Our First Christmas

I have spent much time, as most people do this time of year, getting ready for Christmas. It's been such a busy year, that I hope Baby Girl will just remember the fun not all the rushing and schedule mess. I am not a Santa promoter or anti-Santa, as many around us are both.

I was watching a bit of TV when I was making toffee this year, and this celebrity was being interviewed by another celebrity. The interviewer asked her how she and her 2 small children celebrate Christmas, and the interviewee said "Well, we always talk about the Christmas story with our kids. You know, about Santa and the elves and why they live in the North Pole." Sigh. After I returned to my body, I felt sad. Sad that we live in a world where THIS is the Christmas story. Don't misunderstand. Miracle On 34th Street is one of my all time Christmas favorites.....but it is NOT, NOT the Christmas Story.

So, as I've been wrapping and baking and preparing, I've thought a lot about the characters in the story of the birth of our Lord. Last year, I was grateful not to be on a donkey at 6 months of pregnancy.

This year, I have noticed that being a mother has heightened my sensitivity to everything. I have pondered on the role of Mary as she watched her child experience a lifetime (a short one, at that) of pain, betrayal and eventual death. Forget feeling inadequate ALL the time, worried every day, and praying and hoping you are empowering Him to become all He needs to become.

Joseph, delivering a child that is not his own. Raising a child, who probably knows more about everything than you do. Feeling a little left out at times, and other times marveling that you are the stepfather of the Son of God. Talk about pressure.

I marvel as I watch people around me bless the lives of those who have less. I feel humbled that we are a very blessed family of 3, as the holy family was. I weep as I ponder on my friend who lost her little girl this year in a drowning accident and I pray that a huge measure of the Spirit will be in her home as they celebrate Christmas.

I pray that January won't erase the magic that I have felt this year. I pray every. single. day. for a content and grateful heart. From my house to yours, I wish you a very Merry CHRISTmas....