Season of Advent

Growing up in the Church of Christ, it was not our custom to celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus. I was taught that we celebrate Jesus' birth every Sunday, which of course we do. We were also taught that no one knows the date of Jesus’ birth, also true. Both of the former excuses were given as reason why we "do not celebrate Christmas" as Jesus' birth. Our secular focus was more on the traditional round-bellied jolly fellow in the red suit. Not to knock St. Nick, who was by the way a real person of the 3rd century; but why did our elders prefer our belief in the jolly ole elf at Christmastime, over celebrating Jesus’ birth?

Fortunately, things are changing in Churches of Christ and we no longer ignore the holiday as a time to celebrate Jesus' birthday. Though still a bit hesitate to proclaim the holiday of Jesus birth as much as our other Christian friends do, we hear more teaching about baby Jesus at Christmas.

This year the practice of Advent, the 25 days leading up to the birth of our Savior, and the manner in which most of the Christian world prepares for Christmas Day, has a bit of intrigue for me. It would seem that we, as Christians, should prepare ourselves for Christmas day and the celebration of Christ’s birth. For Christians, to us a child is born and Jesus birth is reason enough for joyful celebration.

As the result of past childhood lessons, it has only been in the past decade or so that I felt justified to join believers in telling The Birth Story at Christmas. As our three sons were growing up, we often mentioned Santa Claus and asked them what they wanted Santa to bring them for Christmas. Not intending to discount the Christ child’s birth, Jesus being born in a manger wasn’t the foremost story of the season. The likeness of Santa with his fluffy white beard and red cap, hung on our front door to greet our delighted children. The holiday wreath that adorns our door during more recent Christmas seasons is more for decoration than a spiritual meaning of something eternal or Advent. Until recently, I didn’t understand the meaning of the emblems. The purple, pink and white candles lit each week of Advent, burning inside evergreen twigs, twisted together as a wreath, are for the purpose of preparing Christians for the coming of Christ.

Therefore, for the next 25 days, I plan to observe Advent with prayer, reading of scriptures and lighting of candles to set my focus on baby Jesus who came in peace to save the world from its sin. Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

Thinking On the Positive

Positive. I want to write a positive post this morning. This coming year my thoughts and words need to be more positive than in past years. My blessings are numerous and I need to give God praise and thanksgiving for all that He has provided to my family this year.

Kim was diagnosed with lymphoma at the beginning of 2010. He is now cancer free. Though there are a few health related issues with which he deals, still he is well. What better blessing could I ask for? A year ago, in 2009, we were blessed once again with a beautiful grandchild. Olivia was born on Kim's birthday, Nov. 16. Kim will forever share that day of celebration with his granddaughter. What joy we all felt that night at the hospital as our son, Kyle, rushed out into the waiting room to share his good news of Olivia's arrival! Kyle had such a look of happiness like none I had ever seen on his face before.

Our other two sons live nearby. We are so blessed to get to see our children often. Jason and his family are near enough that we can be with our oldest two grandchildren often and know their own unique personalities. Aidan and Regan are growing up and are so smart. It brings us much joy to be with them and listen to them talk and share the many things they are learning every day. Ryan and Amy live here in the same town. They have become involved in the community theater here where they both bring joy to audiences as they share their talents. We are blessed to be able to share in Ryan's life as he has embarked on the difficult task of educating middle school children.

This past Thanksgiving holiday, I was blessed to be able to see an uncle and aunt of mine with whom I spent many holidays in years past. They are nearing 80 years old and even though they have had some health problems, were looking good to me on the day. What a blessing for me indeed that I had that opportunity to talk with my mother's younger brother. I must do that more often in 2011.

No negative complaining or whining in my post this day for I have much to praise God for as I ponder my many blessings. Its easier than we think it is to count our blessings. That old habit of thinking on the negative has to change and I pray God can make that happen in 2011. God is good!