What is Christmas?

I just heard this song tonight and thought I would share it with you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyR0lwO-nXc

It puts Christmas into perspective....

May you be blessed.

From My House to Yours

Even though Christmas Day is over, I still have my tree, lights and decorations up. Often I keep them up until Epiphany, Jan. 6. In recent years I have been taking them down on New Year's Day, symbolizing a new start. I thought I would share a photo of Christmas at our house.

Although I have been on "vacation" for a week, I am just now getting around to visiting some of my favorite blogs. I look forward to Fridays when Kelli hosts the Show & Tell. I enjoy looking at special things others share. You can see what I shared today at my other blog. I will give you a hint - jewelry made by my cousin. Go have a look!

Celebrating our family Christmas

It's been awhile since I have been able to post. The past 2 and a half weeks have been packed with gift preparations and subbing (full time) in a fourth grade classroom. I love teaching, but the days aren't long enough! Then I come home, correct papers and fall asleep! It's not a very interesting life, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to teach.

We celebrated out family Christmas today since my DIL has to work Christmas Day. I bought very little and made various things personalized for the person getting the gift. Since I read a Calvin Coolidge quote a few weeks ago, “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” and being convicted that our gift giving needed to change, I have had a more peaceful heart.

I do admit that I was stressing a bit about getting things done for today, especially since my dh was called out to a fire for a few hours and was not able to help with some things as planned. But, the day turned out fine, of course, and everyone has gone home. Now I look forward to a few peaceful, quiet days. My dh & I have never had a Christmas day alone, so that will be different. Our neighbors will come over for coffee and coffeecake in the later morning as has become our own personal tradition. It's nice. Though we live right next door, some time we get so busy that we don't visit together for months, so this is a special time for us.

I'm ready to crash now, but thought I would use this opportunity to get caught up. May your coming days be filled with peace, love and joy.

Thinking about Gifts

Today someone asked me if my Christmas shopping is done. I stopped to think. I honestly don't know. Because I am making many gifts, or had some bought ahead, or am using prints of my own nature photos for gifts, I really don't know what I need to buy. Buying hasn't been high on my list this year. Oh, I did buy a set of pots and pans for my mom, which she needed and will like because they are red, but I don't have a buying list. The thought on my mind most of all this year is this: the best gift is LOVE. LOVE = TIME.

It may be time spent on making something special for someone. It might mean taking the time to write a letter or make a phone call. It might the time it take to stop by and have that Cup of Christmas Tea with someone you haven't seen in awhile. each year our pastor reads that poem to us, challenging us to go out and visit a neighbor, a relative, someone in need, etc.

My son & wife have asked for Lowes gift cards because they are remodeling their first home. I would like to add some "coupons" to that to gift: a gift of our time to help with whatever project they have going. As a young married couple, they are busy and may not come see us as much as we would like, and might not think about how important time is, but I want to model that for them. We are willing to give our time, because that is an expression of our love to them.

So that is what's I've been musing about .... Christmas .... gifts .... love .... time ... and tea!

What is Christmas?

I started to comment on Lori's blog and realized my answer was more like a blog entry! So, now I know what I will write today...

What is Christmas?
For some people it's the most depressing time because they can't live up to the expectations their children have that are fed by the media. For others it's another excuse to party and get drunk. Others see it as an opportunity to gather with family and friends and give gifts, but why? Is it out of duty or love? Or just a family tradition? It is because they are celebrating Christmas or a holiday/day off from work? Do they remember St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, or are they remembering the birth of Jesus Christ and the gifts the wise men presented to him?
The other day a freind shared with me a song by Reba McEntire called "Happy Birthday Jesus (I'll Open This One for You)" . I wish I could share the whole song with you, but it spoke to my heart.

A friend on an email list sent a link to a YouTube video called Christmas with a Capital C which really says it all for me! It's a rather "rocky" song but the message is so clear. I hope you will take a look and share the message with others.

Why are you celebrating Christmas? What/Who does it make you remember?

As for me, I will be remembering the birth of The Christ, the Messiah, the Savior, Emmanual ~ Jesus, Son of God. Even though man put a date on that day and the world has distorted and corrupted the remembrance, those who do remember can make a difference. We can use this Holy-day to share with those who have forgotten, or who have never known, why this Christmas Day is so important to us.

Preparations

Because I know the next few weeks will fly by, I am trying to work at getting myself prepared for Christmas bit by bit now. I know, many people have their Christmas cards mailed the day after Thanksgiving, but I have never been one of those people! I get my inspiration just before a holiday, and then I don't have time to do what I want.... I am in the process of making a calendar, a scrapbook, and a couple scarves for gifts as well as a cross stitch project! I wonder if there is some way to stretch the month of December. LOL!!

We are having a church Christmas gathering at my house on Dec 7, so I want to have my home decorated and ready! My hubby helped me get my Christmas village out and he cleaned it up for me. That was so helpful. I now have it sitting in my living room window.

Usually I try to make my own cards wih rubber stamps, but this year I decided to use one of my photos for the card as suggested by a friend of mine. I thought I would share the photo with you. I will stamp the inside text. I usually mail an annual letter too, but I have not yet begun it. Soon!

Maine pine cones © 2007 J-ME

Preparations .... I am reminded of the preparations God made in order to save us, in order to give us the opportunity of eternal life with Him. This time of the year is a remembrance of the beginnings of those preparations that one could see ~ Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, sent to be born a lowly birth. As we carry on with our preparations and family traditions this Christmas season, let us remember first and foremost WHY we are doing what we are doing.
I leave you tonight with Hebrews 2:9,17

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. ...Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."

God bless you.