I trust all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving last week. Jean and I were able to visit with my mom for a few days. She always enjoys when we come for a visit, but she is sad when we leave. But God is good to grant us our time together. 

Just as soon as Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas season begins. I love Christmas. I love celebrating the birth of my Savior and Lord. I love getting together with family. And I still love receiving and giving gifts! I have many wonderful memories of past Christmas! I remember getting that pair of hockey skates that I wanted so bad. On another Christmas I remember getting a G.I. Joe Space capsule. (I still have it!) And I have special memories of getting my .410 single shot shotgun from my dad. (I thought I was all grown up then!) And I remember the last Christmas I shared with my dad. All of us have Christmas memories. Some memories are good and some are perhaps not so good.

On that first Christmas, it was certainly a Christmas to remember ... for several people. Surely it was a Christmas that Mary, the young virgin who gave birth to Jesus, would never forget. The Bible says she pondered those events in her heart. Likewise, think about the shepherds, who were visited by an angel in the middle of the night. That night would truly be a night they would remember. And how about Joseph? All of a sudden he was a father with the responsibility of protecting and providing for his newborn son as well as his wife. This night that changed his life forever would be a night to remember.

As we enjoy the activities, celebrations, excitement, and joy of this Christmas season, may we always remember the real reason for the season ... Jesus, God's Son, born as THE Savior, THE Christ, THE Lord who would save His people from their sins!