Spear-Cartoon_3571, originally uploaded by speartoons.

Cartoon of two kids at a present. The boy says, “Of course I’ll be home for Christmas! That’s where the presents are!”

This comic is based on Luke 2:1-7

There are always reasons to get upset. The furnace may be acting up. The dog or cat decides to leave a “present” on the floor and illness can hit our families. Financial issues are plaguing everyone which just adds stress to schools and the workplace. Life can get pretty hairy at times.

Sometimes, I just want to be home for Christmas. The holy family didn’t get that chance when Jesus was born. Joseph needed to find a place for them in a crowded city. Mary couldn’t have been comfortable no matter how much Joseph tried. Difficult is an understatement. Yet, they did what they had to do.

This Christmas, I’m going to remember the sacrifice Jesus and His family made. For a brief moment, a stable was home to a new, exhausted family. And that was where the best present of all was.

I drew this comic in Adobe Illustrator CS2