So, we had home group last night.
Our host home couple was sick, (bummer...mostly because I selfishly miss them to bits and pieces) so my husband and I volunteered to lead and host group.
Now, hear me out, I never want a messy house to get in the way of someone coming to our house...but our living room and kitchen were disastrous this week, so I knew it was going to take a little work to clear some laundry piles and wash a few dishes before people showed up. Not to mention the fact that our kiddos, much like Linus featured above, are quite attached to a few homemade blankets, most of which were strewn about our living room.
So, with two hours before group, the kids and I set out to pick up the house. My husband brought home some steaks and veggies to grill and we started a warm fire in the fire place - all in an attempt to create a warm, welcoming, environment.
Within an hour, laundry had been put away, the fire was crackling, blankets reassembled, my daughter was helping me wash and dry dishes, my son had managed to trade a light saber for the vacuum hose (with attachments) and my husband was busy at the grill working on dinner. The evening seemed to be heading in the right direction...until it came to a screeching halt.
In the next twenty minutes, children began complaining about their tasks, the BBQ was having issues so my husband brought his grilling project inside, the fire went out in the fireplace...and then smoke alarm went off.
My son dropped his vacuum duty and turned into Fire Marshall Phil, opening doors wide and inviting in the 30 degree night air. My daughter was crying, terrified of the smoke alarm, and cowering underneath a wet dish towel while making a run for the garage, as my husband tried to salvage dinner.
Somewhere in the middle of it, I muttered grumpily, "Happy Home Group Night..."
Believe it or not we hastily recovered both of the children, finished our tasks AND we ate dinner before the first home group member trickled in the door.
By then the fire had taken light and the coffee was percolating (although someone had to bring creamer, go figure) and my husband started off group by talking through Deuteronomy 4:5-9 concentrating heavily on the last verse, " Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."
Then, keeping that verse in mind, he jumped into a discussion, asking the group about our favorite Christmas memories. Folks shared everything from their experiences as a child, to experiencing Christmas with a child for the very first time. The memories were all about the spirit of Christmas, the family, the big meals, the gifts...and the same theme kept appearing. We began to think about how Christmas time was a big deal - very busy, lots of travel, family, tasks and gifts.
Then we read through Luke 2, the Christmas story. I've attached Linus' version above (via YouTube), but the reminder of what Christmas is all about was clear - a savior was born in a manger. Prophecy had been fulfilled through this humble baby, delivered in a manger. Angels came to shepherds tending their flocks in the field claiming that this good news will be a joy for all the people. The shepherds came to see the baby, and told everyone about this child, and all who heard were amazed at what the shepherds told them.
And then there was Mary, who sat and watched it all, and "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
So, as a home group we discussed the simplicity of Christmas...the amazing and magnificent gift God gave us through a savior and when compared to the crazy, busy, extravagant Christmases we have settled for... God's gift only appears more incomparable and unsurpassed.
We concluded group considering the dangers of making Christmas what it isn't...of representing something it doesn't. God didn't just give us good news with Jesus, he gave us the best possible news ever...and diluting that gift (and flashing back to the opening moments in Deuteronomy) and teaching our children to dilute the true message of Christmas is missing the entire point of this season.
So...you might be wondering about my earlier description of my chaotic night of hosting home group. In the midst of processing this whole story on Christmas and what we're teaching our children through the holiday season, another thought struck me: what did I teach my children in the middle of our home group preparation?
I firmly believe my days are filled with "teachable moments" for my children. They tend to learn far more from how I act, than what I say. I began to think about the stress I might've put them under in the midst of preparing for our closest friends and church family to come to our home.
I was wrapped up in making our home presentable and welcome to others, and neglecting the whole point of home group- creating a simple, welcoming, relational environment where we grow together as disciples of Jesus...and I'm not sure I modeled that to my kidlets.
So...in conclusion it looks like Jesus had a pretty good lesson for me this week. Now I get to ponder and model the concept of not only believing, but walking out the fact that Jesus has given us the best possible gift ever - Him.
It's not just about the simplicity and message of the Christmas season, it's about the simplicity and message of every season.
I pray our children will have a heart and desire for Jesus that surpasses my own, that they have relationships so real, humble and joyful, the world around them can't help but want to be a part of it too.
I get the adventure of being a simple light for Jesus. I'm praying the good news I have inside of me looks like the best possible news to all around me...but especially my children.
So that's it for this week's bloggin' noggin thoughts, they're pretty raw...it's a good thing we don't call this place 'Real Life' for nothin' folks...catch you next week! =)
H =D
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