Tis the season for shopping, gifts, finger foods, and great fellowship. Christmas time is in the air with all its lights, smells, and elves on a shelf. A very exciting time for my kids is getting to see Santa. The overwhelming excitement of sitting on Santa’s knee and jabbering off their Christmas list in 2.5 seconds. I truly enjoy this time. I love their innocence and imagination.
Another very special part of our Christmas is discussing the Nativity, explaining the birth of our Savior and what Christmas is truly about. My boys love hearing of the multitude of angels, the shepherds that traveled so far, and the Magi that brought the great gifts. I can see so much passion and thrill in their eyes. A hunger to know Jesus and what He was born to do. It gives them ambition to do great things and to thrive to be like Christ. This is a fantastic opportunity to make Jesus more real to our children.
Something my children do not know while they are making a list of things to ask Santa for, I am kneeling before the King of Kings with my own Christmas list. I pray for my babies daily, but this time of the year makes me more aware of what I really want for Christmas.
My list comes from the heart of a mother that sees her children as the greatest gift God has given her, aside from salvation and the blessing of having a wonderful husband.
- I ask for protection over my children. I ask that the Lord lays His hands of mercy and peace upon them. I desire that not one hair on their head is harmed.
- I want for their innocent eyes to be shielded from the vicious horrors of this world. I ask that they only see the good in others.
- I ask for their hearts to be open to all people. I want them to love all of God’s creation with no boundaries. I long for them to have a heart like Christ.
- I want my children to develop a hunger for God. I want them to long for His Word and for God to allow me to feed them with Scripture daily.
- I ask the Lord to help me to be a model parent and Christian wife so that my kids can follow in my footsteps and know Him the way my mother taught me to know Jesus.
- Lastly, I beg more than anything else, that my sweet babies grow to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I would love for them to grow and serve others with a missional worldview. What greater joy for them than to share God’s word. I wish there to be no boundaries and that they can lead all who know them to know HIM.
Take time this Christmas season to reflect on the blessings you have been given during this 2015 year. Share the story of Jesus with all who cross your path. I pray for each one of you as you embark on a New Year. Do not allow the stress of the holidays to cause you to lose sight of the real reason for the season. Be Blessed and Merry Christmas!
