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Christmas 2017

Spending some time looking through the last 7 Decembers shared on this blog, I am truly thankful to be here. My heart hurts for those who find themselves on hard times right now - a nasty surprise, a loss, an unexpected turn for the worse, a disappointment. I have heard about so many hurts in the past few weeks - and no gift under the Christmas tree could simply solve that.

But Christmas.

Please forgive me, I don't mean to sound casual nor insensitive. The pain that you and I feel is real. And so is the power of that baby born on that first Christmas Day.

As my children grow older, they expect more. More input, more results, more more more! My eldest is a self-confessed Santa slayer. Since the get go, she's known that he was just a playful inkling of our imagination to help spread the festive feeling of this time. So I know she's not waiting for the magic - but she does expect me to give her the low down on why we celebrate Christmas. And it's my job to give it to her.



My middle child is hopeful. If he sets out the right kind of cookie and a slightly chilled beverage, Summer Santa may be aptly pleased and place something special for him under the tree. For now we'll let his 5 year old mind celebrate childlike games and things. Not to deceive him, neither to rush him on in age. There will come a time when he will ask the question of Christmas and we'll need to be ready to reply.



My baby is quite possibly why I do so much more introspection these days and why I'm insisting on spreading the real reason for the season! A reindeer alice band with jingling bells has never looked cuter and I'd let her wear her "My First Christmas" grower again and again...if only she hadn't outgrown it. Because for all of these children (and everyone else), Jesus was born.



These children ground us. As much as we want to see them shriek with delight as they tear open treat packages, we so desperately desire for them to accept the ultimate Christmas gift for themselves. May however you choose to celebrate this day, bring you closer to realizing the true value of all that it promises us.

Merry Christmas from the duPs xxxxx





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