Dear Family and Friends,

What is your favorite Christmas memory? Is it from when you were a kid or perhaps with the kids?

I still remember the Christmas Eve when our little girl pleaded to open a gift early. After much discussion, we relented (do you know how impossible it is to reason with a four old?) and let Jennie pick out one gift.

So she ran, grabbed a gift from under the tree, and tore off the wrappings. Seconds later, she burst into tears when she saw what it was.

It was the movie that frightened her when she saw the TV commercial – E.T. the Extra Terrestrial. Do you know how hard it is to get a sobbing four year old to bed the night before Christmas?

Today, let’s talk about Christmas memories. We begin with the greatest Christmas memories ever recounted.

Of all the Gospels, Luke has more details of the birth and youth of Jesus than any other.

Luke tells of the angel Gabriel visiting Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Luke tells of Mary’s visit to Zechariah and Elizabeth and how baby John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb.

Luke is the only one who shares Mary’s and Zechariah’s songs.

Luke tells of the Roman census, the journey to Bethlehem, the visit from the shepherds, and baby Jesus wrapped in cloths lying in a manger.

Luke is the only one who tells of Jesus’ circumcision, and receiving Simeon’s blessings and prophesy.

Luke is the only Gospel with the story of Jesus staying behind in the temple when He was twelve years old.

To add, Luke is the only one who twice shared the intimate feelings of a person in such a way that it could only have come from the person herself – Mary.

After the shepherds had visited Jesus, Luke shared, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 NIV

After Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple, Luke wrote, “But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” Luke 2:51 NIV

Yes, many believe Luke’s account of the birth and youth of Jesus came from the memories of His mother Mary. In fact, Luke begins his Gospel by saying his account was “just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.” Luke 1:2 NIV

Can I encourage you to read the most complete story of the birth of Jesus in Luke 1 and 2?

As you do so, listen carefully as these words were likely those spoken by a loving mother. Her memories were so precious that Mary would recall these intimate details even after 60+ years had passed since Jesus was born.

One of the greatest gifts God gave to man was the gift of memory. Memories allow us to relive the special moments in our lives.

Memories help us to not repeat past mistakes.

Memories are critical to building loving relationships with others.

And lest we forget, our memories help us to remember all the good things that our Lord has done for us.

“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭46:9‬

Besides celebrating the birth of Jesus, Christmas is a wonderful time to build special heartwarming memories with family and friends.

Can I encourage us to be intentional in creating moments to remember? To be intentional in showing interest and loving those with whom we gather.

Some say create memories that last a lifetime. I say create memories that last forever – because they will.

In love always,