Today’s passage is one that we have heard read a million times. We know it. We’ve heard it. We’ve experienced it. This story reminds us of our parents and grandparents, it reminds us of our home, of Christmases of old. Remember those times. Remember those stories. Remember God’s goodness in the original story, but also in the retelling, over and over again, of this story. And today, take time to make new memories. This passage has the flesh of memories. Today, take time to make new memories for the days that are to come. Remember, and make new ones.

Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he’ll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God’s Word.

If you’d like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up.

Click on the image above or this link to watch today’s video.

You can read today’s passage here.

You can podcast this reflection here. You can subscribe through Spotify or Apple Podcasts as well.

Or, if you’d like to read the transcript of the video, keep reading!

Merry Christmas! I am delighted to be here with you on this Christmas morning as we take a few moments together to read God’s Word. I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and that the Advent season has been joyous for you. I am grateful to spend these precious minutes together. Whether you are watching this on Facebook, YouTube, or listening to the podcast, I am honored that you chose to reflect on the joy of Christmas with us. Thank you for being with us this morning.

This will be our last “Rooted” of the year. We will take the rest of this week off and resume a week from today on New Year’s Day with some readings. I will provide more details at the end of this session or certainly on Monday. Thank you for joining us. Merry Christmas to you and yours. I hope that, regardless of where you find yourself, surrounded by loved ones or caring friends, it is a joyous moment for you. If you are feeling a bit blue and missing those who cannot be with you today, remember that God is always with us. That is the essence of the Christmas story—Emmanuel, God is always with us.

Today, we have been reading from the various Christmas accounts in the Gospels. For this session, we will delve into Luke’s Gospel, the one that is most familiar to us. Often referred to as the Charlie Brown version, it is the passage read in the old Charlie Brown Christmas special and at St. Matthew’s last night. This account includes all the key players: Mary, Joseph, animals, and shepherds. While there is no mention of an innkeeper, it notes there was no room in the inn. It’s the classic story we all know, the one seen in every child’s nativity scene.

Interestingly, as preachers, we enjoy pointing out what is and isn’t in the text. For instance, the stable and manger may not be as we commonly envision. There are various aspects to explore, such as the shepherds being hardy, rough, strong men. However, as I read this today, there is a comfort in this passage. Even though I have read it countless times, it continues to move me. It is a key passage that resonates with my faith, and there is a certain comfort in its familiarity.

This classic story, present in every child’s nativity scene, triggers memories of parents, grandparents, and churches of our childhood. It reminds me of Ripley First United Methodist Church and cold Christmas Eves. The story has flesh in it—not just the flesh of Jesus given to us but also the flesh of our memories and experiences.

On this Christmas day, I appreciate you taking a few minutes to read or watch this. I encourage you to make memories today. Whether with children, grandchildren, or loved ones, share this story, encourage each other with its words, and consider the profound truths it holds. Remember the joy of your salvation through Jesus Christ and cherish the memories of Christmas celebrations past. As much as we reflect on the truth of this passage, let us also pause, look around, and make new memories with those we love. May this be the most sacred Christmas yet.

Merry Christmas, and thank you for participating in these devotions with me. I look forward to resuming a week from now.