Christmas Memories

One of our family Christmas traditions while our children were still at home was going to the Crowne Center in downtown Kansas City each year, and giving the kids money to buy an ornament for the tree.  This was a favorite holiday ritual we practiced for several years.  

Now, as we decorate our tree, each ornament holds a special memory that takes us back like the ghost of Christmas past.  The difference between us and Ebenezer Scrooge is that our Christmas memories are happy.

We all have Christmas memories, some spread out well over half-a-century.  Maybe you can identify with the words of the beautiful Christmas song --

Somewhere in my memory
Christmas joys all around me
Living in my memory
All of the music, all of the magic
All of the family home here with me
Precious moments, special people
Happy faces I can see

Memory is one of God’s most amazing gifts.  I’m sure the shepherds thought so.  I am talking about the shepherds to whom the angels appeared that first Christmas night.  They were the first to hear the announcement, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).  They were the first to see the Babe in the manger.  Imagine the Christmas memories the shepherds were able to share with their children and grandchildren.

And, of course, there was Joseph and Mary.  Unlike the rest of us, they did not hear the Christmas story second hand.  They didn’t read about it.  They lived it!  For the rest of their lives they were able to give a firsthand account of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.

As we reminisce on our many Christmas memories, let’s go all the way back to that first Christmas night.  Let’s reflect on the many wonderful events surrounding the most miraculous and notable birth of all.  Let’s pause as we consider the reason Christ was born.  This Christmas, take time to remember.

Pastor Todd Weston