This Reminds Me

Merry Christmas from San Antonio!  We’ve had a busy week here, and in Houston.

We made a quick trip to Houston earlier this week, where Julia and Hannah frolicked in the rain.  Why?  Because we live in Texas, and they could.

Aunt Judy gave matching Christmas bracelets to three-year-old Laura and six-year-old (first cousin once removed) Julia.  They played ball, frosted cupcakes and conspired never to pick up their toys.  Laura is going to have a new brother or sister in February, so, we’ll be back to visit soon.

After church this morning, Keith and I took the girls to see “The Nativity.” I don’t understand why this movie has gotten such lackluster reviews.  We were all captivated by it.  The bible story is beautifully - and accurately – told with enough “extras” to really make you think. It’s not just “one more Christmas story.”  It is THE Christmas story.  I particularly enjoyed all the traditional Christmas carols woven thematically – and subtlly –  in the background.

The importance of Mary’s parents, the faith of Joseph, the determination of the wise men and the devotation of the shepherds are all explored.  One shepherd has reason to repeat, “Everyone has a gift.”   Not “everyone has money to buy gifts.”  Not “everyone gives.”  But instead, “Everyone has a gift.”

The girls cuddled up with Santa before the movie.  Julia whispered with intensity, “I want a bicycle.”  Mom and Dad are fairly confident one is wheeling her way tomorrow.

We’ve really been working at teaching Julia the Christmas story.  Without the benefit of years of Sunday School training and decades of family faith drawing her to the manger, it’s been tough.  We’ve read stories.  We visited Main Street Bethlehem. We’ve reviewed Sunday lessons.  We really felt the movie would help, too.  And it did.

After the movie, Julia said, “Mommy, I want baby Jesus in my tummy.”  I responded, “Well, you can’t have that.  But one day you can have Jesus in your heart.”  When her understanding has grown, we’ll talk about what that means.  Because as important as the cradle is, it’s nothing without the cross.

As the shepherd said – “Everyone has a gift.”

And this season, holding her in my lap – while surrounded by Keith, Rachel, Lois and Hannah – has been mine.

Merry Christmas.  And may your gift be shared.

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