Merry Christmas!

What hope we hold this starlit night
a King is born in Bethlehem
Our journey long, we seek the light
that leads to the hallowed manger ground

What fear we felt in the the silent age
four hundred years can he be found
But broken by a baby's cry
rejoice in the hallowed manger ground

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
God incarnate here to dwell
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Praise His name Emmanuel

The son of God
Here, born to bleed
A crown of thorns
Would pierce His brow
And we beheld this offering
Exalted now, the King of kings
Praise God for the hallowed manger ground

This song,Emmanuel Hallowed Manger Gound by Chris Tomlin, has been a favorite around our house this season as we have prepared for Christmas.  Each time I think of the meaning of "Emmanuel", God with us, I am struck with awe.  The Father chose to send his son as a baby, one who would then take on the punishment of our sins, and then be exalted as the King of kings.  This is the meaning of Christmas.

It is Christmas Eve evening, the house is clean, breakfast ingredients ready to be thrown together and baked, our few gifts are under the tree, and I am sitting in a quiet home waiting for Jared to return.   Tomorrow we will place our last ornament on the tree, the picture of Jesus in a manger, eat a special breakfast together, open gifts and then spend much of the rest of the day with friends.   We will be out much of the morning until nap time and then in the evening are expecting 25 people for dinner.  Thankfully it is a potluck! 

This has definitely been the busiest Christmas season I can remember however it has been a very good busyness.  We have done almost no shopping (I attempted a little but never found what I was looking for), our daily schedules stayed pretty much the same, however our days have been full of time with people.  We filled evenings, lunch times, and weekends with parties and time with friends, visited many, many people, and just spent time talking.  It has been the best kind of busyness.

Here is a sampling of pictures from our past few weeks.  Friends, adults and kids, and many including our family. 

 A gingerbread cookie making moment, just the kids and I.

We attended an event last night at the boy's school.  We were so, so proud of Josiah and his involvement in the activities.  This has been an answer to prayer for us.  There have been many challenges and last night we were so thankful to get a glimpse into the progress he is making.  Last week, when we visited the school, we sang the simple "Emmanuel" song in the local language, as part of the Christmas activities.  Josiah's teacher asked for the piano music and words and last night his entire class sang the song with Josiah leading the way.  What a surprise for us! 

 We also did gingerbread houses with some friends.  Here were our finished results, along with some proud kiddos.

 And...a couple pictures from an event we attended tonight, Christmas Eve.  We got there early and the boys were given the opportunity to demonstrate their singing ability on the microphone.  It was super cute for us parents, not sure if others felt the same :). 

Each of the kids were given a red hat, knit by our househelper.  They like them so much, they often don't take them off when we get to our destination. Seems appropriate holiday dress, I think?

Merry Christmas!  Many blessings as you celebrate the gift of Emmanuel, God with us.