Artwork by Logan MacPherson.
Recently, our youngest son, Logan, had his 7th grade art show at school. I grew up with museums in my backyard (yep, NYC), so art has always played a major role in my life. Not only do I love looking at art, but I especially love all of the cartoons, cards, and sketches my sons have drawn through the years. Children have such a refreshing outlook on life. Everything is vivid and clear. Eyes and limbs are oversized–not only due to their size in comparison with yours, but your role in their lives is large, so they tend to draw you big. You are their hero and their protector–their biggest ally and friend. You understand them when no one else does, and there are times when you are the only one who can comfort them. They hold a tender place of your heart whether they are being perfect angels or annoying brats. You know they are growing and testing their wings, so you learn not to sweat the small stuff.
No time in life is more vivid to a child than Christmas. This is the one time of the year (besides their birthdays) where they smile, laugh, and sing more than any other. Even school is not so bad because they know in a few weeks time, they will have Christmas break and gifts awaiting them under the tree. When we are children, we tend to hold Christmas very high. We have expectations, and even though we sometimes end up being disappointed, we know that the love around us will make everything okay. Our boys have had the true meaning of Christmas drilled into their psyches. I don’t care how much the world tries to spin it as “Happy Holidays” for us, this is about the precious Savior who was born to die for our sins. God decided to live among us for a short while, and regardless of how commercial the world keeps getting, we will continue to celebrate the true joy of the season. I don’t care how unpopular that may sound. It is not just a holiday. It is a celebration that goes far beyond any wish list. God actually dwelt amongst us, and it is impossible to overemphasize this life-changing truth!
As we get older, we realize it is not so much about what is under the tree, but who is sitting around the tree. I am so grateful for my family members–some of whom are far, far away. The time I spend with my family that is close, and Christmas cards from absent family bind us together in ways that no material gift ever could. And that’s what it’s all about: love. So cherish the memories you are making with your families and keep them in a tender place of your heart. The teenage years go by in a flash, and they’ll be gone before you know it. So make every effort to spend quality time with them. The memories you make are the gifts that you will always treasure.
A Merry Christmas to you,
Rebecca
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12
All Photos Copyright © 2012-2013 Son of a Parson Ministries
