A Hard Candy Christmas

A Hard Candy Christmas is a song made popular by Dolly Parton back in the early 80’s. The song takes me back to bygone days of growing up in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. It speaks of a time of when getting by on less than enough was common place. A time when inexpensive, handmade gifts and a small paper bag of hard Christmas candy were thought of as treasures to be appreciated.

 Times of hardship and suffering seem to make us more thankful for the little things. When preservice, grit, rugged determination and dependence on God help us see the world in a different light. If we feel entitled and have everything handed to us, nothing is appreciated and enjoyed for long.

 Today Christmas has become so commercialized and so hectic that many Christians has lost the awe and joy that should accompany this special day. This Christmas consider how God has blessed you and your family. Find a way to give back to those less fortunate. 

 If you aren’t in the Christmas spirit this year, if you dread the shopping for gifts and the hustle in the malls and on the roads, and have lost the joy of Christmas, remember these words from

Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”