I’ve begun writing some memories of my dad.  He was my hero growing up and I want my grand children to know a little more about the person who was my father – their great grandfather.

One of my favorite memories is a simple birthday gift he gave me when I was probably 8 or 9 years old.  But first, let me tell you a little bit about my father.

Raymond Nicholas Arnold was the oldest of 4 children; 2 boys followed by 2 girls. His father died when he was about 12.

A farmer born in West Virginia, he had to move his family to New Mexico to a drier climate for his health.  That was a good move for him, for all of us and he lived a long and productive life.

Daddy married my mom when they were 31 and 25, respectively. I was their third and youngest of 3 daughters, born just 3 days after their 10^th anniversary.  Mother was quite a lady, smart and somewhat reserved.

Daddy had quite an open and engaging personality.  He loved to laugh, joke and tease.  He was an extremely generous person; actually, both my parents were giving people.

I’ve recently learned that it is a true ‘southernism’ for a grown woman to refer to her father as Daddy; it goes right along with grits and greens and sweet tea.

Now, about that gift I mentioned earlier. It was a simple box of 24 Crayola™ Crayons.  What made this gift so grand and such a strong memory?  Daddy had taken the time to wrap it and and wrap it and wrap it in different boxes as well as many different sheets of paper. The way he wrapped it made it so much bigger than a small box of crayons. 

It was a delight to unwrap this mysterious gift and to this day, it makes me feel well loved with that warm and fuzzy feeling.

My heavenly Father also presented us with a wonderful and not so mysterious gift; a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, born in a manger to die on a cross. The Mysterious Gift, the One we call Jesus, is really easy to know and understand.  He is easy to love because He first loved us.  He was born to bring mankind back to God; to create that pathway to peace with God that really isn’t so mysterious. 

At the time of Christ’s birth, people were looking for a Ruling King, a political giant and a strong and warring soldier who would rule over Rome and free them.  The mystery of this gift was a gentle, kind and loving savior. However, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

In John 3:16, we are taught, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.”

When Jesus walked the earth, He told us in John 14:6, “I am the      way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Come, unwrap this precious Gift and receive.

© 2013 Cat Brennan