What a joyous time to celebrate the one who came to “give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79).

I already shared this on Instagram, but thought it would be worth repeating here. Mom found this old drawing of mine from many years ago of the nativity. There are a couple of interesting things to point out in it. First, all the characters are speaking in Czech, saying things like, “Wow! Would you look at that!” Second, I think it’s hilarious that a car is driving up to visit the manger (“We’re here!”).

Third, and most importantly, there is Hebrew writing on the top post. I have no idea where I copied that from as a child! But thanks to the text-critical work of my good friend Becca, we can assume that I was attempting to write בתלחם = Bethlehem. It’s pretty amazing to think that God was sowing seeds in my heart at this young age to be drawn to the Hebrew language!

Lara and I got to celebrate Christmas three times this year. First we celebrated with my siblings (before they flew to be with family in Czech and Slovakia), then we celebrated just the two of us on Christmas day, and then we drove down for a quick visit to Tennessee (and North Carolina) to be with Lara’s family. This was such a joyous season for us, despite having to work the days surrounding Christmas. We are so thankful for the time we got to spend with both sides of our family, as well as the time celebrating as our own family of two!