The Empty Stocking

The real meaning of Christmas

The pressure to buy the perfect Christmas gifts has been bombarding us for well over a month, making it easy to lose sight of the original and true meaning of Christmas.

From one of my husband’s absolute favorite movies—the perennial classic, The Bishop’s Wife (1947)—comes the story of “The Empty Stocking,” a reminder that Christmas is meant to honor the spirit of the child born in the manger, not merely the exchange of material gifts.

Thanks to divine intervention by an angel, played by Cary Grant, David Niven’s character, Bishop Henry Brougham, has a life-altering epiphany about the holiday's true message.

In his Christmas Eve sermon, the Bishop’s parable calls us to reflect on what Christ would truly wish for us: not the possessions delivered by Amazon trucks, but acts of loving kindness, generosity, patience, and compassion.

“Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking...

Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child’s cry, a blazing star hung over a stable, and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven’t forgotten that night down the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, with the sound of bells, and with gifts.

But especially with gifts. You give me a book, I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry can do with a new pipe. For we forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled, all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. It’s his birthday we’re celebrating. Don’t let us ever forget that.

Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. And then, let each put in his share, loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched-out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth.”

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Christmas is found not in objects, but in virtues toward others: extending warm hearts, offering helping hands, showing consideration and authentic tolerance—the gifts that create true peace and harmony in ourselves, our families, and communities.

Merry Christmas, from my family to you and yours.

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