One of my favorite Christmas Memories was when I was about 16 years old.  I had always loved music.  I had taken piano lessons since I was very little.  I even wrote a song when I was about 9 years old.  I played the trumpet in the school band too.  However, that year, I was ready to join the big leagues.  I wanted a guitar, but not just any guitar.  I had my eye on a black and white Fender Stratocaster electric guitar with a maple fretboard.  I mentioned this gift on Sunday as a gift that brought me GREAT JOY!  What I didn’t talk about on Sunday was the way my parents gave it.  They were sometimes really sneaky about how they gave gifts.  You see, my sister and I were pretty good at guessing our gift by the box size or shape or if we shook it … the sound.  The bigger the box meant a better gift.

My parents really outdid themselves on this gift.  They found the biggest box they could find and wrapped it up.  When I opened it, what was inside was ANOTHER wrapped box.  I began tearing through the paper, wondering what would be inside, only to find ANOTHER wrapped box.  This went on for several times until I got to a very small box.  I couldn’t imagine what it could be.  I was a little excited and a little disappointed.  I had asked for a guitar, and there was not going to be a guitar in that tiny little box.  When I opened the little box, there was a note.  It read, “Go look inside the hall closet”.  WHAT?  I ran to the closet, ripped open the door, and to my amazement, found the Black and White Fender Stratocaster electric guitar with a maple fretboard!  What GREAT JOY!

As I reflected back on that experience while talking with my Dad, he reminded me of how really good things can come in small packages.  That’s never more true than in the Christmas story.  God sent His only Son, Jesus, to be born as a baby.  He didn’t come with great fanfare for all the world to know.  In fact, the announcement of His birth was made to lowly shepherds.  He wasn’t born in a palace.  He was born in a stable and placed in a manger.  But this small gift was and is the GREATEST gift that we could ever receive.

Luke 2:8-12 (NIV) “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
 
As you celebrate Christmas, reflect on some of the small things.  In this great, big world we live in, God sent His Son for you!  And, because He came, you can have Hope, Joy and Peace, and that’s better than anything you’ll find in the hall closet!

Memories...by definition, memories are something that is remembered from the past, a recollection, if you will.  Since Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year, I have plenty of memories that I hold near and dear to my heart.  In fact, that is the beauty of having memories is that you can replay them in your mind and visualize those precious moments over and over and over again.

My mind has taken me to a time when I was just six years old.  My entire family was spending Christmas together in Alexandria, Virginia, at my Uncle Billy and Aunt Sharon’s home.  My sister, Janet, and cousin, Elizabeth, were babies, and there was a lot of excitement that was in the air.  I remember Granddaddy’s voice reading from the book of Luke all about Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.  I also can remember him telling us the real reason we were all together that day was because we were celebrating Jesus’ birthday, all while wondering with a little girl’s mindset where the presents and cake for Jesus were since that is what always happens at a birthday party.
 
Well, my family had presents for each other and later that morning, I found myself to be the proud owner of a Sesame Street Tape Recorder.  Now, this wasn’t just any tape recorder, it came equipped with a small, silver microphone that was attached to make it easier to speak and record whatever your heart desired.  I had inserted a blank cassette tape and went looking for the perfect place to share what was on my mind into the tape recorder. I remember moving into the room that my parents and sister were staying in and I saw my little sister in the crib drinking her bottle just before her nap. I remember thinking about the newborn baby we had just heard about who was born on Christmas Day.

And, so it began, on that Christmas afternoon, my first sermon was recorded into that little Sesame Street Tape Recorder.  I remember speaking about how the angel had come to Mary and told her she would have a baby.  The next words that went into the recorder came with a melody in a song that my six-year-old mind imagined Mary’s Song found in Luke 2:46-55 could have been when I sang “I’m so glad that the Lord chose me! I’m so glad that the Lord chose me!”  I continued on and shared the greatest story ever told in my own words.

