Everyday Christianity » Christmas

Immanuel – Anthony Evans

Sarcalogos — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:26:35 +0000

More Than a Yearly Journey

Sarcalogos — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:55:20 +0000

It was a yearly journey that foreshadowed our future.

With much excitement, the Christmas tree had been assembled and now it was time to arrange the destination. My older sister carefully removed the treasured ornament from its box and moved to place it in a very strategic location on the tree – a little above the cardboard table on which the tree stood and not so high that neither of us could reach it. Throughout this procedure, I would gaze in awe at the tiny girl swinging in a silver star.

“Can I hold her a little?”

“No, Jenny. She goes right here.”

I would sigh and turn away, then begin setting up the small nativity set. It, of course, belonged directly beneath the swinging girl, at the base of the tree.

After these placements met with our satisfaction, we would move downstairs where the main characters of our story lay waiting. We had a week before Christmas and they still had to meet and build their homes.

With eager purpose we took out our Legos and dumped the contents onto the floor (we never were the kind of girls who liked to play “House” with dolls). Soon, my sister had her Lego, Billy, the instructions for his house, and the necessary Legos sitting in organized piles before her. I had my Lego, umm…temporarily named Tom – it changed every year – and a random assortment of Lego pieces.

Throughout that week, Billy and Tom built their houses on various geographical terrain, met and conversed with each other and various other people they would happen to meet. On Christmas morning, they would then decide that something was telling them to make a journey.

While the land outside our house was surrounded by flat wheat fields, the land inside became raging rivers, impossible mountains, wide and dangerous oceans, and dry deserts. For no other reason than a feeling they should go, Billy and Tom would leave their comfortable homes and follow the unknown call. They faced and triumphed over all the obstacles to arrive, finally, at the tree where a girl sat swinging in a silver star.

“Hello,” they said in deep, manly voices.

“Hello,” responded the girl sweetly.

“What are you doing up there?”

“I’m watching.”

“What are you watching?”

“That baby. Do you see him there?”

The men looked, and sure enough, right there in front of them were cows, sheep, donkeys, a man and woman, and a little baby. They stared at the group for awhile and then turned back to the girl.

“Can we come up there with you?”

“Of course.”

Billy and Tom carefully climbed the Christmas tree where they would spend the remainder of that Christmas morning – watching the little baby and listening to the Christmas Story.

Many years have passed since that story has been enacted. My sister and I have instead been living it out in our own lives. Following the call of the likewise now grown-up baby, we have left our comfortable home in the flatlands of the Midwest and traveled across rivers, mountains, and oceans. Not always sure why He has asked us to go to these places, we have paid heed to the urge, and gone. Between the two of us, we have now spent time traveling and/or living in ten countries outside of the U.S.

This year, as Christmas draws approaches, we make plans to spend it together again – around the Christmas tree in that small Midwestern town. We will journey across rivers, mountains, oceans, and deserts, coming together in one place to celebrate the birth of the One who continually guides us in ways that surpass the limits of our imagination.

The yearly make-believe journey of two small girls around a Christmas tree has become a lifelong following of the One who lay as a baby at the base of that tree.

About the Author:

Jenny Litfin says she is just another person desiring to see what God wants to do and what He can do with the interests and abilities He has given her. The more she has been writing, the more excited and passionate she has become about writing and the effect it can have on people!

A Christmas Memory

Sarcalogos — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:00:37 +0000

My Dad was born into a very large family who were rich in love, but poor as church mice. His proud Father was a master-carpenter by trade, who could barely put food on the table. Christmas’s around their house were usually very scant and barren to say the least. With barely enough money to put food on the table, any sights or sounds of the holiday regalia would have to be visited by another, more privileged family.

My mother was fully aware of this when she said “yes” to his marriage proposal in 1946. She herself came from a very wealthy background. Her own Dad was one of the fast rising VP’s at Baltimore Electric Company. And, as a child she grew up with quite an assortment of beautiful lamps and glistening chandeliers. She loved placing the tall candelabras in the many windows of her house, there in the upscale suburbs’ of Catonsville, Maryland.

The two of them could have no more been alike, then peanut butter and jelly. Yet as fate would have it, they married and settled down in a tiny apartment on the eastern seaboard of Warwick, Virginia. There were three of us then, and as time passed by, every year around Christmas time, our mom would tell us the story of her and my dad’s first Christmas together.

