A True Gift

There are so many times in the past few days that we have mentioned how it just 'doesn't feel like Christmas' here.  We are missing steamy windows, sparkling trees and white laden ground, warm cups of eggnog lattes picked up from drive thrus (while children are lulled to sleep in the backseat of the van by the strains of Christmas music softly playing from the radio) and enjoyed snuggled in a warm house by the light of a pine/spruce looking tree, familiar decorations pulled from dusty boxes, each with its own story, Christmas concerts held in cozy familiar places and shared with people we know and love (with kids doing cute things and dressed in homemade Christmas glory, all sparkles and shine), baking together with easy- to- find- gluten-free flour in attempts to replicate the goodies and memories of childhood celebrations, planning trips to see beloved family with days off and a break in the work/school routine, eating and games and laughter and giving and hugs and quiet times of solitude......

Yes, it just doesn't FEEL like Christmas and yet, we are celebrating this year in a place that is maybe most like that first Christmas than we have ever experienced before!  It is noisy and crowded (although maybe a few more honking horns mixed in with the braying donkeys)  and the air is heavy with political strife.  The masses are tired and weary and not expecting any miracles.  This year should, of all years, feel the most like Christmas.

I heard a sermon recently where the pastor mentioned a story of a little boy.  Like many other young kids, this boy was so interested in the box a certain Christmas present came in that he neglected to play with the precious, expensive, well-researched, from-the-heart gift his parents had so carefully picked out inside.  The point of the story was that we so often get caught up in the packaging of Christmas that we forget what is inside the pretty packaging, the true Gift to mankind.  I have realized that in this season I grieve because much of what I celebrate at Christmas is tied up with the nostalgia of Christmases past.  I have for many years really enjoyed the wonderful feel-good warm and fuzzy wrapping that has enveloped the most wonderful gift.

He moved into our neighbourhood, in the most humble way, celebrated and worshipped with joy by lowly shepherds in a difficult time.  It is difficult and painful to have the wrapper removed and I know it is okay and even necessary to grieve this as we miss family and friends and all things familiar and yet I am also so thankful that, in that vulnerability, we have the privilege to focus, contemplate and celebrate this wonderful gift....Emmanuel, God with us!  May you all experience Him too!

New Christmas duds!

Stinkerbelle

Ava with friends on a field trip

Ava made her own skates (they even have socks attached to the bottom so they slide better).  Her dad refused to let her put ice cubes or water on the floor.

Sisters in the Christmas jammies Grandma made last year.

Christmas Skype with the D side of the family.

The time difference is brutal for this one....not even Grandpa and Grandma are engaging enough when you are so tired!

Merry Christmas everyone!