Now, as I remember and have relistened to that recording countless times, I know the little girl that spoke those words wasn’t focused on the fact that Mary was most likely scared of everything she had heard the angel announce to her.  That little girl was focused on the fact that the Lord had chosen Mary to be the mother of Jesus.  Mary was going to have a baby and she was thanking the Lord for that.  When I look at Mary’s Song in the scriptures, I see a verse right before that song with a new song for me to sing-- “You are a woman God has blessed.  You have believed that the Lord would keep His promises to you.”  Luke 2:45 NIrV

Here is a place for a new memory to be made.  I need to know and remember that the Lord has chosen ME!  No, I wasn’t chosen to be the mother of Jesus, but God has chosen me to be His child and because of that, I am blessed.  He has a plan that is just for ME! The same is true for you!  He has chosen you to be His child, His son, or His daughter, and as His children, we are blessed!  That little girl with her new tape recorder hadn’t found out about all the promises that God has made to His children, but she definitely knows about them now!  I do believe that each promise is real that God will keep every one of them!  His word is true.  His love for His children is unending.  His peace is unexplainable.  His presence is sweet.  His promises are good.  He is faithful to keep all of His promises.  So, I’m just going to keep singing my new song and I’m spending time remembering about all of God’s promises over and over…just like Mary.

“But Mary kept all these things in her heart.  She thought about them over and over.”  Luke 2:19 NIrV

The Christmas bell- what is the story? Why do I remember the bell when thinking of Christmas?

Joan and I have seemingly been busy raising children for at least 100 years! (Or maybe 40) I am sure that all parents have fond memories of Christmas Eve - One parent finishes the last-minute shopping (I was always on call at the hospital and joined the 100 members of the Procrastinator's Club at Wal Mart at 1:30 AM); the stuffing of seven stockings; wrapping numerous packages; and the ever-present assembling of bicycles, trucks, and all sorts of Chinese revenge! Then falling into bed at 4:30 to be awakened by bedlam 30 minutes later! It made for some memorable Christmas AM pictures (Joan was absent in most of them!) What were we to do? As usual, my wife solved the problem:  "All you little ones have to stay in bed until the Christmas Bell Rings!" AHA! Brilliant! Great for us, but maybe not so good for the kiddos?

As I reflected on the Christmas bell, I could not help but think about our Heavenly Father - He certainly knows how to wait ---
Gal. 3  Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman,...   KJV
           
The Christmas Story is about the Father waiting until the right time to send His only begotten Son into the world. He alone decided when it was time to "Ring the Bell."  Our children also waited expectantly for the right time - knowing that there was a gift downstairs that had been lovingly chosen and provided for them.
           
 But God's Gift had a greater meaning - this Gift would never wear out and would be the GREATEST GIFT EVER!

Gal. 5:5 ... that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
           
So this Gift was not temporary, it was PERMANENT! It procured for us all the benefits of Sonship and Eternal life. After the Reading of Luke 2 and opening presents on Christmas day - our children knew they had other Christmas mornings coming for which they had to wait!

Titus 2:13   Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. . .   ESV
           
 The Christmas story has a future fulfillment: all we have to do is wait for the bell!!!

Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

One of my favorite Christmas memories comes from the year my grandparents surprised my family with an unforgettable gift—a chance to go on our first family cruise. I can still remember sitting by the tree, surrounded by the glow of twinkling lights, unwrapping a gift that didn’t seem all that special at first. Inside was an envelope, and as we opened it, we saw tickets for the cruise.

The room erupted with excitement (I love rewatching the home movie). My siblings and I couldn’t stop talking about the places we’d visit, the fun we’d have, and the joy of spending time together as a family on such a grand adventure. Even before the trip began, the anticipation filled our hearts with joy. That simple gift brought us closer together and created memories that would last a lifetime.
Looking back, I see a glimpse of the joy and anticipation the shepherds must have felt when they heard the angel’s announcement: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you” (Luke 2:10-11). Like us waiting for our cruise, they were filled with excitement for something even greater—the arrival of the Savior who would change the world.

Christmas reminds us of a gift far more meaningful than anything we can open under a tree. The gift of Jesus brings us joy that isn’t just temporary, like the thrill of a trip or a special experience. It’s a lasting joy rooted in the hope of salvation, the peace of knowing we are loved, and the promise of an eternal future with God.

This season, let’s embrace the joyful anticipation of Christ’s presence in our lives, just as we did as children waiting for that special trip. Let us share this joy with others, reminding them of the good news that Jesus has come and is coming again.

Merry Christmas, and may your hearts be filled with the joy of God’s greatest gift!

