Advent

The month of December is filled with great anticipation so many families like to celebrate Christmas throughout the month of December instead of only on the 25th.

There are many ways to commerate Christmas beyond the one BIG day. Advent calendars -- or countdown to Christmas -- is a jolly and merry way to incorporate

The word advent means coming or arrival. The focus of the entire Christmas season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus and the anticipation of the return of Christ (second advent).

Advent is the season leading up to Christmas day.  It begins four Sundays before December 25th (sometimes the last weekend of November, sometimes the first Sunday in December).

Advent is one of the few Christian festivals that is observed at home as well as at church.  Advent is a natural time to involve children at home in activities that directly connect with worship at church.

The season of Advent represents the long years that the Israelites awaited the coming Savior.

At the heart of the Christian faith is the declaration that our Lord Jesus Christ became man for our salvation.  This affirmation is expressed succinctly in the term incarnation. This word is of Latin origin and simply means invested with flesh.  Simply put, Christmas is the celebration and observance of the incarnation. Such an event calls for rejoicing, bright lights, and happy gatherings. It also calls for reverence, reflection, and a deep sense of awe.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent.

There are many different ways to observe the Advent time.  It is common in many homes to mark the days of Advent (or countdown to Christmas).

The next few days I will share various ways to celebrate Advent or -- like my family -- countdown to Christmas day.

Four Months Til Christmas & Meaning of Christmas

This is simply one of the most beautiful moments that is seen on TV during the Christmas season.  Linus, of course, is quoting the Holy Bible, and yet, whether you in the Bible, God, Jesus, or not, you don't need to believe in any of it to get to the true core of the meaning of Christmas.  As he quotes --"Peace on Earth, and good will towards men."

Santa's Prayer

The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed,

But Santa still knelt by the side of the bed.

"Dear Father," he prayed "Be with me tonight.
There's much work to do and my schedule is tight.

I must jump in my sleigh and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well that a reindeer can't fly.

I will visit each household before the first light,
I'll cover the world and all in one night.

With sleigh bells a-ringing, I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter of each little hoof.

To get in the house is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney of each child's heart.

My sack will hold toys to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.

I will fill all the stockings and not leave a track.
I'll eat every cookie that is left for my snack.

I can do all these things Lord, only through You,
I just need your blessing, then it's easy to do.

All this is to honor the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.

So to all of my friends, least Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them who gave me this job."

'Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
Mom in her rock with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray,
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY.

The light of His face made me cover my head.
It was Jesus. Returning just like He had said.
Though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name.
When He said, "It's not here," my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late.
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight.
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear...
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

~~ Dianne Donenfeld, 1988 ~~

Bible Explorer

Since we’re heading into the Christmas season, I thought you might like to know about this FREE piece of software for PC or Mac users. It’s called Bible Explorer and is a sweet study tool. It comes with over 200 free Bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, and more.The software includes the American Standard Version (ASV), New International Version (NIV), New American Standard Bible (NASB) Bundle, King James Version (KJV), and the Bible in Basic English (BBE), just to list a few.

It doesn’t matter whether you follow the Catholic, Church of Christ, Dispensational, Lutheran, Mainline, Pentecostal, Puritan, Reformed, or Wesleyan doctrine, there is study material to help you out. There are also study aids written from Jewish Christian perspectives.

I can think of oodles of people who may enjoy this as a gift including ministers, church leaders, grandma (who can’t see well), parents, and kids, and the list goes on. Part of the broad range appeal is due to the special libraries you can add according to your needs. For example, there is a library for preachers and discipleships, etc .

There are just so many features and possibilities with this software, I can’t list them all. To find out if this software is a good fit for your needs, you can click here to discover more about Bible Explorer.

Prepare Your Heart for a Great Christmas

Check out this wonderful devotional journal for women. It features scripture-based reflections and journal pages for gratitude, intention, and to-do lists. Written by a Christian mom and beginning on Thanksgiving Day and ending on the Feast of the Epiphany, the book is an insightful prayer companion for busy moms!

You're Invited

You are cordially invited to A birthday celebration!

Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Every day. Traditionally, December 25, but He's always around, so the date is flexible.

Time: Whenever you're ready. Please don't be late, though, or you'll miss out on all the fun.

Place: In your heart . . . He'll meet you there. You'll hear Him knock.

Attire: Come as you are. Old clothes are okay. He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays til the end.

Tickets: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone. He says you wouldn't have been able to afford it anyway . . . it cost Him everything He had. But you do need to accept the ticket!

Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a far-out drink He calls "Living Water," followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world.

Gift Suggestions: Your life. He's one of those people who already has everything else. He's very generous in return though. Just wait until you see what He has for you!

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more! All "G" rated, so bring your family and friends.

R.S.V.P. is Very Important: He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life."

Party Given: By His Kids (that's us). Hope to see you there.

Christmas with a Captial C

The Meaning of CHRISTMAS

C is for the Christ Child who was sleeping in the hay.
H is for the Heavenly Host who worshipped Him that day.
R is for the Radiance on Mary's holy face.
I is for the lowly Inn, a poor and humble place.
S is for the Star that shone to guide the shepherds there.
T is for the Travelers who brought Him treasures rare.
M is for the Manger where He laid His little head.
A is for the Angels who hovered 'round His bed.
S is for the Savior whom has given us peace on earth & eternal life.

This is a Christmas Tree

This is a Christmas tree.

