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“For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

My daughter-in-law’s mother has created a beautiful tradition for each of her children from the time that they were little by purchasing an ornament for each of them every Christmas. Each precious ornament commemorates a special memory for that child, and each ornament is always kept safe in its original box until it is time to hang it on the tree. When each of her children gets married, they instantly have their own collection of Christmas ornaments. They then continue the same tradition within their own family.  

Throughout the years, these ornaments have expanded into quite an extensive collection for my daughter-in-law, and as my granddaughter explained, “It’s a lot of fun opening each box because it’s like traveling down memory lane.”

A few weeks ago, our family group text received the first picture with the grandchildren hanging the ornaments with the new puppy standing in adoration, and the caption read, ”It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas over here!”

A few hours later, we received a second picture with the tree fully decorated with all of their treasured ornaments and the doggie gate surrounding the tree; the caption stated, “Well, that didn’t last long!”

It seems that our little Cheerio did not appreciate the value of each precious ornament. Instead, he perceived each one of them as a delicious snack hung just for him!

Which leads me to the question, ”What are you doing to protect your Christmas this year?” As children are bombarded by advertisements and marketing themes, how do we protect our children and grandchildren from the worldly influences and focus on the true meaning of Christmas? How do we keep from stressing over the baking, finishing Christmas cards, the abundance of gatherings, and the never ending “To Do” list?

The answer is found in the manger! By keeping Jesus at the center of all of our intentions, the true meaning of Christmas will remain at the forefront.  

We would love to invite you to two precious ways in which the students of St. Matthew can assist in helping you focus on Jesus this Christmas season:

Friday, December 12 – Preschool/Kindergarten Christmas Service at 6:30 p.m. Come hear our littlest disciples proclaim the powerful message of the birth of their Savior!

Wednesday, December 17 – PTL Merry Mingle from 9:00 - 9:20 a.m. Please enjoy warm fellowship and warm coffee in the church lobby before the Grade 1 - 4 Christmas Worship Service.

Wednesday, December 17 – Grades 1 - 4 Christmas Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. (Students are encouraged to wear Christmas attire for both services and arrive at 6:40 p.m. in classrooms for the evening service).

We wish you God’s richest blessings on your Christmas celebration!

Merry Christmas,

Mrs. Palka