The last week just flew by.
crafting,
parties,
shopping,
much much celebrating, gift exchanging, family visits etc. I even admit to a few Scrooge and Grinch-like feelings emerging inside of me...
But then it just all melts away as the Eve of Christmas approaches,
After church, and the kids excitedly put on their new Christmas pjs, we spent a bit of time outside in the crisp winter air with the stars shining clearly and brightly above us. We talked about the star of Bethlehem and how the angels appeared to the shepherds and how baby Jesus was born on such a night (perhaps not as chilly). Here's Myles running and sprinkling the reindeer food on the lawn.
We spontaneously lit candles and sang some of our favourite carols.
Amid the frenzy, the joy, the gifts, the food, pause to remember the baby. Like the tiny baby peeking over his father's shoulder at us during the church service last Sunday. A helpless, vulnerable baby. That's how God came. When man had performed his darkest deeds, God responded by sending his own Son as an infant. It really does baffle my mind when I stop to think of such grace and such a gift.
"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."
Isaiah 9:6-7
I love that last line. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. God accomplishes with zeal. I have been trying to take time to meditate on passages from Isaiah over the Christmas season. It's amazing to think that these prophecies were made 500 years before Christ was even born.
A very and most Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. And a very Happy New year to you as well. We are heading off on a cross country ski trip to Mt. Baker and I look forward to posting about it in the New year. My theme for the up-coming year is More. Looking forward to more goodness, more adventures, more projects and learning more as well.
I may come by to visit you as I'm still giving holiday greetings to my friends on line, but until then,
Here's to 2010!!!!
