I think what I like most about Christmas is that it opens our hearts to childlike wonder. Christmas is definitely for children especially. After all it centers around Christ who was born a babe in a manger. I am glad to be like a kid again with fun and enjoyment of decorating, wrapping and preparing. But I am also glad that Jesus is no longer a babe in a manger. Oh beloved! Emmanuel has come and God is with us! Our risen King! He was resurrected into power and gives us all of Himself to celebrate every single day! Most kings …
The Facts
Our Stella wanted a snake for Christmas! A python like she saw at the pet store a while back. That is, until she found out that pythons like to squeeze and eat animals whole. After that she decided no she wasn’t going to take that chance. Sometimes all we need are the facts. Oh beloved, you are so prized by the Lord. He gave his only begotten son for you. He knows what you want he knows your hearts desires. He understands. You want the very best Christmas ever. You want your life to work out well. There are some …
It’s Over?
Well another Christmas is “in the books”. It’s over. For better or worse there is nothing more we can do about it. I work hard to surprise Danny with at least one present he doesn’t know about and each year he just seems to know. LOL And everything that was opened was used and grateful kids ran down battery operated goodies quickly. All in all it was a success. But it’s over. Danny always reads a Scripture passage each year and this year was no exception. That meant a lot considering this year’s happenings. But two grandsons also wanted to …
You Are A Gift
I saw a funny Christmas graphic recently that I saved and sent to a couple of friends who are having issues. It read “Gonna go lay under the tree to remind my family that I am a gift”. If my hubby caught me laying under the tree he’d wonder what had happened to me! But the truth is – we all need an attitude adjustment. We are a gift. Every single one of us. Oh beloved, Christmas is the perfect time to adjust our attitudes. For some reason, even though the season is wild and wonderful, we often focus on …
Surrender
I have HUGE plans each year for Christmas. I also have a full time job, a full time home, husband and writing ministry as well as speaking opportunities. I am a grandmother too. I have great ideas, beautiful plans and wistful thinking. This tends to get me flustered to say the least. So a few days ago as I looked at the not quite decorated pump organ in our living room, I decided to surrender. Surrender all my Christmas ideals and walk into the peaceful season. I have a lot things decorated but if something doesn’t get done I will …
Be Still
The Christmas tree is decorated. Gifts are being wrapped and lovingly placed beneath it. It’s Christmas time again. I know this not just because of the beautiful decorations everywhere or the calendar, but also because the mall and commercials made sure to tell me about it months ago. So many things are left to do and experience, but though my schedule and life are saying “hurry, rush,” I can’t miss how often my heart is whispering, “slow, be still.” I often see depictions of the time leading up to Jesus’ birth as still and calm, but I’ve had three babies …
Christmas Prophecies
We don’t know the exact date of Jesus birth, but we do know where and how Jesus was born. We also know that Jesus’ birth was planned long before the earth was created, when He was still in heaven with the Father. Prophecies throughout the Old Testament were foretold long before His birth. Here are just a few: His pre-existence and place of His earthly birth: Micah 5: 2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from …
An Angel Promise
Luke 1: 30-38– “But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit …
Are You Ready For Christmas
For the past few weeks, I have had numerous people that I have come in contact with ask me, “…are you ready for Christmas?” For some strange reason (yes, I say that very sarcastically), those five words have been on my mind all morning as I really thought about what that meant. “…are you ready for Christmas?” Ironically (yes, I also say that very sarcastically, because I know that nothing with God is ironic or coincidental), one of my co-workers came into my office this morning, put something in my inbox and asked me, “So, are you ready for Christmas?” I started …
From Tradition to Memories
In a world of busyness and chaos, hustle and bustle, it is nice to take time to stop and enjoy it. How often do we simply relax with our spouse or play with our children? I can honestly say I often find myself telling my children to “go play” instead of “let’s play.” One of the many things I love about the Christmas Season is that even though it is hurried in the shopping and wrapping and parties…. there are still those moments when I can sit and do a craft with my children or make cookies with my family. …
A New Tradition
A tradition is simply the transmission of beliefs from generation to generation. We have to be careful that we do not get caught in them and undermine the authority of our creator, but rather bring Him pleasure by remembering Him in all that we do. Such traditions that bring Him pleasure are saying grace before we eat or the taking of the Lords Supper. As we do this, we quote “…Do this to call me (affectionately) to remembrance.” I Cor. 11: 24 AMP I am always amazed at the various types of family traditions that I hear about during Christmas …
Great Joy
“… I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2: 8-9 NIV, emphasis added) My youngest son loves to play with our toy nativity. It is a “Little People Nativity” that has lasted through his older sister and brother and now has been discovered by him. Three different sets of little hands have held the little baby Jesus, made the …