Beginnings of Wisdom: Christmas

Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Dec 20, 2011

Where's the Line to See Jesus?

A homeschooling Mom that I know sent me this song. I told her that I am not a fan of what I call 'story songs' but this song is more than that. Its message is true and calls us to question our Christmas celebrations.

Another thought that I had today while I was running errands. "Why do we put so much into Christmas, even as believers, but the death and resurrection of our Lord are much quieter.

I have no problem telling perfect strangers "Merry Christmas", even if it is NOT politically correct. But around Easter I have a real difficult time saying "He is alive!".

Something to think about.

Another thing to ponder...churches put on a big, often expensive production for Christmas. But I am aware of fewer and fewer celebrations for His resurrection.

It's sad,

Dec 15, 2009

A Simple Christmas

In keeping with our belief that Christmas is about Christ we have always focused on simple gifts. We seek to give gifts that came from the heart instead of from the pocketbook. Sometimes the gifts appear to have been costly.

An example is the year both children received full size mountain bikes. But if you look closer you can see that the bikes are second hand. They were fixed up by the kids and their dad. So not only did they get a bike, they also received the gift of working with their dad doing something they all enjoy and learning skills that will serve them in latter years.

Some of my most treasured possessions are items made for me by the children and David. The stained glass jewelry box David gave me when we were dating. The welcome sign for the front door Sarah made for me. The earrings Daniel has made for me.

Treasures all, costly none.

This year once again we are crafting and creating. Plans are made and secrets kept. Photos printed, yarn crocheted, wood carved. What will be created by their hands? How are they using the skills and imagination God has given them? Only time will tell.

The photos were taken at Polk Memorial

Dec 3, 2009

Christmas is coming

Christmas is coming,
The goose is getting fat

Please put a penny in the old man's hat

If you haven't got a penny, a ha' penny will do,

If you haven't got a ha' penny,

Then God bless you

     Christmas is coming. For many this time of year does not bring joy and anticipation. It does not bring time with family and friend. Instead it brings only anxiety and loneliness.
     For some it brings an annual visit to church. Or maybe it is their semi-annual visit with Easter being the other.
     As true followers of Christ, how do we respond to all the hype and commercialization of Christmas? The fall equinox has hardly passed before the carols are starting to play, (I LOVE the music), the decoration are going up, the advertisements are playing on the TV, What are we to do?
     I think it is fitting that the Founding Fathers placed Thanksgiving Day just a few short weeks prior to the celebration of Christ’s birth. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is just a tiny blip, a day of stuffing the turkey and ourselves, but forgetting to really give thanks. Yes we prayed and asked His blessing. But did we take time to share our thankfulness with the ones we gathered with?
     I know I didn’t. Am I thankful? Yes.
     That leads me to the reason for this post.

   As I was practicing the piano this morning I was playing a song by Steve & Vikki Cook entitled “Hide Away in the Love of Jesus”, (You can hear a beautiful piano rendition of it by clicking on the title.)

Come, weary saints, though tired and weak