Advent Miracles

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~Isaiah 9:6

When you were a child, were Advent calendars a part of you Christmas tradition?  The certainly were in our home.  My grandmother always sent my brother and me one of these enchanting calendars just in time for the arrival of December 1st.  Needless to say, my mother made us take turns opening the window of the day.  Sometimes, it was hard to share the privilege of bringing Christmas Day just that much closer, but it was always rewarding in the end.

I carry on this tradition with my own two children, and now, with my three grand-girls.  When I order the calendar for them, I'm reminded how difficult it is to share with one sibling let alone three.  Yet, I see it as an opportunity for them to learn about the importance of taking turns, and simply to be happy for the one more day counted down until Christmas.

In our most recent Face Time conversation with daughter, Sarah, and the girls, I ask if she will be taking the Advent calendar along to son-in-law, John's, parents home for a Christmas vacation visit.  It's then that I learn something I could never have imagined, something that could only have happened through God's amazing grace.

"I hadn't thought of doing that," Sarah says, "but I will, so the girls can keep opening the windows."

"How are they doing with taking turns?"  I ask.  "It was hard enough for Daniel and you, so I'm guessing it's even rougher on them."

"What do you mean, Mom?  They each have their own calendar.  I thought you planned it that way."

"What???  No, Sarah, I only ordered one.  I only paid for one.  How in the world did three get delivered?"

"I don't know, but they were, and the girls are enjoying them so much!"

Wow!  I'm floored by this news, to say the least.  Once again, God has made Himself manifest in the ordinary, the every day events that shape our lives and give us more awareness of His presence.  In His great wisdom, He decides to give my harried daughter a break from the sibling squabbles that could potentially erupt from having to share one calendar, and possibly taint the Christmas season with a negative atmosphere.  Father always knows best!

But I will never know the angel that interceded for me and literally "stuffed the stockings" for all of my granddaughters.  However, for this miraculous act in the mundane, I'm eternally grateful.  Virginia, Savannah and Alexandra are opening a new window on the love of God, through His Son, Jesus, each and every day, anticipating the celebration of the greatest gift this world has ever known.

Our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace has revealed Himself in life changing and unexpected ways to each of His beloved children.

May the miracle of Christmas fill your soul with joy, delight, love, and peace!

Amen!