Dad was working late at the grocery store as usual, and finally, after midnight he wearily made his way home. As he opened the door and stepped in, he couldn’t believe his eyes. There before him, was a wonderland array of twinkling lights, trains, and toys galor while the sound of Bing Crosby softly singing “White Christmas” played in the background. The house smelled of newly baked chocolate chip cookies and the scent of spruce from the freshly picked Christmas tree.

She said he simply stood there, without saying a word in absolute childish wonder. He had never known such magical illumination of Christmas beauty, at least not in a place he called home.

My mom, gave my Dad his first… “real” Christmas.

What a sweet Christmas memory.

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

About the Author:
Missey Butler is employed as a fulltime CBN Staff Writer. She says she is blessed to work in a wonderful Christian atmosphere and has had the privilege of ministering daily by way of their Online Audience Correspondence.

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Preschool Sunday School Christmas Gift Ideas for the Teacher

Sarcalogos — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:26:18 +0000

Making Thanksgiving crafts is a great way to bring your preschool Sunday school class together and teach the values that Thanksgiving stands for. You can choose to make beautiful color pages to display on the wall, or make pilgrims from tissue paper rolls. There are tons of fun crafts available. Consider that any project you choose for a preschool class should not include small parts or require sharp objects. There are many categories of Thanksgiving crafts as well. You can choose from decorations for the wall or window, table decorations, or just crafts to display throughout the house.

If you want to focus on table decorations, you might use place setting cards, napkin rings, or even place mats. You could choose to make a different craft each week so students would have a complete setting by the big day. Some great crafts used in years past were the photo napkin ring and the turkey place mat. These items can be laminated and saved as keepsakes or used for a few years. It is always fun to pull out crafts from years back and show kids what they did.

Another fun idea is to make a life size Pilgrim. Let the children trace themselves on paper and then decorate the cutout with construction paper to be Indians or Pilgrims. You can make hats, clothes, belts, and even moccasins out of different color construction paper for a true Thanksgiving effect. Make a whole village on the wall for decoration with the children’s look alike. Include a tee pee and you have a mural of Thanksgiving fun.

Turkey crafts are probably the most popular, for this holiday season. There are turkeys made from paper plate, leaves, and even toilet paper rolls. You can use leaves to make the feathers of this fun animal or use multicolor feathers you can find at the local craft store. One fun craft idea is to use children’s hands for a cut out template. In this fun craft, you can trace and cut out the child’s hand to use as the turkey body, draw in eyes, and add feet to make the turkey complete.

There are many other fun crafts for kids to enjoy as well. Consider making a Thanksgiving wreath for the front door. You can use a paper plate and cover it with leaves; real or fake it does not matter. Or make a pretty tissue box for the bathroom covered in colored thanksgiving pictures.

Search the Internet or crafts books, and you are sure to find fun for children for all ages. There are even books to buy that list hundreds of fun Sunday school Thanksgiving crafts. Whichever craft you choose, you are sure to have fun and find plenty to be thankful for.

Denise Oliveri is the owner of Preschool Sunday School Central — http://www.psscentral.com. The site provides preschool Sunday School teachers wtih valuable resources to help with Bible lesson planning. Join our eBook Club today for a new eBook each month.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com/

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The Reason

Sarcalogos — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:43:57 +0000

The Bible never mentioned a sleigh with jingle bells,
It never spoke of Santa or his helpful little elves.
I’ve looked for any reference to a decorated tree
With shiny lights and garland bringing in the Season’s glee.
I’ve searched with care… it isn’t there…
You can look and see.

But it does tell of the Christ-child, the Son of God on Earth,
And it tells of all the angels that announced His holy birth.
It revealed the precious Gift that God had given man…
Jesus Christ was born to fulfill God’s master plan.
It’s in the Book… just take a look;
He came to set us free.

So why has man forgotten why we celebrate each year?
He’s the reason for the season… not Santa and his deer.
It’s okay, don’t take me wrong, put up a pretty tree…
But don’t forget that Christ was born to die for you and me.
As you celebrate don’t hesitate
to lift Christ for all to see.

copyright 2008 Gerald Shuler
I’m an introverted extrovert with an annoying pessimistic optimism. Sometimes I confuse myself so much I simply must write to find out what in the world I am actually thinking. In spite of that, I remain a faithful servant and minister of my Lord, Jesus Christ.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com

Men’s Fashion with Christmas Spirit

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:55:25 +0000

The holidays are upon us once again and that means one thing: parties, dinners and get-togethers of every kind. And you can bet next year’s check that at least a couple of them will have some Christmas theme to them. But how do you balance style and dressing up for the occasion? Getting spiffy for the season might call for a different color palette, but it still uses the same set of fashion rules as any other time of year.

