Christmas 2012

Christmas Eve morning was exciting and filled with sweet memories.  After we ate the Wolfe traditional monkey bread breakfast  and read from Luke 2, we started opening gifts.  Titus has known all along the gifts underneath our tree were for various family members to celebrate the importance of who they are in our lives and to show our love to them.  But, he had no idea that there were a few of packages under the tree for him.  He asked more than once, "For me?"  I love his sweet naivety and gratefulness!

We then headed to Nevada to celebrate Christmas Eve/Day with my family.  It was a beautiful time celebrating our relationships with one another and most importantly celebrating Jesus and the hope we have in Him.  Here are some random snapshots of our time together. 

Uncle Ryan's old bear, Tinsel Teddy and Titus with Mister Bear

 

 Christmas is HARD work! 

We then came home and a couple of days later opened a few presents with Papa Rex and Baba. 

We received many wonderful gifts from grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and cousins. We are so grateful to everyone for their generosity, kindness and love.

The Word became flesh

Each year we look for ways to celebrate the real reason for this joyous season. I love living nativities; transporting my little family to ancient Bethlehem to experience what life might have been like that clear and silent night so many years ago.  This is the second year we visited this particular living nativity and we invited Papa Rex and Baba along for the trip.

Our walking journey began first in the Old Testament visiting various characters who foretold of Christ's birth or were a part of His lineage.  We heard from several prominent Biblical characters: Moses, Abraham, Issac, King David, Isaiah, and Micah

 We listened in as Gabriel visited Mary and Joseph and declared God's plan to them.

The streets and marketplace of Bethlehem were bustling with lots of people and noise.

Finally, we found the stable where Mary, Joseph, and the tiny baby were.  We then heard the glorious song of the angels proclaiming the good news to the shepherds.  We watched the Magi study and ponder over the star leading them to the Christ Child.

Thankfully, the presentation didn't end at the cradle but continued the story to the cross and finally to the empty grave.  Demonstrating the unspeakable love of God for mankind.  Jesus' coming is significant; the storyline of the entire Bible revolves around it.  Thank you, Father for your special redemptive plan for us!  

Around our home

On the door

 On my lap

On the wall

On the floor

 On my laptop

On the counter

 On my heart

 Just some things both big and small around our home today. 

I'm pausing to take notice and find joy....even when rooms are messy 

and there's so much to do and my toddler is well, being a toddler.

I'm especially focusing on the last one. 
The Savior so small and His mama. 
What a gift He is.