Reflections on Christmas...

I am sitting here watching Anderson play with all of his new toys in our living room as I type this entry. As I look at all of the "stuff" of Christmas, I am most thankful for God's gift to us. Christmas toys are great and all, but knowing that Anderson will be raised in a Christian home where prayer and a close relationship with God are an everyday part of life makes me happy and filled with peace. During church services leading up to Christmas I cried at nearly every service during the praise and worship songs. I think there is something very emotionally charged about having a son and celebrating Christmas. I can't even pretend to understand what Mary felt like when she literally gave birth to the savior of the world, but I know how much I love the little boy playing at my feet right now and I can't imagine the outcome that Jesus had for our sweet son...death on a bloody cross. That thought is what has kept me in tears during the last several church services.

There is a song called "Mary Did you Know" that my husband has pretty much banned me from listening to again, but I want to share the lyrics with you. I think for any young mother and particularly those with sons its message is so powerful...

"Mary Did You Know"

[Originally written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene]

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.