The Christmas Holiday

[chosenone]

I think it is important to realize that the Christmas holiday (Holy Day) is a public celebration of the Church, not a private devotion at the whims of any one man. It must be placed within the context of the entire liturgical year where particular events in the Life of Christ are recounted from Scripture in an orderly and well known manner. So we have such days as:

The Annunciation - Gabriel's announcement to Mary
The Birth of Christ - commonly called Christmas
The Epiphany - the presentation to the 3 wise men (Gentiles) and also the baptism of Christ
The entire last week of Christ and Passover - commonly called Easter
The Ascension
Pentecost - The pouring out of the Holy Ghost, charmingly called Whitsunday

You presumably go to a high church?

[mommydi]

You say what I also believe. All days are His anyway. He also likes a good feast
Choosing and giving gifts, seeing friends and family that we may not see much normally because of distance, enjoying a nice meal and time together, people having a few days break from work, these things are all positive and good.

Yep! Fellowship and doing for others is a good thing.

[grams]

I am Blessed that all our children know the truth.

And this son  has 8 children  and  we do not watch TV.......

But my son will buy  dvd's  and tapes for the children to look at.

And  even with this  we have to use the remote control  a lot to  skip so many

wrong things.......

The best things is they all know the truth..... from 17 - 7 years of age.

[mommydi]

I am Blessed that all our children know the truth.

And this son  has 8 children  and  we do not watch TV.......

But my son will buy  dvd's  and tapes for the children to look at.

And  even with this  we have to use the remote control  a lot to  skip so many

wrong things.......

The best things is they all know the truth..... from 17 - 7 years of age.

Grams, you're a better woman than me. I love my grands to pieces, but if I had to live with 8 little grandkids, I'd probably go bonkers.   

I raised one grand, and I love him like my own, but it was more challenging than raising my own. He turns 18 in a month. I consider it a success since we're both still alive. 

[s1n4m1n]

You presumably go to a high church?

High enough, I guess, yes.

[MeMyself]

The best things is they all know the truth..... from 17 - 7 years of age.

Mine knew truth early as well.

We did the fun of Santa, but he was not the focal point.

My kids were around 4 when they said, "So, seriously, Mom...I really want to know...*is* Santa real??"

and because I wanted them to know only truth, I admitted that he was make-believe based upon a wonderful, godly man who loved children and wanted to pass on God's love to them. (the Real St. Nicholas)  They then wanted to, of course, know if Jesus was also make-believe and I was able to give them the good news that He was indeed REAL and alive and always with them!  That He came to save us from our sins!  We then talked about sin and all that gory, beautiful, good stuff of sin and redemption (on a level their little hearts could understand).

I also tried to shelter them from as much of the world as I could.  It worked for some, who have a mighty and deep walk with God, but for one...he wanders even now, but was raised to *know* Truth.  He is fighting it, and I pray endlessly for him.

[Nevertheless]

Did you all know that Santa is a member of this forum? He is no longer active here, but here are a few of his posts from years past for your reading enjoyment:

:christmas:   What a night!!! We finally received our overflight clearance at the last moment, but the mandatory retinal scan caused a untoward reaction in Rudolf's nasal lights. Navigation was quite difficult!!

I wanted to stop by and thank you all for the warm hospitality and tell you how much I enjoyed visiting with each of you. Perhaps we might do it again next year?

My time is drawing short and I really must run, but I do want to leave you with this thought.

Whether you choose to believe in my person, or choose to allow your children to believe in me or not is quite your choice and I respect that. I would consider it bad form to impose a belief in my person on anyone, or to deny a belief in me another might have.

Belief in my person is but a fleeting moment of peace and joy, of love. Actually the same could be and is accomplished by a well done movie or play, a beautiful concert, profound poetry or a warm novel. It also can be found in the selfless act of a neighbour, a social worker or simply a good samaritan. As are these acts, so I too am transient and as a transient, I will be leaving you soon until next year this time.

But I do symbolize in a very meager human way an analogy of a divine act that is not transient. An act of Divine love that brings everlasting peace and joy to those that accept the true gift of Christmas.
For God SO LOVED the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe in Him, shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life.
You will not find this gift wrapped and under a twinkling tree, it is not to be found in a jolly fat elf's sack. It is not carried about in a sleigh by enchanted reindeer.  You do not charge it to your credit card to worry later how to pay for it. It is not found in the rush of last minute shopping.

It is found in your private time, on your knees with your head bowed. and your heart open to him,  the Lord of Lord, the King of Kings. Our Saviour, Jesus Christ!!


Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!!

God Bless you.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Do forgive me, I am so rushed right now. Production lines backed up, two sick reindeer and a major problem with my overflight clearance for that north american country. It seems my documentation clerk elf's name, Nasif Shalon', triggered some sort of profile alert and now we have so much paperwork. All that and a sermon to ready for the morn.

