Tag Archives: christmas

Merry Christmas 2022!

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The Christmas Story

Merry Christmas 2022!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas this year! Watching this telling of The Christmas Story (video below) is an annual tradition for our family. I hope you enjoy it too!

Additionally, below is another video of one of my favorite illustrations of the story of Christmas: The Christmas Geese. Several years ago I heard this story as an analogy of why Jesus came to earth. I thought it was a perfect explanation that makes Jesus’ incarnation (becoming human) easier to understand. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do as well.

Christmas Geese Story

Here is a longer, written version of the story that I found–the author is unknown:

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Whether Happy or Hurting Remember Immanuel

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Whether Happy or Hurting Remember Immanuel

Whether Happy or Hurting Remember Immanuel

This week I would just like to share with you a short and sweet post and a reminder that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us.

Several years ago, I learned of some very sad news just a couple of weeks before Christmas. The wife of Joe McGee had passed away. Joe is one of my favorite Christian teachers/speakers who I’ve referred to here on the blog on a number of occasions. My heart just broke and grieved for Joe and their 6 children and grandchildren—especially at Christmastime.

I’ve thought of other families that have suffered losses, of various kinds, at this time of year and how difficult this must be. I was thinking, “How hard it must be to suffer a loss at this time of year. Will every Christmas be a negative trigger for them now?” However, one morning as I was doing my daily quiet time and devotions, I was reminded of something. Part of Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’ birth, should not only be to celebrate the human birth of Christ but to recognize and remember his deity as well.

Immanuel means “God with us”

We need to remember that one of his names is “Immanuel” which means “God with us”. God came to be with us. We are not isolated and alone. In a lonely, hurting, and isolated world God said, “I want to come be with you. I want to help you. You’re not alone.”

God is Immanuel to families in their time of hurting. God is with them. So maybe Christmastime can be less painful with that in mind. God knows they are hurting and what a good time of year to remember that Jesus is Immanuel; God is with us. Maybe He will say to them and remind them this year and every Christmas hereafter, “I am with you. I am here.”

At Christmas and all year, Jesus is Immanuel

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).” Matthew 1:23 (NIV) 

In a lonely, hurting world God said, “I want to come be with you. You’re not alone.” #Immanuel

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Take Some Practical Steps To Remember Immanuel:

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Funny Friday: Early Christmas Decorations

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Early Christmas decorations meme

Funny Friday: Early Christmas Decorations

I saw this on Instagram the other day. 🙂 “The people being salty about early Christmas decorations are the same ones posting “It’s my birthday month!” Well, if we’re giving you a month, Karen, Jesus deserves at least two.”

“But grant me this one request,” she said. “Give me two months…” Judges 11:37a (NIV)

Merry Christmas 2021!

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The Christmas Story

Merry Christmas 2021

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas this year! Watching this telling of The Christmas Story by Pastor Willie George (video below) is an annual tradition for our family. I hope you enjoy it too!

Additionally, below is another video of one of my favorite illustrations of the story of Christmas: The Christmas Geese. A few years ago I heard this story as an analogy of why Jesus came to earth. I thought it was a perfect explanation that makes Jesus’ incarnation (becoming human) easier to understand. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do as well.

Christmas Geese Story

Here is a longer, written version of the story that I found–the author is unknown:

Continue reading →

Funny Friday: Peaceful manger scene?

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Peaceful manger scene meme

Funny Friday: Peaceful manger scene?

Peaceful manger scene…or two T-Rex fighting over a table saw? It might take you a minute to see it! 🙂

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 (NIV)

 

The Senses of Christmas

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The Senses of Christmas

The Senses of Christmas

The past several years, I’ve really tried to slow my pace during the Christmas holiday season and really try to savor and enjoy it. One of the things that I’ve reintroduced into my holiday break is to read books, particularly holiday-themed ones. A few Christmases ago, I read a wonderful book, The Christmas Box, which gave me an idea for a blog post about engaging our five senses at Christmastime and elsewhere. I made note of it in my notes app on my phone, and just recently I was reminded of it. Therefore, today I’d like to share some insights on the senses of Christmas.

An inspiration…

In The Christmas Box (which is a bit of a tearjerker by the way), there’s a scene where one of the characters is asking an elderly widow about which of the five senses she thought was most affected by Christmas. Her response was,

“I love everything about this season,” she continued. “But I think what I love the most about Christmas are its sounds. The bells of street-corner Santa Clauses, the familiar Christmas records on the phonograph, the sweet, untuned voices of Christmas carolers. And the bustling downtown noises. The crisp crinkle of wrapping paper and department store sacks and the cheerful Christmas greetings of strangers. And then there are the Christmas stories. The wisdom of Dickens and all Christmas story-tellers.” She seemed to pause for emphasis. “I love the sounds of this season. Even the sounds of this old house take on a different character at Christmas. These Victorian ladies seem to have a spirit all their own.”[1]

This description got my mind reeling about my own experiences at Christmas based on my five senses. I tried to answer the same question about which of the five senses I thought was most affected by Christmas. Honestly, I couldn’t narrow it down to just one. They are ALL affected!

