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Hello Reader,

Since my youngest son, Gabriel, turned 15 today, we spent a surprisingly smooth morning at the DPS office getting his learner's permit. He had me make the appointment months in advance, so he wouldn't have to wait a minute longer than necessary before taking the wheel of our 12-passenger van. Prayers appreciated as he learns to parallel park that behemoth!

Fun fact: The night Gabriel was born, the maternity ward was packed at our local hospital, so I labored in a wheelchair while the nurses rushed around trying to find a place for me to deliver my baby. He was born a mere 15 minutes after they finally moved me into a bed.

My experience wasn't nearly as bad as laboring on the back of a weary donkey and giving birth in a stable, but I empathized with Mary more in the midst of Gabriel's birth than ever before. If you're looking for fresh, new ways to reflect on that very first Christmas, this week's link list is for you:

Free resources for you this week:

• ​What Child Is This? - test your knowledge of the first Christmas with this multiple choice quiz
• ​Nativity Set - cut and paste your own manger scene with this free printable
• ​Embarrassing Moments - God gives grace to the humble -- and am I ever glad He does!
• ​For Unto Us a Child is Born - pair each messianic prophecy with its corresponding verse
• ​Put the Baby in the Manger Game - a new twist on "Pin the Tail on the Donkey"
• ​Christmas-Themed Gospel Tracts - to help you share the good news with others
• ​The Word Became Flesh - this Christmas coloring page features John 1:14​

What I'm reading this week:

I just finished Jen Wilkin’s Ten Words to Live By, a comprehensive look at the Ten Commandments and all that keeping them actually entails.

It proved a fitting book to read during the advent season, as we celebrate the WORD made flesh, who dwelt among us! I'm so blessed to have a Savior who kept the law perfectly and completely, then willingly gave His life as a ransom for lawbreakers like me!

What we're watching this week:

We took my movie-loving son to see Avatar: The Way of Water while we were visiting his family in San Antonio last week. The thing that impressed me most about the movie (other than the amazing CGI that often made me forget I was watching CGI) was its emphasis on family:

The fathers took seriously their role as protector. The women were strong and opinionated, yet willingly deferred to the leadership of their husbands. The children treated their parents (and other elders) with respect and accepted discipline when they disobeyed. Pregnancy and childbirth were depicted positively and viewed as something to be celebrated. Traditional family values formed the undercurrent for the entire movie, a fact that was as refreshing as it was unexpected.

Progress on last week's goals:

I'm three for three on last week's to-do list: I ✅ finished my Polish costume, ✅ presented my powerpoint, and ✅ made lots of great memories during our family trip to San Antonio.

Personal goals for this week:

• finish wrapping gifts and mailing packages (late! I know)
• shop for groceries
• attend the Christmas Eve service at our church
• celebrate with family and friends

A bunch of those family members just walked in my front door, so I'm going to sign off here and spend time with them. Hope you have a very merry and meaningful Christmas!