I wrote DOES LOVE GROW AT CHRISTMAS

for young children, because as a boy I never celebrated Christmas. I grew up in a Jewish home. We had no Christmas tree inside and also no Christmas lights on the outside of our house.

When I was 14, a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to come to his home for Christmas Eve. I was sure my parents would say no because we were Jewish, but I was surprised when they said yes. I was amazed and so excited.

To this day (I am now 66 years old), I believe God intervened on that day 52 years ago. I know for sure God miraculously moved my parents to let me go to my first ever encounter with Christmas.

Since that day, I have held Christmas deep in my heart every year until at the age of 25, I finally realized the real meaning of Christmas-it was all about Jesus.

I asked Jesus into my heart and, like He promised, He has never gone away and lives within my heart now and forever. I accepted Him with childlike faith just as the Bible teaches. I believe one day I will be with Him in Heaven.

I have never been the same since my first Christmas Eve and Christmas. From that evening forward, Christmas has meant so much to me. It changed my life.

- Eric G. Burstock