“Sometimes, you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” – Theodor Seuss Giesel (aka Dr. Seuss)

What do you remember about your Christmases as a child? Christmas was a big deal for my family. In fact, my mother would sometimes borrow money to buy Christmas gifts. Or, she would join a Christmas Club where you could contribute $5 or 10 a month beginning in January to have “extra” money for Christmas. 

Our Christmas tree was always up early to the point that by Christmas, thousands of dry, sharp needles had fallen to the floor. We decorated the tree with big light bulbs, glass ornaments that gradually reduced in numbers over the years, and an abundance of those silver foil icicles. 

We always visited Santa at the local American Legion Post and felt blessed to get a sack of chocolate cream haystack candy and an orange plus maybe a few nuts. 

Christmas morning was magical! We struggled to sleep and eventually, a rule was implemented that we could get our filled stockings any time after midnight, but we couldn’t wake up our parents until after 6am. Later, on Christmas Day, we visited my grandparents in the country.

At our own home, my wife and I have many special memories of Christmas. We always included church on Christmas Eve, special foods before bed, Swedish tea rings for Christmas breakfast, and fun family times on Christmas Day. 

On Christmas, I always remember the excitement my Mom and Dad experienced on Christmas. I remember our kids saying their parts in Christmas pageants. I remember assembling toys well past my own bedtime. And now, I remember more recent Christmases with our grandchildren. 

Yes, Christmas memories are special ones that should be cherished. I hope that in future years as my memory fades, I have somehow tucked these special memories in places that are protected and retained for the whole of my life.

Christmas should be cherished and savored, not rushed. I am hopeful that you are taking the time to soak in those special times you experience this season.

I am also reminded of the shepherds that were the first to hear about the newborn Savior on that first Christmas morning. In the book of Matthew 2: 9 – 10, it is said:

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’”

The Good News… I hope that you believe that the real meaning of Christmas is that God became flesh and came to earth for us. He came to pay the price that we could never pay ourselves. The shepherds believed that. And, as a result, they were never the same. Experiencing the birth of Christ changed them. Hopefully, it has done the same for you. If you have not experienced this for yourselves, make this the year… make this the day.

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

Have a Merry Christmas! I hope this is the best one you have ever experienced. I hope that you will pause to remember loved ones that have impacted your life. I hope that you will find great joy and create memories this year that never fade. All the best to you and your family from mine!