Showing posts with label Christmas Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas Day. Show all posts
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The Happiest Time of the Year
Once again, the Christmas trees are up, pretty lights abound and there is a mad dash to get the latest techno toy before the reindeer land on the roof. So much has changed since this time last year. There are families who still have no jobs. There are kids who still go to bed hungry. There are kids who are afraid to go to school because of bullies, still. We spend so much time, energy and money on being sure not to offend anyone, so much on making sure no one feels they are better than anyone else. Maybe if some of that concern, and resources was to be put towards making sure our kids are safe and secure, the rest of it might just work itself out. Someone much smarter than I once said the measure of a society can be seen in how it treats its children, aged and animals. In this country, once the greatest nation in the world, we are remiss in caring for these groups. In a world where a child feels worthless, where animals are butchered for sheer joy, and where the elderly are victimized and viewed as burdens on the greater masses, how can we expect the situation we are in to right itself? This season is one all about a single child. This child was born to parents who were poor, outcasts with no property and no intrinsic value to the greater society. In fact, some regarded them both as mentally unstable given their circumstances. They struggled to make due with what they had and what they were being given. In a time of uncertainty and doubt, a small child was born in humble surroundings who would grow to be one of the greatest change agents of modern time. No matter what your belief system, religion or culture, please take a moment to read the Christmas story and see just how important one small child can be to the rest of the world. Merry Christmas and Blessings to you all.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Oh Holy Night
It is Christmas Eve. The magic of Christmas can be seen the in eyes of every child you see. Churches will be overflowing this evening. Every town and city in the USA is brilliant with twinkling lights all around. Some have snow, some have rain and some are just the same. Some kids have the tradition of opening gifts from Santa Christmas Eve, others must wait until Christmas morning. Some have stockings they received on December 6th in honor of St. Nicholas, others have stockings that are received on Christmas with the other gifts. NORAD tracks where Santa is as he leaves the North Pole with his sleigh of presents. Whatever your traditions are in your family, take the time to cherish each moment of frenzy and excitement. Never mind the frustration with kids who would rather play with the box than the toy. It isn't going to be perfect; not a Norman Rockwell kind of a thing, not even close. It will be your own work of art with your family. Each year just a little different than before.
Take some time to remember the reason for the holiday and raise your voices in joy for the birth of Jesus so long ago in that stable in Bethlehem. Read the scripture that talks about the Nativity. Let the kids read parts too. Make Christ the center of your holiday and blessings will surely be yours for the coming year.
To all of you who have read my blog this year, I wish you the brightest of Christmas dreams and the Merriest of celebrations. And for the parents who struggle with if they should tell their kids that Santa doesn't exist, remember the real Santa lives in every one who enjoys giving more than getting. I think there are enough of us around to say... we really do exist!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Take some time to remember the reason for the holiday and raise your voices in joy for the birth of Jesus so long ago in that stable in Bethlehem. Read the scripture that talks about the Nativity. Let the kids read parts too. Make Christ the center of your holiday and blessings will surely be yours for the coming year.
To all of you who have read my blog this year, I wish you the brightest of Christmas dreams and the Merriest of celebrations. And for the parents who struggle with if they should tell their kids that Santa doesn't exist, remember the real Santa lives in every one who enjoys giving more than getting. I think there are enough of us around to say... we really do exist!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!
It is Christmas morning and the kids have already shredded the gift wrapping and are busy playing with their new toys. Mom and dad are exhausted and sit clutching their 8Th cup of coffee. If you listen closely you can hear sighs of " Thank God we made it through another Christmas Day!" And everyone swears they will not wait till the last minute next year. We will eat too much and have a huge mess to deal with later. But now, we are enjoying a moment of peace.
Today is the anniversary of the day we have designated as the day of Christ's birth in a town in Bethlehem. Many Nations across the world celebrate this day with us. Some religions don't, and that is fine. Today, however, if you truly believe in the birth of the Christ Child, don't feel embarrassed or ashamed by saying so. Wish people a "Merry Christmas!" That in itself is not an offensive statement, and I am not sure when we began to think it was. No other religion is prevented from letting the world now of the special days they observe, and we are ok with that. But when, in a country that was founded by people who believe and trust in an all knowing God who's Son was born into flesh denies Christians from expressing their beliefs, something has gone wrong, horribly wrong. I have seen children's groups happily sing Silent Night yet they are forbidden to sing a song that talks about a Saviour's love. One place that serves children was treated to a Christian singer and song writer doing an impromptu concert. AS long as he sang Jungle Bells and Silent Night it was all good. One course of Mary Did You Know and his mic went dead.
Today while you are recovering from the commercial part of this holiday, please remember the true reason behind the celebration. Wish Jesus a Happy Birthday and be proud to stand up for your faith and your traditions. Merry Christmas everyone. May the joy of this day warm you throughout the coming year.
Today is the anniversary of the day we have designated as the day of Christ's birth in a town in Bethlehem. Many Nations across the world celebrate this day with us. Some religions don't, and that is fine. Today, however, if you truly believe in the birth of the Christ Child, don't feel embarrassed or ashamed by saying so. Wish people a "Merry Christmas!" That in itself is not an offensive statement, and I am not sure when we began to think it was. No other religion is prevented from letting the world now of the special days they observe, and we are ok with that. But when, in a country that was founded by people who believe and trust in an all knowing God who's Son was born into flesh denies Christians from expressing their beliefs, something has gone wrong, horribly wrong. I have seen children's groups happily sing Silent Night yet they are forbidden to sing a song that talks about a Saviour's love. One place that serves children was treated to a Christian singer and song writer doing an impromptu concert. AS long as he sang Jungle Bells and Silent Night it was all good. One course of Mary Did You Know and his mic went dead.
Today while you are recovering from the commercial part of this holiday, please remember the true reason behind the celebration. Wish Jesus a Happy Birthday and be proud to stand up for your faith and your traditions. Merry Christmas everyone. May the joy of this day warm you throughout the coming year.
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