Mom Heart Moments #352 - Mom Heart Moments

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.

FLICKERING CANDLELIGHT; shimmering silvers, golds, reds, greens, and blues sparkling on a real tree inside the house; familiar songs that beg swaying and dancing; the smells of pine boughs, vanilla, spices, cookies, coffee, and breads filling the air with invitation each hour of the day; lots of friends and family and hugs and kisses and celebrations and presents; stories of babies, wise men, young mothers, and animals —all of these wrapped in one short period of just a few weeks —what’s not to love about Christmas?!

Over the years, many women have asked if I thought it was pagan to celebrate Christmas and have trees and presents. Of course Clay and I studied the Word and pondered this many years ago, and we came to our own conclusions, as each family must. Looking back, we can see how the beauty and celebration of Christmas, the delights of our home and the filling of emotional cups, making of memories, and cherishing Christ every day, gave our children even more love for Him. Since our family is not pagan, the celebrations in our home are not pagan —nor the ways we choose to celebrate.

I think that sometimes people are afraid to have too much fun or to celebrate life! Yet, it is only when we do this fully from our hearts that we understand the joy of the Lord —the God who gave us the ability to be satisfied, to laugh and play games and eat merrily.

So, our family makes time to delight together. It is the organic life of Christ —the tastes, smells, fun, love, and theology —that gives the whole picture of this baby-become-King-and-Savior. And so in a spirit of love, we celebrate Christmas with joy!

Do you feel freedom in your celebration of the holiday? Prayerfully consider what He would have you do, remembering that He enjoys watching you enjoy life and beauty!