Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Rebel Jesus. I first heard this song on a Christmas album by Bebo Norman, and then discovered that the lyrics were first penned by Jackson Browne. Reflecting on this song, the baby in the manger was, very much, a rebel. Jesus rebelled against the sin and darkness that ruled the world, and the hearts of men. He rebelled against preconceived ideas and notions of who we thought God was – Jesus was “a friend of sinners”. Jesus rebelled against the “first”, making them last; the poor and broken-hearted became “blessed”. But the greatest thing Jesus rebelled against, I believe, was karma (“you get what you deserve”). The God of the Universe became flesh, not because we deserve it, but because He gives us what we don’t deserve. Grace.

Another year has come and gone for the Schock’s by the mercy and grace of God. And sometimes, His grace was more needed and evident in our lives than others! If you get a chance, check out the video at the end of this blog – it gives you a peek into our world :)

Starting with the kids, Jake is now 5 years old and has started pre-school. He loves it! He also loves playing baseball, soccer, dressing up as Spiderman or any Star Wars character. It’s amazing to see how he is growing and thinking creatively and critically. A little scary at times . . . but it’s all a part of the process, I guess. Maiella is 2 ½ years old, and she has really come into her own this past year. She is a full blown girl – meaning, she loves to be a princess. She loves carrying a purse, putting on a ballet costume, wearing plastic high-heeled shoes, wearing a tutu, - and yes, all at the same time. Of course, she is a Schock, so one minute she is dainty, and the next she is tackling her brother. She is truly a “brutal ballerina” (for those of you ole’ school Wabanna friends). Olivia turned one in November, and her passion in life is to put every possible thing in her mouth. She loves to make a mess (earning her the nickname “hurricane”), and to play around with her big bro and sis. It’s so great to watch them play and love on each other.

Diana is enjoying the triumphs and trials of the full-time (and then some) job of motherhood. She is leading a women’s Bible study, which she loves, and she is very involved with the ladies in our church. I have been working at the church for over a year now and am enjoying the steep learning curve of church ministry. I’m also still in Seminary, which has been another tangible gift of grace from God.

If you want to keep track of our family throughout the year, you can check out Diana’s blog (www.ramboskids.blogspot.com). God has truly blessed us with so many incredible relationships, both past and present. Our love to all of you!!

From the Schock family to your family, may you experience the peace that knowing the Rebel Jesus brings.



Got the picture before Olivia started screaming!

O's 1st bday

We've had fun biking as a family!



We surprised my parents by dressing up all their grandkids in a manger scene for their Christmas letter!

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