In the quiet hours of Advent-the waiting and remembering, our children see and know the love God offers through the birth of the Christ-child. Surrounded by still hours of darkness, warmth of wood burning fire, lights of the tree glowing; little ones curl up and listen for the magic, the wonder of the virgin birth. Reading the passages of the story, often heard only once a year brings wide eyed awe and gasps of breath to grasp the magnitude of God becoming an infant.
Seeing Christmas is gathering unwanted toys to share with those in need. Choosing just the right thing to put in the boxes to be sent across the world-sending Christmas joy for the hurting, hungry, barely clothed. Lighting the candles Sunday service to remember the hope, love, joy, and peace.
Gifting a goat, chickens, sheep to provide for a family like ours, yet so different. Wearing the wooly sheep costume, the angel wings to embody those who praised him saying “Glory to God in the highest.” Lifting our hearts in song “Joy to the World”, “Silent Night” while sharing this joy, this light from one candle to the next.
In these moments, little hearts know and see Jesus is love. There is no greater gift that can compare, no greater joy can be experienced than giving and seeing others begin to know this light and this love come down from heaven. Christ came to be love and give life.
We blow out the candles on the cinnamony goodness, singing birthday wishes to our Savior. We remember before we give and receive. This makes the giving and receiving our expression of love, His love for all. And this joy is so full, it lasts more than this day. We remember, we see light, fire, sing songs, worship, pray, love. His love is for every day. Christmas can be year round when our hearts remember. Christ, the miracle, our Saviour. His love for all. Emmanuel, God with us.
