Considering Christmas

One of my favorite times this Christmas was the Christmas Eve Service. When we arrived for the 10:00 service, Ethan was sleeping soundly in his carrier. The dimly lit sanctuary was decorated beautifully, and candles added their warm glow everywhere. Mom did a wonderful job of planning the service, which included Scripture reading, lighting of candles, and special music. It was the perfect time to be still and really think about Jesus’ arrival on Earth. Looking down at Ethan sleeping so peacefully also made me marvel all the more. God came to earth as a little baby. He was tiny, innocent, and completely dependent on the care of others. Yet, this tiny baby was God. He had called the world into being. He was before anything else. He left the glory and splendor that was rightfully his, he stepped aside from his limitless power and became like us. Even more mind blowing, he came here in obedience, knowing that this life would lead to a cross and death in order to ransom and redeem us. I’ve always love the song, “A Strange Way to Save the World” and now a fresher understanding of just how strange and wonderful God’s plan is! There were just a few tears in my eyes as I considered all this and looked at my own little son. What love God has for us! A smile also touched my lips as Ethan awoke during the devotional and gave a cry at an appropriate moment to remind us that Jesus really is Immanuel—God with us- fully God and fully man. How precious was that Silent Night. O Come, Let Us Adore Him!