When you think back to your childhood, what are your favorite Christmas memories?
Did your thoughts surprise you? The reason the question matters is because your memories probably impact the Christmas season you are having this year.
Are there things you do or don’t do because of your Christmas memories?
Times Change More Than Human Nature
I watched a few minutes of the Rudolph Christmas cartoon. It is the same cartoon that I watched as a child and then watched with my own kids. My grandkids might have watched that same cartoon this month.
What floored me was the simplicity of the show. (#Simplicity/lameness.) Let’s just say cartoons have come a long way since 1964. I watched the iconic Rudolph cartoon and realized it would never be produced today. Truthfully, it was politically and socially incorrect – but we love it anyway. Rudolph is bullied and laughed at by the other reindeer, runs away from home, and his dad totally fails him as well.
But, that Rudolph cartoon is a Christmas tradition that continues. Maybe your kids will watch it with their kids someday.
A lot of things have changed in our culture but not in human nature. We still watch Rudolph, even if it really isn’t a very good show. We still want Christmas to be what Christmas has been.
How will our changing times change Christmas?
Neither my mom nor I had to ban cell phones from Christmas Day. My mom and I never had to check a website to see if a Christmas show was inappropriate. Although I probably should have reconsidered those Home Alone movies!
There are some Christmas trends that come and go. My generation had a Christmas duck with a red and green bow around its neck. Your house might have an old truck with a Christmas tree in the back or something with buffalo plaid.
My Christmas schedule was overdone, overbusy and not focused enough on time with my kids. Hopefully yours isn’t.
Some Christmas traditions are eternal.
For all of the trends and changes, there are still some Christmas moments that will matter forever.
- We will always teach our kids that Christmas is about the birth of Christ. Luke chapter two is the Christmas story from the Bible. Everything else is a fun but fictional Christmas tradition.
- Christmas will always celebrate the fundamental joy of family. God created the concept of family and Jesus chose to enter the world as a member of a faithful family.
- Christmas is about giving to others. We are intentionally generous during the holiday season, and those times of giving will become some of your children’s favorite Christmas memories.
- Christmas is about God’s choice to bring salvation to all people. Every kind of person is included in the Christmas story. The Christmas story is just the beginning of a larger story. Maybe we should all have an Easter egg hanging somewhere on our Christmas trees!
What memories will you make this year?
What will your kids remember about Christmas 2019? Is this the first Christmas that is missing a grandparent or other family member? How will you remember them?
What trip or special event will your family spend memorable time doing together this Christmas?
How will your kids remember showing generosity?
What are the quiet family moments they will want to repeat with their kids one day?
God so loved your family . . .
If your kids haven’t memorized John 3:16, this is the time of year to make sure they can recite every word.
The deepest meaning of Christmas is found in that verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Your kids might have memorized the verse, but can they explain it in light of the Christmas story? Have them try. Their thoughts might become your favorite Christmas moment of 2019.
Your family deserves a Christmas to remember.
Wishing you those Christmas blessings.