Colors of Christmas

Ever since the dawn of the Macy’s-era Christmas, red and green have been the staple colors of the season. It’s the standard palette that every department store and greeting card company uses to signal the start of the holidays. But that doesn’t mean that you should adopt the colors as they are.

Donning all the style pieces you have in red or green merely courts disaster, as you’ll likely end up looking like either a leprechaun or Rudolph’s very red nose. While the fashion-friendly approach to Christmas does involve these colors, it doesn’t rely on only these colors to build an entire outfit.

Other equally festive colors should play into your holiday style. Gold and silver, for example, are usually abundant on Christmas decor as trim and tinsel. Add them to your ensemble to create an equally cheery combination with an extra dose of sophistication. The classic colors like silver and gold let you tap into that holiday mood without looking like a kid playing dress-up.

A steel gray necktie, for example, would add a businesslike touch to your clothes, making it a great option for that office party. A rust-colored vest helps break up the potentially monotonous color, while gold accessories like a watch or tie bar double as status symbols in fashion.

Before leaving the topic of sophistication, keep in mind that mature men’s wardrobes are all about class and subtlety. Just like how wearing a necktie with Merry Christmas printed on from top to bottom would be seen as crass, a loud green or red outfit would be immature. Wearing green or red is fine during the holidays; just keep in mind to choose more grown-up shades like burgundy or olive instead of rouge or neon green.

Keep Your Holiday Style Simple

The holiday season is an extremely tempting time to let go of all the rules of fashion and pile on the faux pas. But remember that, right after the 25th, the Christmas eve pictures get developed in four days and the New Year’s resolutions get recited in seven. There’s still no reason for you to wear any style piece you might regret later on.

As with any other time of year when others’ sense of style are intact, it’s still a good idea to maintain some simplicity in your outfit. The less complicated the ensemble is, the likelier that it’ll flatter you, regardless of your face or figure. Resist the urge to shower yourself in all things sparkly, printed and generally Christmas-y.

One good idea is to don just one or two pieces with Christmas details, like a snowflake print pocket square or a reindeer pattern necktie. The little teases of design and color will seem much more mature, yet are equally effective in making your outfit interesting at the party. Be thrifty when using those holiday details; a small dose can go a very long way, and too much isn’t something you’d want to have.

The holidays are no excuse for your sense of style and good taste to take a break. In fact, it’s the time when you have to be on your toes, what with all the reason to go out and wear something awful. Stick to your fashion ideals, keep to the things that you know are tasteful, and ring the New Year in with a stylish bang.

About the Author:
Hendrik Pohl loves to write about men’s fashion. He has several online blogs that specialize in men’s fashion and style. He is also the founder of online necktie shop: http://www.bows-n-ties.com/ – a site offering quality men’s silk ties, bows, and cufflinks.

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The Living Nativity

Sarcalogos — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:25:49 +0000

Could you give up your son? Watch this funny and poignant video from The Skit Guys.

Christmas Lights Are Not the Gospel

Sarcalogos — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:13:09 +0000

I recently received an email asking me to comment about keeping Christ in Christmas. Perhaps you can identify with him:

“Could you write about keeping the focus of Christmas on Christ when you have young children? This is something my family and I have struggled with in light of not only the commercialization of the holidays, but also the visual images (colored lights, trees, etc.) and the predominance of secular movies and specials on TV. I know, we could just turn off the TV, but we try to be as selective as possible without being on a strict blackout. Would appreciate your thoughts and practical suggestions.”

First off, kudos to parents who have some concern about what their children take in, and want to help them interpret things well. This is part of our responsibility as parents, to train them to be discerning.

I think the real issue is to stay focused on Jesus year round. To be clear, I mean the biblical Jesus, not a watered-down pale and powerful imitation jesus that isn’t the I AM, doesn’t deal with sin, and can’t save souls.

Let’s separate this into a family issue (how to help our children understand), and the adults fighting the secularization and commercialization of Christmas (should I boycott Wal-mart if they don’t say “Merry Christmas?”).

On the family front, it’s all about the dialogue you have in your home. Over years. With children individually and as a family. It’s important to help your children understand the real story of Incarnation — especially the why. Help them connect Christ’s incarnation with his crucifixion and his resurrection. The secular/commercialization keeps Christmas separate from Easter, and therefore emasculates the power from the story.

