Christmas is not your birthday

Given the last four or so posts were about all the celebrating we did for Christmas with family and friends I feel compelled to state my case for the fact that Christmas really isn't about us.  Christmas is a celebration honoring Jesus and why God sent him to earth to walk and talk among us.  It is easy to get caught up in the hoopla and hype our consumer world wants us to turn Christmas into - and, sure, all that is fun and perpetuates family traditions and togetherness, but we worked hard this year to also talk with and teach the boys about the importance of giving to others, being thankful for our blessings and showing genuine love and generosity to others during the holiday season and throughout the year. 

The boys helped us choose toys to donate to children who wouldn't receive toys otherwise.  Brayden and I visited a local teen shelter to donate clothing, hygiene and food items.  Brayden even donated special Christmas treats he received.  Rather than giving trinkets to teachers and colleagues we opted to make them a nice card, small homemade treat and made a donation in their honor to a local charity that packages meals for starving people around the world.  We explained to the boys what the plan was and why it was important.  The more we talked the more ideas we generated together to do even more next year.  Even though they are young, Brayden and Grayson are staring to "get it".

Our church had a series of sermons entitled Christmas is not your birthday.  The sermon series was phenomenal and filled with insightful ways to think about the season of giving and to authentically and practically share our gifts and services.  I'm fortunate to be part of a group of writers who submit weekly devotionals related to the sermon series and shared with our congregation.  I wrote the devotionals for Monday's during this series and wanted to summarize them below for reference in the years to come. 

First up:

Week 1: "Christmas is not your birthday."
Read Isaiah 7: 14, 9:6, 7, 42: 1-9
These prophecies from Isaiah help us focus on God’s purpose in sending his son to restore our lives. God sent his one and only Son to bring justice and peace on earth. Keeping Christ in Christmas requires we understand what Jesus came to do.

Life Application
How would you feel if no one acknowledged your birthday or only did so as they rushed on to other, more important, things? Our culture makes it so easy to get caught up in the materialism and over-indulgence of Christmas. Children begin their wish lists long before the leaves have fallen, advertisements lure us, and we indulge our wants and desires with elaborate parties, feasts, gift-giving and celebration. At the end of the celebration we feel anything but peace and joy because those celebrations overshadowed the one true reason for this blessed Christmas season – the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Below, write down three changes you can make to your regular Christmas activities to more fully experience the joy of knowing that God is with us?

During His time on earth Jesus was a humble servant. Today, He serves us from heaven with His abiding love, care and guidance. How can you serve others sacrificially and selflessly? What steps can you take to help a friend, family member, child or stranger to know the love of a Savior that gave His life for us?

To read more see, Matthew 1:18-25.

Week 2:  Jesus' Wish List
Read Matthew 25: 31-45
As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, we focus on what is important to Him. Christ doesn’t value fancy new electronics, the coolest new toys and beautiful new clothes. He values our devotion and trust in Him. He values the love and kindness we share with others.

Life Application
If someone were to ask you what the top five things on Jesus’ wish list were, what would you say? Moral kindness? Peace on earth? Goodwill to men? The words and music to the song Little Drummer Boy were composed in 1958. As this musical story goes, the Little Drummer Boy was beckoned to the manger. While he watched the wise men lay fine gifts before the newborn King he was saddened because he had no fine gifts to offer. When he humbly offered to play his drum for this new King he gave all that he had. He gave Jesus is heart. What does it mean to give Jesus your heart? How do you put that love and trust in Jesus into action?

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (NIV vs. 40). An indifferent attitude towards the people around us is an indifferent attitude towards Jesus. Jesus wants us to bless others with the gifts we have received. Consider your gift buying list. Does it include anyone you don’t know personally? What are three things you could incorporate into your gift list to share Jesus, show love and do for “the least of these brothers and sisters” this Christmas season?

To read more see, Proverbs 19:17.

Week 3:  Giving up on perfect
Read Luke 1: 26-38
Mary teaches us what it means to be humble, available and obedient to what God wants to do in our lives. She teaches us how to experience the peace of knowing that God is with us, the joy of giving, and the love of a Savior who gave everything he had for us.

