Christmas Morning at Home

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Have you even seen children open presents?  

It only takes a few seconds for them to tear into all of them.  That is why I only have these two pictures to show for it! 

Despite opening gifts in record time, I think we were able to successfully stretch Christmas out to more than just a few minutes of opening gifts.  We did an advent book reading which talked about several prophecies that were made and then fulfilled in Christ's birth.  We did an advent felt tree with daily scripture reading that coincided with a felt ornament the kids took turns attaching to the tree.  And we had several conversations about Christ and about how God loves to give and actually gave us the greatest gift of all time. 

In fact the morning after Christmas, when our advent felt tree had been completed with the brith of Jesus,  Leighton said, "It's not over yet, doesn't Jesus have to die on the cross?" It is truly encouraging to see the faith of a child and to begin to see them ask questions and put together things that you have been teaching them. 

Praise God for Jesus.  Oh what a precious gift he is.  I find so much hope in reflecting upon the reality of Christmas.  If you have never stopped to think deeply about what Christmas and Easter really mean, I would encourage you to do so.  Do you really believe Christ is who he says he is?  Did what the bible says he did?  Have you made a decision to accept the greatest gift of all time, Jesus, who would grow up to die on the cross to pay for your sins, so that you wouldn't have to pay for them in Hell.  Oh it is so encouraging for me to think about this.  So hope giving.  So amazing.  

Go Tell it on the Mountain

Christmas songs are wonderful.

They have always been wonderful, but for me they used to be too familiar and non personal to really impact me. Ever since coming to know Christ as me Savior just 7 years ago, the lyrics seem to get better and better every year.

Does anyone find it odd, that I have been singing these songs for 26 years but only understanding, meditating on, believe, accepting, and truly hearing them for 7?

Just wanted to share a sweet section of lyrics from Go, Tell it on the Mountain:

"Down in a lowly manger
Our Humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn:
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born."