As I reflect on my favorite Christmas memories, I am reminded of the years that my family and I would load up in the car, drive around neighborhoods, and take in all the Christmas lights. We would visit our favorite communities where the streets were lined with homes adorned with colorful displays- some simple, others grand and elaborate. As we drove through, my siblings and I were filled with excitement, pointing out our favorite houses, and laughing all the way. During these moments, everything felt peaceful, and the sparkle of the lights seemed to quiet the hustle and bustle of the season. The only fussing, besides who was riding “shot gun”, was centered around which house had the best lights. Everything seemed right in my little town, in my world.

Even today, I find myself drawn to Christmas lights and holiday displays. Every holiday season, I drive around looking for lights and still get excited to find a house decked out in shimmering bulbs. There is something about these lights that is alluring and draws us in. It’s more than just the beauty of the decorations.
I am reminded of something deeper- the light that entered the world on that first Christmas night. In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

There is a greater light. Jesus came to shine in the darkness of our lives, to guide us, to comfort us, and bring hope where there is despair. I am reminded that even when my holiday spirit is lacking, the Christmas lights still shine amid winter’s darkness. Jesus’ presence brightens our hearts, reminding us that we are never without the Holy Spirit or in the dark when we walk with him.

As a child, I was creating memories with my family. Spending time with my family, looking at Christmas lights, brought me so much joy. As an adult, I can still find joy in Christmas (even when it looks or feels “different”) because Jesus is my joy. Jesus is Christmas.

This Christmas, as you take in the beauty of the lights around you, let them be a symbol of the light that Christ brings into your life. When your world feels uncertain or “different”, His light is there to lead you, warm you, and fill you with joy and peace.

When John and I married, one of our wedding presents was a plastic nativity set: Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus, plus his manger.  Later that year John’s parents sold their home, and they passed along some hand painted plaster figures: an angel, one shepherd and the three wisemen, as well as a very large, glazed donkey and a camel the size of the three wisemen.  John built a ranch style creche for our diverse little group and cut some wisps of straw from a hula skirt his father had brought home from Guam. We allowed our kids to play with the manger scene, and I remember touching up the paint on the plaster figures and noticing that the camel developed white patches as Christmases came and went.

One year I read about a mother who didn’t put Baby Jesus into the manger until Christmas morning.  I thought that was a great idea and an empty manger during Advent became part of our yearly display.

Until the Christmas that all our children remember- the year that Mom lost Baby Jesus.

I don’t know which of them first noticed that our manger was still empty on that Christmas morning. Maybe it was while John was reading the Christmas portion of Luke, but one of them cried out that Jesus was missing.

No problem, I thought, I was just so busy preparing for Christmas that I forgot.  Jumping up, I went to the box where the little baby should have been.  As I opened box after box, it was soon apparent that I hadn’t only forgotten to put Baby Jesus in the manger- I had forgotten where I put Baby Jesus!

In all my American busy-ness: the cooking, the cleaning, the shopping, the decorating, and the wrapping that are so much a part of our Christmas season, I had relegated the tiny figure to the dark back of a drawer where I finally discovered it just before Easter.

God’s love for celebrations is woven throughout the Old Testament. So, enjoy the glitter, songs, and sheer fun of Christmas, but keep our Lord Jesus front and center. Don’t leave Him behind as you hurry to the next store, the next party, the next event. Please remember that:

“This is how God showed His love for us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might love through Him. This is love: not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
I John 4:9-10

 Each year that Faith and I decorate our Christmas tree we reminisce about our first Christmas. The conversation is always sparked by one specific ornament. Before we had gotten married, Faith moved to Cleveland, OH to be closer to me as our relationship developed. While we were dating, one thing became overly apparent . . . Faith loved Peter Pan. Not just the Disney version of Peter Pan but the J.M. Barrie story of Peter Pan and everything to do with it. She had books, posters, figurines, anything that she could get her hands on that was Peter Pan. On our first Christmas, I thought it would be really special to show Faith just how much I loved and knew her by making a handmade Peter Pan ornament. I had grown up getting handmade ornaments from my mom that she had cut out of wood and painted. I thought it would be really special to do the same for Faith.

