Advent Guide: You BelongSample

The Greatest Gift

Growing up, the Christmas season meant the anticipation of traveling to my Dad's Indian village in the mountains of southern Mexico.

We didn't grow up making lists of gifts we wanted for Christmas; instead, we grew up making lists of what gifts we would like to take to family and friends of the village.

In the village, Christmastime didn't center on a decorated tree; it centered on grandparents, aunts, uncles, and the multitude of cousins. It seemed the entire population of the village gathered in my grandfather's courtyard for the Christmas Eve celebration.

First, came the telling of the Christmas story or the reenactment of the story by the children. Afterward, there was music, laughter, talking, and of course, the smells of delicious food that can only be found at a Mexican village potluck.

The best part of the evening was the breaking of the piñata, filled with everything we had collected prior to our traveling there. Joy filled the children's faces as they scrambled to gather toys and sweets of all kinds as they came down from the sky.

Joy filled our hearts as well. My parents were right. It was much better to give than to receive.

Today, though far from that village in Mexico, my husband and I are creating our own memories and traditions with our daughters and their families, especially our grandchildren, the Fab Five.

Our Christmastime is centered on family, food, a piñata, of course, and the story of the greatest gift God could give – Jesus.

Beyla Montez is a retired elementary school teacher who lives in Highland Village with her husband Gilbert. They are members of The Village Church Denton and are proud grandparents of five, affectionately known as the Fab Five. Her father, the late Rev. Fortunato Gonzalez, pastored churches throughout Texas for 50 years.