Journey to Shiloh: Christmas at Shiloh

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

It is very important to us that our children understand what God did at that first Christmas. We want the stories found in Matthew and Luke foretold by Isaiah to always be alive in their hearts. But it is at Christmas where we most poignantly build memories and bond hearts to the miracle of Christmas. We desire to create for our children, and future generations, traditions for remembering Jesus' coming to earth to be our Emmanuel.

For years, we would go to a local tree farm to take a hay ride out to find a tree and saw it down ourselves. Then while it was being 'shaken and wrapped' for transport, the family would drink hot chocolate and browse in the little shop. However, four years ago, (which was also Jennifer's first tree trimming with us) we discovered the farm was closed. So we created new traditions...

...first we go to Bob Evans for breakfast...

...then we drive over to Owens to pick a tree off their lot.

For the first time ever, we spied our tree right as we walked in.

(Nathan is in front of it.)

However, we looked around to be sure.

Back to the first one!

This is a handy service...giving a fresh cut.

Peter being his normal silly self.

First try at putting it in the tree stand...

...second try...

...third time gets it done.

For 20+ years, Gramma and Papa (Katherine's parents) have been giving us one Fontanini figurine for our wedding anniversary. The display now spans our 10 foot bookshelf. A few years ago, Melinda took on the tradition of setting them out. When she got married the three girls took over the tradition.

While the girls set out the Nativity set, Dad and the boys put lights on the tree.

Elaina helped Mom set out some decorations.

Waiting to start decorating the Christmas tree.

Time for ornaments!

Gertie and Betsy decide the tissue paper from the uncovered ornaments makes for a nice place to nap.

Adding some tinsel to reflect the lights.

And last of all, Mom sets the Nativity. It is very sentimental as it was the one under the tree when she was going up. Peter made the 'stable' years ago with wood from our yard.

Evergreen...a symbol now at Christmas time of lasting life, a gift divine. In Christ we are the evergreen; we live for ever more.

~ Joyful Christmas Songs (Crossroads Music)

Just one day before the official 'first day of winter', a 'white out' snow storm hit on December 20th. In the midst of that storm, Gramma and Papa arrived to celebrate Christmas with the family.