Tag Archives: Christmas

Examples from the Nativity -Karla

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My, how our world has changed. But, it is comforting to know some things have stayed the same and have become classics: making cookies around the holidays and decorating my tree with my girls.

Some things are more than classics. They are truths, holding greater meaning than any holiday tradition. Much joy and hope is chronicled in the Christmas story found in the Bible. The actions of the people involved serve as examples all these years later.

Mary

Mary was betrothed to Joseph. Being pregnant at this time in her life was dangerous. She must have been so nervous telling Joseph and filled doubts of being unworthy. 

Yet, Mary accepted God’s will for her life. She was humble and bravely walked, following His plan and becoming Jesus’ mother. 

In Luke 2:19, after she gave birth, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” We should be spending time with Jesus, treasuring God’s Holy Word and pondering in our hearts.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth was an encouragement. Finally being pregnant after being barren into old age, she had to be excited. However, perhaps she was scared to raise a son now or wrestled with the humility that God allowed her to become pregnant. 

But the Bible does not record any such actions. Elizabeth served a vital role in Mary’s story. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for several months, and they walked the path of pregnancy together…the old and the young! As we age, we too should be investing in the lives of others, encouraging them with wisdom that God has allowed us to learn along our paths.

Joseph

Joseph had so many reasons to doubt, and public humiliation was inevitable due to Mary’s condition. What a risk he was taking to believe! 

But, Joseph listened to God’s instructions, given to him by an angel (recorded in both Luke and Matthew). Our first step also is to believe—that God sent His son to change the world. If you have not accepted His gift, 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 (John 3:16), please talk with someone who can help you understand how much you are loved by God and how He wants you to receive His love. Are we willing to believe like Joseph? Belief that is so deep we are changed.

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.

John 3:16

Shepherds

The shepherds shared their personal encounter of Jesus with others. God wants us to share our story as well. My experiences in life and how God has provided strength and comfort to overcome is powerful and will minister to others if I am willing.

Wisemen

The wisemen spend a significant amount of their life seeking Jesus. They followed the star as we should be following the Word of God to find our way. While God talks to us through music, prayers, and other Christians, the principal way to learn is through His scriptures. So, we must be willing to read—-really dig in, attend small groups that study the Bible and find sound commentary to help us understand.

Share His Love

Christmas is such a blessing. It begins the most wonderful story ever recorded, the hope for us all! Share the joy only His birth, death on the cross, and resurrection can bring.

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Christmas Eve -By Karla

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In my late 20’s through my 30’s I was a member of the choir at church.  I loved it, being a part of a musical group and singing hymns.  A time or two I was asked to take a small solo part in a song, and I thought I would die.

As a kid, my comfort zone was about a six by eight! I had been in the band and loved most every minute of it, but tryouts were awful! I remember a moment during my high school years in which I cried because I got so nervous! My poor band director sat alone with me in that small room which come to think of it was only about six by six, so I guess that day the zone was even smaller! I think I made him as uncomfortable as I was making myself. He kindly offered, “Karla, what can I do to help?” I begged, “Don’t make me sight read.”  He shook his head, “You will sit last chair, and you’re too good for that.” I appreciated him.  He calmly sat while I eventually  composed myself.

During the past decade, I have expanded the walls of my tiny comfort zone. Soon after I joined Emmaus Baptist Church, I began singing in the Praise Team.  With only about six members this was quite a stretch for me. The man who operated the sound system would mouth, “Karla, your mic is not on.”  I would continue to sing somewhat shrugging my shoulders not making even the slightest motion indicating I would be turning it on.  In fact, I might even admit praying for them to forget to turn it on before we started! When he caught on to my tricks, I would just place myself as far away from the microphone as possible. When he would motioned for me to scoot up, I must have thought I was playing mother-may-I because I took some serious baby steps toward the mic and planted myself for the next 25 minutes!

A few days ago on Christmas Eve, I had prepared to sing a duet with my dear friend Jenni.  The first song we had planned did not work for us.  After searching, we finally settled on “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing”. We rehearsed several times feeling somewhat confident.  Sunday morning arrived, and I was having sinus issues.  We did a run-through, and after deciding not to sing with the Praise Team, I thought I could hit the high notes required for that one song.

