Merry Christmas, Y’all!! Thanks for stopping by today. I know you’re busy planning, shopping, wrapping, baking and celebrating. The fact that you’ve read my devotion and have stopped by my blog means you are keeping Christ in your Christmas!!
Many are not. They make room for the things I’ve listed above and much, much more, but they fail to make room for Jesus—the reason for the season. It reminds me of a story my pastor told a year or two ago.
“The young boy was thrilled when the teacher announced he would play the part of the Innkeeper in this year’s Christmas play. The girl and the boy who were to play Mary and Joseph always got the lead roles in every play. They were good at play-acting and he wanted to be just as good—even better! So when the teacher told the little boy to practice his lines with intensity, he did so. “THERE’S No ROOM! THERE’S NO ROOM HERE!”
When the opening night arrived, the little boy was filled with a mix bag of excitement and fear. Back stage he practiced his lines until it was time for him to perform. At the right moment, the boy enter the stage and waited behind the INN made of cardboard for Mary and Joseph.
As expected, Joseph was convincing.
“Dear Innkeeper, we’ve traveled a long way and my wife is with child. Do you have a room available for us to stay the night?”
The little boy replied as he had practiced. “THERE’S NO ROOM! THERE’S NO ROOM HERE!”
Then, Mary, with tears in her eyes, begged. “Please sir, I’m tried, hungry and could give birth at any moment. Is there no room at all?”
The little boy’s heart stirred with compassion but he stayed the course and shouted, “THERE’S NO ROOM! THERE’S NO ROOM HERE!”
Mary and Joseph were so convincing that as they turned to leave the little boy could no longer hold back his emotion. Without thinking, he called out, “Wait! You Can Have My Room!”
I love that story because Jesus is the only gift the world can’t live without.
I pray that you continue to make room for the Christ child in your heart and home this season. Like Patrick in my devotion, anticipate His arrival. Look for His Presence, read His story, and bake a birthday cake just for Him. Our birthday cake will be red velvet this year! I can almost taste it now!
Don’t forget about my giveaway. Share a favorite Christmas memory and enter to win my book, An Untroubled Heart, and my CD talk, Cultivating a Heart of Contentment!
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Hi Micca,
Thank you so much for the reminder. I can’t really name one favorite memory, but I can say that after losing my dad to cancer 8 years ago, that all of my memories of the Christmases I had with him throughout my life are the most precious and the sweetest.
Thank you again, and I hope you and yours have a wonderful memory filled Christmas. 🙂
I really like you mother’s tradition of withholding baby Jesus from the nativity. I would have never thought of that. One of my favorite Christmas memories was meeting relatives at a restaurant for dinner and on the way there, my sisters and I sharing some of our favorite memories growing up. It still brings a smile to my face.
One of my favorite Christmas memories was when we had moved to the state of Florida and our first Christmas there my family journeyed down to see us for 10 days-loved it 🙂 It was like we never left New York.
My favorite memories of Christmas as a child are having so many people to share Christmas day with. There was a family in our church who were less fortunate than we were (although we didn’t have much either) who my parents would invite for Christmas. They were a Filipino family and had some traditions of their own as well to share with us. To this day, I receive a card from one of their daughters, who cherishes these memories as much as I do.
I don’t have a particular Christmas memory that stands out but I do have a Christmas dream. I wish that one Christmas, rather than all of the hustle and bustle of shopping, baking, etc, that I would be able to wake up that morning in a little cabin up north with my family. That we would wake up and put our skis on and spend the day skiing. There is something so peaceful about being outdoors in winter. I love the quiet and stillness and I could think of nothing better than to celebrate the beauty of Christmas this way.
Some day I hope to do this!
My favorite Christmas memory is decorating our house growing up. We didn’t enjoy it at the time but now it brings back great memories. my sister and i always fought over who go to set up the manger scene. we all wanted it to be just perfect at the center of attention. by the end of the day the house was decorated and the manger scene after many changes was “perfect” and the center of attention.
Christmas brings to mind many wonderful memories but the ones that are my favorite are the ones from my younger, younger (kid) years. Where both sets of grandparents lived only a few city blocks from me and where family would fill each of their homes on Christmas. It would be loud, merry and of course filled with festve food. Most importantly memories were being made.
-Colleen G.
