Christmas - "And the truth shall set you free."

Truth. As parents I think we often take this concept lightly. We want to be truthful to our children and others, but we can bend the truth when it suits our purposes. One of our family values in honesty. But I have to admit in some things we bend the truth a little. For instance, take Santa. However some may feel about the legend of Santa, I have always felt that it was one of the magical parts of Christmas. It keeps the wonder and innocence in the season for children. Over the course of the past year, our 11 year old came to terms with Santa not being real. It was a belief she came to on her own and we supported her in it and even applauded her maturity. At the time, little did I know that this year would mark the end of Santa in our household.

After losing her first tooth, Abby became very distraught about the tooth fairy. She would cry while declaring "I don't want a stranger coming in my room while I'm asleep." So needless to say, eventually we told her the truth about the tooth fairy. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that as I tucked her in on Christmas Eve she became upset about Santa having access to our home when we were all asleep. She had anxiety that he might come in her room or that she might accidentally wake up while he was at our house and get into some kind of trouble. After reassuring her that Santa was kind, loved children, and certainly would not be mad at her for waking up, she was able to calm down and go to sleep. HOWEVER, within the first three hours of being asleep, Abby woke up two more times with worries and a stomach ache. Finally the during the second of these times, as I tried to calm her, she began feeling sick to her stomach and was literally shaking with fear! It broke my heart and I didn't even hesitate to tell her the truth about Santa.

Of course, after doing so, I felt an incredible amount of let down. I was also worried that Abby would be hurt, or disappointed, or . . . I mean how does one respond when a long held childhood belief comes crashing down around them? I looked down at Abby and asked her how she felt. She was all smiles and said she was happy to know. I asked if she would still be excited about Christmas and she exclaimed, "Yes! I still get presents!" What a relief. I also felt better knowing that I was able to give my baby the gift of security and calmness. Abby got a restful night's sleep and we had a great Christmas.

In John 8: 31-32, the Bible says, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." There are so many areas where I long for truth in my life. How comforting to know that there is an answer. If I hold to the teachings of Christ and live as His disciple. I will know the truth and be set free! That is my wish for myself and all of those I know and love this new year. Know the truth . . . and be set free!

How has the time gone by?

No, really. How has the time gone by? I just looked at my blogs and can't believe how long it's been since I last posted anything. What have I been doing? When I look back, we've been busy, but where are all those wasted hours spent on Facebook or watching TV?

Christmas is just around the corner and as I bask in the glow our our Christmas tree, I find myself pondering everything I've been teaching the kids at church. We've been talking about "God's Unstoppable Plan." Even though so many things tried to get in the way of Christ's birth, God loved us so much that nothing could stop his plan from moving forward. You know, sometimes I'm obsessive about having a Plan B. Did God have a Plan B, or did he just know his original plan would pull through? I guess when you're God it's easier to have faith in Plan A. After all, you're kind of in charge. But sometimes, maybe it's not such a good thing. I think knowing the consequences of your plan might make it harder to follow through. For instance: how do you allow your Son to be born knowing that He will die a horrible death? How do you let Him experience the joy and richness of life when you already know the pain and suffering He'll experience with it? When I think of these things, I find myself speechless. I know I couldn't do it. Which shows me just how small my love is and how GIGANTIC God's love is. Then I'm overwhelmed to the point of tears. How can anyone love me so much that they would willingly go through all of that pain and heartache? Yet, I know I am loved that much. And so are you! That's what I hope I can teach my kids and all the little lives I have the privilege of influencing. YOU are the reason God gives us Christmas - and all of the wonderful, tragic, glorious days that follow. Merry Christmas!


Today I am thankful for: a warm house that keeps out the wind, the security of jobs for John and I, and the gift found in the manger over 2000 years ago.