This time of the year really is so wonderful. Having kids has even enhanced the excitement of this time. They yell at every light they see. Ruby even was super excited when she saw the tacky stockings on the light poles at a local Publix. And the music is fun. I can’t tell you how many times I play Jingle Bells on my ipod in the car. Mack has even started getting into “All I Want For Christmas.” Ruby can be heard at all sorts of random times singing “Away in a Manger” in her oh-so-sweet-singing voice that she inherited from her Daddy. She even makes up some words, also like her daddy! (“the little BOY Jesus laid down his sweet head” is one of many) I couldn’t find a pen in the car or I would share how she was singing “Deck the Halls.” Oh my…it was very funny!!!!
The other night I was lying in bed and talking to Josh and just telling him how I hope we are doing all we can do to help our kids understand the true meaning of all the celebration this time of year…it is not about the presents, it is not about the great music, it is not about the lights, it is not about getting your Christmas card out (still having a hard time letting this one go!), it is not about a perfect Christmas tree with perfectly balanced ornaments (that is SO over here since Mack pulled our tree down), it isn’t about Santa, it isn’t about finding that perfect present for your father (an impossible task)….but it IS about Jesus. (Just watched Charlie Brown Christmas..what a great show!!!) Why does that so often get shoved to the back of our minds? I mean, I have three nativity sets out in our home, a nativity pillow, and we don’t even do Santa, but it still can be hard in my heart to truly be motivated by the love of Jesus when there are so many things TO DO! My mind has been cluttered, my heart has been cluttered, and I haven’t been spending time with Jesus as much as I need to…He will direct my heart to Him and fill me with Himself. That is what makes this the most wonderful time of the year, the most wonderful part of life, actually. I don’t want to miss HIM this Christmas. I don’t want my kids to miss HIM either. 