It’s also critical for parents to stress the giving side of Christmas traditions. This counters the selfishness inside us all that wants the focus to be on the getting.

Is it ok to watch Rudolph and laugh? Is it ok that the kids learn secular music like Frosty the Snowman? I say yes. They won’t be able to connect with the culture God’s called them to reach unless they understand these cultural touch points.

The key is to help your family understand the Gospel (which we need every day!) and also to understand that there are all kinds of traditions and practices that have sprung up around Christmas that are NOT the Gospel. Many of our cherished Christmas decorations (e.g., trees and wreaths) go back to Victorian England. Rudolph and Frosty are creations of the 20th century. Santa Claus has connections to Saint Nicholas (there are multiple possible stories), but the red-suited Santa at the North Pole with elves and sleigh is 20th century. December 25th is a date co-opted from another religion.

As your children get older you can do more to help them understand that these secular Christmas elements are a hollow shell compared to the beauty of the real Gospel, the real story of God Incarnate who came to die for you, and who conquered death. Yes, they’re shiny and entertaining and attractive. But they’re like cotton candy compared to the steak and potatoes of the Gospel, unsatisfying and teeth-rotting. And this understanding leads us to praise God for opening our eyes and hearts to His truth, and to pray that He would draw many others to Himself and save them, too.

Now, on to the adult “battle” against the secularization and commercialization of Christmas.

Satan has always been working against a correct understanding of the Gospel, including Christmas. He hates God and hates people made in the image of God. He is the real enemy here, and we’re given instructions in how to fight against his crummy schemes (see Ephesians 6 and 1 Peter 5:9) — standing firm on truth, prayer, faith.

I don’t see anywhere in the Bible that we should expect not-yet-believers to preach the Gospel, tell Biblical stories correctly, or speak about Jesus if they don’t want to. They’re blind! They lack understanding! They’re spiritually dead! So I’m not bothered if someone says, “Happy Holidays.” It may create an opportunity to gently instruct someone. I don’t need to freak out if a mall has Santa’s sleigh and stuffed reindeer rather than a Nativity scene. It’s an reminder to intercede for people. I am not interested in signing petitions or boycotting stores over these issues. Let’s look for opportunities to love people, especially the hard-to-love.

Joke: Did you hear they’re canceling nativity scenes in Washington, D.C.? Can’t find three wise men.

In the US we’re privileged people and should work to preserve our constitutional freedom of religion. Christians should not be people who put others down. Our nation has never been perfect on religious freedom, nor do I expect it to be. Not everything was ideal in the 1950s, or in any decade. I believe in Christians logically, calming invoking Constitutional rights and sharing from our history. But whining and wheedling and childish behavior should not be in our repertoire. I am not sure if our constitutional freedoms will always continue, but I am sure in our freedom in Christ — including our freedom as we suffer.

Candidly, I fear the situation where we’re relying upon civic and government institutions to get the Christian story right. That’s the job of the Church, which is comprised of Christ-alive & transformed believing individuals.

Along these lines, please read Allen Murray’s short article, “Christmas Lights Are Not the Gospel.”

About the Author:
Glenn Brooke is the author of several books for Bible teachers, including Teach the Bible to Change Lives. He has coached thousands of Bible teachers to be more effective.

The Top 10 Funniest Christmas Photo Card Ideas Revealed

Sarcalogos — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:17:32 +0000

While the holidays are traditionally a time of religious and spiritual contemplation and rejoicing, everyone can use some humor in their life. This is especially true in today’s tight economy where many families are discovering that they will be unable to travel to see family and friends this holiday season. This realization is making the use of Christmas cards and photo cards, once again, a great way to reconnect with loved ones without breaking the family bank account.

Everyone needs a good laugh now and then. You can use your Christmas cards as a way to spread some holiday cheer by using humorous family photographs to design custom made holiday cards. Nearly everyone has a photograph or two that can bring on a smile even on the worst of days. If you do not have one that will work, there are plenty of opportunities to create a humorous holiday photo card with a digital camera and very little effort.

1. Bathtub Bubbles.

Bubble bath photos nearly always bring a smile, especially when the tub is also filled with pets and/or children dressed in Santa hats or reindeer antlers. The bubbles end up being props of their own and the delighted faces of your children will shine through on these holiday photo cards.

2. Crazy Crashes.

We don’t actually want to see anyone get hurt, but sometimes the camera is right where it needs to be to catch a moment that says it all. Feet in the air, skyrocketing eyebrows, and mouths in a perfect “O” can bring make us laugh out loud in spite of ourselves.