On Christmas morning we were sitting around the Christmas tree opening our gifts, Faith had one gift left. A small delicate box that was buried under the Christmas tree. A small box that when she picked it up I stopped and watched as she opened. Her eyes lit up . . . Her hopes were high . . . What I didn’t realize even in the slightest . . . A small delicate gift on Christmas morning can mean something TOTALLY different to a young woman in love . . . Yep you guessed it.  She thought there was a ring in that box! Uh oh . . .  She opened that gift and there was visual disappointment for a moment.

Faith loves that Peter Pan ornament but for a split second she had received an unexpected gift. Her hopes were high and what she got was something good but not the super special, life changing, gift that she was expecting. A similar story happened on that first Christmas long ago. The people of God were hoping and expecting a triumphant king to overthrow their oppressors. The promised King that they have been waiting for, for hundreds of years. Finally, there were rumblings that their King was on the way . . . The stars were literally aligning (Matt 2:2) and pointing towards the King. What the people got was a baby in a manager. A baby . . . Born to a poor family in the little town of Bethlehem. God’s people had received a gift completely opposite of what they were expecting.
But just like God’s story is BIGGER than what was first expected, the story of Faith and I, also had more to it. What I didn’t mention in the story above, is that while I was planning and working on that ornament, I had also bought a ring. I was already planning a proposal just one week later on New Year’s Eve. Although Faith was initially disappointed in an unexpected gift the ring came later. And to all of us, Jesus is our ring. He is the one that we all have been waiting for and He is exactly what the People of God needed. . . They just didn’t know it yet. Jesus came as a baby because God, in the background, and also right before our eyes, prophesied that Jesus would come in this fashion. In order for Jesus to be our Savior, He had to be that baby in the manager that grew to be a sinless man. A man that knew what it meant to be part of a family, to learn to walk and study, to learn a trade and work with His hands. A man that was the perfect sacrifice that we needed and was promised to us. Jesus’ birth was not the only time He gave people an unexpected gift. Just look at His life. Most of His teaching and actions were unexpected and contrary to expectations but in every case it was exactly what was needed. Exactly what was needed for the people then and exactly what is needed for us today.

Maybe life has thrown you something unexpected. Something that you were hoping for wasn’t exactly what you thought it would be. Maybe you received a diagnosis that is coming out of left field. . . Just because something is unexpected doesn’t mean that God is done or there isn’t more to the story. And frankly we might not know the full story on this side of eternity BUT we DO have Gods’ promises like “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights...” James 1:17, NIV and “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:25 and “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8, NIV . . . We can have hope, peace, and faith that Jesus is exactly what we need. He is our ring!

Christmas has a way of pointing us to the joy of the Lord and compelling us to spread that joy with others! One of my most cherished Christmas memories is when I participated in Christmas caroling from about age 8 through 12 with the Girl Scouts. I wasn’t a particularly great singer, but it never seemed to matter because we were always reminded that we were spreading hope and joy through the words of the songs. After all these years, my memories are not detailed, however I still remember the smiles and sometimes tears of joy on the faces of the homeowners when we showed up in the dark and cold of the evening with our smiles, single lit candles, and a song or two.  There was always an offer of cookies, candy, hot chocolate, or even money as a show of kindness and appreciation. My favorite carol “Joy to the World”, was written by the hymn writer, Isaac Watts in 1719. It wasn’t originally written as a Christmas carol or even a song, but rather a poem based on Psalm 98. Watts adapted the Old Testament Psalm to include the work of King Jesus, as revealed in the New Testament. As a young girl experiencing the joys of caroling, it was mostly about the tangible things that I could see, hear, and taste. Today, I experience that joy on a deeper level, knowing that in Genesis 3 and Psalm 98, there was a profound hope and anticipation of Christ’s coming. In the Gospels we rejoice in His birth and ministry. In Revelation 19 and 20, we anticipate the second coming of Christ when all will be made right. There will no longer be the misery of sin and sorrow. Jesus will rule with truth and grace, and we will experience the wonders of His love. I’m so very thankful that our gracious Lord takes the simplest gifts such as singing Christmas carols to point us to the joy of Christ. It is the joy that was, is, and always will be our greatest joy!

May you experience the joy of the Lord during this Christmas season and forevermore!
 
