Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
The Christmas and holiday season has always been my favorite time of year. I come from a large family and the holiday season is always a time for us to come together and share in the joy of the season.
Growing up (and even still) I couldn’t wait to decorate the house for Christmas, the earlier the better. I absolutely love when the radio stations start playing Christmas music, or finding the perfect gift for someone, wrapping gifts and stocking stuffers and taking part in our family gift exchange. Don’t get me started on decorating cookies; every sprinkle must be in the right place! When I started my first semester at OCU as a performance major, I couldn’t be more excited to start working on our Christmas show in August!
Through all of our traditions, one of my favorites is attending Christmas Eve service as a family. Through the hustle and bustle of all the excitement and fun of Christmas, it’s during the Christmas Eve service when I feel most in the holiday spirit and feel a sense of peace and calm. Every year, during the song O Holy Night, I tear up. I can’t help but think of what Mary must have been going through. Hearing a Sanctuary full of people come together and sing “fall on your knees,” literally makes me weak in the knees as I rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ and feel His spirit throughout. When I hear this song, I’m overwhelmed by how this night changed lives forever.
My son, now almost two, is looking forward to Christmas. He is just beginning to learn the concept of praying. As part of our night-time routine we read a few books and finish with a book called A Night Night Prayer. The end of the book has a simple children’s prayer. He places his little hands together, tries to keep his sweet little eyes closed and says “Thank you God.” This book is a reminder for me to guide him and teach him, as he begins his own journey with Christ, what Christmas is all about.
It is also during those special moments, as we celebrate this season with our family and loved ones, that we are reminded to strengthen our own relationship with Christ so we may continue to lead others to a life of faith in Jesus Christ.
Meredith Lee, St. Luke’s Children’s Center Director
