Second Baptist Baytown

As Christmas day fast approaches there is one word that keeps rumbling around in my head... memories. Susan often kids me about my lack of memory, but if there are memories that have stuck in my head, there are several about Christmas. 

{Disclaimer} Now I realize I am about to date myself with some of the things I am about to share, but it’s my age and I’m okay with it. At least that what my therapist has told me to say. (ha)

Back to my memories... I remember we used to have one of those “foil” Christmas trees, see I told you I was going to date myself. You know, the kind that you would light up with a spot light that had a multi-color wheel that went around to change the color of the tree.

I remember some of the “big-time” gifts I received. Please remember this was back in time when people didn’t spend crazy money on Christmas. I remember the bike I got with the banana seat or the year I got my first skate board (I was going to be a professional trick rider) or the year I got several 8-tracks with such contemporary Christian artists like the Imperials or Amy Grant. By the way, if you don’t know what an 8-tack is... ask your grandparents or Mark Stafford.

I remember all the family being there and the awesome Christmas dinner.... turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beens and the list could go on. And the pies.... oh my, those pies! Can I just have a moment? Thanks!

But one of my favorite memories of all was after all the gifts were opened and the lunch was eaten and the football games were watched, later in the evening we would gather in the living room as a family and worship together and tell stories of how God had blessed us in the past year and what we were excited about in the year to come. Those were some great times.

And somewhere in the midst of our family time together my Dad would read the original Christmas story found in Luke 2.  I have to admit, as a kid I thought he was going a little overboard with reading from the bible on Christmas because we went to church all the time, after-all he was the pastor. But as I got older and particularly now in my somewhat older age I understand. He was pointing us all back to what should be the greatest memory of all... Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

You see, that’s the greatest story that reveals the greatest gift! I hope this Christmas you might take the time, as a family, and read Luke 2. Let’s create some memories!

Tommy