I was not raised knowing the meaning of Christmas. When I was 32 I walked into a church on Janury 14, lost, and God was there waiting for me. My life changed forever that January morning and I spent that whole year studying the Bible. When Christmas rolled around I was asked to lead the Sunday School class because our teacher was going out of town. I studied and poured myself into every translation. I remember calling my mother and telling her “There was no drummer boy!” My whole life I lived in a world of make believe. Now, I know the truth and tell it to everyone! Merry Christmas!
My favorite memory will be in the making this year as there will be 22 immediate family members gathering at our house for Christmas Lunch, from all over Australia. Tis is something that is probably never going to happen again so I will be soaking up every little detail to remember for years to come
Leanne 🙂
Merry Christmas and God bless
I love reading Proverbs 31 devotions every morning while watching the sun come up. It’s starts my day off so inspired with the word.
A few years ago I asked all my family to write down what they were most thankful for and sealed it in an envelope. Well, I forgot about it until this year and I found it the other day. So, this year we are going to read what we wrote and start a new tradition for “memory making” them write down what we are thankful for this past year and read again next year. I can’t wait to see how different they all will be and to see how much they will change from year
to year!
I felt so moved by your mom’s tradition, that I have now “blogged” for the first time. 🙂 Please give your mom and Patrick a hug for all of us. Thank you so much for your devotion today!!
All of our children live in different states, my parents live along ways away, and all of our siblings live scattered throughout the country. My husband is a pastor and it’s rare for us to be able to be with any family on Christmas day. One special memory is when all of my husband’s family had a reunion at Christmas. It was fun to watch all of the cousins enjoy being together. His parents always read the Christmas story Christmas eve, a tradition we continued with our family. Another tradition we have continued from my husband’s mom is having a ceramic bell on the tree for each person in the family with their name and birth year. We now have 25 bells for our family – 15 grandchildren, 4 children & their spouses and my husband and I. God has truly blessed us.
I lost my grandmother in Feb of this year so I have thought so much lately. One of my favorite memories around Christmas time is spending time with her learning how to make homemade divinity. I am so thankful for the Christian wife, mother, grandmother and to my sons great-grandmother example that she displayed to me. I was blessed because of her and her love for the Lord!
Merry Christmas and thank you. I am so glad we don’t have to wait for Jesus anymore. He is alive and with us always even when days are gloomy.
My favorite memory is going to Grandpa & Grandma’ every Christmas with all the family. Playing with my cousins, my Grandma making a big meal, and being all together!! So wish at times we could all still be together.
Hmmm… a favorite Christmas memory…… I have very fond memories of Christmas. One of my favorite memories is of my sisters and I opening our stockings every Christmas morning. We always got to open those first, before everyone was up and ready to do the tree. And every year at the bottom of my stocking was a piece of fruit. Usually an ordinary apple or orange, but because it was a special present for me, that piece of fruit always tasted SO good. (I know now that this was a tradition my mother brought from Scotland because she grew up during the war when fruit was scarce and therefore precious. She always got a piece of fruit on Christmas.) I’m passing this tradition on to my kids. My daughter is just like me and I see her get so exited about that piece of fruit each year! Merry Christmas to all and God bless!
Thank you so much for reminding us to make room for Him this Christmas season. One of my favorite Christmas memories was my dad driving us around in our pajamas looking at Christmas lights. 🙂
I loved your mother’s idea of waiting for Jesus. I wrote that down in my grandchildren alert journal for when I have some. My family also likes to put the wise men farther away and move them closer and closer to the manger scene. Also we just arrived in Florida last night and when we got here the first that was said to us was like in your prayer, Welcome Home! So today I say Welcome home Jesus, so glad you are here, I hope you don’t leave, I know it’s up to me to keep you front and center. thanks Micca
Thank you for reminding me to make time for Jesus. I try to spend time every morning with HIM and I try to pray all during the day but I need to set aside a special quiet time to wish my Jesus “happy birthday” and let HIM know just how much I love HIM.
Sue
Great word. Hope to see you soon in chicago
I like reading about others Christmas memories and traditions. My favorite is shopping for my children’s ornaments and watching them open it and place it on the tree.
I don’t have any one favorite Christmas memory that stands out for me. Being with family during Christmas adds lots of special memories. Our family is scatter across the states so we make Christmas whenever we can all get together. Thanks for sharing your mom’s tradion with her nativity set. Very good idea.
