It's about so much more

Hi friends! I can not tell you how thrilled I am right now. My dear David does not have to go back to work until January 5th. We are planning so many fun little things! There is such an air of excitement around our home. I am loving this new stage we are going into where the boys are getting older, doing so much more, and understanding as never before.

Dave and I have been baking and giggling in the kitchen together today. I put the final touches on the decorating and gifts. I am cleaning and packing for our trip to see my family. Oh, it is all just so enjoyable!

And yet, I feel my heart stirred in new ways that are more sober in nature.

Why have I always been so focused on Jesus as a baby? I think sometimes we try so hard not to get too caught up in the commercialism, the gifts, the things that don't matter, so we keep bringing it back to baby Jesus. Good to bring our thoughts back to Jesus, but not just the baby! Last Sunday in Sunday school one of our friends brought up a great point that Dave and I really appreciated. He observed that on the presidents birthdays, such as Lincoln and Washington, that we celebrate here in the states we do not celebrate "baby Lincoln" and "baby Washington". We celebrate some of their greatest accomplishments as men. Leaders of our country. That, my friends, is how I am looking at Chrsitmas this year.

This is an amazing piece of history. Divine and beautiful! I really do love the story of His meek birth. It has so many insightful implications for us.

But for me, this year, I feel His Spirit impressing upon my heart that this wonderful birth is a small piece in a puzzle which must be looked at as a whole to fully appreciate it. And I can't help but just worship. Because that led to this Our sinful selves having a way to God himself. Not only that, but being seen as righteous by the one who is perfect and sinless. And the joy in my heart is only extended by the moments of shame I feel when I think of why He came as a baby.

Think about it guys - He was God, fully divine, and powerful beyond measure. Sinless. To become like one of us - to put on human flesh was such a contrast to his nature.

I'm so enjoying this time! The traditions and family time. The yummy food and thoughtful gifts. I'm just a sap for all of it. :) But it is my prayer that I will have a focus that draws me closer to Him this Christmas.

It is really all about Him.

Merry Christmas friends!