On occasion, there would be one or two presents at the most. Some of those earliest presents included a red fire truck set, baseball glove, a toy gun with holster, and a football with a tee. Sometimes there would be a bag of fruit. Groceries always seemed to be supplied.

I didn’t have a lot when growing up, but it didn’t matter because I didn’t know that I didn’t have a lot, and all of my friends experiences were the same as mine. Nevertheless, there was always excitement, joy and celebration on Christmas Day!

The tree, lights, decorations, fruit, food, and occasional present were not the most important things during those earliest Christmases.

The most important thing was knowing it was Jesus’ birthday.

As a child I experienced the true wonder of that. The feeling is hard to explain.

But Luke 2:10-11 describes the feeling, “But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (NIV).

Happy Birthday Jesus!