Baby's First Christmas.

It spurred in my mind special moments and memories to be made. A perfect picture of our son in his Christmas sweater smiling big next to our perfect Christmas tree. Making tins of beautiful Christmas treats for neighbors, family, and friends. Ezekiel unwrapping his very first Bible.

And so, as our first Christmas season with baby Ezekiel unwrapped itself, I was a little perplexed to find our tree pre-maturely dieing before I had a chance to shoot that perfect photo. Myself, sick as a dog, even in the hospital, and far too ill to make those Christmas goodies for our friends. And one over-tired, cranky baby on Christmas Eve, just a little too unhappy to enjoy unwrapping his Bible.

Things aren't always how we picture them in our minds.

Sometimes, they are a little more messy. Sometimes, a bit more complex. Sometimes, not quite ideal. But sometimes, these are the unexpected necessities of life. They teach us that life will go on without perfection, and that is just fine.

Sickness and weakness teach us of our need. I can't do it all, especially when I am too weak from illness to even pick my crying child up from his crib. I have need.

This need teaches me that it is ok to accept help. Even, to ask for help! It's healthy, in fact.

It wasn't exactly on my Christmas wish list, a night in the hospital after a simple stomach bug rapidly sent me into my first adrenal crisis, a fatal condition if not treated right away with emergency doses of my medication. the Church body is so dear. As our friends responded as soon as we called, on their way to watch our little boy as we went to the hospital. This is how the Church works, and it is incredible.

I'm thankful for that this Christmas. Things may not have unfolded as ideally as I had them laid out in my mind. But in my heart, they turned out far better. We have had 5 full days to spend with our family, the one we get to see less often. Ezekiel even met his Great Grandpa and Grandma Lynum! This time was precious for us. I didn't get that perfect picture of my little boy. Instead, I got a couple handfuls of priceless ones.

 

"And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." John 1:5

They were awaiting a king in splendor, and so went unnoticed a baby in innocence. Today, Jesus is still not who they expect.

"He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him." John 1:10

They awaited a long-anticipated Messiah, coming in glory and power, and so no thought was given to the child, clothed in humility, lying in a lowly manger.

Today, they look for an answer. In health, in wealth, in power and prestige. They give no consideration to the idea that He could be their long-awaited answer. He is not the answer they expect.

"He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him." John 1:11

They watched for a king's procession. A parade to announce the arrival of royalty. And so, no heed was given to the miracle of that one "ordinary" silent night.

Today they wait for that moment when all will make sense. If only enough insight is reached, enough knowledge gained, enough self realized. They do not see that He is the source of knowledge, the epitome of truth.

"There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man." John 1:9

They waited. Their expectations were high. Yet, the One who came, who went unnoticed, was so much greater than their expectations.

They wait. For what, they do not know. The next big thing, perhaps. An answer to anguish, a salvation from sorrow, a hope for purpose, for something worthwhile.

"And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured up all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:18-19

A few saw, a few understood the magnitude of this birth. This arrival of a dear child,  sovereign savior, majestic messiah, long-awaited answer.

Today, the question remains, will they see Him? Will they embrace Him as Savior, call Him Messiah, and acknowledge Him as the answer?

A tiny child born in a rickety old stable. He was born for us. He lived for us. He was killed for us. He rose for us!

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life;" -Jesus.

I love photos. What is it, "A picture is worth a thousand words"? I think that's an understatement. I love words. But I think a photo can encapsulate a whole lot more than words. They draw our mind immediately to that which we take joy in, that which we love.


Family

Friends

 

 Making treats for family and friends

 Growth and Discovery

 

The past few days have been full of some great photo opportunities. Last night we had a Christmas party for our Bible study group. We've been holding this Bible study in our home the last couple of months, and studying through the book of Colossians. It's been a great opportunity to get into God's Word. We've been so blessed to have friends in our home, and meet new friends!

My brother-in-law Mitchell, and his wife Anna are in town for the weekend! We haven't seen Mitchell since Spring, before he joined the Marines. This was Zeke's first time meeting his Uncle Mitch!

I love Christmas season :)