it happened to me

this is the time of year when anyone who writes anything reminds us of the real reason for Christmas, whether it's nostalgia, family, the Christmas spirit, etc.

for believers they always send you a reminder to pause during all the bustle of the holiday season to ponder the entrance of our Lord into our world.

i'm ashamed to admit that i've read so many of these articles and letters that it seemed almost cliche to me.

until it happened to me.

i missed it last year.

and it's possible i would have missed it this year. if it hadn't been for a cheesy looking window-sticker nativity scene...

i love Christmas! i love the lights and music and carols. the eggnog. the classic movies. the glow around the town. the presents. the fake santa at the mall. the plans to spend time with family. the Christmas eve service. the parties. everything!

i can't wait to decorate the house with all the Christmas scenery and sit and stare at the lighted tree with my wife. but this year...we were at wal-mart when Carissa decided we needed to buy this cheesy window-sticker nativity scene.

i didn't argue with her. i couldn't. i don't think she really liked it either, but it was something in the way she said it. we need to put this up. just the way she said that i needed to put the cheesy ornament with the nativity scene near the top of our tree where everyone could see.

my beautiful wife gets it.

she loves all the Christmas bustle too. but that manger scene means so much to her. and even though we have a nice willow tree set...she just can't resist putting more of those scenes all over the house. like we need to be reminded of it or something...

it happened to me.

i took the time to stop. and think. and i'm so thankful i did. i'm so thankful for that little baby who was born in a barn. who came down to save me from my sin. that "tiny heart whose blood will save us, unto us is born!"

i might have missed it if it hadn't been for that cheesy window-sticker nativity scene.