Merry Christmas
Hi Micca! I have a lot of good Christmas memories but I’m especially looking forward to this Christmas with my family. My Mom had a small bowel bypass in early November after being very sick for over two years. She is doing very well and can now eat without getting sick!
Also, my oldest son recently got a job after looking for about a year!
We have a lot to be thankful for this year!
Merry Christmas,
Janet W.
When I was in 8th grade, we took in a precious little 5 year old boy named Andrew to live with us because his mother had cancer and died on Christmas eve. His dad had died 3 years before on the eve of Easter. He also had a 2 year old brother who had extreme special needs who died shortly after. He lived with us a couple of years until an elderly aunt and uncle decided they wanted him too. Dad saw the writing on the wall, he’d lose another loved one before too long. I never saw my daddy cry so hard in all my life as the day Andy left and moved 4 or so hours away. We continued to keep up with him but Dad being a preacher we moved 8 hours away in the other direction, then I went off to college and I only connected with him occasionally. Fast forward 40 years later, my sweet daddy died Feb. 2009 and of course we called Andy and his wife and they came. It was great to see them again. I had only seen them at birthday celebrations of my parents in their latter years. After the funeral Andy told me something I never knew that my daddy had done all those years – Daddy never missed even one time calling Andy on Christmas eve, the anniversary of his mother’s death and Andy said that meant so very much to him. That was the kind of daddy we had, he always thought of others and always stayed connected with friends and loved ones through the years. So as a tribute to my daddy’s memory and Andy’s mom I took up where Daddy left off and I call Andy and his wife every Christmas eve too. And thanks to that and telephones, email, and facebook my long lost brother seems more like a brother again these days.
What a wonderful story! Thank you for reminding us to make room for Jesus this Christmas. One of my favorite memories was from the last time Christmas was on a Sunday. My in-laws were in town celebrating Christmas with us. My husband built a “playhouse lodge” for our son. Our son was so excited to have he wanted to spend every waking moment in it. The really neat thing was that he wanted only his Grandmama in the house with him. She spent most of Christmas day with him in the “lodge” making wonderful memories. She is no longer with us but as we sit around our Christmas tree (which sits right next to the “lodge”) each night reading our Advent devotion we remember those wonderful memories.
Hi Micca, i know this is going to sound pretty sad but my favorite and most memorable christmas memory was the year that my youngest son, Ryan was very sick on Christmas. He was about 4 at the time and he had a pretty high fever and was just not feeling up to the present opening….but like a trooper he sat with his family and did his best to participate……the best part for me being that all he wanted that whole day was for me to hold him and comfort him. At a time when things are usually so chaotic….to have that peace and closeness was just precious to me…..Not that I want anyone in my family to be that sick again!!! It just really stuck with me…..I will never forget that day.
Memories are such precious things. I am so full of them after all these years I don’t know if I could pick one of them as my favorite. But I can share my most blessed memory. Ten years ago on Christmas evening my dear mother went home to be with the Lord. Everyone said that it would spoil my future Christmases but they were wrong. Just knowing that my mother is with the dear Lord Jesus blesses me beyond belief. My Christmases now are filled with quiet joy and love while I enjoy my husband, children and grandchildren.
I have 3 beautiful girls. 15 years ago, my oldest one was experiencing her first Christmas and I was so overwhelmed by love for her that I made up a song for her to the tune of “O Christmas Tree.” As each Christmas season came, we would sing her song and adjust it as sisters came along. Even now, at the age of 15, we still sing her song!
“I love Cheyenne, I love Cheyenne
She is so beau-ti-ful.
I love Cheyenne, I love Cheyenne
She is so beau-ti-ful.
She is so cute
She is so sweet
The sweetest girl you’ll ever meet
I love Cheyenne, I love Cheyenne
She is so beau-ti-ful.”
