Well, tomorrow is the big day. Child #2 will arrive. It will kick-start an eventful week in the Banks household. Colby's 3rd birthday is on Monday, as is Christmas Eve - a fun day for sure; and then Tuesday is Christmas - the day we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus. This time of year will never be the same for us - not that it wasn't important before...but now we'll also have 2 kids with birthdays during Christmas week.
Oh, I can hear the complaints about parties and presents already.
Getting used to a new born again will probably take a few minutes, but I truly am looking forward to the new addition...but I ask myself, now that Colby is sleeping through the night; potty trained and doesn't need constant attention, why are we going to put ourself through all of that again? More on that later...
Now that Colby is virtually 3, he is into asking many questions. We can take the 10 minute ride from home into town, and do nothing but answer questions from his inquiring mind. Many of them begin with 'WHY?' "Patience, Lord", is a frequent thought in my mind. But I'm sure that my parents endured it, as do all parents, and if we (I) are careful to answer and not blow up, then we're teaching our kids something right there - that they matter.
Many of his questions in recent weeks have revolved around Christmas. Why are things decorated?, Why a tree?, Why buy presents?, etc. Of course, we share a Bible story each night before bed, and that stirs a lot of questions too. The other day, he asked why Jonah made the world. Still some work to do, I see...
One question that caught my attention, was when he asked, "Dad, where's Christmas?" I don't think that Colby was looking for an in depth answer or even a theological one - it was just a question that popped into his head. So, of course, I talk to him about the idea of Christmas - both the spiritual side and the Santa side...and his response is, "Oh". Then, another question comes roaring out. But that funny, little question has stuck with me...
So, I ask myself - where is Christmas for me? Is it in the gifts (both giving and receiving)? Is it in the busyness (church life and private)? Is it in family? Or, is Christmas - now catch this - found in my response to what happened in a manger.
Am I living like God is among us...
Thankfully, Christmas is not in the North Pole; under a tree or at the mall...it's in the heart of those who worship Jesus - the one who fulfilled, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." So, where's Christmas for you?
Merry
Christmas!!
Send revival, Start with me.
Pastor Ken