Sounds of Christmas

Sound senses of Christmas–Jingle bells

When I think of the sounds of Christmas several things come to mind, much like those stated in the book excerpt. My favorite sound, obviously, would be that of Christmas music and carols. I seriously get giddy like a child when it’s time to break out the Christmas music! More annoyingly, I think of those repetitive holiday commercials. Then there is the collection of Hallmark Christmas ornaments that my kids play over and over by repetitively pushing the buttons on each and every one…every…single…day (I secretly enjoy this though, ssshh).

I also love the sounds of jingle bells, Salvation Army bell ringers at the stores, and Christmas stories (including THE Christmas Story). There’s also the chatty banter at family get-togethers. Finally, I can’t forget the hustle and bustle of shoppers (which can now often be avoided with online shopping!).

Sights of Christmas

Senses of Christmas--the lights

Sight senses of Christmas–the lights

The sights of Christmas are some of my favorite senses to engage. I love, love, love the lights! We love to go out as a family gazing at the neighborhood lights in surrounding communities. A Christmas tree can be seen in nearly every room of our house—it’s a rule.

Decorations abound in our home too. This completely irritates Eric because he dreads the day when it’s time to trek up into the attic to drag out the countless boxes of décor. There’s just something about twinkling greenery wrapping around railings, banisters, mirrors, windows, and doorframes that gives the home such a festive, warm, fuzzy feeling!

And we can’t forget about the Christmas movies! You know my addiction to Hallmark Christmas movies!

Smells of Christmas

The smells…

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Deeper Meanings of the Christmas Story

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Deeper Meanings of the Christmas Story title image

Deeper Meanings of the Christmas Story

I’ve always loved looking into the deeper meaning of things to try to learn and understand better. I love learning about the historical, geographical, and cultural context of events, especially scriptural ones, and looking at the deeper meanings of the Christmas story is no exception. That’s why I loved learning about some of the significance of some of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus in a video series from Pastor Rick Renner.

I think you might enjoy watching them too!

Take Some Practical Steps to Learn More About the Deeper Meanings of the Christmas Story:

Watch this video series to dig deeper into the significance of the events and surroundings of Jesus’ birth. Each video is just under 30 minutes long. Pastor Rick Renner has the series and a study available for purchase, OR you can watch the videos for free on YouTube (all videos linked below).

According to Pastor Renner’s website:

“In this 15-part series, Rick will draw you right into the pages of the Bible to show you shocking and surprising things about events that occurred at the time of Jesus birth — things you’ve probably never heard or considered before. If you’re ready to dive deep into the birth of Jesus and all the events surrounding His birth — and if you’re ready to explode with excitement at what you’ve perhaps never considered — this series is for you! You will love this eternal story more than ever as you dive into these messages entitled, Christmas: The Rest of the Story!”[1]

“In this 15-part series, you’ll discover:

    • Exactly who was Joseph, the father of Jesus?
    • What was the star that guided the wise men?
    • Who were the wise men who came to see Jesus?
    • What was the value of the gifts they brought to Christ?
    • Did the wise men truly go to Bethlehem?
    • Why was Herod so afraid of Jesus when Christ was born?
    • And so much more!”[1]

**Click here for a Link to Playlist of all 15 YouTube videos**

Why Did God Choose Mary?

Why Did God Choose Joseph?

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My Addiction to Hallmark Christmas Movies

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My addiction to Hallmark Christmas movies...

My Addiction to Hallmark Christmas Movies

When I asked Eric what I should write about, he said “your addiction to Hallmark Christmas movies”. Did you sense some sarcasm in that? Me too. Actually, it’s not a bad idea though. I’ve got to be honest. I really am addicted to Hallmark Christmas movies! Sadly, he’s not lying. I admit it. I’m a full-blown Hallmark junkie.

I’m a huge fan of the Hallmark channel and their original movies, albeit cheesy and predictable as they sometimes are. Maybe it’s the predictability that I like? I always know they will tug at my heartstrings. Even if they have some sad parts, I can also always count on a happy ending. Real-life doesn’t always have happy endings, so the certainty of watching one can be enticing.

Maybe the movies are an escape too? That might be where the “addiction” comes in. Addictions are often an escape from something else, aren’t they? Hallmark Christmas movies can offer an escape from an often stress-ridden and drama-filled holiday season. In the movies, we can see the picture-perfect holiday season, traditions, memories, and romance.

Where conviction and moderation come in

Many years ago I discovered that I was developing unrealistic expectations and discontentment in my marriage due to my obsession with romantic movies and books. I felt a strong conviction that I needed to overcome this struggle (that I previously didn’t even know I had). To overcome this, I had to start watching my intake of “romance”. When I started noticing discontentment, I knew I needed to limit how much I was reading and watching. I had to start practicing moderation (or sometimes even eliminate them completely for a while).

If I’m not careful, I can do the same thing with these Hallmark Christmas movies. It can be easy to develop unrealistic expectations of what a Christmas holiday should look like. Real-life might start to pale in comparison to fictional films if I fixate on them constantly. I might start to think, “Man, my Christmas stinks compared to the picturesque traditions and moments they have.” Without caution, I might forget that…THEY AREN’T REAL!!!

My conviction may not be yours

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