My First Christmas

(Editors note: Last week, we asked our children, do you remember your first Christmas in our family? Some did, most did not, but they did remember impressions of early Christmases here. Our son Nathan took it upon himself to draw a picture of Christmas scenes and then to write about Christmas. He is pleased to share it on our blog. These are his thoughts and words. We are very proud of how much he has learned over his eight Christmases with us. )

By Nathan Sanford

17 years old

(Adopted from Philippines at 9 years old)

What I thought of my first Christmas?

To be honest, I really did not know what Christmas was about and why we celebrated it. All I thought of was good food and my presents. I did know though that Jesus was born and that he was very special. 

What do I think about Christmas now?

I still can't wait for the good food and to open my presents. But I know a lot more of why Jesus was born and why we celebrate Christmas. 

Why do my parents give presents to us? 

My parents give gifts because it reminds us that God sent us a gift, that is Jesus - who died on the cross, taking God's wrath upon himself for our sins, and raising up again - but most of all, to remember God's love for us. Without that, we are all dead in our sin. And there would be no such thing as Christmas.

Why have Christmas with a pine tree, a nativity set, and lights and ornaments?

A pine tree is the tree that lives all year round. And since Christ is always living and is the same all year round, it kind of represents him. A nativity set tells the story. It is the story of that famous first Christmas long ago when Jesus was born. Lights and ornaments give brightness to our house. It makes it alive and cozy. It makes it warm and looks so nice. I just like to sit down and look at it all on the tree. It is the same with Jesus. He is the light and his brightness is known around the world. When I am with him I feel cozy, in awe of who he is. It makes me warm and amazed that he would want me with him. And I feel like sitting down to look at him and listen to him. 

Why celebrate Christmas at all? 

We celebrate because of what Christmas is truly about - God so loved us that he gave his only son to be born in earth in the lowest degree, he took our sins, took God's wrath, died for us, arose again - so through him we might have fellowship with God and be at one with him. And for that I am thankful and give praise and honor to him who is worthy to have it, Jesus the Son and God our Father.

Merry Christmas and may God bless you!!