Jenni grabbed the microphone, and I cringed. I only do this with the mic in the holder! We began singing as I felt my throat closing and heard my voice tighten. This is NOT good! I aimed for my soprano notes, but I missed the mark by a mile.  Breathing deeply, I strived again several more times, but to no avail.  It was not going to happen.  Having to hold the microphone was the LEAST of my worries.  I wanted the song to be over fast!  I was thankful when she altered her voice from the practiced alto notes to singing the melody with me because of my weak attempts as the notes rose.  Though the song seemed to creep in slow motion, I survived.

Shaking my head a little and apologizing to Jenni, we sat down.  Pastor Scott began the short sermon, but my mind was having a hard time allowing my mistake to take a backseat to the true meaning of Christmas. Continuing, deacons began serving communion.  The pastor spoke of Jesus’ body being represented by the little bites of unleavened bread, and he signaled us to eat the bread.

A few rows up from me, I noticed Mr. Archee, who is about 80, fighting to peel back the plastic from his bread. Joe, a man who has a lively love for Jesus left his seat, walked across the aisle, and slid down beside Mr. Archee.  He fumbled with the older man’s wrapper until he had the bread opened and Mr. Archee could partake of his communion.

Several tears rolled down my face, as I was reminded that it is our efforts that God desires, not perfection. My attention totally focused on the love of God.

 

-Karla

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The Christmas Gift -By Karla

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Making Time

The presents are wrapped, even though I cut the paper too short on every singe present! Many gifts were exchanged during the second weekend of December, Christmas at Nana’s. With the girls being older and our adapted-in-family, schedules are often busy. So, we had another Christmas last Sunday in my small and cozy living room before the cantata at church.

Allowing Changes to Enter the Scene

Today, I wrapped the last batch of gifts for Christmas morning with Rachel, my youngest daughter.  Over the years, I have learned that the garland may be draped in different places, and that it is even ok if it does not even grace a banister. I have grown to understand that Christmas day does not have to be the only day that presents can be exchanged.

Remembering a Christmas when my tree stayed up until February, I thought of the family member, who returned home from serving in Kuwait.

I smile at the simple text I received: “I am sorry there will not be a present in the mail. Remember though that you will always be our daughter.” For I know, that the words, “You will always be our daughter” is a gift.

Over the years, the rituals have changed locations and dates. Some activities have faded while others have developed.

The True Meaning

But, the tradition of Christmas will never change in my heart. God sent His own son to fulfill the prophecy of the Old Testament. For He, the one true King, was born in a humble stable to change the world.  He gave me, and you, the ultimate gift: dying on the Cross for my sin and yours.

In the Upcoming Years

At 50, I hope to have many Christmases to come. I want to share hot chocolate with present and future loved ones. It is my desire to wrap Christmas presents (hoping to measure the paper the right size) for many decades and watch the delight of others as they open boxes. I love the cookie-making and other baking traditions.

Without you, all the decorations are cold and without meaning. Truly, I long to keep one tradition sacred!  Help me, Lord, to always keep your love and your awesome gift in the forefront of my heart, continuing to share with others no matter the date or location. 

-Karla

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Memories: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” -By Karla

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I love the holidays!  I mean LOVE them! There is something magical about this time of year.

Turkey Cookies

When Lindsey was four and Rachel was almost a year old, I started making cookies with them the day before Thanksgiving. I have always cheated and used a mix because it is easier. It’s never been about how they actually taste; it’s the process and the memories.

In the early years, Lindsey had a blast tracing her elementary-school hands with a butter knife. Meanwhile, I worked the dough around Rachel’s little fingers, trying to place them just right to form the head and feathers. We made turkey cookie after turkey cookie with sprinkles galore!

Year after year we baked. Sometimes it was just the three of us, but other times we invited friends and extended family.  It seems like I blinked and they had grown up. Though our schedule does not allow us to make our turkey cookies the day before Thanksgiving, we manage to still carve time sometime over the holidays to gather, roll, cut out our turkeys, smile, and make memories.

Mom’s Famous Dressing

When Mom was sick years ago, I offered to help cook her part of the holiday meals. I consider myself fortunate that she taught me how to make her dressing. That first year without Mom, I can remember being so nervous making it. It’s not like any of the forty-plus family members and friends, who gather for meals over the holidays, would have cared if it did not taste good, but I did! For some reason, I needed it to be as good as hers.

