2017 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 17

I love this Santa cookie jar. It is a joyful creation and there is the promise of good things inside that are to be shared with others. Christmas is a special season. It is a joyful time of year with the promise of the Good News that is to be shared with everyone and the gift of eternal life made available to all.  That's Christmas to me. Have a blessed day.

2016 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 26

"And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child." (Luke 2:16-17)
For most of us it is nearly impossible to keep good news to ourselves. When we get a job promotion, we let it be known. When we purchase a new car or a new house, we want to show everyone we know. The shepherds were among the first humans to be told of the Good News that a Savior had been born and they were the first visitors that Mary and Joseph received. Upon viewing Jesus, there was no doubt in the minds of these men that Christ was indeed the promised Messiah and they could not wait to tell the world about their experience. Let His light shine in your heart this Christmas season. Have a blessed day.

 

2016 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 8

Angels have always played an important role in the relationship between God and mankind. God has used them to deliver important messages throughout history. Upon the birth of Christ God announced the promised Messiah to shepherds in nearby hills. At the first appearance of angels and light, the shepherds were terrified but the Creator, by way of angels, told them, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good tidings of great joy; for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

2015 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 8

Time in a Bottle

Since Christmas is about celebrating the birth of a Savior, it is only natural that Christmas is all about the kids. It seems that they grow up all too fast. The image above is from 2005. The image below was taken last week. A decade has passed and one of these children is now a young adult in her sophomore year at college. One will soon be getting her drivers license and the other two are  beginning their adventures as teenagers. Time flies.

How quickly a decade passes. These two images put into perspective just how little time we have to train our children and influence our grandchildren before they are making their own way in this world. The Bible tells us to "train our children in the way that they should go" and it states that the Bible is good for instruction in all things. Training our children in all things includes their religious and moral values.  There is a whole world out there waiting to tell them that anything goes. The Holidays, Christmas & Thanksgiving are excellent opportunities to teach our children important values regarding friends, family, and worship. We only have them for a few short years. We need to make the most of our time with our children and grandchildren.  Have a blessed day.

Skywatch Friday/2014 Christmas Music Marathon-Day 22

A storm is coming, but the flag will fly and endure until night falls.  If it is lit from the ground then it will fly through the night and greet the morning, a little tattered, a little torn, but still reminding us of this great nation and those who gave themselves during the nightmare that is war, that we might greet the morning in freedom.

2014 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 22

Wordless Wednesday-2014 Christmas Music Marathon-Day 20

Angels We Have Heard On High

2014 Christmas Music Marathon-Day 20

Ruby Tuesday Too - 2014 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 5

 Ruby Tuesday Too
The two ornaments pictured here have a special place in our hearts.  They were among the ornaments that hung on the tree forty-one years ago when my wife and I celebrated our first Christmas together.  They are satin and have a very soft sheen to them as they catch the light.  They are still in very good condition, so I expect to see them on our tree for many years to come.

2014 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 6
An angel appeared to Mary to inform her that she had been chosen by God to give birth to the Savior of this world.  I don't know how anyone could fully understand the meaning of that news.  Mary was engaged to Joesph, not married.  They were going to have to travel to Bethlehem for the census and tax purposes.  There was a storm of controversy surrounding Mary once it was known that she was expecting a child.  Many counseled Joseph to abandon Mary and pursue another direction in his life.  Instead, Joseph listened to the voice of the Lord.  He married his betrothed and they began their journey together.  One has to wonder, how often did Mary sit alone in the evening, giving consideration to the words of the angel and did she understand the significance of the events that were soon to take place. Mary, did you know?                    



And what about Joseph?  After all, It wasn't his child.