The Best Gift

A few days ago, my children received the best early Christmas gift imaginable, a snow day. This unexpected day off came at the end of their Thanksgiving Break, so it was a lovely surprise that extended our cozy time together. Is there anything better than a snow day? That is, if you get to stay home and do not have to leave the house. I can still remember as a kid, the anticipation and excitement of a snow day. And years later when I was an elementary school teacher, the day off was even better as an adult. Now that I get to enjoy snow days with my own kids, they are a true gift. A day during which we get to slow down and rest.

Our house has glass doors off of our kitchen that face the wooded area in the backyard. The trees look beautiful year round, especially in the fall, but nothing is more peaceful and serene than the view that comes after a fresh snowfall. The snow and trees are perfectly white and untouched and the peacefulness that comes with that view is unmatched.

The winter view into our backyard always brings me back almost a decade when our twins were born. They were born at the end of November and came home on December 2, so they will always be our favorite Christmas gift. I remember holding them in front of our door, peering outside, talking to them. As a parent, there is no greater gift than holding your newborn baby. The love that exudes from you is unmatched. There is simply no other love like it. This little, tiny baby, that you have waited and prayed for, now finally in your arms.

Thinking of my newborns arriving near Christmas, always makes me reflect on the arrival and birth of Jesus. Holding my own babies makes me wonder how unsure Mary must have been yet still clung to her trust and faith in God. How precious and promised the birth of Jesus is, and although it certainly was not an arrival fit for a king, it was the arrival that God had planned, in those exact circumstances. It still amazes me that Mary held this tiny baby, her baby, and knew that he was sent to save mankind. It is a scenario that is so awesome that I can scarcely comprehend it. Being a mother is the greatest gift God has ever given me, so to think that He loves us so much that he sent his own son to live among us and die for our sins, is the greatest gift that we can receive.

The busyness of Christmas is real, especially if you have children. From dress-up days to class parties to holiday concerts, it is easy to get caught up in the chaos. However, I encourage you, in the midst of your busy schedule this Christmas, to find time to experience the peace and serenity that only God can provide. Take time to experience and celebrate the birth and arrival of Jesus, truly the best gift we have ever received. If you are searching for peace and encouragement this season, I invite you to join us for one of our many services this December. From children to adults, including traditional services to family fun, we have something for everyone. Please check our website for more information.

My prayer for you this season is to truly experience the amazing love of God through the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!