Thanks for sharing your story. It was a delight to read. As for my greatest memory, my grandparents made Christmas so very special for me when I was growing up. They waited to put the Christmas tree up until Christmas morning. When I went to bed Christmas eve, the living room was empty. But, when I would wake bright and early every Christmas morning, my family would open the doors to the living room and I would see, standing before me, a magnificent 9 foot tree decorated with the most exquisite decorations you have ever seen! You see, my grandmother loved angels and frilly, flower adorned ornaments. Then, as my eyes drifted from the pink angel on top of the tree, through the magnificent estate-like ornaments throughout the tree, they would land on the snow village underneath the tree throughout which tiny skaters, skiers, and horse drawn carriages roamed. My favorite, however, were the tiny houses nestled among the cotton snow banks with lights glowing through their windows. My eyes were not done after admiring this beautiful village. They next reached what my grandmother was famous for…the sea of presents that extended to the middle of the living room. Each present was its own masterpiece as my grandmother literally took months to wrap each one. The bows and glitter that decorated the many boxes made one, even a child, not want to open them as they were so magnificent. As you can see, my childhood Christmases were so magical. And to think, my grandmother waited until Christmas eve, when I was fast asleep to start creating beauty that only few will see in their lifetimes. How did she do that? I know I likely will never see anything like it again in my lifetime as my grandmother’s love for God, which she expressed through her unparallel creativity, will likely never be matched. She blessed me in ways that words can never truly express. Thank you Nana and Merry Christmas to the most beautiful soul I have ever met. You have blessed my life unbelievably!
I, too, like your mother’s tradition of withholding Baby Jesus from the nativity until Christmas. As a fairly new grandmother, I want to do things to remind my grandchildren that Christmas is about Christ. I had thought about having a birthday cake for Jesus and singing, “Happy Birthday”. I love this time of the year; all of the family fellowship and the beautiful music that we only hear once a year. My Christmas memories are of my children waking up very early in the morning on Christmas day, having a family breakfast together and listening to Christmas carols all day. I hope to make new memories for my grandchildren, ages 3, 2 and 1, that they will always know how special CHRISTmas is.
my favorite Christmas memories all revolve around family time together. We never traveled at Christmas, choosing instead to stay home and play lots of games as a family and spend time together. That sticks in my memory way more than any gift I received. Am trying to do the same for my 3 little ones!
Your devotion,”Make room for Jesus” send chills when Patrick ran in looking for Jesus . What a beautiful story Just like another reader this moved me to blog for the first time ever. Bless you all
I don’t have any particular favorite Christmas memory. I love everything about Christmas even though I do get caught up in the business. I love your reminder today. My favorite thing is just spending it with my children and grandchildren. They are one of my most biggest blessings and gifts from my wonderful God….
When my children were small, we always baked a birthday cake for Jesus. It was so much fun and I let them have free reign in decorating the cake just for Him. Thanks so much for the reminder to keep Christ in our hearts. Merry Christmas.
My daughter gave me a new Christmas memory today. She was watching cartoons on the Disney channel and I heard her ask her dad, “Why do we watch these? The Disney channel doesn’t teach us about God. I want to watch something that teaches me about God! The Veggie Tales do – we should watch that.” What a wonderful reminder from my 6 year old of what Christmas is about. God uses her faithful little heart often to remind us in my house!
I love the memories that become traditions. We have an advent calendar that is each piece of the Christmas Story ending with Jesus’ birth. Each year on Christmas morning we read them all in between the opening of presents to make the morning about Jesus’ birth then gifts under the tree.
I have many, many favorite Christmas memories, especially the Christmas my youngest daughter was just 10 days old, but I want to share a story of my favorite Christmas play with you instead. This was the little Catholic grammar school I had attended, but by this time I was in high school. My younger sister and brother still attended and were even members of the cast this year. The second grade class was presenting the Nativity Story. Mary and Joseph reached Bethleham and were going from inn to inn looking for a place to lay their heads and, of course, all the innkeepers told them there was no room. From the first inn when the innkeeper said there was no room “Joseph” was discouraged and apologetic to “Mary.” But each time, in a very loving manner, “Mary” reached over, patted “Joseph” on the shoulder and simply said, “That’s all right, Joseph.” Three inns, three shoulder pats. To be honest, the audience howled. Thay thought this the funniest Christmas play they had ever seen. But, like Mary, I pondered this in my heart. How discouraging was it to be turned away from inn after inn? What was it like for her to give birth in a manger? I know when I was ready to give birth I was tired and sore and cranky. I just wanted this baby out of me. The Bible doesn’t address her specific actions that night but when I read the gospel of Luke I am left with a sense of Mary’s love and compassion. Her obedience was clear, but she carried it even further. I do not worship Mary as much of the Catholic Church appears to, but I do honor her for her love and compassion and obedience. I honor her for the significant role she played in Christ’s incarnation, and for the pain she must have borne watching Him suffer and die for ours sins. Mary opened the doors of her heart wide for Jesus. It is my hope to open the doors of my heart just as wide.
