Doggo: Just One More Christmas Story

 Our grand daughter cuddled with her Dad one evening during Christmas week. An Advent Calendar, dollhouse, decorated tree just for her own room, a shelf with dozens of books filled this four-year old's bedroom--along with more than a dozen stuffed animals scattered about. Because she had a love for all creatures, every imaginable critter gathered here--in the corners, the closet, under the bed, behind the door. She especially had deep, sincere feelings for her soft and cuddly dog, Doggo--always knowing his whereabouts. 

She had diapered this plush creature, washed him with wet wipes as needed, kept him warm in blankets, made a bunkbed for him, fed him, potty-trained him. She was the Momma for Doggo. It was bedtime, and therefore, story time. And story time usually meant Doggo was present, too, predictably wrapped in her arms. 

Her father, thinking that this four-year old daughter of his, could benefit from the real meaning of Christmas, told her about Joseph and Mary, their journey to Bethlehem, and the birth of the baby, Jesus, in a manger--shepherds on the way. She listened intently, her eyes never leaving his face--realizing the seriousness of this revelation.

"And this is why we celebrate Christmas," Daddy finished. "Because it is Jesus' birthday." 

She looked at her dad with a look of wonder, took a deep breath, and said, "Daddy, it's Doggo's birthday, too!" And, smiled. 

When I heard this precious story, I thought, "So cute, but she kind of missed the point."

Just today, December 26th, I got the point!

Our grand daughter in her loving environment, with her loving parents--a daddy's story, a creature she adored in her arms--felt love. God is love. He sent his only Son to prove this love. 1 John 4:16 starts with God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him...."

And, of course, Let the little children come to me... for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these... from Matthew.

Happy Birthday Jesus.

And, Happy Birthday Doggo and to the rest of creation's critters.