the gift of god’s love

The wonder of Christmas: God so loved that He gave His Son to give us life.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NLT 

On August 22, 2023, my husband and I had our prayers answered. We welcomed our very first child, a beautiful baby girl, into this world. Before we knew it, she was crawling around getting into everything she could get her hands on, us chasing after her. Then not long after, she was walking, running, getting into even more, us chasing even faster. Then she talked, very specifically, "dada". This precious little baby we brought home, what felt like days ago, was calling out for us. Then, in the blink of an eye, she was forming sentences, repeating absolutely everything we said.

Then on January 5th, 2025, our second blessing came into the world, our first boy. And we got to see all those first again. First crawls, first teeth, first word, which again was "dada". We also got new firsts with our daughter. We saw her become the best big sister, being so helpful and kind, and caring to her new baby brother.

As my husband and I look back over the past two years, we try and remember what our life was like before we had kids. Although it came with more freedom, we are excited in anticipation to find out who our children become and their purpose in this world.

As Naz YTH leaders, we have the privilege of watching your children grow, not only in age, but in maturity, in love for others, and their love for Christ. As I reflect on their growth, I am so proud of the young men and women they are becoming, and I’m sure moms and dads feel this 10-fold.

Can you imagine, as a parent, knowing your child’s purpose involves the greatest sacrifice ever known to mankind? God did this for us. The loveable and the unlovable. The popular kid and the quirky kid. You and me. How wonderful that God loves us so uniquely and definitely that He would send his Son to the world, to save us and to have the ability to spend eternity with Him. How wonderful, indeed!

Father,

Thank You for the precious gift of our children and how You give us a glimpse of Your own Father’s heart, a love deeper and wider than we can fully grasp. Lord, help us never forget how wonderful this life is because of You.

Help us lead our children toward the life You offer: a life filled with purpose, hope, and the promise of eternity. May our hearts stay tender, our faith stay strong, and our gratitude stay deep as we remember the sacrifice that made our salvation possible. Thank you, father! In name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

With love,

Lindsey Bentley, Gabby Higgins, and Ashley Timberlake