Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Although we love the fun of playing Santa for our kids, Eddie and I really love celebrating the real reason for the season with our kids.  We have adopted a few traditions that help us make it a memorable and special occasion.  We like to go to the Live Nativity play at the church where Brody attends preschool.  Last year, it was raining the weekend of the play so it was cancelled, but this year the weather was great.  The kids really enjoyed the special show.  On Christmas Eve, we make a special birthday cake for baby Jesus and sing "Happy Birthday" to him and blow out his candle.  We also usually watch a movie about the nativity, read the Christmas story together, and go to our church's Christmas Eve service.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

~Luke 2:1-20~

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

~Matthew 2:2-11~

Trying for a picture in Bethlehem.  The spotlights shining made everything look red. 

Brody wanted to see Baby Jesus. 

A better picture of me and my sweet boys. 

We added this cute little children's version of the nativity story which is illustrated with lego characters and scenery and is just too cute for boys like mine who love legos.  Thank you, Natasha, for reminding me that I wanted to get the boys The Brick Bible.  We are giving them the complete Bible for their Christmas present from mom and dad.  

I had really been wanting a little nativity set for the boys to use and play with.  I always liked the Little People Nativity, but it is always kind of expensive, and I knew that it probably wouldn't be enjoyed by the kids once they were older.  I found this very sweet Melissa and Doug set which is still great for the kids to play with but does seem to offer more for older kids too.  Brody is learning so much and can point out all of the characters when asked where they are.  

Evan mixing the cake for baby Jesus. 

He's so serious while he works. 

Our pretty cake after the icing.  We decided on chocolate cake with fluffy white icing. 

Evan added some festive red sprinkles. 

Sweet cake

And a cake is not a birthday cake without candles. 

"Helping" Jesus blow out his candle. 

We hope Jesus enjoyed our little celebration!