Rebecca watched for a moment as Zoe rearranged the pieces in the Nativity Scene, swapping places with the characters. Currently, the kings and shepherds were allowed the closer view of the Child, but in a moment the animals would have the privilege. 

Taping up the last box of Christmas decor and, Rebecca said, "Zoe, Sweetie, we put that out at Christmas, but only then. Now please do what I asked and wrap each piece, so we can put it in the attic with the other holiday stuff."

 "Yes ma'am," Zoe said quietly, but Rebecca heard a sniffle. She left to carry boxes to the garage, and when she returned, Zoe was talking to the Lord Jesus and explaining why He had to go into the box.

Oh, how precious! thought Rebecca, feeling deep joy and wonder at Zoe's pure devotion to the Lord. She smiled. I love her heart for you, God! 

She was about to say, "I'm sorry," when she had a flash of the manger scene in the middle of  a grassy meadow, with the hot sun overhead, trees and shrubs in full bloom.

Suddenly she understood. She smiled and said,  "Guess what, Dumplin?! Daddy God just showed me that we who love Him celebrate Christmas all year! Besides, it's a free country, and we can leave this out if we want to!"

 "Yay!" Zoe said, and clapped her little hands. "Becca! Let's put it on the table in the den, so we can tell others why we celebrate Jesus' being born every day!"

Now it was Rebecca whose eyes were wet.

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.