Inspiration

"What kind of plan ever goes this far?
What kind of mercy puts itself at ours?
What kind of maker walks the earth he made
From a cradle to a cross
And leaves an empty grave?
What kind of love?

- Carolyn Arends

1. Buy Presents  Be Present

2. Wrap Gifts  Someone in a Hug

3. Send Gifts Peace

4. Shop for Food - Donate Food

5. Make Cookies  Love

6. See the lights Be the light

A few years ago, several churches in my town decided to celebrate the birth of Christ by putting on an interactive reenactment of Joseph and Mary's Journey to Bethlehem in one of our local parks.

With three of my children, then ages 7, 5, and 3, I joined a small group of modern day visitors who were escorted through the park by costumed locals playing first century Jews. I knew my oldest two children were familiar with the story of Jesus' birth, but I wasn't sure how much Christopher, my three-year-old, understood. He has PDD-NOS, a form of autism, and his language skills were significantly delayed.

"In a daring and beautiful creative reversal, God takes the worst we can do to Him and turns it into the very best he can do for us."

- Malcolm Guite