This has by far been my best Christmas season to date. I have had more excitement, more wonder and more anticipation of Christmas day than I've ever had. And I've been thinking a lot about why this is. There's no doubt that our precious son Anlon has so much to do with this. He brings more joy to Vipul and I than we could have imagined. Although he's too young to fully understand all that Christmas is, he loves looking at the lights and ornaments on our tree, the glittery garland around our staircase and the stockings that hang nearby. He loves it when we sing songs of this season to him as we rock him before bedtime. And he especially loves hearing us read his special book about the first Christmas many years ago. 
As I've thought about why I'm so in awe of this Christmas, I've realized that it's because having Anlon has reminded me of what's most important about Christmas. It's made me think about what Vipul and I will teach him about why we celebrate Christmas. We will teach him that Christmas is not about the beautiful decorations (although I do love them) and it's not about the festive music. It's not about Santa Claus either (not that I'm knocking Santa :) And although it's wonderful to give and receive thoughtful gifts from loved ones, Christmas is not about gifts. As our pastor reminded me this past Sunday, Christmas is about more than gifts. It's about the Giver of gifts.
Pastor Craig shared a story about a man who witnessed a bird fly into his garage. He tried many different ways to get this bird out, but the bird was terrified. The man realized that the bird was scared of him because he was so much bigger than the bird. He thought that if only he could become a bird, he could show the bird the way out and it wouldn't be afraid. If we had encountered God Himself, in all of His glory, we would have been terrified. So He sent His son, fully God and yet able to experience life like us, to reveal Himself to us and show His love for us.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:9-10
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'" Luke 2: 8-12
Here's a link to a song I love by the group Downhere - "How Many Kings"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iSivQmzJ_w
From our home to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!
