Naughty/Nice vs Nativity

I love Christmas, especially since having children as they sit in awe as we retell stories of Santa Clauses and Baby Jesus' birth.

The magic of Christmas is just so captivating, with lights, decorations, special services, parties and gifts. But can the idea of a mythical man giving gifts only to good boys and girls really sit alongside a belief in a Saviour who died for us because of a love so great regardless of our situation?

My faith in Jesus has been an integral part of my life for over a decade, and the Bible teaches that anyone who believes in Jesus can receive the greatest gift of all, salvation and eternity with Him in heaven despite not always being 'good'. Now this is not a get out of jail free card that enables us to live selfish, mean lives that don't bless others and honour God, but Jesus plainly taught that the grace of God was something given freely, not earned, which results in our heart response to follow Him and live for Him. 

I am not saying that Santa is bad, however the idea that 'works produce fruit' goes against my beliefs. Yes, I agree that good behaviour gets rewarded, yet how often do bad things happen to good people in the real world? Are we setting our children up for a fall by letting them believe that if they are good then things will always go their way? I don't think that allowing my children to believe in Santa is detrimental to their spiritual condition or mental condition for that matter, however, quite the opposite. The concept of Santa is giving gifts, however small, to celebrate Jesus' birth and lets face it, the first Christmas gifts were given to Jesus himself by the three Kings! If my boys want to believe in the magic of a jolly man who bears gifts to children across the world then I think it can only be a good thing to highlight the plight of those who are not as fortunate as ourselves and also encourage my boys to give gifts of their own.

Lets not get caught up in being 'super-spiritual', Jesus himself condemned the religious, legalistic Pharisees and commanded His disciples to simply love one another first and foremost. The Nativity will always be the focus for our family, but if using the Naughty/Nice list helps my boys to be that bit better behaved during the busy season while encouraging them to give to others too then that can only be a good thing in my eyes. 

 

Remembering the reason for the season...

I am soo excited that its is three sleeps till Christmas Day! My three year old is completely overwhelmed by and caught up in the magic of Christmas, we have had Christmas parties, carol singing, umpteen chistmas movies including a trip to see the 4D rocket the reindeer movie and of course meeting the one and only Santa Claus and Mrs Claus! Aaron has told Santa what he would like for Christmas and he has been excitedly helping us pick out gifts for our family and friends.

I have loved watching him become more and more excited and in awe of this fabulous festive season. Of course we have been reading Aaron's Christmas Bible story book and he loves hearing the story of Baby Jesus and how the angels came to tell the shepherds about the newborn King! I love that at the heart of this time of year is our awesome God who came down from heaven, became man and took on all the sins of the world so that we would be free and forgiven. Now that truly is the most amazing and selfless gift of love and it is freely given to each and everyone of us, we just need to accept it and then see how God will transform our hearts and lives :)

Not only have we been getting ready for Christmas but we have also started making preparations for baby Edwards no.2 who is due in February! I finished work last week (yay!) and have started washing Aaron's baby clothes and getting my hospital bag ready. After Christmas we are going to put up the crib and get the bedding and washable nappies all prepared, I cannot wait! Looking at the tiny baby gros and scratch mitts that my three year old boisterous boy used to wear is mind blowing, where did those three years go? And when did he go from 7lbs 11oz to 3 1/2 stone?! Love being a momma and can't believe I am blessed to do it all over again. :)

Happy holidays everyone and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season!