Memories of my maternal grandparent’s farm in Wisconsin, brings back all kinds of special thoughts for me. Christmas was not only an event, a celebration or time of wonder, but there were so many connections to that first Christmas so long ago. The young couple, Mary and Joseph, made their way across almost a hundred miles of rugged terrain. The woman was about to deliver her first child at any moment. The man who brought her to Bethlehem was betrothed to be her husband but was not the father of the child. God, the Father was. They brought their meager belongings and Mary sat upon a donkey to make the journey a little less burdensome. They were required to go there to be counted for the census imposed by the governor of Syria. When they arrived, the town was bursting at the seams with people. There was no room for them anywhere, except in a place reserved for animals.

Grandma and Grandpa’s farm was filled with milk cows, stray cats and years of struggle and difficult times. Grandpa took an extra job with the electric company, planting rows of electrical wires throughout the countryside, while Grandma milked those cows by hand. When she was done with that, she would put on a huge spread of freshly roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and homemade bread. I can almost smell that wonderful aroma right now.

When Christmas came to the farm, there would be an influx of relatives and friends. there were many of them, since they had eight children and many more grandchildren. The house would be covered in lights and beautiful handmade decorations. Even the old deer mount that hung on the dining room wall would be transformed into one of Santa’s reindeers. The sights and sounds, the smells and the love within that home was apparent. They made sure to include Jesus, Mary and Joseph as part of the story.

I can’t imagine what was on the minds of Mary and Joseph during that night so long ago. Mary was following the instructions of a heavenly angel. Joseph did too, but he must’ve have been filled with confusion and wonder all at the same time. To think that the King of Kings would be born in a stable intended for calves and little lambs. Still, it was so appropriate for the Lamb of God to born there.

The memories we relive each Christmas can be filled with traditions and special events, but that first one was the beginning of what would change the world forever. Prepare the way for the Lord!