This Jesus Storybook Bible Advent reading plan. Henry is 3 and may not get the details, but I want to start with this early on so he hears it many times and it begins to take root in his little heart. We will be starting late (like I said, Christmas snuck up on me!) but better late than never, right?!?!
This:
http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2011/11/29/the-christmas-conundrum
It's enough to chew over for years to come, as Christmas becomes less about Jesus and more about (as Jen Hatmaker would say) 'ALL THE STUFF'. Glad I read this when Henry was 3 and not 13, but I still feel like we need to change our approach to Christmas as parents. I certainly fall under the category of 'in the absence of a better plan or an alternative rhythm or - let's just say it - courage, we feed the machine yet again, giving Jesus lip service while teaching our kids to ask Santa for whatever they want, because, you know, that's really what Christmas boils down to.'
I am definitely over the feeding of the Christmas machine. I won't do anything cray-cray and stop buying gifts altogether, so all you haters can back up off me. But, as I am learning in life, I need to use my God-given brain before mindlessly following the masses and just doing things 'because everyone else is doing it'. AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT! I just want to be intentional. Amen?
Another thing challenging me is the people in this photo below. They are important to me, and serving and loving them really well could take me the rest of my life to achieve, but it'll be a life well lived. Don't I have a beautiful family? I look at them and feel true joy from a Jesus who gives me things I don't deserve. He is good when I don't get what I want, and He is good when I do.
Merry Christmas, my people. Happy Jesus being born. Henry has decided Jesus needs a Spiderman birthday this year, and God help me if I won't be making that happen. Might get my nog on once or twice as well. What does your December look like? If you are reading this, I'm guessing I'm grateful for you in my life. Blessings to you and your family this holiday season! See ya in 2014!
I am God's child, and He has given me the opportunity to be a wife and mother on this earth. I am grateful! I also enjoy crafting, running, spending time with my people, and the occasional pedicure. This blog is an expression of the above things. I really hope you find it inspiring and useful. To God be the glory!
This is my man. He is hard-working, passionate, handsome, and a rock in the midst of my occasional crazy. We have been married 8 years and can't wait for many more to come!
He is our blessing and joy. He is funny. Hard to impress. Passionate. Sweet. Active. Handsome.
She is the spice of our lives. She loves fiercely and brings us smiles every day. She is her brother's biggest fan and Gwen's favorite protector.
She is adored by us all and soaks it up. She is shy but animated and coos away when you talk to her. We love the peace she brings to our home.
