Christmas Tour of Homes 2009

Please click here to visit The Nester and view other homes on the tour.

I'm so excited to participate in my second Christmas Tour of Homes. I so enjoyed "visiting" everyone last year on the tour. And, it was nice to get some visits here, as well. Unfortunately, I'm a little rushed this year, so let's get right to it, shall we?



Welcome to our simple little home. Although we love Christmas here at the Gerken residence, we don't have a lot of fancy decorations. Most of what we have has little monetary value, but holds great sentimental value to us. I believe a Christmas tree should tell the story of a family. And, ours certainly does. To read more about some of our ornaments and the meaning behind them, please click here.



Come on in to the kitchen. Things are a little busy here, these days. So, please overlook our dust and crumbs. You'll notice my little Christmas card tree in the corner. I borrowed this idea from our very own BooMama, after I fell in love with hers on last year's tour.



Aren't these wreaths cute? My boys each had the same wonderful second grade teacher. Although they are many years apart in age, they both made a wreath for me for Christmas when they were seven. These are two of my favorite Christmas decorations. Things are just all the more special when made with the hands of those we love.




"What is that on the table, looking so yummy?" you ask.




Why that's just a few goodies left over from Gerken Baking Day 2009. Please have one... or two even. We have plenty! Chocolate really does make everything better...at least for a few minutes! =) And, if that doesn't cure it, some laughter and fellowship with dear friends takes care of the rest.




I'm so glad you stopped by for a little visit, but I really can't let you go without sharing the reason for the joy in my heart during this season of celebration. I'll leave you with the Willow Tree nativity set given to me by my sweet mother on our last Christmas together, and the reason it means so much to me.



For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end...
Isaiah 9:6-7a

Some of you may have read this before. I've shared it here more than once... but I'm so grateful Jesus came for us, I just want to share it again and again and again. I'll post the end below, but I encourage you to click here to read Because He Came in it's entirety. It tells our story, a picture of His grace and evidence that He makes beauty from ashes.

From Because He Came...
More than two thousand years ago, the world ached for salvation, swelled with yearning for deliverance, redemption, restoration...for a Savior to rescue from sin and death. And He came...a baby King, born in a lowly stable on a quiet night to a peasant girl and her betrothed...a carpenter. He was in the still, small voice when He whispered past Elijah. And He was in the quiet stable birth when He came to rescue us and sent His angels to tell the lowly shepherds the good news.

His name is Jesus...and He came for me.

His name is Jesus...and He came for you.

And Because He came...there is hope for tomorrow and a promise of a joyful, forever reunion. He will wipe away all of the tears and wash away the loss and regret. He will cleanse and forgive and clothe us in robes of white. The empty arms will be filled. The hungry hearts will be fed. Brokenness will be restored. Mourning will be turned to dancing. And sin and death will be no more.

Because He came...He will carry us through this life.

And because He came...He will come again...in all His glory...to take us home.

© Kelly Gerken, Sufficient Grace Ministries 2008-2009

That, my friends, is the reason for my joy. Thanks for stopping by...

A Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to you!

Happy touring...