Have Room?

Years ago when Nathan had just turned 4, Julieanne 7 and Anna Catherine was 9 we were trying to help our children prepare for Christmas with a Nativity play of our own. We made a donkey tail and pinned it on AC who carried Mary aka Julieanne draped in blue fabric and pillow stuffed up her shirt from door to door in the house with 'Jofes' aka Dad (that's what Na called Joseph) Meanwhile Nathan and I were in his room when the knock from Jofes and wife 'great with child' came. As you know we were supposed to say, 'There is no room in the inn' but when it came time for this response Nathan was busily clearing his bedroom floor of the toys and clothes that scattered it. A bit lost, I asked what he was doing to which he replied...'I'm making room'. He knew that there had been no room for the Savior to be born in a nice warm, clean place. In his little mind all that mattered is that he, 'Na-Na Thom-pon' was going to make room.

That is one of the greatest lessons my kids have ever taught me because over the years at Christmas when all the world gets ridiculously busy, I am reminded that I must choose to 'make room' for the King of Kings, my Savior. He doesn't barge his way in or force himself upon me - He waits to be invited. Are you making room?

We leave in a few hours to fly to the Dominican Republic to spend Christmas with Dennis' family. His parents are missionaries there and Dennis and I have never been to see their ministry.Back when AC was 12 she was able to spend a few weeks there with her grandparents so it will be a return trip for her. We are so excited for this chance to be with all of them in the warm sunshine! My mom is also going to be with us so that is a bonus.

We celebrated Christmas last night as a family. We had Chinese food and British Christmas traditions like poppers and Christmas crackers. We were a sight - the kids have all been sick this week.

We only gave stockings this year which was quite enough. And for the first time in 20 years, we did not put up a tree - just put lights on the ficus tree and guess what....it is still Christmas! "It came without the trappings and trimmings and Who hash and Who ham" to quote Dr. Suess because it has nothing to do with those distractions. So, back to Nathan, what's keeping you from making room....?

Merry Christmas!

Julie for the five of us