Bah Humbug

So why is it that every Christmas we as Christians have to be reminded not to let Jesus get buried beneath all the shopping, parties, gift giving, eating, celebrating, etc. etc.?

Of course there is nothing wrong with those things...but why do we always need the reminding? Why don't we just "GET IT" for once. Don't you think by now we'd understand that it's all about that sweet little baby?

We give gifts to our loved ones, to our neighbors, to our co-workers, and heck sometimes to ourselves...but what do we give to Jesus on Christmas? 

It's all for him anyways right? I know it makes his heart smile when we show our love to one another through giving...but I just know there's something more that He desires...and I think you do too.

I know that the way we Americans do Christmas is very cultural and based on tradition...but it doesn't always have to be. I am honestly tempted to break some (or all) of those traditions so that I'll finally grasp that it's all for Emmanuel. 

You're right, how very Bah-Humbug of me...but that's the thing. It's only in the eyes of our society that I'll appear like the Grinch if I don't buy, buy, buy, and give, give, give. But you know what, stuff never satisfies anyone...no matter how hard we try to convince ourselves that it does. 

We've made Christmas all about ourselves (again...and again)...and I guess that's why we always need to be reminded of that little baby...

I guess I'm just ready to try something different...aren't you?

‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them,you did it to Me.’ 

Matt. 25:35-40

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world...

James 1:27

A White Christmas

We will be Florida (home sweet home) bound in about 24hrs!!!

And this beautiful piece of pure liquid wonderment is waiting for us:

A Florida White Christmas never gets old. ;-)

Everything

There are so many versions of this video online. This one I think is my favorite. It is so powerful and clearly depicts the love that Christ has for you. He is fighting ferociously for you every second of every day.

Paper Christmas Trees

So, my dear friend Stephanie Lyell (go check out her amazing photography at stephanielyell.com) and I did a little Pinterest Project last weekend. We made paper Christmas trees!

We bought different pieces of scrapbook paper, posterboard to make the cone base, and used regular Elmer's glue. (Hot glue works faster, but tends to burn! hehe)

We made a cone shape out of the posterboard by twisting it together and taping it at our desired shape/size. We then cut off the bottom so it would be level and stand straight. (However, mine still ended up being a little wonky.) You can buy those Styrofoam cones, but they cost a lot more.

We then cut little strips of the scrapbook paper and curled them on the end of a pen or pencil. Then start gluing them around the cone, starting at the base and working your way up. I did smaller strips, Stephanie did hers a bit bigger, but they both have personality and look great!!!

Here is the original post on Pinterest where we got the idea from: http://hiphiphoorayblog.com/2010/12/christmas-trees/

 

I only have one picture to post, but I think you get the idea. :-)

Fears with this Faith of mine

Often, I fear that if I declare truths of my faith in writing - whether that be on facebook, twitter, this blog, etc. then those who don't have the same worldview and faith that I do will just shut out anything I say, therefore shutting out any opportunity for them to know the Jesus that I know.

I am afraid at times that if I speak/write in Christianese, then only the Christians will be receptive, and not the people who actually need Christ.

I know this is completely selfish, but it is something I have struggled with from time to time here on social media. Some of you might not see that at all, but it really is something I've been battling over - as I have "befriended" people on social media that I know are not believers. Perhaps I'm not giving them enough credit of being tolerable to my beliefs. I mean, come on LA, isn't it better to put your faith out there then not saying anything at all? I guess I just know that the Christian faith is typically one of the first to be attacked or made fun of. Guess that shouldn't be a surprise to me though...

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.” John 15:18-20 NIV

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

I do believe that social media and the internet should not be ignored when it comes to being the light of Christ. It has become evident that I'm putting my fears and myself in the way of the gospel - I have underestimated the power and ability of the Holy Spirit to work in the lives who do not know the saving power of Christ - even on the internet.

I just need His wisdom and guidance in this small yet significant matter.