‘Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’ ” Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.’ Matthew 2:1-11(NLT)
When I think about my best childhood Christmas, it centers much more around people than the gifts I received. I was ten and Christmas Eve was at our home every year. I think from the time I was born, there was never any doubt where Christmas Eve would be and that all the family would be there. I was the first grandchild on both sides. There was something so special when all the people I loved and who loved me were in the same home for Christmas. That Christmas when I was ten, my favorite great aunt and uncle surprised our family on Christmas Eve. I can still see the joy on my mom’s face when she saw them walk in. It was such a special time.
As I look back over the years of our marriage, a lot of Christmases stand out. Our firsts were all special. The first ever in our apartment, the first in our first house, the first with our son and then our daughter, firsts with a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law, and the firsts with each grandchild. Each has been special in its own way.
Nancy and I have tried from year one to make Christmas be about Jesus first. Some years we have done better than others but it has always been a goal. I think that is the reason that as a couple, we look back at every Christmas as special.
We made a decision somewhere along the way to not get stuck in the past. We were not going to find a “perfect” Christmas and try to recreate it year after year. That made no sense to us. Besides it would be really frustrating. We made a decision that the best Christmas was going to be the one we were celebrating. Were there years that was more difficult than others? Sure. People we loved that were there one year were gone the next. Then came the year when there were no longer two little kids in their pajamas anxiously waiting at the top of the stairs for the okay to come down on Christmas morning. Life brought changes. Yet, you know what never changed? Jesus. He was there when Nancy and I were kids, then as we grew up and as we started celebrating His birth together. The joy of truly celebrating the birth of our Savior never changes.
So when you think about what is the best Christmas ever, it’s this one! This is your Awesome Marriage Christmas!
Today’s Challenge:
Share some of your favorite Christmas memories together. What made them special to you?
Going Deeper:
What would it take for you together to put Christ first this Christmas? What is your first step? Will you commit together to make this Christmas the best ever?
from An Awesome Marriage Christmas by Dr. Kim Kimberling