Every year with my children is a special one. My son spent three Christmas seasons in Iraq and now any time spent with family is a special memory. He asked if we still put out the Nativity set because he played ball in the house and broke several fingers off Joseph and the Wise Men but we still put out the same one every year – 34 years and counting – and that is a very special memory too.
Just knowing that Jesus came for me! That He actually showed up here just for me and endured all that He did because of me.
Thank You – Lord!
Thank you Micca for a wonderful devotional. Thinking about baby Jesus in the manger reminds me that God humbled himself when He sent His Son in human form. He uses all kinds of people to do His work and He loves us all, no matter our background. I’m making more room for Him this Christmas. God bless you and Merry Christmas.
My favorite memories include baking tons of sugar cookies for Christmastime. My sister and I would frost for hours and sprinkle each cookie, my mom made the best cookies! Then she and her friend would stay up all night baking, right before Christmas. We always enjoyed the time we shared baking for sharing with others.
Merry Christmas!
I really didnt have a memory that I cherished up until this weekend. We went to visit a relative that we have in a nursing homedsaa and while we were there, my kids and I had an amazing experience that we will never forget. We will continue this tradition because it was so rewarding and I feel that it was the true meaning of Christmas….to be the light of the world and give the gift of our time. My kids and I were able to spend time with elderly people who are very lonely and want to be able to spend some time with other people. We talked to them, my kids sang with them and it was one of the most rewarding experiences for me and my kids. I am so blessed to have been able to experience this and I look forward to continuing this tradition with my kids!
My favorite Christmas memory happened last year when I felt my move around in my belly… I had trouble with the pregnancy, and every day I wondered if everything would be okay, and sure enough, God brought me a healthy, strong girl. Being a mother is a gift from God, and I thank Him each day for this wonderful present I was given. Have a very blessed Christmas! 🙂
My favorite memory was when I was a teenager and we were running late for a Christmas dinner with family. My mom had wrapped presents for her best friend and we were heading out the door. She remembered that each of them did not have a gift tag, so… I wrote Merry Christmas across the paper but put an “X” instead of Christ. My mom was so upset and cried explaining to me that we can’t ever take Christ out of Christmas. Ever since that day I have never spelled Christmas any other way but with Christ. Anytime I see it written with an “X” I cringe. My mom is in Heaven now and I can only pray that my children carry on leaving Christ in Christmas.
As a child we always had a Christmas program at church Christmas Eve. We would spend the month of Dec. getting ready for the telling of Christ’s birth. Then on Christmas Eve everyone would get dressed up special and tell the story with scripture and music at night with lights etc. That was a really special way to start Christmas.
I guess 1 of my memories as a child at Christmas would be just lying under the Christmas tree, with the lights turned off (it was 1 of the silver ones with the turning colored light wheel) and listening to the Chipmunks Christmas record. It just seemed so peaceful laying there alone. As a grown up my grandma painted me a nativity set, and my grandpa made the manger. They are both gone now, but I guess to me getting that ment I was now a grown up.
And we too kept Baby Jesus out until Christmas. Thank you.
Thank you so much Micca for this devotion. I cannot wait to put up our Nativity this year and “save the baby for Christmas” for all who notice.
My Mom always did Nativities and this is such a wonderful idea.
My children are still young and we love decorating and baking together…..just the simple things….Merry Christmas dear friend.
It’s so hard to find just one favorite Christmas memory. I will share one favorite memory. One year my grandmother gave my cousing a baby doll and I wanted one just like it. In September 1988 my grandmother died and I never got that doll. On Christmas that year my family and I went to my aunt’s house and I got the baby doll. My aunt gave it to me and said it was from my grandmother.
My favorite Christmas memory is when I was a child, my mom would gather my brother and me separately to wrap gifts for each other. We would pick out the paper and write special notes to each other. I loved having a special part in his gifts.
I have 2 memories that stand out the most, or older & one more recent. My husband & I have been married for 21 years and God has soon do many amazing things! When my children were little(now 20, 16, & 11), I can remember a Christmas at my parents when my husband sat on the porch with my brothers & dad, just part of the family. How that warmed my heart!:). More recently, our church didn’t have a Candlelight Chrisymas Eve service, & I’ve always enjoyed those so much. Our pastor gave us permission to host one, because their family got together on that night. My husband did all the preparations, somewhat secretly, and gave me the gift of a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service. I felt so special & loved! We now put together the Candlelight Christmas Eve services at our church! There was no room for Him in Bethlehem for Jesus, but our heart should have no room for anything but Him!
