The ancient Israelites made many memorials to celebrate and remember the great things that God had done on their behalf. When they crossed the Jordan in Joshua 4, they took stones from the middle of the river and built a memorial on the far bank. Joshua said to Israel, “Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying ‘What do these stones mean to you?’” The Israelites were to tell of the mighty and wonderful works of God on their behalf.
Every Christmas we have the opportunity to tell our children about the wonderful work of God. “The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us...” (John1:14). This particular day every year affords us a memorial that reminds us of the condescension of the Son of God from heaven to earth. When you celebrate this holiday with your family and friends and exchange gifts, take every opportunity to speak of the goodness of the great gift of God Himself. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
I pray that you have a great Christmas, and that Christ would be glorified in your family celebrations. Remember that without the incarnation, there would be no perfect sacrifice for your sins, no “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”