A Kaeb Christmas

This year our Christmas really started at the beginning of December as for the first time as a family we anticipated the day Christ was born through Advent.  Having Judson has stirred in Matt and myself a desire to raise our children in a way where they treasure Christ most in the Christmas season.  In a culture where Santa gets more publicity than Jesus and where children are asked over and over again what they want for Christmas, keeping Christ the focus is hard.  As an adult it's a battle for me to keep Christ treasured and central!  We asked ourselves over and over again, "How can we have fun as a family on Christmas while also keeping our family's focus on the true meaning of Christmas?"  What we learned this year was the importance of Advent--anticipating Christ's birth.

We had our little family Christmas on Christmas Eve because later that evening we went and stayed, along with Duane and Amanda, at dad and mom Kaeb's new house.  Judson loved his wrapping paper, tags, and boxes the most out of all his presents.

Here is Judson swishing around the wrapping paper and plastic from his new jammies.

Books.  This boy loves books.

Or course he wanted to read his new books.

Christmas day we enjoyed a laid-back morning at dad and moms with sleeping in and a late brunch.

Friday the out-of-town Kaebs arrived and the festivities bagan!

The Kaeb Crew

Friday night we gathered around and opened our stockings.

Check out the chalk in the hair.

Judson got a sweet cape and tape measure in his stocking.

Saturday we had our more official Christmas.

Judson was very upset when Grandpa Santa showed up.

15 grandchildren!

Judson is obsessed with our vacuum.  Every time it comes out and is used he goes nuts and wants to be held and help hold the handle.  This was ok when he was smaller, but now it's backbreaking.  Grandpa and Grandma got him a smaller version of mommy's vacuum.  Let's just say he was the most excited kid out of all the kids for his present.  I think he vacuumed all afternoon.  :)

We are so thankful to have such loving parents!

Felipe (guy in the middle) is from Brazil and spent most of this past year doing an internship with KSi.  His internship is now over and his family came to the States for a few weeks to experience a little bit of what Felipe has been up to while here.  From left to right: Fernanda-sister, Luiz-father, Rosana-mother, Felipe, Bruna-girlfriend.  We have loved getting to know Felipe and his family!  They spend Christmas with the Kaebs and were so thoughtful in bringing each of us gifts.

Felipe and Judson have become quite the buddies.

Matt gave the guys an Extreme Shock game.  Here it is being tested out.

Where are the gals?  Hanging out in the kitchen of course!

There were some new games given as gifts that the guys broke in.

We had a wonderful Christmas full of time spent with some of the most special people to us!

Most of all we had a wonderful Christmas because without Jesus we wouldn't be celebrating Christmas.  It is because of His coming as a babe into this world that we, Christians, can have forever hope!

John 6:51: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven.  If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.  And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, so that he could give his flesh for the life of the world.  We sinners can receive grace upon grace from his fullness because he came to die for us.  Christmas was from the beginning a preparation for Good Friday.

John Piper-The Dawning of Indestructible Joy, Daily Readings for Advent