Christmas in our home

So, I realize there are about 14 million different ways that different families celebrate Christmas. That being said, this post isn't meant to boast our ways and condemn yours. This is simply the way WE choose to celebrate and the way we hope to raise Norah to enjoy celebrating. 

First of all, Jesus is the reason for --not just this season-- but all seasons. God sent His Son for us. When we were unworthy and "the least of these," God showed His favor upon us and gave us the ultimate gift. Now, I like to open gifts as much as the next person....but when compared to the gift of an eternity with my Savior, there's really no comparison.

I get caught up thinking of Mary. Can you imagine? Giving birth to a child who would become the Savior of the world? Can you imagine a group of shepherds showing up to worship your young baby? Can you imagine trying to wrap your mind around the idea that they'd been informed by angels as to where your child would be? Can you imagine being chosen by the creator of the universe for this special cause? Mary was a simple girl, living a simple life, no doubt feeling ordinary and boring in some respects. God chose "the least of these" to bring His miracle into the world. 

Secondly, we don't push Santa. Gasp! I know, we're terrible. Santa gets mentioned by family and friends, and that's okay. Santa isn't bad, we just don't want it to become the focus. We didn't do gifts from Santa, we didn't put out milk and cookies, we didn't sprinkle reindeer food in the yard. There's nothing wrong with any of that...just something that we didn't want to press as a priority.

Thirdly, we spent a lot of time with our family; you know, those built-in supporters (whether they agree with your ways or not). There was food, there were gifts, there was lots of laughter. God gives us these people to love and what an undeserved favor for us! Families come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. The mixture makes it all the more special. We love by serving our friends and families. We love by praying for and with our families. That, too, is a special gift from Him.

I want Norah to grow up knowing that what we choose to teach her is Truth; real truth that will stand the test of time. I never want there to be any confusion in her mind. I want her faith to stand strong and for her to know that He is The Way, The Truth and The Life. We love because He loved. We live because He lives. There's no greater gift than to know that He lives in me and, because of Him, I can smile, I can laugh, I can celebrate, I can enjoy, I can serve, I can give, I can love. That, to me, Christmas.