by L. Joy Douglas

joy4rain@aol.com

Christmas is a time for celebration. It is the season when we recognize the coming of Christ as an infant. This is also when we gather together with loved ones to carry on traditions representing our appreciation for one another. Music, decorations, food and gifts are just a few of the ways that we celebrate and make memories. These special memories are carried with us through the years, marking significant moments in the timeline of our lives.

Join me for a look as a few of my dear friends share some of their most treasured moments from past Christmases.

Elizabeth:

"We went to some friend’s house for Christmas one year. They gave us a jar of money that they had saved for us. It wasn't even the fact of the money, rather that they had done this for a whole year. Every coin put in had thoughts of my family. Memories of that still bless me today."

Sheilagh:

"After moving to a big city so I could have major surgery, we had a ‘Jesus tree’ & made the decorations. I remember cotton ball sheep with toothpick legs, construction paper chains representing the ‘wordless Gospel’, medicine cups covered in tin foil to make bells and chains of popcorn and cranberries for the blood and purity of Christ. I also enjoy our tradition of my husband reading the Christmas story on Christmas Eve to the whole family before we have snacks & open presents."

Michele:

"Bundles of coats were piled on my Grandmother's bed, and smells of food cooking filled the house. Squeals sounded from cousins running up the stairs, then bumping back down on our hineys! Laughter and singing came from up above and in the basement we were safe knowing we all were so loved. Roused by the sounds of chairs being moved, we bounced up the stairs knowing soon there'd be food. Finding the table set just for us, the ‘little kids’ table again could almost make me swear, but I sat still with quiet respect when Great Grandfather began to tell his tales. I treasure the peace of four generations gathered together, their heads bent in Christmas prayer."

Dianne:

"The highlight for me has always been putting up the tree. Our tree has ornaments of all kinds from Star Wars characters to a woven straw cross from East Germany. They represent very loved people and events in our lives, our travels, and also many were symbols that I used to teach the True meaning of Christmas to our boys. Tree night was definitely a family affair so even when my oldest went away to college, he asked us not do the tree till he came home. My tree will never make the cover of a decorator’s magazine, but in many ways it tells the story of our family."

Karen:

"One year my parents ‘hid’ our gifts. We woke up that Christmas morning to find that we would have to follow clues to get to our presents. Racing around the house, we followed clues to everywhere from the freezer to the washing machine and even the dryer in the basement! At last we came to the final clue, which told us that our presents were in our parent's room and to go back to bed until they woke up. Of course, we did not go back to bed, and at the sound of our protests, Mom and Dad came out of their room laughing. I don't even remember what our presents were that year, but I'll always remember that Christmas and the four of us kids having fun together."

Darlene:

The Christmas I was ten, my parents bought me the most beautiful dollhouse I had ever seen. I felt starry eyed as I stared at it, and many years later I can recall every detail. I was amazed by its many rooms, fireplace, and a front door that really opened. I remember getting a flashlight and laying it behind the dollhouse to make it look like all the lights were on inside. I enjoyed playing with the furniture and moving the little figurines from room to room. As much as I treasure that memory, there is another gift I received that has made an even greater impact on my life. Christmas 1978, when I was twenty, I received God’s Gift to me by accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior.

Conclusion:

As wonderful as these memories are, imagine what might have gone through the mind of a young woman named Mary. Her adventure began with an angelic visitation, a trip to see her cousin (also experiencing a unique pregnancy), and an exhausting journey followed by a harrowing search for a quiet place to give birth. After the baby arrived, the wondrous events continued! Rugged shepherds came to bow before her child, a priest in the temple proclaimed His Kingship, and men of royalty brought expensive gifts to honor Him. What an amazing time for this simple girl with a heart for God!

Just as we remember special moments in our lives, Luke 2:19 tells us, "Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." She remembered and thought about those things that were the most meaningful to her.

During the season of peace and good will, I pray that you will take a moment to savor the things and people that you treasure, and ponder in your heart what God has done for you. May your Christmas be blessed!

(I want to thank all the wonderful ladies who contributed their special holiday memories to help create this article. You are all incredible women, and I am grateful that God has placed you in my life!)

Copyright L. Joy Douglas