My Favorite Sunday Night

My favorite Sunday night comes once a year, in December.  It's the night that our church puts on our annual Christmas Program.  And ever since my kids have been old enough to participate it's always been a favorite of mine.  There's something so sweet about seeing so many amazing kids, singing and proudly proclaiming the story of Jesus's birth.

This year was perfect for our kids.  Ellee was a rock star.  We practiced her lines all afternoon, and that evening, she delivered them with confidence.  There was no shyness or crying for her this year, just sheer, unhindered, Christmas program pride, as she smiled her sweet smile at us and sang her little heart out.  

Christian was also amazing.  Someone gave him awesome Christmas bling which he wore proudly over the suit coat that "made him feel like a pastor."  He also sang his heart out.  Later he told us that he sang as loud as he could, so he "could lead the other kids, like a conductor."  

After the program, this cute guy wrapped everything up with a devotion and a reminder that one of the most important parts of Jesus' birth was the love and hope that it brought.  I know that this has been a particularly challenging year... for so many.  Job loss, broken relationships, death, illnesses and just a variety of hardships have affected so many of our friends and loved ones.  In hopeless times, it's such a beautiful promise and reminder to know that the second that Jesus was born on earth, we had hope.  We had fulfilled promises, from a God who loved us enough to send His very own Son.  Pretty powerful.

Afterwards, amidst cookies and juice, we gathered together for some quick pics with our very best buddies.  Our children are fast developing special friendships with the wonderful kids from our church.  And since they have such amazing parents, it's a win-win for me as I've been so blessed to grow in my friendships this year too.

This is Ellee's Sunday School teacher, and we are just so thankful for all of the wonderful leaders and teachers who put so much time and practice into making our Christmas program so special.

 Yes, it was a pretty amazing night.  I can't believe how fast time is flying these days.  These two cuties are growing up so very fast and I'm so thankful to be able to have such a wonderful church that loves and values children to raise them in.

Had to share a very short clip from the program.  You may want to scroll down and pause the mix pod player... and if you listen very carefully, you can hear Christian :)