First Christmas
This Christmas is especially meaningful to our family. It will be our first Christmas with our three children, whom we adopted in August of this year.
We have been trying to point them to Christ during this joyous season—they haven’t had that influence in their three-and-a-half years in separate foster homes.
As we’ve decorated the house, we’ve stopped and read passages from the Bible. We’ve also created a book for them that explains the significance of our traditions:
- The Christmas tree
- Candy canes
- Wreaths
- Poinsettias
- Gift-giving
And most importantly, the manger scene where baby Jesus came into the world.
As we’ve read to them, their eyes have filled with wonder and delight. They continue to look around the house in awe of a holiday that truly is more than lights and commercials. Everything we have done—and will continue to do—celebrates Jesus.
I know it is a turning point in their lives. It is for me too.
Explaining the real meaning of Christmas to a child—our children—has re-ignited a passion in me for the holidays. I find myself getting lost with contentment in the bundles of joy God has brought to our little family.
In many ways, it’s my first Christmas.
Is this a glimpse of what Mary felt on her first Christmas with the Christ of Christmas? Did she gaze at the marvel of God in her arms? Was she silenced by the Son of God on her chest? Did she whisper in His tiny ears that He would save us from our sins? Did she celebrate Jesus—God with us?
Truly, it was her first Christmas.
Throughout history, many families have celebrated their first Christmas—not one filled with lights and commercials but one that lifts up Jesus—God’s first and only Christmas to the world.
Forever, we will share the merriest story of all. Forever, we will treasure all these things in our hearts (Luke 2:19).
Thank you, Jesus, for that first Christmas.
Come alongside… Tell us about your first Christmas celebrating Jesus. What are your traditions?
New Article Published Out of Scotland: “In the Fullness of Time”
Imagine my excitement to hear from a magazine editor in Scotland!
Judith Keefe contacted me after reading one of my other publications and requested that I write a story about my adoption journey so far. Of course, I agreed.
Judith has since published my article, “In the Fullness of Time,” at her magazine, Under the Rainbow.
Here is a little more about Under the Rainbow–from their website:
UtR is a collaborative Christian resource launched in Glasgow in 2011 to support parents who have lost children particularly before or soon after birth. The main aim of UtR is to encourage people in their walk with God. Through Biblical resources, people’s personal stories and other information, it is hoped people will be upheld and comforted and glory and honour will be brought to God.
The resource is developing to also include support and information on fostering and adoption.
Judith Keefe initiated and developed UtR with support from many people who have directly experienced loss or want to support the work. Through her and her husband’s own experiences of miscarriage over a number of years and travelling the road of grieving with a friend after her baby son died, God brought about the desire to see a Biblical, God honouring resource available to those grieving.
I am so honored to have this ministry reach people not only in the United States but also throughout the world.
I hope you will read “In the Fullness of Time” and share Under the Rainbow with your family and friends.
Big hugs,
Daphne
New Article Published: “Adoption is Final”
Awhile ago, I posted that I was honored to be a guest blogger on (in)courage, a division of Hallmark and Dayspring.
Today is that day! Here is my article, “Adoption is Final.”
I hope you will read, comment, and share.
Big hugs,
Daphne
Gimme a Break
Lately, this commercial has been running through my mind. Do you remember it?
I could just say that I’ve been eating too much too late at night–maybe too much chocolate. But I know all too well that God uses the simple things to remind me of His love for me.
You see, lately I’ve been too hard on myself. I’m entering a new season in my life–motherhood, and I’m feeling a little ill-prepared.
- Inexperienced.
- Inadequate.
- Unqualified.
I haven’t struggled with my perfectionism in awhile, and these feelings have actually taken me by surprise. Old issue–new circumstances.
The first week was really a struggle for me. I beat myself up for forgetting hand wipes, for not bringing snacks and water on long car rides, you name it. All seemingly minor details blown up in the “shoulds” of my mind. I should be able to … I should know how to …
Then I remembered the Kit Kat commercial, especially the part that goes, “Break me off a piece of that Kit-Kat bar!” (You know the tune.)
I had to step back and take an objective look at my situation: I am a new mom. I have gone from zero children to five adoptive children–three of which are already in my home. This is uncharted territory for me–definitely a step of faith. If anything, I shouldn’t know how to do these things–I have never traveled this road before.
This is an opportune time for my perfectionism and unrealistic expectations to rent space in my head.
But I’m not letting them. I’m giving myself a break.
God will never let me be pushed past my limit, and He will always be here to help me come through the ups and downs of whatever situation I face (1 Corinthians 10:13). I refuse to discount the small steps I am taking. Instead, I rejoice with God every time I take a step in the right direction (Zechariah 4:10). Even more, I treasure the little rewards along the way:
- Hugs and kisses from my children.
- The way they call me “mommy princess.”
- Their prayers thanking God for this family.
It won’t be easy, but I can do it (Philippians 4:13)! God is cheering me on. He is on my side (Romans 8:31).
Gimme a break, gimme a break, break me off a piece of God’s grace and love.
Come alongside… How about you? In what areas of your life do you have unrealistic expectations? How can you give yourself a break?
New Article: “In the Fullness of Time…”
Awhile back, I mentioned that Mentoring Moments for Christian Women invited me to become one of their staff writers.
“In the Fullness of Time” is my most recent publication at MMCW.
I hope you will read, comment, and share.
And if you haven’t already subscribed to Mentoring Moments, I encourage you to do so.
Big hugs,
Daphne
