CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS – Do You See What I See?

In most homes the Christmas tree seems to take center stage and is covered in symbols that remind me of who and what we are celebrating.  Everything seems to reflect something about this Christ Child that was born. 

The lights reminded me of what Jesus said in 

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

The garland around the tree reminds me that we are all united in one body.

Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

The Christmas balls remind me of the world and how much God really loves the world. 

John 3:16, 17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 

The icicles remind me of the coldness of the hearts of those that don’t know Jesus.

Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

The candy canes can hold so much symbolism if one only looks.  Turned upside down it is the letter ‘J’ for Jesus - the Good Shepherd.  The red stripes remind me of the blood He shed for me.

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Right side up the candy cane is shaped like a shepherd’s hook and reminds me of

Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  

The angels on the tree remind me of

Luke 2:9-11 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

On the top of the tree is usually a star that reminds me of the wise men from the east following the star to see the new born babe who would some day proclaim

Revelation 22:16 … I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

The wreath is a reminder of the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus’ head.

Mark 15:17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

When He returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He will be wearing the victor’s crown, a crown of gold.

Revelation 14:14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

 

The presents under the tree remind me of the gifts the wise men brought to the young child.

Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

But most of all, I am reminded of the Gift that God has given us through His Son Jesus.  It truly is the Greatest Gift of all.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Under the tree is the manger scene and I am reminded of how the tree overshadowed the tiny babe lying in the manger.  He grew and walked in the shadow of that tree throughout His life and ministry.  We rejoice at His coming but the greatest victory took place on the tree at Calvary.  

HE CAME TO DIE. 

That was His whole purpose in coming. 

As I stand back and look at the whole scene I am saddened. 

Isn’t it funny how Christmas has become the biggest celebration of the year and Easter is given a much smaller role. 

Shouldn’t the celebrating of His death and resurrection be the Major focal point for all Christians?

Merry Christmas one and all.

ARE YOU B-U-S-Y THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON?

The Holiday Season is upon us and everyone is busy trying to get everything done in time for Christmas. We have shopping to do, concerts to go to, presents to wrap, food to prepare and people to see.  We barely get a break for ourselves.  

I thought this would be a good time to share this little story (author unknown).  I hope it will remind us to slow down during this busy season and to stop and think for a little while. 

(Read it, even if you're busy, especially if you're too busy) 

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said, 

"We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their Saviour.  Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered Dish dinners,  but Steal their Time, so they don't have time to develop a real relationship with Jesus Christ." 

"This is what I want you to do", said the devil. "Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!" 

"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted. 

"Keep them busy in the non essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered:

• Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow. 
• Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles.
•  Keep them from spending time with their children. As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of the world! 
• Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that 'still, small voice.' 
• Entice them to play the radio or tape player whenever they drive...to keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ. 
• Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. 
• Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. 
• Invade their driving moments with billboards. 
• Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogues, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes.
• Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. 
• Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night.   Give them headaches too!   If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment their families quickly!
• Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas. 
• Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death. 
• Even in their recreation, let them be excessive...have them return from their recreation exhausted. 
• Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. 
• Send them to amusement parks!, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead. 
• Keep them busy, busy, busy!   And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, they will leave with troubled consciences.

For those who resist all the temptations of television and worldly pursuits, crowd their lives with so many good causes that they have no time to seek power from Jesus. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause.  

'It will work! It will work!!"

It was quite a plan! 

The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to have little time for their God or their families, and to have little or no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives. 

I guess the question is, has the devil been successful at his scheme?  You be the judge! 

Does "busy" mean:

B-eing
U-nder
S-atan's
Y-oke

Remember the Reason for the Season.  Take time with Jesus.  After all, it is His Birthday we are celebrating.    

Here are some verses to help you through the busy season:

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Php 4:6 Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

And here are a few GIFTS that Jesus gives to you.

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Ecc 3:13  And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Merry Christmas one and all.

MEREDITH AND ABBEY

I received the following in an email and decided to share it with everyone.   

A little kindness goes a long way and blesses many people.

Here's the email

Meredith and Abbey

This is one of the kindest things you may ever see.. It is not known who replied, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US  postal service. Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey..  She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her.  I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words: "Dear God, Will you please take care of my dog?  She died yesterday and is with you in heaven.  I miss her very much.  I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her.  She likes to play with balls and to swim.  I am sending a picture of her so when you see her You will know that she is my dog.  I really miss her. Love,  Meredith" We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven..  We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven.  That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office.  A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet.  I told her that I thought He had. Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies..' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope.  On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note: "Dear Meredith, Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart.  Abbey loved being your dog..  Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by... Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me.  What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you..  I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love. Love, God"