The Christ 'Child' in my Children

At Christmas time I love to think about Christ the child. I imagine him as a newborn baby wrapped in his Mother's arms sleeping snug in her arms. I imagine him at 20 months old climbing on everything and speaking his first words like, "Mama" and "Dadda". I imagine him as a 3 year old full of questions. I imagine him finding comfort from his Mother when he is sick or hurt. I love to imagine him 8 years old learning how to work from his Dad and learning the basics of carpentry.

Then I love to think of my own four little boys and the Christ-like qualities I see in them. Children truly are closer to heaven than us adults. Just today I sat and watched Ben as he found my hat and put it on. He then walked around like he was a big guy and with such attitude. I thought to myself how his life is so good, easy, and wonderful. His biggest upset is when he has to go to bed or doesn't get the treat on top of the fridge that he really really wants. His needs are so simple and his spirit is so full of light.

I love snuggling with McKay. I treasure him being small enough that I can hold him in my arms. I love that he is still small enough for me to kiss him a million times and hug him as tight as I want and he can't get out. I savor the moments when he is on my lap as I read him a story. His innocence is so pure and clean. His world is so simple and good.


I love listening to Nate talk. He LOVES to talk. He talks to anyone and everyone. I remember how he waved hello to everyone when he was just Ben's age when we would go grocery shopping. I love how he has such faith and is often found praying over anything and everything. He is so quick to forgive and loves to serve others.

Then there is Jack, my newly baptized boy. He is at an age now where he is learning in a very personal way the difference between good and evil. I watch as he battles it out in his conscience - the good and the bad. His eyes are open and he begins to see what the world truly is. He has such a desire to do what is right and be good.

What I love is that I get to spend my days with the boys and be constantly reminded of Who Christ was and is. I am reminded of Who and What I should be.

There is a song I love to sing to my boys and have sung since Jack was born.

(name) I love you
(name) I do.
Heavenly Father has sent me to you.

When I am near you.
I love to hear you,
Whisper so softly that you love me too.

(name) I love you.
(name) I love you I do.

 I truly believe that I was sent to Earth to be their Mother. The good Lord knew if Melissa was going to make it back home she'd need four amazing little boys in her life (5 if you count Ryan) to help her.

And oh how they do.

So during this Christmas season it is my goal to relish in my boys' Christ-like attributes and find ways that I can emulate them more myself.

(side note) I wrote this after a really tiring day and I asked myself more then once today if I can survive Motherhood. But the Spirit was kind enough to remind me of my place and my purpose and my blessings. Thank goodness!!!