Christmas Pictures

Because I can.

Aw Christmas, its the most wonderful time of the year, at least that's what I have always heard, some are good, some are great and some . . . not so much.  This year was pretty nice all things considered.  The boys sure had fun and I didn't get too stressed so I would say Christmas 2012 was good.  Some of us spent the whole day in our pajamas.

The Christmas Eve service at church was very entertaining as always with the kids doing the "impromptu" live nativity.  All are included.  EM pretty much thought he should be a part of everything everywhere and was all over the stage during the whole thing.

Every time they lit the candle at church during advent he wanted to have the fire.

HT "sang" in the children's choir so EM thought he should be up there too.

Even Papa got in on the act, since none of the children wanted to play the donkey that carried Mary, he volunteered.  This is a man who isn't afraid to make himself look foolish for the sake of his children.  A man recently diagnosed with RA and in considerable pain on his hands and knees for the sake of the children.  I do love him so.  I'm pretty sure he enjoyed himself also.

New Years was spent with the boys early to bed along with their papa who had a nasty cold, that is still lingering, and I sat up by myself, sewing, binding a quilt actually until at least 10:00pm.  We sure do know how to ring in the new year, don't we?!

Pastor Mike's Last Minute Gift Giving Guide

Sunday was the last sunday in Advent, the last sunday before the much anticipated birth of our Savior.  A day to be filled with joy, a day to rejoice in the birth of our Savior.

Yet Christmastime can also be exhausting when faced with the seemingly endless preparations and the pressures of society's ideal of what our Christmas should look and feel like.  We struggle to keep things in perspective but often get caught up in a world view that distorts the reason for our celebrations.  We find ourselves trying to live up to impossible expectations.

Some of us struggle with depression and grief over a lost loved one, or the frustration and hurts when dealing with the disappointments that life has dealt us.

God has given us Christmas to minister to those in need, to share the gift of Christ with others, to bless another's life with that gift, with our words and deeds.  To be faithful in shining the light of Christ on a dark, hurting and broken world.

So in light of sharing Christ with others this season our Pastor gave us a few last minute gift giving ideas.

1.  "Mend a quarrel."  Really what have you got lose, a broken heart, hurt feelings, a festering soul.  I say the sooner the better.  You'll gain forgiveness, restored friendship and a heart free to love again.

2.  "Seek out a forgotten friend."  What could be better than renewing a relationship and remembering the camaraderie of days long gone.

3.  "Speak kindly to a homeless person."  You may not be able to help with their situation but you can show them some compassion for their loss.

4.  "Hug someone tightly and whisper, 'I love you so'."

5.  "Gladden the heart of a child."  Get down on their level and listen to what they have to say, be it silly or otherwise, you can make a child merry by sharing in their joy.

6.  "Take a walk with a friend."  It's amazing what a walk can do for you both.  Physically, emotionally and spiritually.

7.  "Express appreciation."  Smile and tell someone thanks, like the person who offers to take your cart back to the store and then offer up a silent prayer on their behalf.

8.  "Apologize if you were wrong."  It really is very easy to say "I'm sorry."  It's only two little words but can mean more than a thousand.

9.  "Be gentle and patient with an angry person."  In Proverbs 15:1 it says "A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger."

And finally . . .

10.  "Treat someone to a cup of coffee or an ice cream cone."  What could be better than good coffee or ice cream and good conversation to spread a little good will someone's way.

And remember to share the gift of Christ, the real treasure of Christmas, the best gift of all.

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, 

for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, 

let us do good to all, 

especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Galatians 6: 9-10

Warming the Tree

Do you all remember the story by Hans Christian Andersen about The Little Match Girl?  It really is a very sad tale of a poor little girl sent out into the cold on a winters day to sell matches to help with the family income.  Having sold no matches all day she is afraid to go home and spends the night on the streets where she succumbs to the cold, but not before lighting a bundle of matches in an effort to keep warm.  But really in the spark of each match and flicker of light that briefly shines, she sees the glory of heaven.

This year as in the past several years our church has decorated a Christmas tree during advent with hats, gloves, scarves and the like.  The donations are gathered up and given to the those who are less fortunate and/or are homeless.  The kids and adults alike come forward during the children's message and "decorate" the tree.  What won't fit on the tree is placed at its base.  I hope that this year no one has to die in the cold.  I pray that those with the greatest need will benefit from the gift.  That in the giving they will see the love that God has for them.  I know that the pairs of gloves we put on the tree won't save the world, but they can at least keep someone's hands warm.

And perhaps by helping others we can see a glimpse of heaven ourselves.

"And the King will answer and say to them, 

'Assuredly, I say to you, 

inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, 

you did it to Me.'

Matthew 25:40

Advent Calendar

As I'm sure many of you already know, Sunday was the first day of Advent.  From now until Christmas we celebrate the coming birth of Jesus.

So I was inspired by this website to make an advent calendar.  It was very easy to do using a mini muffin tin some card stock and a sheet of scrapbook paper that had all the numbers printed on it and a few magnets.  I filled each hole with a piece of candy and a scripture verse to be read each day, telling the story of the first coming of Christ.  

Mine was done very simply because I didn't have time to do any thing else, since I only put it together yesterday,  I may or may not add a few little embellishments to a few numbers or add December at the top or I may just leave it alone.  I didn't paint the tin as recommended, that way I can put it back in the drawer after Christmas.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  Isaiah 7:14

(P.S. Happy Birthday Phil!)