Have a blessed & Christ filled Christmas!
My Favorite Christmas memories wasn’t about the gifts although since we never had much I knew that they were gifts straight from the heart. My parents never taught us Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve we would pop popcorn, have a glass of sweet tea, and would pull the daybed mattresses into the living room where my parents and sister and I would “sleep” under the tree. We were allowed to open one gift a piece and one that was to us together. The one that was to us together was always a game. So we would team up and play till after Midnight. Early the next morning my sister and I would giggle till we woke mom and dad. We would listen as dad read the Christmas story and then hold hands and thank the Lord for his gift to us. It is something that we’ve tried to pass on down to our children. Christmas is about God’s gift to us and we celebrate Jesus’ birthday by giving each other gifts too. Please put me in the drawing.. Thanks and Merry Christmas!
My favorite Christmas tradition is going and cutting our tree right after Thanksgiving. We have gone to the same place for 16 years. I took my kids in baby carriers and now they drag the tree in from the field themselves!
My favorite Christmas memory to date is from last Christmas. My mom, brother, sister in law and nephew all stayed the night with my husband, kids and I. We watched Miracle on 34th Street, baked cookies for Santa, and drank hot chocolate together. It was so great having everyone under 1 roof. We are doing it again this year as well! Hopefully it will be a tradition we are able to keep for a long time.
Walking to church (11 pm) on Christmas eve w/my family – seeing many families going toward the church. The service was so beautiful, the choir singing, the people in their finest. The reception in the parish hall afterwards was the best – the native singing & dancing w/our elders – welcoming in Christmas the birth of Jesus! Sharing w/one another, bags of goodies, cookies, cakes, the unity was so awesome! Memories, wonderful memories!
Thanks so much for the story about Patrick & the Inn keeper. Children are so much more in tune with what is really important. It is good in the midst of everything else to be reminded. My favorite memories tend to center around my grandparents home. One Christmas all 10 of us were there (now there are 20 & my grandparents are no longer in their home). My uncle, aunt, & little cousins were in the “twin bedroom”, my parents in the “double bedroom”, & my sister & I on the living room floor. Some how they managed to fill 11 stockings (they also had a little stocking for a doll I had made) without waking us up. While I enjoy the decorations, music, goodies, & gifts, time with family is what I most look forward to each year.
I love on Christmas Eve after everyone has gone to bed, I sneak out to the living room with the lit tree, my cup of tea, and the quiet to share Christmas with God. I often wondered what He thought that night when His Son was born. So I sit in the stillness with Him and let His love fill my heart. It is truly the most joyful thing in my heart. I so love Jesus and sharing a few quiet moments with God truly is a treasure.
When my son was 8 yrs. old we lost our precious dog a week before Christmas. he was so heartbroken. We found another puppy to adopt a few days later, but my 12 year old son knew how devastated his brother was and put the puppy in his brother’s stocking Christmas morning and presented “Oscar” to him as his dog! It was such a sweet gesture and I wil always remember the look in nick’s eyes when he saw Oscar for the first time.
May the Lord bless each of you with precious memories this holiday season. Merry Christmas
A favorite Christmas memory for me is that of taping up Christmas cards on the wall above our fireplace. We got a lot of Christmas cards ,but few if any duplicates!
My favorite Christmas memory is getting with all of my cousins at my grandmother’s house when I was young. We had such a good time together.
I had a very serious accident in 2002. This has resulted in severe memory loss. My father passed on December 27, 1991. I have no memories or any family left to spark one. I just lost my last life line, my beloved husband, a few months ago.
I am still struggling as just what I am to do with my self on the upcoming holidays. I have never been this totally alone!!
The loss of my husband did very much strengthened my walk with the Lord!! I know this is all that sustains me at this point in time. I can not tell you the number of bedtimes that have passed with my only wish being not to wake up the following morning.
But, I continue to search for a new “normal”!!
