Michael Wings It

Today was my day to volunteer at the local pregnancy help center.  I had to leave the house before some the children were even awake (possibly Michael was only a little awake as well!)  However, as I was leaving, I heard them say, "Zaira found the angel!"  It put a smile on my face to know they like the new tradition enough to do it even when I am not there to guide them.

Michael made sure to read the remaining part of the story (Luke 1:26-38).  This time the angel (Gabriel) seeks out a young virgin (Mary) who is told she will be the mother of the Messiah.  "And Mary said,  'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her." (verse 38)

If Gabriel visited you, would you listen to him and do what he said? Would you be like Zechariah and not believe? Or like Mary and believe?

The children sang one of our favorite songs...An Angel Came from Heaven (link to cute video...not my children...maybe another time I will video them).  It has a tune that just makes you want to dance.  Then Sean was asked to make a LEGO angel.  He used the wings from an CHIMA eagle.

Then they discussed the many jobs that angels do for God.

• MESSENGERS
• GUIDING
• PROVIDING
• PROTECTING
• STRENGTHENING
• WORSHIPING
• PRAISING
• CARING

We also had our first little gift giving opportunity today.  Zaira had diapers she did not need anymore, so she wanted to give them to a baby.  It worked out great as Michael was meeting me at the pregnancy help center today.  Zaira was so sweet when she walked in with her diapers to donate to the babies in need!  Brendan came to help her...such a gentleman!

This evening we added an ornament with wheat represented to our Jesse Tree.  We learned about the story of Joseph saving his people from famine.  I always thought of this story as one of forgiveness.  Joseph spent many years away from his loving father because of his brothers' jealousy.  He had all of those years to harbor feelings of rejection.  He could have sought vengeance once he was given his position of leadership, and especially after seeing his brothers in need.  However, Joseph only wanted to help his family.  He saw his ongoing situation as a way for God to provide for his family during the famine.  He accepted the will of God in spite of all he went through.  I think his story is especially helpful for those who need healing from past hurt during this season.

This story also links to the broom that we added to our nativity scene today.  The broom is used to clean away the cobwebs.  We need to remove any debris that might hinder us from reaching out to God.  These cobwebs can come in many forms...regret, jealousy, vengeance, hate, and so many other forms.  This is the time of year to rid ourselves of these feelings.

We ended the day by reading the book entitled The Christmas Cobweb.  After all the discussion from the day, it just seemed right to turn those cobwebs into something wonderful in time to celebrate the birth of the Messiah for Christmas.

God always gives us second chances! A nice thought as I tucked the children into bed tonight.