by Cathy Baker | Faith |
As we bring this series to a close, I’d like to share one last tradition we began with the boys soon after we became Christ followers.
On Christmas morning, children are bouncing off walls and even a few adults (whom shall remain nameless) have been known to get giddy about the possibilities lurking in a stocking nearby but the moments just prior to the sound of ripping paper holds the power to redirect our attention to the true Gift, Jesus Christ.
Early on, Brian began reading Luke 2 before the first gift was opened. Occasionally he would change things up by reading prophetic verses from the Old Testament. It’s a tradition we continue, except that now our children have their own little ones…and the truth carries on.
May you and your family have a worship-filled Christmas, on that day and every day.
I’ll be taking a blogging break this week but look forward to sharing a new post with you in January!
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord;
they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous
deeds; you alone are God.
Psalm 86:9,10
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Four days until Christmas but it’s not too late to create a meaningful gift for a loved one.
One of the best Christmas gifts my grandmothers ever received from me (according to them) was a jar of memories.
For one, I labeled the mason jar Why I Love You. Inside, she discovered 52 slips of paper (1 a week) with handwritten specific ways I loved her.
For the other, I labeled the jar I Remember When. I came up with about 30 specific memories that included us both. She enjoyed reading one a day for an entire month.
The advantages of a meaningful gift:
- While recalling and writing, memories will stir, causing a fresh sense of appreciation to rise and flow onto the page.
- It’s a gift that keeps giving.
- Inexpensive slips of paper emerge as priceless.
Every good and perfect gift is from above…
James 1:17
Take care of all your memories. For you cannot relive them.
Bob Dylan
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Ever been caroling? If not, this is a great year to give it a try. Round up friends, co-workers or your life group, print out some favorite Christmas songs (or download this app), and choose a street in your neighborhood. Knock on the door and start singing! A few songs will do (especially if it’s a chilly night!)
Consider baking cookies with the group beforehand to share with those you visit. A ribbon tied around the batch of cookies (perhaps along with the recipe?) could be tagged: Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8
Afterwards, head back to a home base to enjoy hot cocoa and leftover cookies. It’s a memory you won’t soon forget.
Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. Psalm 147:1
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Yes, this is the season for Hallmark movies and Christmas classics but those can be recorded. Tonight, let’s enjoy time alone or with spouses or families.
Crank up your favorite Christmas tunes, turn off the tube, stir your cocoa and pull out a good book, puzzle or game.
Prepare thyself for a blessing!
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
One week till Christmas.
What better time to slow things down to a hush-like pace for a few moments today?
In a culture that dictates doing during this season, the psalmist reminds us of what remains most important—the being.
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
What’s one thing you know about your God that you most appreciate?
