For Heidi

Because I don't know how to address the envelope...

It seems each year there is a song that stands out as our Christmas favorite. For the kids this year, it has been Away in a Manger. This is probably because of the actions that always accompany their sweet little voices as they sing the familiar carol. As Sean isn’t as much of a Christmas music fanatic as Beckie is (meaning he doesn’t start listening in early October or for a few weeks in July “just because”), he usually defaults to her song of choice, which has been Third Day’s Manger Throne this year.

What kind of King would leave His throne

In Heaven to make this earth His home?

While men seek fame and great renown

In loneliness our King comes down

Jesus, Jesus, precious One

How we thank You that You've come
Jesus, Jesus, precious One

A manger throne for God’s own Son

This year God has been impressing on our hearts the depth of His love, that He would humble Himself to be born in a stable in order to offer salvation for an undeserving people. When we think about the glory of heaven, the praise of angels, the majesty of the throne and then contrast that with the dirty, lowly stable in which Jesus was born, we are left speechless. What a testament to the vast character of God and His ability to relate to everyone in exactly the way they need Him to.

You left the sound of angels' praise

To come for men with unkind ways

And by this Baby's helplessness

The power of nations is laid to rest

What kind of King would come so small

From glory to a humble stall?

That dirty manger is my heart, too

I'll make it a royal throne for You

My heart is a throne for God's own Son

Our children often play with the nativity set they received one year as a gift. Each piece is precious, but baby Jesus in the manger is their favorite piece. Why has the food trough – an everyday sight in a farmer’s stable – become the favorite part of the nativity, not just for children, but for all who celebrate the birth of Christ? Perhaps it is because when Jesus was placed inside of it, it was transformed from something dirty and ordinary to something worthy of a King. So it is, as the song above suggests, with our hearts. Jesus is able to transform each person into something worthy of God. What an amazing gift God sent that night all those years ago. No wonder the angels exclaimed: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” Favor indeed.

Updates for the adults in our family will be short and sweet this year. Jobs haven’t changed, something for which we are truly grateful given the uncertainty of our economy. We have spent the majority of the past year enjoying spending time with family and friends and watching our children grow up way too fast. We are also greatly anticipating celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in 2011 with a trip to Kauai in February.

Jack is enjoying his new status in life as the 5-year-old in the house. He is eagerly waiting to start kindergarten in the fall. His mom and dad are not quite as eager for this next step. He still attends preschool two days each week and surprises us daily with the things he is learning. He has a special affinity for math, often reminding us that “two plus two is four, five plus five is ten, six plus six is twelve...” You get the idea. Jack loves to play with his siblings. He and Wesley can often be found catching bad guys or hunting for monsters. And as soon as the LEGOs come out, all three of them are huddled around the box working on their own masterpieces. Jack has great patience (most of the time) for his sister and brother and is eager to help them with whatever they need.

Wesley experienced a bit of the “terrible twos” this year as he was testing his limits, making his opinions known and reconfirming that he is our strong-willed child. Despite the trials 2 brought, he sailed on to 3 unscathed with a stronger identity of the little boy God created him to be. He is silly, always trying to make us laugh, especially Jack. “Bah-Boo-Bee” (you’d have to ask him because we have no idea) is often the center of his jokes. He has an enormous soft spot for his little sister, something we are thankful for and something she has learned to take full advantage of. Wesley is looking forward to starting preschool and Sunday school in the fall.

Elise is a loud, spirited, opinionated, independent, fearless, spunky almost-two-year-old. She comes in at a close second for being the most strong-willed child in our house. She learned at an early age (in utero, we think) to keep up with her brothers and she hasn’t slowed one single bit. Her interest in trucks, trains, cars, or anything else her brothers are doing, had us wondering if she’d ever pick up the dolls she’s been given. She did. And now prefers to sleep with not one, but two babies every night. Elise loves to talk, surprising us every day with her growing vocabulary and willingness to “try out” new words. She’s developed an appreciation for books (other than as a food source, I mean) and also really enjoys putting together puzzles. The digger puzzle is her favorite. Sigh…

We hope your family enjoys the many blessings the Christmas season brings; the gifts of family and friends, but most importantly, the gift of salvation that God sent so many years ago and still freely offers today.

Love,
Sean & Beckie

Jack, Wes & Elise

Sorry it's a little late. Sadly, this is not the last Christmas "card" I'll send this year...