tis the season...

We are in full swing around here, as I'm sure are all of you. Christmas is only 12 days away and we are pretty much ready. I have a philosophy that I have had for a very long time. I like to have everything done way ahead of the curve so I can sit back and enjoy the season. Entertaining, playing games as a family, watching Christmas movies and sitting around the Christmas tree {just a few of my favorite things}. We have been enjoying some company lately and it has been relaxing and fun. Mission accomplished. So...
Christmas tree...check
Decorations up...check
ready to bake...check
Christmas cards sent...check
Shopping done...check
Listening to Christmas music everyday...check
Stockings hung by the chimney with care...check
However, we will not be waiting for a man in a big red suit to squeeze down the chimney.
Our family was unable to make it to church on Sunday due to snow and so we sang and read scripture here at home. It lended to be a great time for our family. Adah is gaining so much knowledge about our Savior. It's exciting. She is also learning to have it penetrate her heart and apply it. That is also exciting. We read in Galatians and it led to a great conversation with our kids.

Galatians 3:26- 4:7
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So, also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit who calls out "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

We discussed this amazing gift that God has given to us...His Son. We talked about how Jesus has given us His name, His inheritance. We are His heirs. We did nothing to earn or deserve this gift. It's FREE. What a great word this time of year. :) We shared with our girls the example of our adoption from Ethiopia. This scripture is about our own adoption. Into Christ's family. What a legacy! We had no name sake and he gave us His. We had no home and he gave us His home.
We pray that this Christmas, more than any other, we begin to understand what a gift that truly is. This is the Ultimate Gift.
God, thank you for "deep water" conversations with our children. I'm so grateful they have received your free gift. I pray that they will continue to trust in You for every part of their lives. Help me do the same each day.
Merry CHRISTmas!