As I lie here in bed after nursing our daughter, she is snuggled up in my arms sleep suckling and I can’t help but gaze upon her and say to myself, “Wow, this little tiny human being is the most precious gift God could have given me”. Even in all of the small frustrations that come with motherhood (or parenting in general), they are just that…small. Any challenges that may come with being a parent, are all worth it in the end.

At this stage a smile or a giggle, learning something new, watching them sleep peacefully after a full day of play… it truly is all worth it for those little moments when God reaches down in your exhaustion and gives you those reminders of how truly incredible these little children are. They began as two tiny organisms that came together, they grew and developed, then 9 months later they were born into this world.

In the hospital just hours after Novella was born, I looked at Ryan and said, ” Can you believe that she is all ours? We get to take her home with us!” Some days I look at her and still cannot believe she is all ours, a gift from our almighty God.  Beautiful and perfect just the way God made her. For people to say there is no such thing as a miracle, all they need to do is look at a newborn, hold a child in their arms… every single one of us is a miracle, a gift to someone, from our incredible God.

Just like Jesus was a gift to Mary and Joseph and our entire world on Christmas Day. Did Jesus cause frustration for his mother, oh I am sure he did, he was a child. It is fascinating to be able to relate to Mary and think about how when Jesus was just a baby he was helpless just like every other newborn. He had to learn to crawl, walk and talk, just like our children today. Mary probably had mommy moments too, but then God would gently remind her of her gift; with a gentle baby smile, giggle or coo… and then she would remember her purpose as his mother and remember that it is all worth it.

My hope is that as we raise Novella, we can remind her of what this season is really about. The beauty of the gift of a child named Jesus, the very best gift of all. The child, the son of God that was born (just like each and every one of us) with the purpose of giving each of us life and forgivness.

So as we sit back next week, enjoying delicious food, and opening gifts and celebrating a special day with family and/or friends; no matter where we are… don’t forget that those are just fun traditions. The real meaning isn’t a man in a red suit who brings presents to children. The real meaning often gets blurred with all of the hustle and bustle of the season…

JESUS WAS BORN! THE GIFT OF ALL GIFTS! Don’t forget the true meaning of CHRISTmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!