3. Doing It Old School.

Grab the family and get decked out in something hysterically historical. Add a sepia-time filter and you have everything you need for some comical Christmas cards.

4. Dressing Up.

Most children love the chance to dress up in Mommy and Daddy’s clothes. Grab an armful of shoes, jackets, dresses, and hats and let the fun begin. Your kids will parade and prance for as long as your camera batteries will last, creating funny family photographs perfect for your holiday photo cards.

5. Driveway Deliberations.

Take a broom to the driveway and break out a big box of brightly colored chalk and urge family members to add their holiday message to the driveway. Once all of your “artists” have completed their works, have a neighbor snap a shot of the family declaring their holiday driveway message.

6. Exquisitely Embarrassing.

Everyone has photographs that make the subject cringe and groan out loud as family and friends laugh riotously and tease affectionately. These humorous Christmas photo cards are sure to be a favorite, as everyone else recalls embarrassing moments of their own.

7. Food Foibles.

Whether the photograph is of a toddler wearing their birthday cake or a bowlful of spaghetti, kids involuntarily feeding the family dog, or the new wife’s smoke-filled kitchen, these photographs are sure to provide the comic relief everyone needs this holiday season.

8. Hysterical Holidays.

Thanksgiving turkeys that ended up on the floor, silly Halloween costumes, family vacation adventures, birthday party disasters, and cake-mashing wedding photographs can all be used to generate humor as well as let others know what your family has been up to during the year.

9. Intriguing Insights.

Candid photographs often show far more than was intended. Children stuck in buckets, dogs sneaking up on unsuspecting diners, and the kids’ attempt at bathing the family dog can all provide plenty of good choices for your holiday photo cards.

10. Pampered Pets.

Pets make great subjects for humorous Christmas cards. Most dogs and even some cats will tolerate being dressed, decorated, and posed in countless humorous photo card options. Santa hats, antlers, and human clothing can all be used to create something silly that everyone will enjoy.

We should always be looking for ways of thinking outside the box. There may be a humorous photo waiting to happen, and through more creative or non-conventional situations, you may easily capture that next holiday Christmas memory. This is also a simple, easy way to have a whole lot of fun!

About the Author:
Christy Bode is a customer advocate and blogger for Pear Tree Greetings (http://www.peartreegreetings.com/). They provide affordable, high quality, personalized Christmas cards and holiday photo card selections (http://www.peartreegreetings.com/Photo/Holiday-Photo-Cards/index.cat).

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Cashing In On Christmas.
Start A Successful Christmas Light Installation Business And Earn A 6-Figure Income For Less Than 3 Months Work. Complete Business Course.

Little Kid Christmas Crafts.
Discover Quick And Easy Christmas Crafts Guaranteed To Spark A Child’s Imagination And Create Lots Of Family Fun!

Christmas Clipart – Huge Christmas Graphics Package.
The 156 Meg Christmas Graphics Super Pack, Is Chock Full Of .jpg, .gif, And .png Files To Keep You Busy Clear Till Christmas!

Comprehensive Christmas Nativity Play.
Christmas Nativity Play For All Groups, Church, School, Family. With Script, Carols Sheet Music, Rehearsal, Production Notes, Etc.

Creative Youth Ideas Christmas Collection.
Everything You Need To Plan Your Christmas Event Or Party: Icebreakers, Games, Devotions, Spiritual Lessons, Illustrations And More!

FamilyNFriendsXmasTrivaGame.
A Fun Christmas Party Idea. Great For Kids, Teens & Adults. Best For US & Can (Questions Based On Popular North American Chritsmas Movies, Tv Shows, & Songs).

The Complete Christmas Collection.
Christmas Recipes, Crafts And Kids Activities.

Gluten Free Christmas Cookbook.
29 Gluten Free Christmas Recipes From The GlutenFreeKiwi.com. All Tried And Tested On Gluten Free And Gluten Eating People To Make Sure They Taste Great.

Christmas Cash.
Find Out How I Make Over $100k Every Christmas Season, Putting Up Christmas Lights.

Easiest Holiday Songs Ever For Guitar.
T’is The Season! New Product! 18 Christmas Songs Arranged For Guitar, Using Only 3 Chords. Perfect For Beginners, Kids, Teachers, Families, Singalongs.

Jesus or Santa?

Sarcalogos — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:54:16 +0000