It never failed. Even fifteen years after her passing, Papa Berry, my adult dad, always made sure to walk by me with his plate filled, and pat me on the shoulder. “Karla, your mom would be proud. It tastes just like hers.” He was such a sweetheart; I know some years the dressing was much drier than others.

As one decade rolled into another Rachel started helping make the  dressing, and I know this would make Mom smile.

New Traditions

With the girls being older, I try to put up the Christmas tree the week of Thanksgiving because they have more time to visit.  Over the years the location of the tree has seen different spots, but the golds and reds still grace its branches.  In the background we play Christmas music, usually drink hot chocolate, and sometimes even have a muted football game on.

Family Time While Shopping

On the days that follow Thanksgiving, my sisters and I do some shopping. For us, it is more about spending time together than the materialism. We always have some fun story from these trips.

This year, one store had a line a mile long. We took turns standing in line while the others browsed the racks for that special something. Finally, I told everyone to head toward Panera with my great-niece. Sharing that I would pay for everything now, we could divvy up later. Looking in the stroller, I was surprised that Gail was buying three stuffed animals, but I paid for them as well as everything else.

That evening, we had some serious laughter as we divided up our purchases. My sister Gail grimaced when she realized she owed me money for the two stuff animals she was only letting her granddaughter hold in hopes to keep her satisfied. had let my great-niece hold simply to occupy her time in line.

I then explained the problem with the third stuffed animal.” It did not have a price tag, so they just charged me the same price as the larger one she had just rung up. ” Gail said, “She only had two. Where did the third one come from?”  We burst with laughter when she shared that I had paid for a twenty-five year-old-stuffed animal.  She had brought old one from home and did not realize they had even taken it into the store!

Most Importantly

These are just a few of the reasons, plus the beginning of the possibility of a snow day, that make me love this time of year. How blessed I am to know the most important meaning for the glow of the season. I have in my heart, the birth of Jesus.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

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Making Decisions: God with Us -By Karla

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In December 1995, mom called. “How are you feeling, darlin’?” She knew that it was the last day of school before Christmas break.

I only had one month left before my daughter Rachel was born. Being busy with the holidays, teaching middle schoolers, and being a wife and a mom, I was tired to say the least. “Mom, honestly, I am beat. I think I could sleep for a week, but I have shopping and several things left to do.” 

                 I was hoping for some sympathy. 

However in Mom’s true form, she helped me get a grip on things. “Well, think how tired Mary must have been riding a donkey for miles. She was about to give birth to Jesus many years ago, Sweetheart.”

 

“Umm, yes, you have a good point.” Quickly, my perspective totally changed, and I didn’t feel much like I needed sympathy anymore.

There’s always something to complain about. What if I had continued to focus on how tired I was? I would have missed out on the last few weeks of Rachel developing or the joy of the Christmas season. In fact, there are bigger “what if’s” that affects so much more!

What if?

What if Mary had said, “I’m too afraid, God; choose someone else please.” Joseph could have said, “This will be too hard, God, everyone will talk, and I will be shunned as well.” The shepherds had a choice: Follow the star? In addition, the Wise Men could have decided to tell King Herod of baby Jesus’ whereabouts? What if the disciples had not gone out into the world sharing the gospel. What if Christ had not said, “Thy will be done.”

The longer I live the more I have seen how all choices affect others: spouses, children, extended family, church, workplace, and community.

From a lowly manger He was born to become the King of all Kings. He made the choice to die on the cross for my wrongdoings. Because of my choice to accept Him as my Savior, He gave His Holy Spirit to guide me. What if, I had not made that choice?

 

Emmanuel, means God with us. The Holy Spirit is with me when I need help making decisions.

What if you haven’t made that choice? Make it today.

Happy birthday, Jesus!

 

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Mary’s Viewpoint: If You Could Be… -By Donna

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“If you could be anyone in history, who would you be?”

I was asked that question when I was about eleven years old. My immediate answer was “Mary”. How cool I thought to be the mother of Jesus, to be chosen by God to have his son. However, my childlike faith could see no deeper.

I am the proud mother of three grown children. Each birth was amazing. Holding and nursing a child produces such a bond between a mother and child. Your desire is to love, teach, and protect them. When they were little, “mama” could fix anything. Sometimes just a Band-aid or a kiss would do the job, but as they got older, the protecting got more difficult.