This is a Christmas tree.

This is a Christmas tree.

This is a Christmas tree.

This is a Christmas tree.

These are Christmas trees.
These are NOT Holiday trees.
They are not Hanukkah bushes.
They are not Allah plants.
They are Christmas trees.

Say it...
CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas.

Yes, CHRISTmas -- not Holiday.
We are not celebrating the birth of a Holiday!
We are celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ!

Christmas Thought of the Day - 1/12/09

A Different Kind of Tree

A friend hired a plumber to help restore an old farmhouse. The plumber just finished a rough first day on the job: a flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit, and his ancient one-ton truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss. Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier. "Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children, so I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again." "Funny thing is," he smiled," when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."

12 Days of Christmas - Day Twelve

There are so many things to love about Christmas . . .
carols that sing of Jesus' birth and joy to the world, the scents of the season that fill the air and tempt our tummies, the radiant beams of light from rooftops to treetops, and the sight of our homes and hearths decorated to usher in this most joyous season of the year.

It is a season marked by giving and sharing and caring. Christmas truly is the most beautiful holiday of them all . . . beautiful to behold with the eye and with the heart.

Celebrating Christ's birthday is celebrating the life He died to give us.

12 Days of Christmas - Day Eleven

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Psalm 150:6 NKJV

Choose this year to make your home a place where Jesus is honored. Do your best o dwell on what is right with Christmas rather than focusing on what is wrong with it.

Use the signs and symbols of the season to remind you of the names of Jesus and who He is to you. Decide to make this Christmas more about Him and less about stuff by giving away the best gift that was ever given to you -- the unconditional, unmerited, everlasting love of God!

Dedicate this season to worship the Lord by being His heart, His hands, and His voice to those around you.

"Let heaven and nature sing."

12 Days of Christmas - Day Ten

Sacrifice the season in His name.

Give yourself away generously! The sacrifice of your time, talent, or money may open the door for others to see the salvation of the Lord in their lives. Consider giving, not just out of your abundance, but actually giving up something in order to help someone who needs a touch of God's love.

12 Days of Christmas - Day Nine

Nourish the season in His name.

Offer a taste of God's grace and goodness to a hungry world this Christmas by giving the gift of food or volunteering to help serve meals at a homeless shelter.

Designate a generous portion of your gift-giving budge to donate to a charity such as Samaritan's Purse or Salvation Army.

12 Days of Christmas - Day Eight

Celebrate the season in His name.

God is with you and it's His birthday. Bake a cake, light a candle, and invite your family and friends to celebrate His birth. After you sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus, go caroling around the neighborhood.

Another good way to celebrate the birth of any baby is to host a baby shower. This Christmas consider having a baby shower in His name and donating the gifts to a local pregnancy center.

12 Days of Christmas - Day Seven

If you long for less stress and more peace of God, I suggest you decorate the season with prayer.

Whether it's planning for your holiday activities or dealing with the unexpected, hanging ornaments or standing in a checkout lane. Jesus wants to give order to your chaos, meaning to your activities, and calm to your heart.

Begin today to thank Him for what you love about Christmas. Confide in Him about the things you don't like about the season. Ask Him for the wisdom to change what you are able and the grace to transform holiday hassles into holy-day opportunities.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being my Prince of peace. Help me to decorate my life with the ornaments of prayer and praise so that I may be like a tree of life to those around you. Amen.

12 Days of Christmas - Day Six

Christmas is the most loving, giving, joyful holiday of the year. Yet it can be the most burdensome season as well. So much to do and so little time to do it. The voices of expectation vie for our attention. Perfect presents cry out to be purchased. The house and hearth long to be dressed. Parties and program invite us to attend. The list goes on and on. The sad truth is that we can become weary of Christmas just thinking about it.

But, shhh! If you can hush the holiday clatter for just a moment you will hear another Christmas voice, a quiet calling from the Baby in the manger. "Come to Me," He bids.

To help you stay focused on the Heart of the season, choose a quiet place to set a nativity scene (even if it is in the bathroom) and find some quiet moments every day to hold the Baby Jesus in your hands and know that He holds you in His.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for listening to all the
other voices before I've listened to Yours. Help me to set aside time to be with You and to know You're with me. Amen.

12 Days of Christmas - Day Five

The tree is standing tall and each ornament that you place reminds you of God's grace and His love for one and all.

Do you remember how sparsely decorated your first Christmas tree was? If you know a single woman who has just moved into her first apartment or a newlywed couple celebrating their first Christmas together, create or purchase a collection of ornaments that will decorate someone else's heart and home with the Reason for the season.

12 Days of Christmas - Day Four

I am like a tree that is always green,

giving my fruit to you all through the year.

Hosea 14:8 NLT

I cringe at the word "artificial," but I'm getting used to it. I remind myself that it's not the kind of tree one has -- real or fake, stately or scraggly, noble or pine -- but the symbolism that points the heart heavenward.

The evergreen tree was first used in celebration of a false god by people who did not know Jesus, the Creator of this symbol of everlasting life. As those who know Him and love Him, we have redeemed its value and given it a place of honor in our celebration of the only true God.

As you set up your tree, remember that Jesus is like an evergreen . . . eternal and everlasting. With Him there is no beginning or end.

Heavenly Father, thank You that not only is Jesus like a
tree, but that He died on a tree to save us from our sins, so that through faith in Him we could have eternal and everlasting life. Amen.