The Gift

Almost every year we send out a letter with our christmas cards that serves as an "update" on our family. In keeping with my hearts challenge of making Christmas less busy and more simple... that won't be arriving in your mailbox this year. If an update is what you're craving, then go back through the older posts here (scroll all the way down) and read about what's been going on with the Gray's this year. This Christmas my "letter" is a little different.

We bought a cute little advent calendar this year. It's wooden and it has all the little doors that you open with treats inside for the boys. According to them, it's something they've "always wanted". Funny... I never knew that, and they've never mentioned it before. Anyhow, everyday we read scripture before opening the door. The other day I was reading out of the book of Luke where the angel comes to Mary to tell her that she will be bearing a baby.... this baby being the baby Jesus. As I was reading, a HUGE lump formed in my throat, and I was quickly reminded that EVERY time I read this passage, I cry. I cry because I think back to the emotions I felt when I was told that I was going to have a baby. What joy flooded my soul!! I cry because Mary must have felt this 100 times MORE! She was not just pregnant, she was pregnant with our Savior! I cry because my mommy heart hurts for what Mary had to endure as she watched Jesus be brutally beat before dying on the cross... for me.

I hear (over and over) there's a recession going on. People aren't shopping as much. Real estate has been deeply affected. There are too many out there without jobs this Christmas. The obvious thing to me is, God's love for our country hasn't changed. Jesus still saves. The gift that was given on that first Christmas is still the same. It is a gift to the entire world... A gift waiting to be received by many. It's the gift that never stops giving. It is my wish that this year I can be a vessel through which others experience the gift of God's unconditional love and care over our lives.

We pray for our friends and family members every day. We wish you a joy filled, peaceful and memorable Christmas and many blessings to come in 2009!

Love,

Jason, Tami, Lucas Colby and Caleb