Life Application


Jesus was born during an imperfect time of great oppression, to a poor mother, in poor and unsanitary conditions. People were suspicious of this parentage. Yet in this same Jesus we find a Savior sent into the world that we may one day live eternally with him. Say a prayer asking God to search and know your heart that you might be humble, available and obedient to the plans He has for you.

To read more see, Luke 1-39-45.

Week 4: The World is in His Hands
Read Psalm 90
Several prophecies predict 2012 will bring an end to the world. Jesus says only the Father knows when the world will end. A faith-filled response to the earthly challenges of 2012 requires godly wisdom. When we put our faith in God and realize that our life is about praising and serving God, not about us, we find wisdom.

Life Application
We each have unique insights and knowledge, but the extent of our wisdom is limited to our areas of influence. Compared to the wisdom of an all-knowing God, our wisdom amounts to nearly nothing. Where and how do you seek wisdom? How would you respond if someone told you the world was coming to an end? Is your response faith-filled, fear-filled or ambivalent? “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” V. 12. Few things in life are permanent, but we can take comfort in knowing God’s presence never leaves us. Even in the darkest days and challenges in life, God has a divine purpose. When we commit ourselves to God through prayer for grace and mercy, we find peace and can use our days to glorify God in every way. Consider a difficult time in your life. Looking back on it now can you identify God’s purpose or the blessings that developed as a result? Make a list of those blessings.

To read more see, Psalm 39: 4-13.

Week 5: The Ultimate G*ft
Read John 1: 1-18
The word became flesh and lived among us. Jesus was human. Jesus was God. Jesus is available to all who will receive him and believe in his name.

Life Application
In life we desire to earn special rights and privileges almost from the moment we are born. With the birth of Jesus, we are given all the rights and privileges of being children of God. We don’t have to earn God’s love and grace like we do every other privilege. He offers it freely. We simply must seek to know God’s son, Jesus, and follow His example. Do you offer rights and privileges freely to others or believe they should be earned? Should privileges be conditional?

The word and God are timeless for eternity. Through Jesus we receive an inextinguishable supply of grace and truth. We don’t have to wonder about the nature and personality of God. Jesus has declared it with both His teaching and His life. While we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, we, rather than he, receive the ultimate gift of a lifetime. By seeking Jesus and trusting God we receive the gift of eternal life. How do you seek to know Jesus in your daily life?

Week 6: By a Different Way
Read Matthew 2: 1-12
Just as the wise men returned by another route, the New Year presents an opportunity for each of us to reroute or lives to focus our faith in God by worshiping Him and by loving and serving others.

Life Application
The precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were not presented to Mary or Joseph, but to Jesus. Undeniably, the infant Jesus had no use for these gifts. His parents, however, used the gifts wisely on His behalf and towards His benefit. When we give to Jesus we do not give to Him directly, but we give to His people by sharing our gifts. His people, in turn, use those gifts toward His behalf and benefit. How will you use and share your gifts differently in the New Year?

“Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way” (vs. 12). The wise men were obedient to a heavenly dream when they followed a new path rather than returning on the path to Herrod. What lessons have you learned in the past year to reroute your life as you enter into a New Year? How can you cultivate your relationship with God in the year to come?

To read more see, Micah 5:2.

Side Note:
Life gets busy and I - like so many others - get caught in all the things I think I should or am expected to do to celebrate special holidays.  These scriptures and thoughts - as well as those submitted by the other writers - helped our family stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas at Home

Just after mid-night on Christmas morning, Brayden came thundering into our bedroom announcing, "Santa was here, Santa was here." 

Dear heavens, I thought, it is going to be a long night.  After Brayden spotted a couple of gifts with his name on them and, finally, confirming he had evaded the naugthy list for another year, I wrangled him back into bed promising that 7 am would come soon as long as he got some rest. 

An hour later, Grayson ran in blurry eyed and mumbled, "Mom, Santa, came.  I'm going to back to bed."  Well, ok then.  Grayson likes his sleep.

