So many of you have heard me tell this Christmas story that I hesitate repeating it here now, but hey, just humor me. I am the mom. I think it’s pretty cute, and I bet you will too.
So years ago at Christmastime when Drew was 4 and Ivy only 3, our family had been reading Luke 1-2 quite a bit in an effort to keep our focus on the birth of Christ. And as kids are so good at memorizing Scripture, parts of the story really began to stick . . . at least for some.
As I listened from the far side of the basement, Drew entered the other half, the playroom, and announced, “Ivy, I have a great idea. Let’s play Baby Jesus. I’ll be the angel and I say to you, ‘Mary, you have found favor with God.’ Then you say, ‘How can this be since I am a virgin’.”
At this stage in her young life Ivy is game for basically anything big brother comes up with, so Drew exits the playroom, makes his grand re-entrance with his favorite blanky tied around his neck as angel wings, steps up on a stool facing his sister and loudly proclaims, “Mary, you have found favor with God.” To which Ivy immediately replies, “How can this be since I am allergic.”
Now Drew has no idea what the word virgin means. All he knows is that Ivy got her line wrong and he’s not happy about it! Shaking his head he says, “No, no, no. That’s not it. I say, ‘Mary, you have found favor with God,’ and you say, ‘How can this be since I am a virgin?'” Back out Drew goes, grand re-entrance, up on the stool and line: “Mary, you have found favor with God.” Ivy, once again, right on que: “How can this be since I am allergic.”
Now Drew has really lost all patience. He’s ripping off the angel wings, climbing off the stool, highly frustrated with Ivy, “Oh just forget it,” he says, “You can be a sheep!”
You know, Drew had it right. Ivy got the line wrong. Still, I think without even realizing it, she was on to something. It’s easy to become allergic to life during this hectic, holiday season. Filled with so much stuff, special Church services, parties and gatherings, decorations, cards, lists, shopping, presents, guests, family pictures, feasts and on an on, that we shut out the sweet simplicity of the Babe in a manger. We wear ourselves out and miss the wonder for yet another year. Since God has our family in a place of being very still, this Christmas is looking far different, far better and far less allergic.
The Sauder family wishes you a blessed Christmas celebration free from hurry, worry and any and all allergic reactions! Praying you slow down and ponder, “How can this be?”
To the wonderful Sauder family, we continue to lift you up in prayer. Praying that God eases your pain and works a great healing within you! Thank you for sharing your journey and the knowledge you are gaining–that we all are discovering through you and your walk. We love you all! Merry Christmas!
What a beautiful story… and the older I get the more I feel allergic to all the hustle and bustle and commercialism of the season.
Continuing to lift your entire family up in prayer. And praying for a miraculous healing for you, Kristen.
Have a Mighty, Merry Christ filled Christmas as we celebrate the King of kings and Lord of lords.
This is precious.
We are praying for your family every single day, especially through this holiday season.
Know that you are on our hearts and we are overwhelmed with loving thoughts of you.
Brad and Terry
I love this story about Ivy and Drew!! Merry Cheistmas to all the Sauder Family and I’m continuing to thank God for all His provision, peace love and hope. He always brightens my day through your love and testimony of the great things He has and is doing in your lives. He also stretches me through your teaching Kristen. I will ponder on “How can this be?” That question opens the door to rich conversation and indescribable joy. Hugs and lots of love to you!
Thanks Kristen! I’ve been waiting for this blog post. 😉 You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love you!
Lynne
Thank you for this great entry Kristen. I had not heard it before. Having an 8-year-old daughter I know how these stories are treasures. Lifting you and your family up in prayer. Greg Allen at Southeast Oldham — last weekend, when there was no electricity, we had a very special and simple time as you say, where we prayed on our knees and just heard his touching message. He talked about you and encouraged us to see your blog. I’ve enjoyed your stories since Women Bible Studies years before and still. Merry Christmas!
It’s the end of Christmas Day & I want you to know Kristen that I am CONTINUOUSLY praying for you: when I am falling asleep, when I wake up in middle of the night, in the AM. All the time. Psalm 21:4 “She asked you for life and You gave it to her, length of days forever and ever.” I don’t post much but I am right here with you in prayer and abiding love.