Wonderful Life is a series of essays from Patch contributors on what the holidays mean to them. We welcome your thoughts on the holiday season, your family's traditions and how you celebrate.
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"Dad, what do you want for Christmas?" my kids asked me this week.
"He likes socks," said my 12-year-old, Richie. "He gets them every year."
"No, dad wants a Nintendo Wii so he can play with us . . . and we can beat him," laughed Ryan, 11.
"Guys, daddy wants Tree Trunks (a pink stuffed animal elephant) and he's going to keep him in my room, right?" asked the ringleader, Isabella, 8.
Though the socks would be nice, truth is I've already received all the gifts I need – my family.
Christmas is the selfless act of giving, starting with our Heavenly father's gift of salvation and redemption through our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, alone. It is His eternal love for us from which everything else flows from – happiness, success, peace, love, joy, comfort, sacrifice, confidence.
God knew before I was created that I was to be given the special calling of raising three incredible, uniquely gifted – yet different - children. He also gave me the love of a beautiful, virtuous wife who is my partner and best friend. She is the mother of my children and the light of our home.
Christmas is the abundance of memories our family shares in – ranging from Isabella's weekly tea party socials (with Pooh Bear and Barbie) to bear hugs from the boys when passing a math test at school. My kids' interest in telling mom and dad everything that happened at school during dinner has become a "family event," with their sole focus of including us in their lives. And their questions never cease to end.
"Was Jesus really born in a manger?" asked Isabella. "You know that sounds really strange and uncomfortable."
"Strange? Not more than a flying red-nosed reindeer (Rudolph) or a talking snowman who chain smokes (Frosty)?" I replied.
"Frosty smokes?" she said, puzzled to this day.
My children believe in Jesus of Nazareth, the nativity, and the virgin birth. Like mom and dad, they've also accepted the gift of Jesus as savior – God come in the flesh - and will spend the rest of their lives learning this walk of faith.
Christmas is the promise of deliverance, for many families – including ours – that have endured hard financial times this year. Games like Monopoly and Life have been replaced with Which Utility Will Be Late This Month. God's promise to draw near and provide during hardships are true. I'm living proof. He provides, just not how you think He will - and often not on your timetable. Yet, in all His mercy, He's blessed me with family, friends and resources to weather the storms we encounter. It's through these teachable moments we build our confidence and strength through Him for His glory.
Christmas can have multiple meanings, but matter none without Christ. Our blessings come from Him always.
But the socks are from my kids.
"He likes socks," said my 12-year-old, Richie. "He gets them every year."
"No, dad wants a Nintendo Wii so he can play with us . . . and we can beat him," laughed Ryan, 11.
"Guys, daddy wants Tree Trunks (a pink stuffed animal elephant) and he's going to keep him in my room, right?" asked the ringleader, Isabella, 8.
Though the socks would be nice, truth is I've already received all the gifts I need – my family.
Christmas is the selfless act of giving, starting with our Heavenly father's gift of salvation and redemption through our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, alone. It is His eternal love for us from which everything else flows from – happiness, success, peace, love, joy, comfort, sacrifice, confidence.
God knew before I was created that I was to be given the special calling of raising three incredible, uniquely gifted – yet different - children. He also gave me the love of a beautiful, virtuous wife who is my partner and best friend. She is the mother of my children and the light of our home.
Christmas is the abundance of memories our family shares in – ranging from Isabella's weekly tea party socials (with Pooh Bear and Barbie) to bear hugs from the boys when passing a math test at school. My kids' interest in telling mom and dad everything that happened at school during dinner has become a "family event," with their sole focus of including us in their lives. And their questions never cease to end.
"Was Jesus really born in a manger?" asked Isabella. "You know that sounds really strange and uncomfortable."
"Strange? Not more than a flying red-nosed reindeer (Rudolph) or a talking snowman who chain smokes (Frosty)?" I replied.
"Frosty smokes?" she said, puzzled to this day.
My children believe in Jesus of Nazareth, the nativity, and the virgin birth. Like mom and dad, they've also accepted the gift of Jesus as savior – God come in the flesh - and will spend the rest of their lives learning this walk of faith.
Christmas is the promise of deliverance, for many families – including ours – that have endured hard financial times this year. Games like Monopoly and Life have been replaced with Which Utility Will Be Late This Month. God's promise to draw near and provide during hardships are true. I'm living proof. He provides, just not how you think He will - and often not on your timetable. Yet, in all His mercy, He's blessed me with family, friends and resources to weather the storms we encounter. It's through these teachable moments we build our confidence and strength through Him for His glory.
Christmas can have multiple meanings, but matter none without Christ. Our blessings come from Him always.
But the socks are from my kids.
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