So this is Christmas...

So this is Christmas....

I am one of those people who would love to have a musical soundtrack to my life. It is probably becasue music has always been so important to me. Harry Connick crunes quite a bit in my house at Christmastime, as well as Stephen Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, and Reliant K ( I know an odd mix) I have several favorite Christmas songs, but overwhelmingly my favorite is "O Holy Night". The words are beautiful and have such meaning to me. It really speaks to the meaning of Christmas and joy He brings to the world.
Let there be Peace on Earth and Let it Begin with ME!

I have thougt many times this month about how "different" this Christmas is for me and our family. No cousins, family, grandparents, etc.. There have been a few times this month that I felt very sad for not being home with my family. I could go on and on about what I am missing, but I was reminded again this season how good my Father is to me, and I was overwhelmed by how much He has given me. I thought I would share a few of the blessings with you.

Silent Night...Holy Night

I have heard the Christmas story from the time I was in the womb. I know it, I can recite it, I understand the meaning of it. But, I watched adults hear this story for the first time this year and it was more special to me than ever. I had an instance in a cab this week where two cab drivers were sitting in the front seat (it was shift change) and they began asking me about Christmas. So I shared the story with them of the baby and the manger. I went on to tell them about how this baby lived, grew up, and the rest of the story. I told them "my story" as it relates to Him, and how I talk to Him and He to me.....the cab driver whipped his head around in shock and said "you talk to him?" I loved having these opportunities to share the meaning of Christmas.

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Our family and another family were asked to sing at 2 events. The first was a type of talent show. We all wore red, sang Jingle Bells, Silent Night, then our kids sang "Jesus Loves ME" in the local language. There were about 500 college kids in the auditorium and you could have heard a pin drop. I was so proud of my two kids singing boldly and proudly about His love. Then a few nights later we were asked to sing at a Christmas party which was actually a Christmas pageant (some things are lost in translation). This group of locals had invited everyone they knew (about 500) to celebrate Christmas with them. We were the token foreigners with cute kids who sang. I sat there for 2 hours listened to this local group share, sing, and proclaim. I was so moved. At one point a little local girl got up and sang "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" in her language, while another child accompanied her on the flute. It was truly a holy moment. As tears came from my eyes, I so longed for everyone in that place to understand that this Infant loves them so!! That night we sang "O Holy Night", it was unforgettable.

Away in a Manger

One of my greatest joys this year has been my children. As they are growing I see more and more of their Savior in them, and it thrills my heart more than anything. We have been reading Matthew as a family this year. We learned through the teachings and parables that what is on the inside, not just the outside, is most important. That what is on the inside will come out and influence the outside actions. All that to say, it is so special to see your kids trying to live that out.

All I want for Christmas is YOU

There are so many stories I could share with you about my kids living this out, but at some point you would stop reading, you may have already. Last Saturday night we had a big party at our home. We hosted about 20 people. There was a lot of prep to be done during the day. Hannah and Hudson both looked for work to do, in order to help. I was amazed. Hannah would finish one thing and then ask, "Mom, what do we need to do next?" Then she would begin to look for things to do without asking. From sweeping, to icing cookies, to washing dishes, there was no tiring this girl. Hudson looked for things to do as well. Sometimes, his wanting to help causes you to work harder, but when you see a such a willing spirit, how can you not encourage it. He became my cheese and ham assembler. Which was a perfect job for him. He enjoyed it and it kept him busy! Despite the hectic day, my heart was thrilled with my children's sensitivity and their servant's heart as they wanted to serve and make everything great for our party that night. Then as I watched them interact with students and take thousands of pictures with them, they exhibited love that was beyond them. This morning, the day after Christmas, we all slept in, except for Hudson. (he doesn't know that word) When Rob and I got up, Hudson was waiting for us with the table set and breakfast laid out on the plates. He said, "Mom, you have worked so hard all week in the kitchen I didn't want you to have to make breakfast, so I did." Pop-tarts and Rice Krispy Treats. And when we finished breakfast, he told me to sit down, he would clean it all up.

O Holy Night

I know there are a lot of things I am missing. I have 2 nieces who don't really know us, fun family times, lots of laughter......but there are so many things I am not missing. So many blessings He has given. Mostly, the gift of his Son, which brings LIFE!! I truly have abundant life and treasure that. Merry Christmas!!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.