Before we open our Christmas gifts, we like to have a little devotional. When the children were little, we used to act out the Christmas story.
This year, Allen read a little devotional on the real meaning of the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Did you know this is a spiritual song? It seems like a silly song, but in fact, was written to pass on to the children the tenants of the faith during a time of persecution.
We also used the example our friend Tarenda shared about "passing on the baton of faith". It does not matter if your team is the fastest if you drop the baton.
Allen encouraged each one to pass it on.
"We will not hide them from their children, but we will tell to the generation to come the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonderful works that He has performed." Psalm 78:4
Then I had something for each grandchild. My Japanese friend, Kaori-san, helped me find each of their names in kanji (Japanese writing using Chinese characters). Each kanji is a word picture and often have different meanings so we had to decide which would be best. Along with each name, I picked out Bible verses that went along with the kanji. Kaori wrote their names in kanji on book marks.
Who IS this??
I guess he's okay.
Then lots of gifts were given out.
Because Papa said he didn't need anything at all.
(Don't worry, he did get some nice things!)
I think Tenley enjoyed her first Christmas with us!
We finished our celebration with a Christmas dinner. I got out my china and goblets and fine silver. It is a very special celebration after all!! Jesus has come - WHAT A GIFT!!! - and He is coming again!!
(thanks to family members for sharing some of their photos for this blog!)