But the elders reviewed my post and brought my error to my attention. I am so sorry, I thought this was another of those \"Custody Issues\" concerning the children.

So the issue is my reality, well silly, you are sitting there reading my post are you not? Do you doubt the reality of other posters? No of course not!

Hmmmm     About the Lie... Such a harsh word, so incendiary, inflammatory and accusatory. Perhaps we could soften it to Fib? Or temper it by obfusciation using Prevarication?

Perhaps we might address it in this manner, perhaps one might think of me as a harmless \"Faith Trainer\". The boys and girls have faith in me at a very young age and I do not disappoint this faith. Their act of faith is validated and they learn that faith is not a bad thing to have. Thus their \"Faith 101\", (Professor S.Claus meeting once a year) prepares them to accept other unprovable concepts on \"Faith\".

Now sadly they all seem to outgrow their need for my Fatih Primer, each of them arrives at a day when he or she realizes that my jolly Ho Ho Ho is quite intangible. They all sadly lose the magic of  faith in a fat man in a red suit.

Amazingly though, this occurs at the same age that they start assuming their rightful place in the world, realizing that there is a difference between good and evil. The age when they begin to know sin as a reality.

At this point, we do want them to accept a new faith concept, faith in a babe born in Bethlehelm so many years ago who grew to manhood and mounted a cross to do penance for the sins of all. Quite a step of faith that! Faith in a God, supreme over all who sent His only Son to save those who could make the step of faith.

So here I am as a primer in faith, teaching children to believe in the harmless \"reality\" of a jolly fat man, (Jolly that is if we get our overflight clearance in time!!), so that later they might believe in the much greater reality of a risen Lord.

Oh but I do know truth is quite an issue, but I must ask those a question who advocate truth concerning my person. What do you tell a four year old who asks specifically and explicitly where babies come from? I would truly recommend against videos!

Now before I run on, Rudolf is honking!!, please let me clear up a few odds and ends.

Janine, tell Mike not to worry about the cost, it is the right thing to do.

Wiley, that was not me who gift wrapped the comb and labled it \"From Santa\"

James, she really wants a photo keepsake.

Patrick, you need a hug.

Maurine, This year will be much better.

Barry, Your enrollment in Faith 101 has been paid for in full.

Karen, tell the children I have a new ball for the dog. He hasn't forgotten them!
Richard, Do it, but do it with the Lord's love foremost.

Kari, Ah but you already know, don't you dear child?

Well must run, Rudolf is quite insistent and the neighbours are becoming quite vexed with the honking.

Merry Christmas
God Bless you all, REAL WELL!!

Santa

HoHoHO HO 

Actually what I would like to tell all about is a poor lass who was forced to give birth in a manger because there was no room at the inn. I want to tell every single nation and tribe of this Holy child who grew up to mount a cross for you and me.

And when I appear in uniform I find I have such a advantage in drawing folk closer to me to hear this marvelous story, HoHo Ho Ho Ho!!

And therein lies my opportunity to witness Steve. If it takes a red suit and a beard to spread the Lord's message, then it is a red suit and a beard for me!

Marc thank you for the link to last years discussion. Somehow I am sure we will be repeating so many points, but perhaps we will continue to grow and to learn none the less.

[mommydi]

It would be nice if Santa could pop in and post this year (for those of us not offended).

[MeMyself]

Never, thanks for sharing! Awesome and fun.

[Nevertheless]

Unfortunately Santa and his alter ego, Booty left GCM many years ago. I miss his posts!

For those of you who haven't been here that long, Booty was an Irish missionary living in Venezuela. He left there before things got too terrible - though they were bad enough before he left! I think he went to the U.S. from there, not sure where he is now. T.C. should remember him, but I don't think the rest of you have been here long enough.

[mommydi]

Unfortunately Santa and his alter ego, Booty left GCM many years ago. I miss his posts!

For those of you who haven't been here that long, Booty was an Irish missionary living in Venezuela. He left there before things got too terrible - though they were bad enough before he left! I think he went to the U.S. from there, not sure where he is now. T.C. should remember him, but I don't think the rest of you have been here long enough.

Sounds like a fascinating man. Too bad he's not here now.

[Rella]

I don't have to worry about that since I recorded my copy - years ago - from a tv airing that was fully censored.  All suggestive words/scenes were edited out.
Now I'm wondering what the uncensored version contains. 

Ahh that's maybe what happened. Probably some versions have more cuts. If they think kids will be watching it they will censor it more I expect. The one we saw certainly wasn't suitable for kids.

Most likely cause you in the UK have more relaxed things to be seen.

