First Christmas

This Christmas is especially meaningful to our family. It will be our first Christmas with our three children, whom we adopted in August of this year.

We have been trying to point them to Christ during this joyous season—they haven’t had that influence in their three-and-a-half years in separate foster homes.

As we’ve decorated the house, we’ve stopped and read passages from the Bible. We’ve also created a book for them that explains the significance of our traditions:

• The Christmas tree
• Candy canes
• Wreaths
• Poinsettias
• Gift-giving

And most importantly, the manger scene where baby Jesus came into the world.

As we’ve read to them, their eyes have filled with wonder and delight. They continue to look around the house in awe of a holiday that truly is more than lights and commercials. Everything we have done—and will continue to do—celebrates Jesus.

I know it is a turning point in their lives. It is for me too.

Explaining the real meaning of Christmas to a child—our children—has re-ignited a passion in me for the holidays. I find myself getting lost with contentment in the bundles of joy God has brought to our little family.

In many ways, it’s my first Christmas.

Is this a glimpse of what Mary felt on her first Christmas with the Christ of Christmas? Did she gaze at the marvel of God in her arms? Was she silenced by the Son of God on her chest? Did she whisper in His tiny ears that He would save us from our sins? Did she celebrate Jesus—God with us?

Truly, it was her first Christmas.

Throughout history, many families have celebrated their first Christmas—not one filled with lights and commercials but one that lifts up Jesus—God’s first and only Christmas to the world.

Forever, we will share the merriest story of all. Forever, we will treasure all these things in our hearts (Luke 2:19).

Thank you, Jesus, for that first Christmas.

Come alongside… Tell us about your first Christmas celebrating Jesus. What are your traditions?