Christmas is such an exciting time for kids. Late nights, lots of parties, games, gifts, friends, fun. It can be so much WORK to keep it simple and meaningful. This year we were very happy to slow everything else down and really create a season of worship and reverence in our home. Each year we seem to find another new and simple breakthrough that helps us wake from the stupor of a culture that has once again caught us up in the rat race of consumerism and bling and return our focus to the classic and endearing things that really merit our devotion and emotion.
This year, after the last of our gifts had been opened (despite there being few gifts in the numerical sense, we spread their reception out over the day by opening one gift per hour) we called a family council meeting. Arriving with our drinks and snacks in hand, we proceeded to
discuss what gifts we would bring to Jesus this year. We're talking very personal gifts. Gifts of character and attitude. We don't prompt our kids. We let them steep and stew and see where it leads us.
The Rugrat was the first to respond. He didn't need to stew. He knew exactly what gift to bring to the manger. Prairie Guy and I sat floored as after a pause of only 15 seconds he opened his little three year old mouth and said; "I have a gift for Jesus. I will use only nice words."
And a child will lead us. As we all sat around and discussed it, we agreed that this is a gift we all want to bring to the manger this year. Not just wholesome words, but words said in respectful tones.
May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts, be pleasing in
Your eyes, Oh Lord.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, JESUS.
Posts
