Advent and Christmas are wonderful times of the year. Personally, for me the excitement of these celebrations revolves around family and traditions that mildly fluctuate through the years.
Church has always been an integral part of the Christmas season for me. I pleasantly recall simple recitations by the children, singing of carols, preparation of the platform for a Christmas play and pageants of the birth of Christ and celebratory banquets.
Coming from a less financially fortunate family, it wasn’t nor is it about gifts so much as the smells and sounds that represent a joyful time. I love the special aromas filling the house. It meant spending time with those we loved and enjoying breaking bread together at a family table filled with abundance and good tastes. Then there were update conversations about how each of us were doing. The gift exchange was fun and often exciting, especially for the younger children.
As the years have passed family has become distanced and getting together is more difficult. The family is growing but diversity and accessible options limit the willingness to unite. It is difficult to please everyone with being present and participating in those old traditions of gift giving and opening of presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. But I would hope my family would not forget the real reason for Christmas. Let’s celebrate the coming of a Savior to redeem our lost souls.
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Christmas
The Christmas season is here. As a child I looked forward to this time of year and it seemed forever getting here each year. There was anticipation of vacation from school, visiting family, Christmas programs at church, the smell of pine trees, sounds of Christmas carols and good will expressed everywhere. Now it comes so rapidly. What has happened?
Like most children, I looked forward to presents under the tree. I really didn’t ask for much and as time passed I expected even less. As an adult I see commercialism lessens the significance of the real celebration. It seems to be all about the economy. But I must focus on the reason for the season. The pageants and programs must continue to convey the celebration of the birth of a Savior. It is a happy time because of Jesus coming to earth. I find no fault with gift giving and sharing at any time. But, He is our greatest gift and source of peace in time of turmoil.
The secularist view pervades our religious representations with obtuse objections. They want to change the focus by calling it a winter holiday and using an “x” to replace “Christ” is an all too common practice. But I remind them that the “x” in Greek is “chi” and can well be the initial of Christ. Persecution of believers seems to be the underlying motive for their attacks about Christ-centered displays in public places. Christians awake! Do you remember the godless society of the USSR which failed? Are we headed in that direction with proposed and pending legislation that contains laws that contradict the message of the Bible?
The one true message of this season of Advent is found in Luke’s Gospel chapter two, 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Lets keep the message alive. Merry CHRISTmas
Like most children, I looked forward to presents under the tree. I really didn’t ask for much and as time passed I expected even less. As an adult I see commercialism lessens the significance of the real celebration. It seems to be all about the economy. But I must focus on the reason for the season. The pageants and programs must continue to convey the celebration of the birth of a Savior. It is a happy time because of Jesus coming to earth. I find no fault with gift giving and sharing at any time. But, He is our greatest gift and source of peace in time of turmoil.
The secularist view pervades our religious representations with obtuse objections. They want to change the focus by calling it a winter holiday and using an “x” to replace “Christ” is an all too common practice. But I remind them that the “x” in Greek is “chi” and can well be the initial of Christ. Persecution of believers seems to be the underlying motive for their attacks about Christ-centered displays in public places. Christians awake! Do you remember the godless society of the USSR which failed? Are we headed in that direction with proposed and pending legislation that contains laws that contradict the message of the Bible?
The one true message of this season of Advent is found in Luke’s Gospel chapter two, 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Lets keep the message alive. Merry CHRISTmas
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