We(I) have been trying to keep this blog up to date so that nobody is ever left wondering what in the world we've been up to. We are probably NOT going to be sending out a Christmas letter this year but we are definitely going to at least try to get a picture out to our friends and family. If you need a story to back it up, you can always check the blog! :-)
Christmas time is a very interesting time of year for me. There is so much pressure from the media to shop till you drop because it's the season of giving. Truth be told though, shopping/maxing out a credit card is absolutely not what the time of year is about. It is about the ultimate gift.
John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
My favorite part of this passage is the very next verse. John 3:17 says "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him."
Too often these two verses are separated from one another.
Being raised in a "Christian" home, celebrating Christmas was always a familial time of year. We would put all of the decorations up in one night, always thrilled by opening up the ornament containers. But the part of this season that I will always remember with gladness is the part when my sisters and I would sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. I remember one year dressing up with Jessica and Hannah as we did a musical, singing Silent Night & Joy to the World for my Mom and her friends. Buddy, the family dog, was always the shepherd and our older sisters' anatomically correct baby doll was always baby Jesus. As we grew older, we and a couple of other neighborhood kids would go caroling, just for fun. We would go every night during Christmas break, to be sure that we got every house in the neighborhood. It was fun to sing in front of other families, celebrating this joyous season. We learned quickly to not sing "Silent Night" at the houses with blue and white lights. :-)
At church a few weeks ago, we did an Advent service. I am completely unfamiliar with this type of ordeal but I must say I really enjoyed learning about the symbolism behind Christmas trees, poinsettias, evergreen wreaths, etc. It made me feel more excited about having a tree up. The Aviator and I have sort of prided ourselves in being a bit "Bah hum bug" about decorating and having everything just-so when it comes to different holidays. I know people enjoy putting halloween or Easter decor up but that's just not us.
The Aviator has been playing in the worship band. He is able to use his guitar and singing skills to serve and I know he absolutely loves it! For the Advent service, he was asked to sing the song "Mary Did You Know". I'm pretty sure every single person in that chapel had moist eyes. It is such a beautiful song. Here are the lyrics..
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.
The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.http://artists.letssingit.com/mark-lowry-lyrics-mary-did-you-know-hc1xwsv
What does this time of year mean to you? What are your favorite Christmas memories or traditions? Looking forward to your thoughts!Merry Christmas and remember, Jesus is the reason for the season! :-)
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