Christmas Musings...

Amid the hustle and bustle of shopping and planning, surrounded by Santas, trees, tinsel, and lights, I always get captivated by the excitement of Christmas.  I like the images of Santa’s sleigh gliding across the moon, I like Rudolph, and I like all the festive colors and glitter…I like it all.   

I love families getting together, people being nicer to each other, wide-eyed, eager children, strangers telling each other “Merry Christmas.”  I truly do love the season, the Christmas spirit! 

I also remember that not everyone loves Christmas.  For some, it’s a stark reminder that someone is missing, or perhaps the stress of it all makes the season not enjoyable.  I know there is profound heartache in this world and holidays can exacerbate the misery.  If you are one of the hurting souls of Christmas, I pray for peace in your heart, and joy as you face the New Year.  And I mean that from deepest depth of my heart. 

In the stark commercialization of Christmas…the “X-mas” of it all…I can feel grieved and a bit guilty getting caught up in the jingle of sleigh bells and reindeer…because Christmas should be about Christ, not Santa!  Right?   So every year, as I shopped among the ornaments and bargains, I would stop and apologize to Jesus for all that Christmas has become.

For years, I have not had a Santa in my house.   He was just quietly removed and replaced with nativity scenes and pretty decorations.  I don’t post Santa related memes and things on social media.   (And last year, for the first time in my life, I didn’t even have a tree, or any decorations.)

A few days ago…in the middle of the Walmart Christmas aisles, I softly said, “Thank You, Jesus.  Thank You for the manger, for the Cross, for your life, for salvation; thank You, Lord, for everything.”   I was unashamed as a tear trickled down my face; I was overwhelmingly grateful.  But I didn’t feel guilty.  I was reminded that those of us who love Jesus celebrate His birth, life, death, and resurrection all through the year. 

He wasn’t born on December 25, and people who don’t even believe in Jesus also celebrate Christmas.  The way Christians get involved with the food, over-spending for the mandatory gift-giving, and being sure that the kids have way too many toys and gadgets to have any appreciation for all they have, Christmas isn’t about Jesus…it’s about us.   The way we live our daily lives?  That’s about Jesus. 

It’s a good thing to pause often during the season and thank Jesus for all He has done, and all that He is.   And we should carry that thankfulness and Christmas spirit (or more exactly the Holy Spirit) with us every day of our lives.

I wonder if a Santa Claus in my house or on my Facebook is a terrible thing…what do you thik?

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Monday Musings...

Scene along the Natchez Trace Parkway somewhere in Tennessee...I think!

An Uncomfortable Stand…and it’s not my aching knee:

Biblical beliefs are very unpopular these days.  People who do not believe in the authority of the Bible are a lot louder than the ones who do.   When a person (or heaven forbid a politician) stands up for what the Bible says, it can get ugly.   Really ugly.    

Peculiar People:

I am peculiar (1 Peter 2:9).  I hope and pray that if ever put in a position to defend my beliefs, I am studied up and strong enough to stand my uncomfortable stand.

The Done Deal:

Whether one believes it or not, the Word of God is true and is forever settled in Heaven.  (Psalm 119:89)  

What They’re Not Saying:

I don’t think people normally come out and say, “I know what the Bible says, but this is what I think.”  But that’s what they do.  They do not understand that God, Himself, chose the words of the Bible says, and the words therein are living, powerful and active, sharper than a double-edged sword, and judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  (Hebrews 4:12)

It’s Our Business:

Now more than ever Christians need to know what the Word of God says.

And we need to be about the Father’s business.

Election Eve:

It’s been a horrendous one, this campaign season for Alabama Senator.   It’s a case where we must listen with eyes wide open, see what’s behind the words.  We can’t give into the weariness that the enemy would toss our way.  And we need to pray…a lot.  Then pray some more.  This election is important, and we should care.   I know this world is not our home, but we must live in it, and we simply must do all we can to stand up for what is right, including prayerfully choosing our candidates…prayerfully being the key word…and vote.  Christians should vote. 

The Day in Which We Live:

We are entering an age where God is giving us, the praying, believing Christians, back the land.  When someone tells you America is going to Hell in a handbasket, don’t you believe it!  Those who are on the fence, compromising what the Word says to fit their own views and actions will find themselves on the outside looking in, not partaking in the blessings God has for His people who seek His face…not because we deserve it, but because He loves us…and we are crying out for Him and to Him, asking for His will instead our own agenda. 

And that, my friends are my Monday Musings!  

I hope your day is a great one, and your week even greater!

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