same and different

I've heard friends tell me that their Christmas is a bit different now that they or their children are married and there are other families to add into the mix of scheduling gatherings and celebrations. Flexibility and some change to traditions of old have been needed. Our Christmas is a bit different this year, too, though our children are eleven years old and the thought of marriage is still a distant one. My husband, Mike, and our son, Nathan, are gone on a dog sledding adventure up near Ely, MN, this Christmas, so Sara and I are looking at a bit of a different Christmas. We've made up a list of that which we plan to do this week:

1. 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Service at church (this tops Sara's list...she's been talking about this for a year). We may also go to an earlier service with my parents.

2. We are going to a family friend's Christmas Eve evening and also playing games with my parents on Christmas evening.

3. We have several people we are going to visit with a hot dish or cookies over the next four days...a friend who recently adopted three children from Ethiopia, Sara's small group leader from church whose daughter has been really sick this fall. A few friends in the Walnut Neighborhood. Three friends who have been widowed this past year. A 12 year old girl who is pretty wounded from life. And we might look downtown on the streets and under the bridges for folks who could use a little hot soup and a hope-filled word that the very reason Christmas exists is because they matter so much to God.

4. Along with these Christmas plans, Sara also voiced a wish that we stay in our pajamas an entire day this next week, reading on the couch and only getting up to eat meals and go the bathroom. She didn't have to twist my arm very hard on that one.

Last night, Sara had a friend overnight. We made "puppy chow" snack mix, and I listened to the girls singing Christmas carols. I found myself thinking that no matter what changes are made in our lives, our celebrations, and our traditions, I am so grateful that God is unchanging and that the Christmas message stays the same. God's love and mercy in the flesh. His joy, peace, hope, and forgiveness available through this babe. God reconciling our lives and the world through Jesus Christ.

May the presence of Christ be your greatest gift this season.

Merry Christmas,

Laura