 

Every year during the Christmas season growing up, we’d do all the typical Christmas “stuff.” We’d drive around town to see Christmas lights. We’d make trips to the mall to shop. We’d have recitals at school, make sure we saw Santa, and do all the family get togethers. My dad would hang lights and decorate outside. My favorite was the Christmas trees he’d make in the yard. He’d have a wooden pole in the middle, and just string lights straight down, all around making a tree. We had those plastic Grand Venture Frosty the Snowman and candle blow molds yard decorations. Those things go for like $150+ on eBay now! I always made sure to watch my favorite Christmas movies too! Even today, The Grinch and Home Alone have become staples and traditions for our family. The smell of pine brings me back to my childhood. My brothers and I’d fight over who got to hang the 1986 Hallmark Oreo Cookie ornament. Decorating the tree with our homemade ornaments and listening to Christmas music was such a special time. So many colors and lights. Cookies, cocoa, and treats. It’s actually amazing how many Christmas songs I think I can sing along to. Though it always seemed to go by so fast, the feelings of the seasons make a permanent mark. Christmas is and was so special.

As Christians, Christmas is a pinnacle day. We celebrate it to recognize that our savior was born. As I’ve grown older, and have children of my own, I connect to the Christmas story more and more. Children are a gift from the lord (Psalm 127:3). They can bring Christmas so much joy. The birth of my boys was indescribable. My heart burst with joy and love. I know Mary felt the same way. As a child, Christmas morning was easily one of the best days of the year. Yes, the presents are a huge reason people enjoy Christmas. Giving and receiving generates feelings that are sometimes…indescribable. Receiving a gift you always wanted. Giving someone something they’ve never think they’d get. It’s special.

The best feeling and memory for me will always be the night before Christmas. Trying to fall asleep. Tossing and turning. Your brain not shutting off. Wanting morning to get here. As a kid, I’d wake up and walk out to see the dark room lit by glowing Christmas lights around the tree, and looking to see if Santa came. That feeling of surprise and wonder is amazing. The verse that beautifully captures this is Luke 2:10-11 (NIV) But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Can you imagine? Being out in a field and you get the surprise of your life. No, this isn’t a prank show from Bethlehem. An angel shows up and wants to talk to you. My heart would be exploding, and I’d need some serious calming down. Then comes the simple words: “Do not be afraid.” A good word cheers the heart (Proverbs 12:25). Christmas is a time of indescribable feelings. My encouragement for us all is to find a way to make it special. Tap into those childhood memories. Make a new memory. Give someone a good word to cheer them up. Whatever you do, realize that good news came that caused great joy for all the people, and you’re one of them. Merry Christmas!

Growing up, there were a lot of things that we did during the month of December to make Christmas special. We decorated Christmas cookies. We had advent calendars, including a special Advent Snowman (my kids love using it now!) that helped us countdown the days to Christmas. We had special Christmas movies that we watched every year. We sang Christmas songs around our piano. We had special Christmas decorations that we looked forward to putting up, so much that we had to take turns every year so that we wouldn’t fight.

We even had special traditions that went with Christmas morning. We weren’t supposed to leave our rooms until we heard the Christmas bell. (Now that I am grown and have children of my own, I realize this is a clever ploy to keep the kiddos from waking you up at 6 am. :) Once we heard the bell, we had to wait until everyone was around the tree before we were allowed to open our stockings. Before we could begin opening presents, we always paused as a family, while my father read Luke 2:1-20.

As a child, it was hard to stop at this moment when the presents were so close, waiting for us in our own individual piles, under the tree. There was probably more than one year when I didn’t really hear the words my dad was reading because I was busy looking at my toys from my stocking or trying to guess what my gifts might be. I am grateful though that my parents started, and then continued, this tradition of taking time on Christmas morning to remember why we are getting gifts at all. This is one of my childhood traditions that I continue to do with my own family. As hard as it can be to pause in the middle of Christmas morning, reading Luke 2 helps us remember the true reason behind Christmas.

I know that Christmas time can be very busy. I understand that there are gifts to be bought, cookies to be baked, parties to attend, and the list goes on… It is so easy, in all the busyness, to forget why we celebrate Christmas. I would encourage you this December to take the time to read through Luke 2 … to imagine what it must have been like that very first Christmas. And to thank Jesus for being willing to come to earth as a baby so that He could become the Man who would sacrifice Himself to take away the sins of the world. Let’s not forget the true reason for the season and thank God for the gift of His Son!

Luke 2
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.