Celebrating baby Jesus' birthday

With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, it was too easy to succumb to a frenzy and not treasure the glory of our newborn King. God allowed us to see our ongoing need for a Savior this Christmas, which makes the gospel lovelier. It is truly the greatest gift of all. I am thankful for Alex who led our family in cherishing Advent this season. When asked why baby Jesus was born, Serene answers, "Baby Jesus die on cwoss foe sins!" We had so much fun witnessing our babes enjoy Christmas. Serene didn't fathom that she would receive "supp-wises" for baby Jesus' birthday, but she caught on quickly. We did simple gifts we felt the kids would cherish. I had high hopes of sewing them each a handmade gift, but time slipped by too quickly. Perhaps another time.

Nevertheless, the kids were enthralled by what they received. In light of Serene's deep-seated affection for tea sets and the Madeline books, we gifted her a Madeline tin tea set, a vintage Madeline doll (similar) with additional outfits in her dollhouse (an amazing $10 Craigslist deal!), and a tea party book. Valor was a bundle of cuddly joy during his first Christmas who was content to sit still and observe his sister open his gifts for him. We gave him a cozy knit blanket (so he would no longer need to use his sister's Hello Kitty blanket), his first stuffie (similar), and a snack bag. Our communal gift to the kids was this bedtime story book. The kids were additionally blessed by dear family and friends who bestowed gifts upon them as we spent Christmas Eve at my dear aunt's, and Christmas Day at my mama-in-law's. Serene loved all her "supp-wises" so much she didn't want to leave the house so she could play with all her new toys.

While it is a joy to witness their joy in these sweet little moments, we pray they find everlasting joy in one day knowing Christ - God's son born to dwell among us and die on the cross to pay for the penalty of our sin, all so that we could be in sweet relationship with God forever if we turn away from our sin and trust in what Jesus has accomplished for us! This is the glory of Christmas.