The Christmas Story

Having children has forced me to see the Christmas Story in a whole different light. Part of it is that I think about it more. Last Christmas, I told the story several times a day for about a month. 

My children are fascinated by babies, which explains part of their fascination. For Aris though, it runs deeper. Jesus has two daddies, just like she does. This year we have been talking more about why Jesus came to earth, and have explained that He understands what it's like to be a child. He understands what it's like to have a blended family, what it's like to be three and how hard it is to use our words, obey, etc...I think Aris is really starting to understand that Jesus is God, and that He cares about her and is on her side.

As a mother, I see the Christmas story in a whole different light. I understand some of what Mary felt, having had a socially awkward pregnancy. I can relate to being pregnant, to having an infant, and I can only imagine what it was like to hold that helpless little baby and know that I was holding God in my arms. It's mind-blowing. At Christmas time, I look at my small children and realize that Jesus was like them once.  He was a little boy learning how to walk, eat and communicate. He was a preschooler, learning how to share and how to express his feelings. Jesus came to earth, not just to die for our sins, but to understand what it's like to be human. He understands not just what it's like to be a small child, but what it's like to be an adult. And although His life looked a lot different than ours, the underlying issues are the same. So this Christmas, I'm learning that God doesn't sit in judgment of me, wondering how I could struggle with that, but that He understands me when I feel overwhelmed, or in despair because He's been there too.