For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)
JUST AS JESUS was born into an earthly family, so are we. That family can be in many different forms. I was blessed to be born into a traditional loving family that was also part of a loving and supporting church family. This environment made it easy for me to learn about Jesus and his love for me. I am trying to give my children that same environment.
So Christmas was an especially happy time for us to be together to celebrate Jesus' birth. Our family knew by learning at church and at home how important this event was in our lives. If it weren't for Jesus we wouldn't know about heaven!
One of our family traditions when I was growing up was the family walk. After all the excitement of gift exchange on Christmas morning and a big Christmas dinner, my father initiated a walk sometime in the afternoon. This was usually through pasture land, sometimes climbing onto big round hay bales along the way, sometimes through the woods. Besides getting our energy back, we got to experience some of God's work through the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of nature while being together.
But Jesus did not come for traditional families only or for church people only. He came for everyone, no matter their situation or background. Even if you were not born into a loving family, Jesus loves you! And you can belong to a loving, caring church family. It's out there; if you just search a little, you'll find one.
That is why I am so glad when Christmas comes. It is a time to be with family -- the family of relatives, of friends, the church -- God's family. It is a time when the joy of Jesus' birth spills out among us in true happiness and love.
By Jackie Heisterberg
