Afterwards, I remember daddy sitting down and saying, "Boys, I've got to rest a minute." He felt better and we drove 50 miles back to Blackshear and mama's good supper.

Our Christmas tree was up and presents were wrapped. Only two days and a night until Christmas! That night, my 40 year old preacher daddy dropped dead of a heart attack.

I remember all people coming, Christmas tree and presents being removed, and my daddy's casket taking that spot.

On that cold, cloudy, Christmas day, we buried my daddy. Suddenly, presents and trees didn't mean that much. The Lord answered daddy's Christmas prayer-he longed to be with Jesus.

From that Christmas on, I truly realized what true meaning of Christmas is. Yes, it's a time of celebration...For unto us this day is born a Savior...Without His birth, we would have no hope of being reunited with our loved ones.

I will see my Daddy again. You see, almost eight years ago, another one of daddy's prayers was answered. I, too, am a child of King.

This Christmas of 1994, let us rejoice in birth and death of Lord Jesus Christ. Because He lives, we can live, also.

Luke 2.11 "For unto you is born this day in city of David a Saviour, which is Christ Lord."

Footnote...Both my brother-in-law, Joe, and I are preachers. Clyde was 26 when Lord called him home. Clyde and my Daddy were both born on August 18..both died on December 22, and both were buried on Christmas day (10 years apart)

Irvin L. Rozier, aka walkin2e

3. Maid service for a month.

For neat freak who is just too exhausted to do it all herself, this is perfect gift. It may not seem romantic, but she’ll love fact that you’re thinking of her needs.

4. A personal chef or a post-baby casserole shower. The last thing a new mom has time for is cooking, but you still have to eat something for dinner every night. If you can afford it, hire a personal chef to cook and store two weeks’ worth of meals in your freezer. Go to (http://www.personalchef.com) for referrals.

If finances won’t permit that luxury, ask friends or relatives to throw her a post-baby casserole shower. Each friend or relatives makes a casserole that can be frozen and re-heat as needed.

5. A memory.

Memory-savers like scrapbooks, baby pictures and photo gifts are always a hit with new moms. If she likes scrapbooking, get her a gift certificate to her favorite craft or scrapbooking store.

If she’s a digital photography fan, Shutterfly (http://www.shutterfly.com) offers prepaid print plans and portrait packages from $24. Or have a photo quilt made at Personal Creations (http://www.personalcreations.com) or a hand-drawn pencil sketch or watercolor done from one of your baby photos at My DaVinci (http://www.mydavinci.com).