"...and pondered these things in her heart"

(Isn't this picture really great?!

 By Alice Havers.

This Mary looks like a mother:

Dark circles under the eyes, tired.

But holding her little boy close.

But at peace.) 

I've decided that I like being pregnant at Christmas time. 

I like where it sends my thoughts.

How it focuses me inward, in a good way.

I begin to think, what better gift?

What could someone wrap and put under a tree

that could ever come close to a child?

And yes, I say that with sincerity....

Knowing full well that gift cards are quieter,

jewelry never leaves a mess,

my favorite movies always go where I want them to,

and good sushi never disappoints.

I just stop thinking about what else I could be getting,

what else I want or need.

I'm getting a child.

Which was the first gift.

And the greatest.

And so my thoughts turn to holier gifts as well.

Gifts given to me that I can never repay.

Gifts of hope and purpose and joy and eternal family.

From a child.

At Christmas time.

So Merry Christmas to me!

To us!