Filling The Stockings

A woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years had heard of Jesus and believed that if she could even just touch the hem of His robe, she would be healed. When Christ made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the people laid down palms and their own cloaks and garments for Jesus to walk on. They did this out of respect, but I can't help but believe that those who laid down their garments for Jesus to walk on cherished them ever after for being touched by the Master's presence. In a similar way, on the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we lay out stockings to be touched by the Spirit of Christmas and filled with gifts. I know the tradition of laying out stockings has more to do with stories associated with Saint Nicholas than with Jesus Christ, but when we think about our stockings being filled with good things on Christmas day, we can think about the woman with the issue of if blood or the people who laid down their coats on Palm Sunday who believed there was goodness and power in a garment that Jesus touched.