Recently, the focus for one of the devotionals was in Isaiah 9 and the names and titles of the Messiah.

⁶ For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given,
   and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peace
   there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
   and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
   with justice and righteousness
   from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
   will accomplish this.

 The activitiy for the day was to listen to part of Handel’s Messiah and meditate on one of the titles given to Jesus. Great stuff. Involve your kids and have them pick their favorite, too.

Thank You God for Jesus!

Strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,

But do not show love to my family,

I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,

preparing gourmet meals and arranging beautifully adorned table at mealtime,

But do not show love to my family,

I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home,

And give all that I have to charity,

It profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,

Attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata,

But do not focus on  Christ,

I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the wife.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another ’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table  linens.

Love doesnt’ yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t .

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust…but giving the gift of love will endure.

Deck the Halls with Buddy Holly

We 3 Kings of Porridge and Tar

On the first day of Christmas my tulip gave to me

Later on we’ll perspire, as we dream by the fire

He’s makin’ a list, chicken and rice

Noel. Noel, Barney’s the king of Israel.

With the jelly toast proclaim

Olive, the other reindeer…

Frosty the Snowman is a ferret elf they say…

Sleep in heavenly peas

In the meadow we can build a snowman, Then pretend that he is sparse and brown

You’ll go down in Listerine

Oh, what fun it is to ride with one horse, soap and hay

Come, froggy faithful

You’ll tell Carol, “Be a skunk, I require” (I think that is – Yuletide carol being sung by a fire?)

It could mean a bunch of things and really doesn’t take away from Christmas. The song sings of friends and traditions so relationships are important. It also speaks of the present and too often we miss out on that, too.  And, little could mean real  or at the minimum, don’t miss the whole experience. I’m all for a true experience of the real meaning of Christmas.

However, the more I thought of Christmas the more I thought Christmas needs to be experienced in the biggest way possible because it is Jesus we celebrate. The Christmas gift is Jesus himself and that was no little exchange. Make it BIG. Celebrate Jesus with all your enthusiasm, gifts, family and friends. Give and received with Him in mind. Decorate with all you can. Sing loud with joy. Eat big, too! He is the reason to make it a Big deal.

I must have said my thoughts and feelings out loud because as we drove by a display last week one of my kids declared that it was too early to be decorating for Christmas!

However, as I think about it, is it really too early, ever? My quiet time was interrupted with that thought this week and the more I considered it the more it became clear that we can and should  look forward to Christmas now. Children surely do, they make their wish lists for the next Christmas on the 26th. Some of the early adopters are decorators who are already putting the finishing, twinkling touches on their home decor. So, too, we as Christians should be anticipating Jesus even now. Before the busy-ness. Before the barrage of parties. Before the crowds of shoppers drain us of our patience. Before the materialism of bigger and better. We would do well to look for Jesus now, each day and at all  hours no matter the season. What are you dreading…looking forward too?

I still have a couple of gift cards left,  I’ve used a couple of the gifts, eaten the candy and worn some articles of clothing but what about Jesus’ entry into our world. Am I already back into the same old rut and daily pattern?

I definitely sensed a “nearness” throughout the holidays. It was in the songs, sermons and devotionals. Family and friends made great memories, too. However, the focus that led up to December 25 was replaced with a focus on new tasks and due dates. I needed that reminder last night to celebrate Jesus is here! Don’t miss it no matter how great and thoughtful the gifts were or what’s next on your calendar. What lasts beyond the big day is Jesus…everyday.

Cyber Monday…that is just, I don’t know what. Commercialized?

Tell someone “Merry Christmas” and enjoy the season!

Remember the season as Jesus, Light of the world, brings light to life and makes things new.