Humble Beginnings

Each year we make a little gift to share with our neighbors. This year Annabel & Thane were involved from the very beginning, choosing the gift (hot cocoa) and the wrapping.  Annabel was very helpful throughout the process,

as was Thane, until he digressed...

I love this tradition during the Christmas holidays.  We get to re-connect with neighbors whom we generally only see in passing throughout the rest of the year, and it reinforces the real meaning of the day. 

A dear friend gave me this print many years ago, and it still remains a favorite.  A road-weary Mary giving birth to the Saviour of mankind in a dusty, bug-ridden barn with the harsh desert sun peaking through holes in the roof and only an anxious husband and beasts to bear witness.  I leave this print up year round as a testament to God's love and humility toward men - may it serve to remind us to treat each other in the same manner.

Merry Christmas!