Deborah,
I am so sorry to hear of your trials and troubles. I know that they are not easy, especially during the holidays. I am sure you have heard that the first holiday after a loss is always the hardest. Please know that you are not alone. The Lord is walking with you. He has plans for your life in place which is why you still wake up every morning. He will bring them to fruition in the fullness of time, in the meantime please lean into Him and trust Him. There will be challenges and more trials but the Lord will bless your faithfulness. I am praying for you, my sweet sister. I do not know you personally but do know that one day we will meet in the Lord’s kingdom. And what a joyous party that will be!
Your story reminded me of putting on the Christmas Pageant at church many years ago when I was little. I pulled out the picture & it was 32 years ago! Looking at the picture & thinking of all the people I still know & those I’d forgotten was great! Thanks for the reminder!
What a great post, Micca! I have really enjoyed reading the different Christmas memories. God has surely been good to each of us. It’s hard to pick just one favor memory. For me, I think it is the combination of a bunch of Christmas memories that make this time of year so sweet and memorable. A few that come to mind are: dinners with family on Christmas Eve, church plays, caroling and going to sleep on Christmas Eve with the anticipation of the next morning.
My best Christmas memory is in 1974 a few days before Christmas and after a bitter divorce my son, daughter and I came together as a family with the most patient and kind man that God knew we needed. Saturday we celebrated our 37th year together. Talk about long lasting gifts that keep on giving. I love your mom starting a tradition with baby Jesus. Traditions are ever lasting too. Thanks. Have a Merry Christmas.
Thanks for the great reminder! One of my favorite Christmas memories was driving home from Grandma and Grandpas with the car packed with kids (before seatbelt days) honking the horn and singing Christmas carols all the way home!
Thank you for your blog comments. I thought the story of the little boy who played the innkeeper was just precious. I am involved with Children’s Ministry as a teacher, and we just finished our Christmas program. It was just so special. Children are so special. And, I just completed singing our Christmas Cantata, “Night of the Father’s Love” at our church Saturday evening and three times on Sunday morning. We sang it a total of four times, and I loved each minute. It is thrilling to sing of the beautiful Christmas story of Jesus.
I have many special Christmas memories. One I remember as a child was a year of many struggles. Our Christmas program was always Christmas Eve at our country church, and that was very special. All children were given a bag of candy, nuts, and an orange. It was very special. When we got home, there were very few gifts as my parents could not afford them. I remember the look on my father’s face of heartbreak. And, I remember the special candy of fudge and divinity made by my mother. We had a special Christmas as we celebrated the birth of Jesus and the love of each other. Material presents were not as important. I remember how much I loved my parents and my brothers and sisters that Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all. God Bless Each of Us and God Bless America.
I just love the memory of everyone being so peaceful and happy on Christmas day, and the feeling of togetherness as families stop everything for that day to be together. Very precious.
A favorite Christmas memory is having our family Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve at my grandparents… a new favorite Christmas memory has been enjoying hot chocolate and smores with my kids on Christmas Eve (in new pajamas!) and teaching them more about the true meaning of CHRISTmas! 🙂
I don’t have a lot of good Christmas memories that’s why I’m trying to make some with my son, 🙂
The Christmases when my boys were young are my best memories of the holiday. They had such anticipation and excitement leading up to Christmas morning, and the memory of their exuberance when they woke up to see the piles of presents under the tree brings smiles to my heart.
Thank you for the great reminder!! In the busyness of this season I take time to do all that you included and I take time to do a daily devotion with the Lord, but I don’t always take time out of my day to reflect on the reason for the season. On top of it, with all the busyness, I am not the most Christ-like mother each day, let alone talk about how I am as a wife. Those moments of remembering why we are all here – to worship the baby, to give Him gifts from our hearts, and to follow Him wherever He may lead us – will help me to focus on what it is that I need to be doing this season, not what I “should.” Thanks again!
My favorite memories of christmas is always singing Happy Birthday to Jesus before we opened gifts and every year as a little girl after we would open Christmas presents my Grandpa and I would take a nap underneath the Christmas tree. I miss those times!
Thank you for such a powerful devotion. I can give you two Christmas memories. My daughter’s and my youngest son’s first Christmases. Each time we were anxiously awaiting the return of their father who was serving in Iraq. Both times he had been gone for a year and neither one of the babies had met their daddy yet. (He did not make it home for their births but he did get to spend about a week with them shortly after.) Each Christmas I prayed and prayed for his safe return and both times we were very richly blessed as their daddy walked into a Welcome Home Ceremony just in time to be with his children for their first Christmas. I know about anticipation and I can so relate to Patrick. Jesus gave my husband Christmas with his babies and we will always remind our children that he is truly the reason behind the season.
