I am so thankful today, for so many reasons. Family, friends, health, children, new babies - and of course, best of all - Jesus. As the Christmas music plays on the speakers throughout the house, the children play happily together, the baby naps, and I have a minute before dinner preparations to sit here and contemplate the season, I am almost overwhelmed by the gifts that God has given me.
I love to give things to my children. I love to see their faces when they open a gift that I know they really wanted. Even better, if they weren't sure they were going to receive it. I know, and they know, that Christmas is not about presents, but for me, the giving part is amazing. How much more amazing is it for God, when He looks down on His creation and sees us accept His gift. The best gift of all.
Today, after all the presents were opened and we were in the kitchen cooking breakfast, separately, but one after another and obviously not planned by them, each of our children came into the room and very sincerely said, "Thanks so much Mama and Daddy." They had all said thank you as they opened each gift, but to come into the quiet room, with just us and give a sincere word of thanks really made me feel like they are getting it. It also made me think of God. Don't you think that maybe He enjoys a sincere word of thanks? I think He does. For us to take a minute, in the quiet, and look our Heavenly Father in the eyes and just say, "Thank you Daddy." Thank you for all the things you bring into our lives, the little things we take for granted, the big, miraculous things that blow us away, and yes, even the things we don't like. The things that hurt, but that we know have been filtered through the hands of the One who loves us most of all.
This Christmas we have a new baby in the house. He is still to little to understand what is going on, but he certainly was aware that something was happening. He squealed at the excitement, the lights, the wrapping paper, and the boxes. The toys, he will get to later, I'm sure. His eyes lit up as everyone crowded around him, his siblings just so excited to watch him enjoy it. I love how much they love him. I love how they have embraced their roles in his life. I love that God chose us to raise this precious soul. Everything is just more exciting when you see it through the eyes of a baby, exploring the world with brand new eyes.
Thank you God, for the miracle of Jesus, born as a baby. Fully human, yet fully God. Thank you for looking down into our junk, our humanity and being willing to be a part of it. Thank you for redeeming Your creation, covering us with your blood. Conquering death, that we might live.
This year, I pray that everyone who reads this would know the joy and peace that comes only from a real relationship with the King of Kings.
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