On this sixth day of advent (I’m a little behind in posting this.) as I watch the snow fall outside I am overwhelmed a bit with the celebration of this Christmas season. Last year B and I began celebrating advent as a family. God used the advent readings to focus my mind on what led to the birth of Jesus and allowed me to experience a more Christ centered Christmas. Remembering the centuries of waiting and longing for God’s salvation through the promised one. It is through this celebration, this time of remembering that I have grown to love this season even more.
This year, with two little ones in the house, under our care and instruction, it is especially important that we begin to teach them what Christmas is all about. At the end of November I unpacked a child’s nativity set that I had purchased on sale last year the day after Christmas. Roxie Kyle and Hudson were excited for a new toy on their play table and immediately started breaking it in. The majority of the pieces have logged many miles around our house by little hands. Each night, after the kids are in bed, I attempt to locate all the pieces and place them back on the table. Throughout the day when I see them carrying a member of this “scene” I try to take the time to stop what I’m doing and tell them who it is they are carrying around. I’m partial to the tiny manger holding the baby and to be honest I’ve probably picked it up a hundred times calling Him by name in hopes that one of the kids will repeat me.
About a week ago as I sat in the glow of twinkle lights while my children played at my feet, it happened. With the manger and baby tucked in her tiny hand, Roxie said it, “Baby Jesus.”
And she hasn’t stopped saying it. Oh, how I wish you could hear her squeaky little voice slurring the two words together. It’s so sweet, genuine, and innocent. But it’s not just about a sweet word that she has learned to create with her little voice and mouth and tongue. It’s the name of Jesus. Jesus.
“Our spiritual redemption came to us with the baby of Bethlehem.” Noel Piper
For my children to understand what Jesus’ birth did for us, how it changed everything, is critical. I think it goes without saying that I want them to be aware of Jesus birth all year long but as Noel Piper says, “with our hearts and spirits open in anticipation and excitement, what an ideal opportunity for remembering and teaching.” Christmas is that ideal opportunity.
So for Roxie Kyle to recognize this baby as Jesus is a beautiful moment. My prayer is it doesn’t stop with recognition, my prayer is that Hudson and Roxie Kyle’s knowledge and wisdom of this life altering birth will grow as they grow.
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