I openly admit to not correcting Xavier when he uses cute names for things instead of proper titles. I was reminded again this Christmas that he hasn't yet caught on to the term "stocking". I think each year he gets it down by the time Christmas actually arrives, but when he finds them in the box of decorations he gets all excited to hang his "sock-it".
We hang them on our bedroom door knobs since we have no fire place. In the past I've done the traditional small gifts in the stocking while he's sleeping on Christmas Eve for him to find in the morning. This time he was so eager he kept asking me the day we hung them (December 1st) if I would put candy in while he slept. I did not. It didn't dampen his enthusiasm in the least. The next morning while I was in the shower he emptied his candy jar into my stocking along with a note that read, "I love you Mommy!" I realize at this point it's a great opportunity to meet his anticipation with a fun and memorable way to lay the gospel before him... but how? I'm not creative and I avoid contexts where I'm expected to be, but God kindly meets me in my weakness and gives me "light bulb moments" any way.
The next day we began a new tradition. I stuff his sock-it every night and when he wakes he finds a "secret message" which is a scripture prophesying the Messiah. He reads it to me and we talk about how Jesus fulfilled it. He then pastes it on a sheet of paper so he has a visual reminder of (just a small portion of ) the ways Christ was proved to be the promised One. In past years we've read through the accounts of Jesus' birth in the Gospels, but this has been so refreshing for me. It's provided times for considering what it was like to wait so eagerly for Immanuel to come. Living this side of the cross can be so comfortable for me. I am able to see God's plan for redemption in a way that his people could not 2000 years ago. In the midst of this season I've been introduced to the song "Hope Has Come" from the Sovereign Grace Christmas CD. I love that song!!! May I never take Christ's arrival for granted! Alleluia! Hope has come!
4 comments:
What a neat tradition to have started with Xavier! I'm sure he'll enjoy the memories of talking about God's promises fulfilled in Jesus long after all the candy and presents that fill his "sock-it" are gone :)
Keri
Isn't God so kind to help us when we need it! He does that so often for me...when I am not sure what to say or do, he always pours out grace to help...and what a fun idea! I can just see Xavier's adorable smile as he looks in his stock-it...does he do his fire feet dance when he is excited??? I love the nose flaring story! too cute...love ya...
Linda - I love your sharing how even when you hadn't stuck anything in Xavier's stocking, he emptied his candy bowl and wrote I love you mommy in yours! THAT is so precious and what an evidence of God's grace in growing a generous spirit in him!
Just like us and God, isn't it? When we give God nothing, he still showers us with love and grace? "While we were sinners, Christ died for us!"
Well done thinking of how to invest more of God's word into your anticipation for christmas too - what an excellent idea! I agree with Keri, he'll remember that! :)
You do such an excellent job of making the most of traditions and really making them memorable. What a fun way to teach Xavier and remind yourself of the prophesies made about Jesus and the wonderful way they were fulfilled!!!! Praise God for His faithfulness and for providing us with a Redeemer! How sweet of Xavier to give YOU the candy and a sweet love note...So neat to see God at work in your little man:)
Love ya
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