Christmas is a time of waiting and anticipation. Christmas Eve we went to Bayou City Fellowship's first Christmas Eve service. It was cold and outside, but a good reminder about the "no room in the inn" time our Savior first experienced. With matching PJs a tradition my mom had started with us as kids, Bailey and Colton headed home still too little to understand anticipation of the next morning. (the adults sure were excited to share their first Christmas with two babies)
Mom had planned out a menu for the day with delicious breakfast items and traditional Christmas. We each in turn made fun of the menu as we found it hanging on the refrigerator, but now I wish I had taken a picture. She always does a great job making everything seem like a beautiful, special adventure.
Phillip, Erin and Bailey arrived first, so we had the next 20 minutes of distracting Bailey from the presents before Andrew, Amy and Colton got to the house. Finally after the anticipation of waiting for everyone to arrive present opening began. Since Bailey's birthday was just a month before, she had already mastered ripping off the wrapping paper. I enjoyed getting her a tea set with a pink boa. She didn't like the boa too much, but the tea set has been a big hit. I also found Shelia Walsh's books about Gigi that fit so perfectly with the tea party idea. She also got a fun pink Castle from Aunt Amy.
Although not even close to being able to enjoy these books, Tale of Despereaux by Kate DeCamillo became one of my favorites a few years ago. She was in Houston to autographs books and I could help but get a copy for the fabulous Princess and Knight.
Colton got is very own Shelia Walsh book about Will the Warrior. I searched and searched for a sword to match the fun book, but never could find the best one. So he got one of his toys from his Babies R Us list, a sports activity station. (I still owe you the sword Bud!)
Colton got is very own Shelia Walsh book about Will the Warrior. I searched and searched for a sword to match the fun book, but never could find the best one. So he got one of his toys from his Babies R Us list, a sports activity station. (I still owe you the sword Bud!)
So in reflecting on the anticipation and excitement of picking out the perfect gift, it points me back to the symbolism of God's love for us. Many years people waited in anticipation for God's promised gift of Christ's presence on Earth. As He prepared a special time, like we pick out the perfect gift, He sent Jesus to us. Oh how we wait for His return to Earth again.