Morning finally came and the boys came bounding into our room ready to rip the paper to shreds. 

Seeing their joy is so heart-warming. After every gift, Grayson would hug me and say, "Oh, thank you, mama. Merry Christmas." Utter sweetness.

Kennon had a great time tearing the paper to shreds. After he opened the giant train set he could have cared less what else was wrapped and waiting for him under the tree. He was in choo-choo heaven.

Christmas aftermath is a bit daunting, but when all you have to do all day is play with toys it isn't so bad.  

Christmas breakfast.  Very traditonal. 

Christmas Celebration, Again

The Biggers crew descended on our home on Christmas Eve.  We taunted the kids by eating slowly, talking and then requiring photos before gifts.  They were patient and fun.  It is next to impossible to get a picture with all of them looking. 

Back row: Cooper (13ish), Brayden (6), Macy (almost 11), Grayson (3), Lilah, (10), Brittany (16), Riley (15) and Tyler (10)
Front Row: Presley (15 months) and Kennon (19 months)

This is the only picture we have like this with all of us in it - well almost. 
Sure wish we would have been taking a picture every year. 

The gift giving started so quickly it was hard to capture pictures of everyone, but I did manage a few.

Macy with her purple sequin boots.  She easily has more boots than I do.

Smart, beautiful Lilah opening her N*ok from Papa.  So cool that she loves reading so much. 

Tyler with his No*k.  So handsome, so polite, so kind.  Cool kid.

Christmas Celebration

We kicked off our official family Christmas celebrations on 12/23 at my parents house.  Before the Christmas celebration we celebrated mom turning the big 6-0.  Nothing says birthday like putting your candles in a salmon ball appetizer.  We like to be a little non-traditional sometimes.  After we sang and toasted we each took a turn saying what we love most about mom.  She was touched by our sentiments and - surprise - shed a couple tears.

Her birthday gets crammed between the rush of holiday planning and the celebration itself, leaving her a bit short-changed.  Regardless of the day, though, she is a treasure to all of us and we love her beyond words.

Happy, smiling, parents. 

 

After the birthday celebrating ceased we promptly captured a few pictures before ribbons, paper and bows started flying all over the place. 

The guys posed for an unusally touchy picture. 
They make a real show most of the time of not showing each other more
affection than a nod or hand shake, but we know they love each other. 

Equally affectionate photo, where that actually counts as a smile for Brandon. 

The original four. 

Crazies.

Little couples shot all decked out for the Christmas. 

Brian, me and our babies, plus Matney.  I'll count her little sweetness as my baby any day. 

Our whole crew.  12/23/2011.  All eyes and mostly smiles.  Not to bad.  

Happy, Merry Randomness

This post is what happens when a mama gets way, way behind on blog updates and - months later - ends up throwing pictures from several events into one concise little post. 

Kindgarten has presented lots of exciting new experiences for Brayden.  He has learned lots of new and important things...(a few things we would prefer he not have learned thanks to some interesting friends), taken a new interest in art and science and made some great new friends. 

In November the kindergarten classes presented a fall muscial called "The Frog and the Toad".  It was really great with some stand-out talent.  Brayden was proud and we were proud of him.

Brayden and his buddy Cooper before the show.

In early December, Mom, Ashley and I had a fun baking day.  We estimated using about 10 pounds of chocolate, 4 pounds of sugar and candy and other delectable ingredients.  We each made 3-4 different items and then we all shared.  The treats lasted for weeks until they settled nicely around our thighs.  One of my contributions was Or*o Truffles.  They are beyond delicious. 

I'll go on and post the recipe for future reference sake and because I like to think that someday my boys and their families will reference these little blog posts in book form as a treasure of memories we made together.
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OREO TRUFFLES

1 package Double Stuffed Oreos
4 oz. cream cheese, softened (you can use up to 8 oz., I just like this consistency better)
Dipping chocolate

Chop Oreos up finely in a food processor. Save some of the finely crushed Oreos for garnish later and set it aside. You don't need too much. With hands (or a spoon, I just think hands are faster), mash softened cream cheese and crushed Oreos until well combined. Roll into 1" balls and place on a wax covered cookie sheet. Put in freezer for 15 minutes.  While balls are in freezer, melt chocolate according to directions. 

