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Friday, the 3rd week of Advent: Christmas Chaos

It's Friday, the third week of Advent...and I wonder about Christmas Chaos.

We have a house full of Grandchildren...four of them to be exact.  It's just 7 days until Christmas, and our quiet, serene, rural, pastoral existence has become filled with lego boxes, farm implement toys, railroad tracks, books, and general mayhem...and I'm enjoying every minute.

I awoke to the sounds of children playing

Remember the story and the hymn? 

Luke 2:6-7 
6  And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 

Jesus is born...a baby...and what do babies do?  YEP...they cry, they wet, they sleep and eat...and then they do it again, and again, and again.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
Well, maybe not!  

The story of Christmas does not fill in all of the human aspects of Jesus' birth.  But, I'd like to think that God has no problem navigating the Chaos of Christmas.

Here's my prayer for all you Moms and Dads out there who are trying to figure out a way to focus on Jesus this Christmas...find a space, take your kids in your arms with a great big hug, and tell them that they bring JOY to you, and that you're greatful to be able to celebrate Christmas with them...Chaos and all.

By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY... Leo, Raewyn and Theo... three of my sweet grandchildren all born 6 years ago today.


Peace

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