Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, we went to the Burlington Mall so that Tary could pick out a gift for her BFF. We then went on a little mini-adventure trying to find the ice cream store to pick up the cake I ordered for Tary's birthday. I knew we should have turned right. ;)

We drove home and I watched Daniel while Tary went grocery shopping. Daniel has been very, very, very particular about only being with Mommy so it was a good opportunity for Daniel and me to spend quality time together. Daniel will eventually learn that when Mommy isn't around, Daddy isn't a bad 2nd option.

After Tary returned, she watched Daniel as I wrapped the remaining presents. We then picked up around the house and relaxed for the remainder of the afternoon.

Then we went to the Christmas Eve service at church. I have fond memories of these services as a kid and my hope is our growing family will make new memories together.

We pulled into the church parking lot about 20 minutes early and I thought we were late because the parking lot was completely full of cars. When we got inside the sanctuary, there were only 2 other people there so far. I was annoyed that we had to walk across the length of the slippery, ice-covered parking lot while holding Daniel in his car seat because some inconsiderate people were hosting a party nearby and were using the church as their extended driveway.

I was rightfully reminded that no one would have their cars towed, least of all on Christmas Eve. It would not reflect the loving and forgiving nature that Christians ought to show.

In the message, Pastor took us on a journey through time and highlighted key people and events in and around Bethlehem leading up to the birth of Jesus. First we recounted Rachel's death during labor to Benjamin just outside of Bethlehem. We then read how Ruth remained loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi and returned to Bethlehem. Ruth would then marry Boaz and become the great-grandmother of King David.

We sang Christmas hymns between Bible passages. There was a touching moment toward the end of the service when we stood up and each held a lit candle as we sang. Pastor explained that Jesus was sent to be the light of the world and the world extinguished it. Pastor then shut off the lights and said that though the world may be dark, the light of Jesus still shines in each Christian. I am so glad we attended this service.

After the service we picked up Tary's BFF and had dinner at the New Jumbo Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown, Boston. Our friends and family were already there waiting for us. We squeezed into a large table at the back of the restaurant and somehow managed to all fit. The food was delicious as always. Even though it was a bit of a hike to get there, I'm glad we got to celebrate Tary's birthday together at one of her favorite restaurants.

Happy early birthday Jesus. Happy early birthday Tary.