A Note to Grandparents, Extended Family and Friends

To our family and friends,

Gift giving season is upon us. Christmas and our girl's (Rory and Claire's) birthdays always bring presents and celebration. For that reason, I would like to make a request to our dear family. First, let me state our love and appreciation for you and your awesome generosity. Thank you.

Second, and the primary reason I write, we desire to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas -- Christ. Christ's birth was absolutely stunning! Without his existence, we would all be slaves to sin living without hope. Upon Christ's arrival, God set into motion His plan for salvation. With his birth, came a new covenant -- by faith alone we can be saved: a perfect high priest to ratify that agreement (Christ) and the unblemished lamb upon which God's wrath would fall (Christ). Jesus Christ lived and died so that sinners (that is, all of us, me, Michael, Rory, Claire and Jane, you) might be saved. He lived perfectly -- keeping every commandment given by God, His Father. He died "perfectly". Christ's death on the cross completely paid the penalty for ALL sins of those who trust in Him alone; God's wrath was satisfied, and we are certain of this because Jesus rose again. He now sits at God's right hand on His throne in Heaven. This is our celebration of Christmas!

That is the atmosphere and culture we are trying to create in our home with our children. Certainly, the giving of gifts is not wrong. We have found, however, that it clouds (and, at times, even eclipses) the true reason we celebrate Christmas -- particularly in the mind of a child. Because of that, we ask that you limit what you purchase for the girls.

What our family, the girls especially, enjoy most is the time they spend with you; we hope that we may receive an abundance of that. :)

Yours,
Vadra