Christmas moments are here

Christmas moments are here. Well, the holiday may not be here yet, but already we are enjoying tokens of love from those around us — cards in the mail, updates from friends from across the board, and gifts here and there. I used to write a letter and send out cards when December rolled around, but I have not been able to pull that off the last couple of years. Thanks to you all for your cards and gifts that have brightened our days!

This morning Joshua came into the bedroom where I was spending some quiet moments reading verses in John 17. Lugging a huge box, he importantly announced, "I'm the UPS man, this is for you and your children — it's from Christmas Comfort!" I laid the Bible on my nightstand and went to investigate. Dear little guy had stacked in all the neatly wrapped presents that were waiting to be opened. The packages arrived this week, and now the children are all eagerly waiting to open the packages with their names on them. For the last three years, Christmas Comfort has sent gifts for each of the children and a gift card or cash for me. They are an organization, or group of people, who have also experienced loss in their lives. Now each year at Christmas they send packages to families who have lost a parent. It goes deeper than the valuable gifts they send — it also shows genuine care that makes a difference.

The children will get to open their gifts soon, based on simple goals they want to reach before then, such as doing a certain amount of flashcards, keeping the barn clean, or using quiet manners in family worship. When a child has reached his or her goal, they'll open their package, and yes, everyone wants to be watching when the paper is pulled back and the boxes opened. In the end we have not only new items to play with, but hopefully some extra character to go with it!

I checked on Joshua just now again. He is in the living room, arranging and rearranging the presents in the 'house' he made out of one of the cardboard boxes the gifts came in. He had asked me to fold the top flaps of the box so they won't pop open, then using a knife he carefully cut in a window and a door large enough for him to crawl into and get his gifts in.

This morning I was thinking about Christmas or holiday traditions. They have a way of adding a sense of security or normalcy, but then in the hard parts of life it is sometimes difficult to even want the traditions that would generally have brought joy. God understands. I am often reminded how we let go and keep breathing as we wait for our baby to be born. Is it not much like those hard things of life? We keep going. Someday there will be a reward for all who faithfully keep living life through the hard core pain. It is okay, it will be worth it.

I'll keep this short as it is a busy season for folks all around. Don't forget — you are making memories for today, not just for Christmas Day! Take the time to show someone who is not expecting it that you appreciate them. The children and I will probably be making candy to take to my brother's house where they invited several families for a Christmas gathering. This recipe is what Daniel helped us make a number of years ago. Enjoy, and know you are special to the One who we celebrate on Christmas day, and died to set you free!

Peanut Butter Balls

1 cup butter

2 cups peanut butter

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

1 ½ pound milk chocolate coating

Cream together butter and peanut butter. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Roll into balls, your choice of size; I prefer small ones with the children. Place onto a cookie sheet or flat-bottomed container of any kind, freeze for one hour or until they're set. Next dip in chocolate, one at a time. Place in wax paper-lined container. Chill and enjoy!