Pull the Oreo Truffles out of freezer, and dip into chocolate. Garnish with reserved Oreo crumbs before the chocolate sets up.  I also like to sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a colorful, festive treat.  Let chocolate set, refrigerate and enjoy!

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Once all the baking was done it was time to celebrate.  Grayson's preschool class sang Christmas carols and shook little jingle bells until their hearts were content.  They made ornaments, shared snacks, stories, gifts and sang more songs.  The parties are always fun and the kids are a riot.  

Brayden's Christmas party at school was fun, too.  We made snowmen necklaces, played games, danced like dinosaurs (if dinosaurs danced) and had a grand time.  After the party, Brayden and I took donation items to a local teen shelter.  He helped me carry and drop off the stuff.  He even wanted to give most of the candy he got at his class party to them.  He is starting to appreciate our blessings and to understand that God wants us to share our gifts with others. 

And all that was just the beginning of the celebrations.  

Fall Photo Shoot

I love how photography can capture the fun and true spirit of a family.  I love giving and receiving cards at Christmas.  It was windy and cold the day of our shoot, but we still had fun chasing eachother at the park.  The faces, laughter and thoughts of our boys forever warm our hearts even on the coldest days. 

Cowboy Lessons for 1, Please

With toys piling up around the house we are attempting to endulge in fun experiences for the boys rather than a constant intake of materialism.

Brayden received a gift of horseback riding lessons for his birthday from Nannie B and Papa G.  He was very excited and quickly started referring to his upcoming lessons as "cowboy lessons."  Love this kid and his fun spirit and creative mind. 

My generous Uncle and Aunt keep the boys in a steady supply of cowboy boots their grandsons outgrow and had recently given Brayden a suede vest.  He had the perfect cowboy lesson ensemble. 

He and Nannie had a special outting just the two of them for the first lesson.  He chose Blondie as his horse.  He listened attentively to the instructor, but preferred a faster pace than she was instructing.  He promptly fell off the horse.  I wasn't there to witness it, but reports said he jumped up, dusted off and, literally, got right back on his horse. 

Brayden and Blondie.

Blondie, Nannie B, Brayden, Grayson and Kennon.

Helping Blondie cool off after a ride.  He is so proud. 

We are taking a break until spring/summer, but I think we have more cowboy lessons in the future.  

Spectators watching the ride. 

Tricks and Treats

Halloween was a wickedly fun day.  We pulled a few tricks (hidden rubber mice at Nannie and Papa's) and enjoyed lots of treats.

Capt*in Americ*a and the benevolent surgeon. 

Mother/Son fun at Grayson's class party. 

Kennon the cute frog and his adoring mama witch.

Nannie B and Papa G enjoyed the fun with us. 

Papa G and Papa K with our little goblins. 

Adorable lady bug, Matney Paige

Nannie B made the cutest little mice out of stemmed cherries and chocolate. 
We loved them.

Working Hard for the Money

Brian comes from a hard-working family.  As kids, Brian and his brother worked together to earn money to buy the things they wanted such as a basketball goal and an old time Nint*ndo game system.  Being under age, their best means of income was picking up walnuts in the fall.  Brian uses the same method to encourage hard work with our boys.  So, we set out two beautiful Sunday afternoons in a row to pick up walnuts.  The boys were excited.  It's a great activity to spend time together as a family working hard and enjoying a beautiful fall day. 

Papa G took our load in on Monday morning and waited for 1.5 hours.  When you calculate his time and the time of six adults and 2 kids picking up non-stop for 3 hours the wages are meager.  The family time is invaluable. 

Grayson taking a break after filling a bucket.

My boys in the official walnut mobile.  Grandpa Curt must be smiling from above.
(Unlike Brayden who was pouting for some reason.)

Mom ready to go. 

Kennon was our official supervisor.

Our haul. 

Proud of our hard work, but even happy to spend a beautiful day together outside.