The Big Man in Red
Every year since the boys were born, I have struggled with maintaining a balance between the commercialism of an American Christmas and the real meaning of Christmas, the miracle of Christ’s birth. This year, at four and six, the boys were better able to understand and to participate in the Advent celebration, and the true meaning of the season was not lost on them. Thanksgiving weekend we attended an Advent celebration at our church where Connor made an Advent chain: each day a loop was removed and a corresponding Bible verse read. The boys excitedly asked to read “the chapters” in the Bible that corresponded to the ring each evening. Ryan is now well versed on the difference between the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and can easily find Luke 2 and recite its meaning. The lighting of the Advent candles also was intriguing to the boys. It was lovely to see the true meaning of the season hold such an important place in our Christmas celebration this year!
This is not to say that Santa has lost any of his appeal; the big man in red retained his magic and mystery, and so tonight I say: We, the parents of two extremely excited little boys, have survived yet another Christmas Day: another year of early-morning, “It’s Christmas!” and “Santa came!;” another tornado of gift wrap, bows, and empty boxes; another ten hours of some assembly required, inadequate directions, and whirlwind play… What a day! What a crazy, wild, wonderful, blessed day!
May the Lord bless you and keep you. Merry Christmas to all!