Tag Archive: Christmas

Searching for the Gift of Christmas

When Angel’s Sing

Shepherds stand on the dark hillsides outside Bethlehem, working a job few wanted and none respected. The glory of God cracks open the night sky with news that will change the world.

Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

Glory to God in the Highest

No ordinary night.

Shocked to the core at this unimaginable sight, the shepherds respond with urgency,”Let us go straight to…and see.” Wonder turns to action as they leave in haste, seeking to find this child, born to save the hearts of men.

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What Made Them Bow before a Toddler?

Nativity

What made them bow before a toddler? I quickly reached for a pen when I heard that question posed to the church congregation. (Sadly, I did not hear the rest of the message because this post was being unintentionally written in my head.) There was something jarring about it that resonated with me, and being a lover of words, this little sentence was a great one that I knew I would be exploring further.

The stories of the nativity tend to have a fairytale feeling to them don’t they? We hear them so often and many of us heard them first when we were children.

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When One More Thing Might Push You Over the Edge

Come with me

I wasn’t here at 5 Minutes for Faith last month. It’s been a trying year and I found myself worn out, weary, and very tired. I kept trying to push forward, but that only adds to the exhaustion. So, I did something I don’t usually do…I asked for help. I e-mailed our editor here and she graciously gave me the month off.

As we’re in one of the busiest times of the year—between Thanksgiving and Christmas—I wonder if you might be in the same place…tired, weary, worn out, and still trying to push forward. If you are, I understand.

It often feels as though the load rests solely on our shoulders, and in truth, sometimes it does.

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Slowing Down at Christmas Time

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My hearts desire for this advent season is very simple…to Slow Down.

We are constantly going.
Constantly moving.
Constantly busy.
Constantly running.

We are slaves to time.
Hurry up.
Walk faster.
Let’s go.
We are going to be late.
Come on.
Quickly.

Why do we rush? What is our hurry?

This life is fleeting as it is.
Every breath we take is one closer to our last and still we rush.

So my desire this season is to slow…
Stop and look.
Enjoy.
Breathe.
Savor the moments, the beauty, the wonder of this Christmas Season.

Before the advent of Jesus, people were longing for the Messiah; The Savior and the promise of God.

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Imperfect Christmas

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 I told the directors of the children’s church Christmas program that my son was too young to be a shepherd. He was three years old and not one of those quiet and shy toddlers that look so sweet on the church platform under bright lights. But they insisted and I gave in.

I love children’s Christmas programs. I giggle at Joseph, stumbling across the platform in his daddy’s bathrobe, with a dishtowel wrapped around his head and Mary, serenely holding her baby by his feet. Nothing can really go very wrong in a children’s nativity scene. Everything they do is so cute.

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Something New Has Begun

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Advent is the season of waiting expectantly and preparing our hearts for the arrival of Baby Jesus. We reflect on the miraculous conception, the birth in lowest of conditions, and the fulfillment of the prophecy…

…the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14 (NLT)

We rejoice on Christmas morning—Christ is born!

And then…Christmas is over. Or at least that’s how it feels. We put the Christmas decorations away and go back to our busy lives as usual.

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How the Gifts of the Magi Simplified Our Christmas


Several years ago, I was inspired by my friend Mel,
@  Psycho with 6, to change our families gift giving traditions dramatically.

What?! Really?!

How do you get a family to change 20+ years of tradition without a major meltdown?

It was actually quite easy. Our children were grown and our grandchildren were young; so, it seemed like a perfect time for change. Now in its fourth year, this meaningful way of gifting has been embraced with even greater enthusiasm.

The Magi gave the Christ child gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each represented a significant part of Jesus life and ministry:

  • Gold – a gift given to royalty.

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Introducing – Christmas Traditions from Our Home, to Yours

Do you begin listening to Christmas music on a specific day each year?
Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Do you enjoy a real or artificial tree? With multi-color or white lights?
Do you chart the season with an Advent calendar or wreath?

So much of our celebrating of Christmas is wrapped up with the ribbon of traditions. They become a part of us. Some we cherish. Others we laugh at. Some we take into marriage. Others we leave behind.

One thing is certain . . . traditions are an important part of Christmas. It’s never too late to add a new ritual, because traditions are our memory makers.

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