Seeing your child hurt, whether physically or emotionally is heart-wrenching. I have helplessly observed my child in the hospital roasting from a 105 degree temperature, being x-rayed for a possible broken bone, or falling and scraping his entire face. All the hugs and love I gave could not fix their physical pain. I have watched as a first-love broke her heart in two, a friend betrayed her, or a coach humiliated him. My encouraging words or love could not mend their brokenness at the time.

Mary’s Viewpoint

Recently enjoying a Christmas program, I thought of Mary. Mary, who cradled Jesus in her arms, taught him, loved him, and protected him. I thought of her as she watched her baby boy be tied up and flogged until his skin was an unrecognizable mass of bleeding tissue. The tears she must have shed as he was ridiculed, spit on, and mocked. When the crown of thorns was pressed into his brow and the blood ran down his divine face, how she must have wept. I cannot imagine the pain with which her heart was bursting as she stood at Golgotha watching her son. She was helpless as Jesus was nailed to the cross, forgiving those who were hurting him, and breathing his last breath.

However, as an adult, I would not answer the question with the same eagerness as I did when I was young. Did Mary know what was to come as she nestled baby Jesus close to her bosom. “Mary, Did You Know?”

I doubt the angel that visited Mary so long ago, shared with her that the crucifixion was a part of her baby’s plan. Just as we know not what the future holds for our children. But just like Mary, we know that God is in control. She had to surrender and trust His plan for Jesus, as we must for our own. No matter the pain our precious children endure, God is in control.

-Donna

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Christmas Gatherings: Christmas at Nana’s -By Karla

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Special Days in December

Grady married Ethel on December 25, 1935. Surely with a date so important, Granddaddy never forgot their anniversary!  Over the next ten years, three children were born. In time those children were married and had children of their own, eight to be exact: seven girls and one boy. I am number five. The grandchildren grew to be teenagers and life got pretty busy, but not too hectic to gather together.  So, with some creative planning the date was set! The second Saturday in December was designated as Christmas at Nana’s.

Some laughs

The eight of us have countless memories of this annual event, Uncle Max’s gag gift.  Once, Mom received a giant alarm clock as she was known for her tardiness. Yep, I inherited that quality honestly. With seven girl grandchildren, several of us got the repeat give of a giant bra, when we became that age. He never forgot anyone. He always had some funny stuffed animal with a humorous tag stuck to it making everyone laugh.

                   

A Few Sing-a-longs

Turntable (record machine) from the living room closet made its appearance often. The Carter Family, Marty Robinson, and Johnny Horton were among our favorites. We sang and made a few made-up gestures those evenings. Once Granddaddy handed a recently purchased record to Mom. Ray Steven’s “The Streak”.  Since the song’s main character was named Ethel, Granddaddy felt Nana needed the record as her own. To this day, I can still see the tears of laughter falling down Nana’s face and her shaking her head saying, “Daddy, turn that off.”  He didn’t, and we continued to hear how Ethel was not only kept seeing the streak but joined in as well.

Priorities

imageTo make the gathering more about family and less about money, we began drawing names to help with the cost. I loved the anticipation of finding out whose name I would draw. Time marched on, and the eight of us brought numerous friends into Nana’s house over the years. While money was tight at times, no one ever left Nana’s without receiving some small present to make them feel included.

All eight of us got married and had children of our own, about twenty. The couches got smaller, and the walls closed in a bit, but we still celebrated Christmas at Nana’s every second Saturday in December.

Life Marches On

Nana and Granddaddy, along with most of our moms and dads, have passed away, but the memories of our time with them and how they loved family remain. Now the twenty (great-grandchildren) are marrying and having their own little ones!  In fact, we have so many in the den that once you find a place you cannot move until all the presents are passed out and opened.

This Saturday when I enter Nana’s house, the food, warmth, and joy will meet me at the door. I adore my family; they are so important to me.  None of us are perfect; we all have flaws. But we accept and love each other, striving to give grace when one of us falls. In addition, we try to support each other when there is a need. Memories abound.

Most Importantly

With all the family that I mentioned above, I left out one that is invited for this annual celebration and all other gatherings one. Nana and Granddaddy taught us well. We have invited Jesus into our hearts, our family, and our homes. He is the reason why we celebrate each second Saturday in December.  He is the reason we are so blessed, and I pray that we always remember and teach His importance for generations to come.

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