Preschool Christmas Program

Hannah (5) , Jael (23 months), and Naomi (3)

Time again for the famous Preschool Christmas program at church. This year we had two participate. Hannah, our angel, was cast appropriately. Perhaps our little Nay-Nay was too! She was a darling sheep who began losing her "wool" as the stage heated up. Good thing the zipper was in the back! Jael was very excited to watch and anxious to be a part of things next year. What joy to hear praises from little voices.

Christmas Cross

This is a small view of Jon's ornament. . .unfortunately the camera was left outside. . .
another reminder that it's "just stuff", right?

Perspective. . .

Christmas . . . I admit, I love this time of year. I love the traditions and everything that precedes the celebration of our Lord's birth. Somehow I always envision our family gathered around the Christmas tree, hanging ornaments gaily, sipping eggnog, the cozy fire in the background. Sounds like a magazine cover - just not my house! Oh, if was fun. And there were tears. Usually mine, as one of the ornaments shatters. With fourteen little hands, it's inevitable that something will happen. As I watched the crushed face of one of my girls, God reminded me again that it's not the ornaments that are precious. . .

However, there is one ornament that is given a place of honor on our tree. Front and center. Most would not think it worthy of such a spot. It's a plain, leather cross with minimal decor. 1992 is stamped at the bottom. It was one of the first ornaments Paul and I were given that first Christmas together. Made by the hands of my older brother, a testimony of God's amazing love and grace in the life of one undeserving. A reminder to me of His power and faithfulness. A "stone" that we set out in order to proclaim to the next generation that God is good and He does good. Jon and Linda survived a near fatal car accident that previous June and the cross was made in rehab. It is a reminder, as well, that same God who saved them physically and spiritually, is continuing to keep them and complete them. And me.

I love traditions, but only has they point to Christ.