[Rella]

I cant fathom why its wrong to give those we love a gift or gifts on the day we think about the greatest gift of all. Nor why we cant remember and celebrate the most amazing occasion when Jesus was born whether it was the actual day or not. 
God loves a good celebration and feast. We see that many times in the bible. He also sent the 3 kings to Jesus with 3 very precious gifts.
God isn't a scrooge, He is very generous in His blessings and gifts He gives us. If we cant celebrate and remember His birth and resurrection then something is wrong.

If you are happy exchangng I certainly do not call it wrong for you.

But it is Jesus' birthday celebration, after all.

If you were having a birthday celebration would you feel somewhat neglected if everyone else was exchanging gifts when the day is meant for you?

Perhaps not... you are an adult but if you were a kid I bet it would bother you.

It is Jesus' day.

So for me... I choose not to do the presents thing.

[grams]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 





Online mommydi
Merry Christmas!
Hero
*****
 
Posts: 2679
Manna: 530
[+manna] 
It's a whipped cream day
View Profile
Personal Message (Online)







Re: The Christmas Holiday

« Reply #108 on: Yesterday at 07:24:53 AM »


Reply


Quote





Quote from: grams on Yesterday at 06:46:32 AM


I am Blessed that all our children know the truth.

And this son  has 8 children  and  we do not watch TV.......

But my son will buy  dvd's  and tapes for the children to look at.

And  even with this  we have to use the remote control  a lot to  skip so many

wrong things.......

The best things is they all know the truth..... from 17 - 7 years of age.




Grams, you're a better woman than me. I love my grands to pieces, but if I had to live with 8 little grandkids, I'd probably go bonkers.   

I raised one grand, and I love him like my own, but it was more challenging than raising my own. He turns 18 in a month. I consider it a success since we're both still alive.     

Thank you very much mommydi!

But  I do have my moments............ 
They drop things an some times I  nearly fall because of stepping on things.
I guess my daughter in law got tired of repeating  to them again and again.
She tells them one time and most of the time it does not work.
My son comes home and lets them know about this only it does not take affect.
I some times tell the children  what to do and she reminds me its not my business.
So , it sure is not easy seeing them destroy things  and nearly getting hurt with
out saying some thing.....  So  I try to stay in the  bed room as much as I can!

[mommydi]

Thank you very much mommydi!

But  I do have my moments............ 
They drop things an some times I  nearly fall because of stepping on things.
I guess my daughter in law got tired of repeating  to them again and again.
She tells them one time and most of the time it does not work.
My son comes home and lets them know about this only it does not take affect.
I some times tell the children  what to do and she reminds me its not my business.
So , it sure is not easy seeing them destroy things  and nearly getting hurt with
out saying some thing.....  So  I try to stay in the  bed room as much as I can!

grams, for a lot of us, as we age, a messy house stresses us out more than it previously did. I'm in my 50s, but cannot stand things out of place at home. I run a tight ship, and I know that's probably irritating to people around here, but it just stresses me out if things are messy.

[chosenone]

I cant fathom why its wrong to give those we love a gift or gifts on the day we think about the greatest gift of all. Nor why we cant remember and celebrate the most amazing occasion when Jesus was born whether it was the actual day or not. 
God loves a good celebration and feast. We see that many times in the bible. He also sent the 3 kings to Jesus with 3 very precious gifts.
God isn't a scrooge, He is very generous in His blessings and gifts He gives us. If we cant celebrate and remember His birth and resurrection then something is wrong.

If you are happy exchangng I certainly do not call it wrong for you.

But it is Jesus' birthday celebration, after all.

If you were having a birthday celebration would you feel somewhat neglected if everyone else was exchanging gifts when the day is meant for you?

Perhaps not... you are an adult but if you were a kid I bet it would bother you.

It is Jesus' day.

So for me... I choose not to do the presents thing.

I am amazed that you would think that Jesus would be anything but happy that we are being generous and thoughtful by giving those we love gifts. Also that many of us have given many gifts to those in need as well. My church filled 80 shoe boxes with gifts and treats for the elderly around the world who are poor and will have nothing. We also gave piles of food and gifts to be made up into hampers to bless families in our city who are in need. Its a great time of year to use our generosity to help others and to bless those we love. I love it. I love to bless others.

[chosenone]

I don't have to worry about that since I recorded my copy - years ago - from a tv airing that was fully censored.  All suggestive words/scenes were edited out.
Now I'm wondering what the uncensored version contains. 

Ahh that's maybe what happened. Probably some versions have more cuts. If they think kids will be watching it they will censor it more I expect. The one we saw certainly wasn't suitable for kids.

Most likely cause you in the UK have more relaxed things to be seen.

It depends on what times things are shown, before 9pm is stricter than after 9pm. 

[Texas Conservative]

A messy house is filled with love.

[grams]

Thank you very much mommydi!

