Friday, December 6
SEEING WITH NEW EYES
Reflect on the miracle of Christmas through the eyes of the mother of the Christ child — with eyes of wonder and love. I can barely get through listening to the song, “Mary, Did You Know?” without choking up, imagining Mary kissing the face of God.
I came to real understanding of God’s gift to us when I had children of my own. We all have experienced the wonder and awe of seeing those little ones as they behold the beauty of the season and grow to love the little baby they kiss and place in the manger at night. As I got older, I grew in appreciation for that gift as I watched my own parents and in-laws renew their love for that Christ child when our kids came to visit at the holidays. Seeing their grandkids place little Baby in the manger became a highlight for my mom and dad. My in-laws took us to their church not only to celebrate the birth of that Baby, but also to delight the grandkids with the gorgeous Nativity set up on the side altar. My understanding of God’s precious gift grew during those happy years. And now?
Our own kids are grown and live too far away, but have given us the most precious gift in our grandson, Maddon. Seeing the world through his eyes gives us all new appreciation for the truly wonderful gift that God sent to us, in his only begotten Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Children are a gift and heritage from the Lord, reminding us that the most wonderful time of the year is a time to thank Him for all these good gifts.
Dr. Ann Yanchura
Associate Professor of Education
Associate Professor of Education