Basically everywhere you look, it is Christmastime. For some of us, me included, it is a favorite time of the year. It is also one of the most stressful. There is so much to do before the “big day” that it can be more of a hassle than it is enjoyable. But as I work diligently to get Christmas cards ordered, Santa pictures taken and gifts purchased I can’t help but look to my oldest son for a reminder of what Christmas and my God means to me.
Brayden has been infatuated with our Christmas tree since the moment David brought it in from our storage shed. “When are you going to put the tree up, mommy?” he would ask. “Can I help with the tree, mommy?” His questions about the tree were never ending. And when it was up, decorated and twinkling with lights I heard him say, “You didn’t let me help you, mommy!” But despite his many questions/comments on the subject he has been adamant to sneak a peek at the tree every chance he gets. He loves looking at it, touching the ornaments (as well as rearranging them) and just being in the general area the tree is in. It’s new. It’s beautiful. It’s different. It reminds him that it will be Christmas morning soon. His questions of when Santa will be here will finally be answered and his excitement over what he’s gotten for Christmas will be unleashed (insert my sarcastic ‘yay’ here).
But despite my internal cringing over all the new toys I will have to find room for in our ever shrinking house, I can’t help but marvel at how quickly he reminds me of what it must be like for God the Father and us. Watching his wonder over our artificial tree with extra lights, because one section’s lights burned out, tends to remind me of how God must look at me when I see something new He places before me. It’s new to me, it’s often beautiful (even though I might not see it at first) and it is usually different. Do I marvel at it like it’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen? Do I stare in utter wonder at His creation, gift or love? I can’t answer that with a yes most times, but ever since becoming a mom I have had many moments where I place my scenarios with Brayden to what God goes through with me. I’m sure there are times He has laughed with me, bit the inside of his cheek until it bleeds to stop from laughing, wanted to question my sanity and, of course, looked at me like I had lost my mind. Okay, maybe not, but that is how I picture it in my head.
God is our Father. We are His children. He loves us. He wants the best for us. He wants to see us smile, laugh, stare in amazement, be excited and jump for joy. The same thing we love seeing in our children The Father loves seeing in us. Whether it’s Christmastime or any other time of the year, He loves us that much. Many people think of God at Christmas because of the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. But what if we also started thinking about Him as the Father who wants to see us at our happiest? He is Abba Father. He is daddy. We can cling to Him, cry out to Him and praise Him. He is so much more than what some of us let Him be. This Christmas I encourage you to think of God as not only your powerful Creator who sent His Son as The Savior, but to think of Him as your Eternal Father who loves you infinitely. God is Love and He loves you.
Merry Christmas!
Stephanie Henderson
Student Co-Pastor