Making room

For those who don't know yet, the Castellos send our Christmas greeting and pajama picture with some fun news: A baby girl is on her way!

When the little lady arrives in March, Jack will be 7 and Grace, nearly 5, so they will be a big brother and sister in the truest sense of the word.

As for Mom, I’m a little low on energy this year. And yes, being pregnant at 37 probably has something to do with that. But in truth, every year in mid-December, when I sit with my to-do list, I have one goal in mind: simplify.

By this point, I'm usually realizing that I may not get around to baking Christmas cookies, sending cards by mail (case in point), or putting that special touch on certain gifts. So what’s a girl to prioritize? For me, it’s Jesus. And this year, I don’t mean finding another clever way to teach my kids that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

God, in His kindness, recently showed me that the simplest way to teach my kids about Jesus at Christmas is to find a quiet place, as often as I can, and spend time with him. When I open my Bible, truly seeking to know Jesus better, he seeps out of my pores. Christmas or not, my kids and I talk about Him when we’re at home and when we’re on the road, when we’re going to bed and when we’re getting up. *

And when I pray about the details – about finding time to get this or that done, how I spoke too sharply to the kids as I hurried them out the door, what in the world am I going to make for dinner – the peace and practical help I receive far exceeds the satisfaction (or benefit) of crossing things off "the list."

At this very moment, Jesus sits at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. He radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God.** And when I make room for him, so do I.

"Let every heart prepare him room," says the famed carol. Amen and amen.

*Refers to Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, chapter 11 verse 19.

** Refers to New Testament book of Hebrews, chapter 1.