A Tradition That Anchors Our Christmas

Why one simple reading has become the most meaningful part of our Christmas morning.

“The true joy of Christmas is in the memories we make and the love we share.” -Unknown

With Christmas just a few days away, excitement is building in homes everywhere, the air is buzzing with twinkling lights, festive music and yummy smells, and nobody is getting the amount of sleep they need.

Growing up, I certainly didn’t. The class parties, the nights spent driving around to see lights, the annual visit to Santa, and the late-night Christmas service all funneled each year into one moment: me on Christmas Eve, wide awake in bed, staring at the ceiling, mind racing about what the next morning would bring.

When the first streaks of daylight finally slipped through my curtains on Christmas Day, the promise of surprise would pull me out of bed like a magnet. I’d sprint through the house, waking siblings and parents, urging the morning along.

And then, as a family, we’d make our way downstairs. Turning the corner into the family room felt like stepping into another world. The tree shimmered. Stockings that had been hung neatly were now slumped on the floor, too heavy with treats for the tape to hold. The plate of cookies was mysteriously empty. The milk was gone. The carrots we left for the reindeer? Vanished.

It was official: Santa had been here.

But before stockings or presents or tearing into wrapping paper, we had one family ritual.

Dad would grab the family Bible and flip to Luke, Chapter 2. As he searched for the passage while those glittering gifts practically shouting my name, I’d always ask why we had to do this first.

“Can’t we just open the presents?”

“John,” he’d answer gently, “this is why we celebrate this season. Nothing matters without what you’re about to read. One day, you’ll understand.”

Then Dad would hand the Bible to my oldest brother, Jim, who read a paragraph. Then to Cadey. Then Amy. Then me, Susan, and Laura.

There are so many incredible memories from Christmas growing up. But of all the presents received, the parties attended, and the experiences we had, the greatest gift my parents gave was that time with my siblings, gathered in a circle, reading scripture together and hearing the words, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Decades later, with kids of my own and traditions we’ve created together, there’s still one practice we’ve borrowed directly from my mom and dad. Before stockings or presents or half-eaten carrots, our kids sit together, usually on the staircase, and we pause to read from Luke. We pause long enough to remember what we’re celebrating in the first place.

And yes, sometimes they groan about the delay. But I can smile and echo their grandfather: This is why we celebrate this season. Nothing matters without what you’re about to read. One day, you’ll understand.

My friends, no matter where you are, who you’re with, or whether Christmas is a part of your tradition at all, I hope the words “Do not be afraid” aren’t just a line in an old story, but a reminder that you are not alone, hope is real, and the best is yet to come.

Wishing you and yours a beautiful Christmas and a joyful holiday season.