Christmas

1001 Drawings #348, The Glow of a Cozy Fire

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The one thing I have never had the opportunity to do this time of year is sit by a warm cozy fire on Christmas Eve while somebody reads Twas the Night Before Christmas. I don’t why but the idea appeals to me very much. There is something about having friends around you, the glow of the fire that puts you in the Christmas mood. At this time of year we try to package the joy of the season in boxes with paper and ribbons. Perishable items which may or may not wear out before the end of the year. The enjoyment Christmas is found however in the little details, Those moments in time which create memories which don’t wear out. So one thing to do this year is to slow down and enjoy the season.

1001 Drawings #347, Dreaming of a White Christmas

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Growing up I don’t remember being that much concerned about having a white Christmas. In fact snow on Christmas only meant Santa would have an easier time gliding to a smooth landing. In my adult years snow on Christmas just meant a tougher commute to family and friends during the holidays. Still I hear stirrings of people wishing for snow because they want a white Christmas. Personally I don’t understand the appeal of the white stuff but if you’re a snow buff I hope you get your white Christmas.

1001 Drawings #346, The Season for Giving

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Christmas is the time we celebrate what God to us by giving back to others. The problem is that at this time of the year so many non profits are seeking our money and or time that it is hard to pick which ones to give our money. The only advice I can give is to pray and ask God where He wants you to help. The focus on that charity or organization.

1001 Drawings #345, Decking the Halls

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One of my favorite things about this time of the year are the decorations both inside and outside. I love a finely decorated tree with lots of multi colored lights. I also love the smell of the tree and the other assorted decoration. On the outside of the house the more lights the better. My wife and I love to drive around and check out the decorated houses in our area. There was even one local house which appeared on a Holiday Light Fight show.

The Bible warns us in a number of places about being careful about being overly concerned about our outer beauty like, 1 Peter 3:3-4, “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” Life is not about trying to impress others but with a quiet spirit seek to minister to others.

1001 Drawings #344, Don’t Be A Scrooge

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One of my favorite Christmas stories is Dicken’s, “A Christmas Carol,” which as most of you know is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser who loves his money more than anything. After being visited by three ghost Scrooge has a change of heart and becomes warm and caring. In our society to be called a Scrooge means to be called someone who doesn’t care about anything. At this time of year it is not hard to become a Scrooge because of all the over commercialism of Christmas. The key to get through the season is to focus on Jesus and though I hate to use a cliched quote, “The Reason for the Season.”

1001 Drawings #343, What’s Up With The Mistletoe 

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Mistletoe, what is it and where did it come from? Each year we hang mistletoe so we can catch a kiss from some unsuspecting soul who happens to stand under the plant but does anyone know where the tradition comes from? Mistletoe is a parasitic plant which owes it’s life to the whichever trees it attaches itself. The tradition of stealing a kiss under the mistletoe dates back to old Nordic traditions. From there it gained it’s way to the United States from the 18th Century British servants who carried it across the ocean. Now loves blossoms under the mistletoe.

I think it as a Christian it is important for us to know where the traditions we have at Christmas time started. God us wants us to be in the world but not of the world so we have to be careful how and what we choose to use in our homes when we decorate.

1001 Drawings #342, Now We Go A Caroling

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One of my favorite aspects of this time of year are the Christmas carols. Not the one like Jingle Bells or Rudolph but carols like “O Holy Night.” “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” among many. These carols point us in the direction of the true why of Christmas and not the commercial why of Christmas. In that light this message is brief so you can up some carols and get in the mood for Christmas.

1001 Drawings #341, Christmas Through The Eyes of The Beholder

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Our view of Christmas changes as we age. As a child we see the magic of Christmas all around us as we eagerly await the arrival of Santa. As we age we learn the truth of the red suited one but still know feel the joy of the season. As we enter adulthood our view of Christmas starts to change because of the hustle and bustle of the holiday.

Then one day we become parents and start to see the magic of Christmas through our children’s eyes. That is until they grow up and leave the nest but then they have children of their own. So then in grandparent mode the cycle begins a third time as we see Christmas through our grandchildren’s eyes.

We also learn as we grow that the magic of Christmas is not found in the getting but in the giving to one and all, not in gifts but in joy.

 

 

 

 

 

1001 Drawings #340, Just Elven Around…

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If you haven’t guessed by now I am embroiled in 25 days of Christmas themed drawings. The latest of these drawings is an elf. There are many aspects of Christmas which while not a part of the true Christmas story are part of our cultural Christmas season. The problem we have as Christians is not forgetting the truth of Christmas as we sometimes get wrapped up in all the other trappings of the holiday season, the shopping, the glitter, the shopping, the packed malls and stores among others.