'19 Kids and Counting': Duggar family's birthday bash for Jesus, Jill and Jessa spend Christmas with in-laws

Jill takes a Christmas family photo with her husband's family Instagram

Christmas is the day the Savior of the world was born. Duggars from the TLC reality show "19 Kids and Counting" recognized the celebration as the natal day of Jesus Christ and in turn, a big Christmas tree did not find its way to a spot in their home. Instead, a big Happy Birthday banner was displayed as the big family threw a birthday bash for Jesus. It was full of singing, laughter and good food as the family of 19 kids, three in-laws and three grandchildren got together for the big birthday slash holiday celebration.

"The true spirit and true meaning of Christmas is really what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has done for us," Josh Duggar told People magazine. "People ask, 'Why don't the Duggars have a big massive Christmas tree?'" the eldest Duggar son added.

Duggar mom Michelle then said, "I think the fun part about it is that we make precious memories together as a family, and just getting to sit down with all of us in the living room and having Dad read the story of the first Christmas, the Scriptures and Luke, and getting to sing 'happy birthday' to Jesus and having a special celebration, we look forward to it the whole month of December".

"We need to share the blessings God has given us with others and that's really what Christmas is all about. The Christmas spirit is about giving," shared Duggar main man Jim Bob, as quoted by E Online.

Meanwhile, it was also the first year the newly-married Duggar daughters namely Jill and Jessa, spent the holiday with their respective in-laws. Once again, Jill, who is pregnant with her and Derrick Dillard's first child, managed to steal the show with her head-turning baby bump.

"Great time with the Dillard relatives on Christmas Eve! #dillardfam #christmaseve #familytime," she wrote alongside a photo of all of her in-laws gathered around," the expectant mother posted on Instagram along with a photo of her shoulder to shoulder with Dillard's family.

Josh Duggar and Jessa Seewald also posted short clips that show a glimpse of how the merriment turned out, which was fun and loving.

News
What do we know about Simon of Cyrene?
What do we know about Simon of Cyrene?

Easter may have passed, but some figures in the story stay with us long after the day itself. One of those is Simon of Cyrene - a man who appears for only a moment, says nothing, and then disappears. And yet, his story carries lessons we can hold onto all year round.

There may not be a Christian revival, but Britain’s traditional churches aren’t doomed
There may not be a Christian revival, but Britain’s traditional churches aren’t doomed

There are good reasons to doubt that Britain is experiencing a Christian revival today – but that does not mean it is dying out.

Pastor preaches in Bristol city centre despite fears of arrest
Pastor preaches in Bristol city centre despite fears of arrest

A pastor has returned to street preaching in Bristol city centre just over four months after he was arrested for his comments on Islam and transgender ideology. 

The biblical backstory of Iran
The biblical backstory of Iran

Iran is back in the headlines. The word “Iran” does not appear in the Bible, but the names of preceding peoples and empires occupying that land today are written into the biblical narrative. This is the story …