gratitude

Today while putting Nixon down for a nap he kept asking for Jesus songs, so I decided to sing a few Christmas songs about Jesus, Silent Night and Away in a Manger. While singing Away in a Manger, running my fingers through my sweet boys hair, looking him in the eye, and seeing him look back at me with such peace in his countenance, I couldn't help but compare the drastic difference in my circumstance as a mother and Mary's circumstance as a mother. My boy lay on a nice bed with his favorite, blue blanket and a pillow. My boy has warm clothes and a warm house. Jesus came as a baby in such humble circumstances. I think of how Mary and Joseph must have cuddled and held Jesus so close and tight to keep him warm. I think of the stray he lay in, how rough against a sweet, new babies skin. And yet, how great was our rejoicing as he was born to begin His earthly ministry. What great things we have to be thankful for.

What an incredible song Away in a Manger is at recalling us to His birth and what He did for us. As well as helping us remember what he does for us each day, and what He can do for us. While singing the last verses of the song, I sung Nixon's name in place of I and us, and an incredible new conviction of gratitude came to me as tears filled my eyes. I realized He can look down from the sky, stay by Nixon's side, be near him, bless him, and ultimately because of Jesus, my little Nixon can return "to Heaven to live with [Him] there."

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by NIXON'S side,
'Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take NIXON to heaven
To live with Thee there

Wow- what beautiful words and meaning. It was such a realty check today of how much I can improve on showing my gratitude to Jesus Christ for what He means to me and my family.

What can I do better?

Well there are so many ways to show our gratitude to Christ and it can be very individual and personal

So the challenge is to choose a way to show gratitude to Jesus Christ for all He has done and will do in our lives. Especially during this time of remembrance of His humble birth, lets think about Him more, thank Him more, and show that through our actions.

Have a very Merry CHRIST-mas!