Christmas - isn't there more to it?

To start, this time of year is my favorite time of year. I love all the festivities that start back at the beginning of November. I love the family time. I love that people are planning things to do that wouldn't take place any other time of the year. But this year, more then any other year, there was a sadness to this season for me. There was something missing.

Truth be told. It has always been missing. Why is it that we take a day that wouldn't be celebrated if it weren't for the birth of Jesus Christ and make it NOTHING about him. I know, many would say that it is a pagan holiday and those people would be right. However, it has been made into the day that even the media will admit is the day that the Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. So, that being said, where is Christ in Christmas?

It is very important to us that our children know why we celebrate Christmas and for that reason, along with a few other reasons, we don't do Santa Clause. Why should Jesus have to share his birthday? It has become a tradition that on Christmas Eve we all get together and read the Christmas Story out of the Bible (Luke 2:1-20). The story of the King of Kings being born in the most humble way possible. No trumpets sounding, no special servants waiting on him hand and foot, no beautiful cloth to wrap him in. Nope, our Savior was born as a baby, just like you and me. However, He was in a manger filled with hay. He was wrapped in some standard cloth.

This Christmas, amongst all the family time, the ripping open of wrapping paper, the toy playing and hoopla, my heart was gracious. If it were not for that babe in a manger, I would not be forgiven of things that I did in my past. If it were not for that quiet night, I would not have grace that is renewed every morning as I wake. If it were not for a God that knew that the only way to save the world was through the birth and bloodshed of his only begotten Son, I would not have life eternal.

We loved our time with the family. The kids made out like bandits in the gift giving! They both got everything they wanted and then some. Andrew and I also enjoyed treating each other to gifts and both were pretty proud that we bought gifts for each other that did not need returning!! And more then anything, we walked away from the whole thing with a deeper love for our Savior and a deeper desire to raise our children up in a way that will glorify God. We don't get it all right, but at least we know that we are trying and that God always gives us a second chance.

So, as we head into 2009 my hope for myself is that I spend deeper more intimate time with my Creator. I plan to be such a mom to my kids that they feel like my only existence in life is to be there Mom. That my husband knows his value in our family and in his job place. Also, that he too can reach a deeper place in his relationship with God. For my children, I pray that at their young age they continue to seek the knowledge of God. I pray that they enjoy their childhood and make memories this year that will last a life time. I pray for obedience, discipline, and respect not only to me and Andrew, but to God Almighty!!!

May God bless and prosper you in 2009. May you take a moment as you start the new year to ask yourself, What if? What if there really was a baby that came for no other reason except to be The One who is your way to a life of grace and mercy. Renewed Daily. At no cost but a relationship with Him. What if.