What’s On Your Heart this Christmas?

Excerpt from “Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas,” copyright Debbie Taylor Williams.

I will never forget when I was a child and my Sunday School teacher challenged my class to memorize the Christmas story found in Luke 2:1-14. What seemed a daunting task became manageable as mother helped me memorize one small section at a time.  Every year since then, I read the Christmas story and cherish its words hidden in my heart.  One year, when Taylor and Lauren asked what they could give me for Christmas, I told them the best gift would be for them to memorize Luke 2:1-14.

You can imagine the looks on their faces.  However, Christmas morning my wish came true.  Although they didn’t know it at the time, my request was truly a gift to them.  There are few treasures greater than God’s Word hidden in our hearts.

Although “The Night Before Christmas” may be more often read in homes across America, it can never compare with the true meaning of Christmas: the celebration of Christ’s birth; God’s demonstration of His love by giving us His only begotten Son. This year, why not begin some new traditions?  Help your children or grandchildren memorize the Christmas story and recite it each year. Or, as Keith does in our home, read the Christmas story before you begin opening presents.  Let the true meaning of Christmas dwell in your heart.

Luke 2:1-14

“And it came to pass, in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  And this taxing was first done when Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David),  to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.  6  And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, an angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you:  Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’”