I put my Christmas tree up the day after Thanksgiving this year. I love the Christmas tree! It’s twinkling lights, sparkling ornaments, and fluffy greenery combine into a feast for my eyes. I have so many ornaments that are tightly connected to special memories.
I was noticing this year just how many of my ornaments have been given to me. Many have been gifts from students, and I love hanging them each year and remembering the time spent with those 5th graders. Some were gifts from family and are full of precious memories of Christmases of my childhood. Some ornaments were given by close friends old and new, each with their own special stories. And, of course, there are many ornaments from my own children hanging on that tree, too.
I have many ornaments that are just sparkle and shine on my tree. And I have my share of Santas and snowmen and reindeer, too. But many of my ornaments, I noticed this year, are stars and angels and manger scenes. I am drawn to those because they help me remember why I celebrate Christmas.
I also have a special ornament that was given by my church last year that holds a thorn, a nail, and a small piece of wood with some white sand. These are to remind me of the footprints Jesus left as he walked this earth in human flesh, the cross he bore, the crown of thorns he wore while on it, and the nails that pierced his flesh and held him to it. All so that I could know eternal life and be given His righteousness. The greatest gift of all time came to us at Christmas in the form of a tiny baby laid in a manger.
In this scripture passage from Joshua, Joshua gives instructions to twelve Israelite men. They are each to take a stone from the middle of the Jordan River (which they could do because God miraculously cut off the water flow for the people to cross over during a time of high water). They are to set these stones up to help them remember what God had done for them. And they are to teach their children when they ask about these stones that God went before them that day.
I need to make some of these memorial stones for myself, I think. Visual reminders of God’s provision and grace placed strategically to help me remember and to help me to teach my children and others around me. God has done so much for me! And I so quickly forget.
So this year at Christmas, I’m going to do my best to remember what it’s really about. I’ve hung this memorial ornament front and center to start. I have set out the nativity scene center stage in our living room. I am going to purposely place reminders in my home and in my classroom to trigger my memory and even spark conversations about how God gave His only Son for me.
I realize that the holiday season is often difficult for many people because of all the memories -- especially for those who have lost those dearest to them. Sometimes it’s hard to remember. If you are in that situation, I pray that you will be comforted by sweet memories and by our loving God who sees your pain.
This time of year can often be a difficult time in the classroom with children who are so excited about Christmas and whose routines are interrupted by special events and activities. But through it all, I want to remember the reason for all the celebrations -- the birth of my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ!
Lord Jesus, thank You for humbling Yourself and coming to earth in human flesh so that You could take the punishment for my sin. Thank You for taking the cross for me. Help me to always remember!
For Small Groups:
Do you have a special tradition, decoration, or other habit that helps you to remember what God has done for you? Share a favorite with your group!
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