On Christmas eve this year, with my children and grandchildren gathered, I had the opportunity to share three of my early Christmas memories, as a child and a young father.

The memories included annual Christmas traditions.  Car rides with my dad and siblings on Skyline Drive to see the city lights, the opening of one gift each when we returned, which Mom placed under the tree while we were on our ride, and mom reading “A Visit from St. Nicholas”. We knew that more gifts would, miraculously, appear during the night while we slept.  I remember waking up on the living room sofa while everyone else was asleep.  I had, secretly and quietly, left my bed to try to get a glance of Santa.

Another memory, as young parents, Caroline and I started the tradition of watching the 1983, George C. Scott movie version of “A Christmas Carol”. Our children were very young when we began.  The wonderful, amusing, and dramatic transformation of the “Bah! Humbug! stingy and mean-hearted” Ebenezer Scrooge to the kind, loving, charitable “good keeper of Christmas”, as originally portrayed by the author Charles Dickens in the 1800’s, has brought joy and a time of loving, family fellowship for years at Christmastime. Our favorite part, which each time brings smiles and laughter, is the baffled look on employee Bob Cratchit’s face when Scrooge doubles his salary and offers support for his disabled child. Though the end of the movie, not the end of the story. The sense of love and joy flows from the screen through the room and into our family relationships.  Our children, especially our daughter who is now in her mid-40’s, have pledged to continue this tradition when Caroline and I are no longer there, in person, to share.  I love it!

The third and final memory I shared this Christmas eve with my family was regarding my first memories of attending church on Christmas eve when I was about 8 years old.  It was at that time that the reality, and the impact, of the birth of Jesus began to take hold in my young mind.  The reading of the biblical account in Luke chapter 2, the lights, the singing, the candles, feeling of love and safety that filled my young senses remain with me today.  They are a part of me.  I shared this with my family and then read from Luke chapter 2. 

As I read, the sensations and memories listed above came to the surface.  With tears rolling down my face I, haltingly, read, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord.  This will be sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger.”  I tried to explain to my grandchildren, who were clearly wondering why their grampy was crying, that my childhood memories of this story were still very real to me.  And the amazement of what Jesus did for us has continued to grow in my life.  They may not fully understand, however, I believe they will remember this time of sharing traditions and memories.

May you be blessed with your own family traditions and memories.  May you be encouraged. May you be amazed. You are loved!

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Happy New Year!

Mike