As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus.” Matthew 1:20-21
We must have forty or fifty Bibles. They are of all sizes and colors and in all kinds of versions—the King James, the New King James, the Good News, the New American Standard, the Amplified, the Living Bible, the Message, the New International Version, the New Revised Standard Bible, the New Living, and on and on.
And then we have the workbook editions, the pocket editions, the illustrated editions, and the devotional editions. Some are old, some new. Many were gifts on various occasions. Most of these, most of the time, however, sit on a shelf in our study at home.
But there are two Bibles—our personal Bibles—that are very different. Les’s Bible is a black leather edition with study help and fancy thumb indentions for quick reference. These days, however, he’s just as likely to read from an electronic edition on his phone or tablet.
The great challenge left to us is to cut through all the glitz and glam of the season that has grown increasingly secular and commercial, and be reminded of the beauty of the One who is Christmas. –Bill Crowder
Leslie’s Bible, on the other hand, has a more personal feel. Its light brown leather cover, because of wear, is no longer affixed to the spine. Les gave it to me on December 14, 1979—our first Christmas as a dating couple in our teens. How can I remember the date all these years later? Because the inscription, penned in Les’s teenage handwriting, is still clearly visible.
And it’s from this Bible that, around this time of year, we traditionally read Matthew’s biblical account of the birth of Christ (Matthew 1:18–2:23). For us, there is something special about reading it from this particular Bible that joins our sprits as we celebrate this special time of year.
How about you? Do the two of you ever read the biblical account of Christ’s birth together? If not, we suggest you give it a try this year. You just may start a new and meaningful Christmas tradition.
Reflect and Respond
What’s your favorite Christmas tradition as a couple?
Go ahead, tell us in the comments.
Related Resource
Offering wisdom and insights for applying biblical truths to our relationships, this book encourages couples to connect and communicate every day. This practical, uplifting guide is perfect for busy couples who long to experience a stronger relationship and better communication.
Thinking about your favorite reading of the Christmas story I’m reminded that my favorite is presented in the “A Charlie Brown Christmas” television program. When Linus reads the story and states, “… that’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown” I cry every time.
For many years now, before presents are unwrapped, we sit down as a family with Bibles in hand. Individually, one at a time, they read us their “verses of the year” and then tell why this particular passage is so meaningful to them. Amongst just five people, now six, this process takes about 2 hours. There is no rush, and the Spirit of God fills the room with tears of joy as each shares his/her heart for the Lord. They look forward to this time, more than opening the gifts!
We attend Christmas Eve service. This year will be different as our grown sons live in Colorado and won’t be coming out for Christmas. I like the idea of reading the Bible story and sharing other Christmas memories.
Now days it is going across the street to watch 4 of the grand children open their gifts. What fun to see their joy! Even now that they are older it is as much fun as ever.
When our own kids were small we enjoyed sitting with them and watching Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol on our black and white TV set every year. That is still our favorite non religious Christmas story, but it does not seem to be around anymore..
Hilda and I will be married next Febraury. I am a widower and she is divorced. We will establish se new ones and incorporate some old familiar ones. It will be interesting.
A way to mend your bible is to use Elmer’s Glue-All. Glue the spine to the book (only put glue on one or the other, not both), put rubber bands around it once it’s put together (3 is usually good enough – top, middle & bottom) then place it between 2 heavy books for (at least) 24 hours (I work in a middle school media center/library so I’ve been mending books for about 10 years now – at work we have an actual book press but I’ve used this method at home numerous times & it works fine)
the traditions we had as kids and as a family when our goals were younger we don’t seem to have any more for one reason or another. This year though I am looking for ideas to read the Christmas storyto our 4 year old grandson. He likes to be read to but the only one I found he seems to think is too long. It is children’s Bible classics the Christmas story by Tommy Nelson. If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them