I love it! It’s where I’m at this year. I work seasonally in retail and it’s a zoo most of the time, yet it’s also the best time to be “Jesus with skin on”, with a smile, and love people like Jesus did. My husband’s a pastor, so between his job and mine, we’re full of Christmas to-dos. Yet, we’re making a choice not to run full throttle, to take time to enjoy the season, to focus on Christ (even if it meant putting up the tree before Thanksgiving — artificial). It’s all about being intentional, making conscious choices, and realizing I can’t do everything. That’s the rub — I can’t do everything. I’m not super-mom. I’m just me. Living in grace, focusing on Him.
Thanks for the great reminder of why we celebrate this season. My best Christmas memories are the ones with my children – each year we make homemade gifts for each other and then on Christmas morning we take turns picking gifts for someone to open and only one person opens a gift at a time. Its a small way that we are able to intentionally slow down, appreciate, acknowledge, and show thankfullness. It also makes the memories last so much longer.
Thank you for your giveaway that you are offering – the book and audio CD would be a wonderful gift this year.
I have been blessed to have a family who came out of darkness a generation before I was born and have left a legacy with myself, my children and hopefully generations to come. My favorite memory and “tradition” is we always make a birthday cake for Jesus as well. We spend quite a bit of time in prayer as a family before our Christmas meal remembering the reason for the season. I love it!!
Good morning. I just read your devotion on P31 this morning, even though I got it yesterday. The funny thing is, I just realized last night that I hadn’t made room for Jesus in my life in the last couple of weeks! I chatted with him last night and apologized and promised to resume our daily talks. Then I read your post from yesterday. Wow! Coincidence? Probably not. 🙂 Anyway, Yes, I have been busy, busy, busy… work, shopping, decorating, wrapping, cooking, and have neglected the real reason Christmas exists. Needless to say, I will be re-focusing my intentions and giving praise to the Lord God and thanking him for giving us the most precious Christmas Gift Ever, Jesus.
I am from a family of six – we would get up on Christmas morning & have to line up from oldest to youngest. My Dad would then go downstairs to turn the lights on the tree. He would announce every year, “Ho, ho, ho – Santa didn’t come this year!” Much to our surprise (NOT) when we would run down the steps to see what was under the tree we found presents!! (Miss you, Dad… Know your presence with Jesus is a gift.)
When I was about 12, my mom signed up to buy & deliver presents to a needy family. We all shopped for the kids & the mom – I had the job of shopping for the 13 year old girl. I had such a hard time deciding what she’d like! After we bought & wrapped all the gifts, mom took us along to deliver them to the family’s home while the kids were away. The mother was quiet, perhaps because she was humbled by the experience.
As I look back on that time, I’m struck by how hard it was to consider a stranger’s needs at a time when my own Christmas list was probably a mile long. How much more time I must have spent thinking about my own desires than I did thinking about the needs of others, even strangers. Perhaps I couldn’t have known her personal taste, but a heart that sought to please Jesus in all things may have been granted more wisdom and direction. Maybe.
May I spend more time on the Christmas lists of others than on my own, and may I have a sense of urgency when it comes to the needs of others since my own needs, and many of my wants, are already taken care of.
i will never forget the first Christmas i had when i was born again…the songs and story from the bible became SO ALIVE and meaningful….Christmas is my birthday and i am blessed by my wonderful family…please pray for them they all need Jesus in their lives…ty for giving me an opportunity to win some gifts…Gods peace
As I grow older, each year the memories of Christmas’s as a child become more & more precious. My Mom & Dad had four daughters, and money was tight, to say the least. But they were determined to make the birth of our Savior a special time. One of my favorite memories was when Daddy would fire up the old John Deere, hook up to a wagon, load up his four girls, and head back to the “back 40” where we would choose our Christmas tree. He was SO patient! You could see the excitement in Mom’s face as we returned from the field. Even though, she knew she would be dealing with those old Cedar needles on the floor for several days. She never complained; only did her best to be joyful of what we had…because after all, we had each other; filled to overflowing with love; and every reason to be celebrating…the birth of our dear Savior, Jesus!