But  I do have my moments............ 
They drop things an some times I  nearly fall because of stepping on things.
I guess my daughter in law got tired of repeating  to them again and again.
She tells them one time and most of the time it does not work.
My son comes home and lets them know about this only it does not take affect.
I some times tell the children  what to do and she reminds me its not my business.
So , it sure is not easy seeing them destroy things  and nearly getting hurt with
out saying some thing.....  So  I try to stay in the  bed room as much as I can!

grams, for a lot of us, as we age, a messy house stresses us out more than it previously did. I'm in my 50s, but cannot stand things out of place at home. I run a tight ship, and I know that's probably irritating to people around here, but it just stresses me out if things are messy.

I have always been  neat!   A place for every thing, and every thing in its place.
This is getting a little easier now after seeing it for a few years.... But I do not
think I will ever get used to it....... 

[s1n4m1n]

Unfortunately Santa and his alter ego, Booty left GCM many years ago. I miss his posts!

For those of you who haven't been here that long, Booty was an Irish missionary living in Venezuela. He left there before things got too terrible - though they were bad enough before he left! I think he went to the U.S. from there, not sure where he is now. T.C. should remember him, but I don't think the rest of you have been here long enough.

Oh I remember Booty alright! Hope he is doing well.

[mommydi]

A messy house is filled with love.

So that's how it works? I wish someone would have told me sooner! 

[Texas Conservative]

A messy house is filled with love.

So that's how it works? I wish someone would have told me sooner! 

My spaniels help with the love and the mess.

[mommydi]

My spaniels help with the love and the mess.

Except for the occasional shredding of boxes of chocolates, my Bichon is abnormally neat. I guess we were meant for each other. We keep things tidy unless there's a box of chocolates nearby - then, we lose all sense of decorum.

[Texas Conservative]

My spaniels help with the love and the mess.

Except for the occasional shredding of boxes of chocolates, my Bichon is abnormally neat. I guess we were meant for each other. We keep things tidy unless there's a box of chocolates nearby - then, we lose all sense of decorum.

My dogs tear up boxes, they rip up stuffed animals, etc

[mommydi]

My spaniels help with the love and the mess.

Except for the occasional shredding of boxes of chocolates, my Bichon is abnormally neat. I guess we were meant for each other. We keep things tidy unless there's a box of chocolates nearby - then, we lose all sense of decorum.

My dogs tear up boxes, they rip up stuffed animals, etc

Several years ago, my (former) daughter-in-law had a dog that chewed up shoes, furniture, doors, and window sills, and even window blinds. Totally destructive dog. He hung himself. No joke. He did.

[mommydi]

For those of you who exchange gifts at Christmastime, do you ever buy something for yourself while shopping for others? I did this year.

Merry Christmas - from me, to me! Vintage pink toilet paper - still in the original wrapper. Almost too pretty to use.  I miss the days when we could color coordinate our bathroom tissue and decor.

[WhiteKnave2]

Hello,

My name is Noah

In my household, as in my father's before, Christmas begins the same way every year. With a reading of Luke Chapter Two verses one, through twenty. After, and in prayer we acknowledge that Christmas is a celebration of the faithfullness of God in keeping His WORD and delivering unto us a "savior which is Christ The Lord."

We do our best to exchange gifts not out of obligation, or in hopes of currying favor with one another. But soley as an expression of familial love. When my daughter one day asks me about "works" and "faith" - I hope to point at Christmases past and remind her in what spirit we gave. To teach her that the latter produces the former, and the overriding motivation ought always be: love.

As for decorations and the like. . .

I am a firm believer that God is sovereign three-hundred-and-sixty-five days a year. That at no time can He fail to see my heart. I accept as a matter of course that He knows that my worship is reserved for Him and Him alone. That a tree however lovely it might be, decorated with tinsel and gold, is not an object of reverence for me.

As for pagan origins. . .

If God can redeem a man as unworthy as me. How much easier must it be for Him to reclaim a day for His purposes?

In so far as a certain rotund man in a red suit is concerned. . .

In my home Santa serves as a beautiful fiction. The anthropomorphic representation of an active ideal. That there is a sort of "magic" in giving freely. A special sort of joy to be found in presenting another with a gift from the heart. Most importantly, in my home, Santa knows his place.

Santa's Christmas Prayer

by Warren D. Jennings

The sleigh was packed,
the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt
by the side of the bed.

"Dear Father," he prayed
"Be with me tonight.
There's much work to do
and my schedule is tight.

I must jump in my sleigh
and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well
that a reindeer can't fly.

I will visit each household
before the first light,
I'll cover the world
and all in one night.

With sleighbells a-ringing,
I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter
of each little hoof.

To get in the house
is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney
of each little heart.

My sack will hold toys
to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless
like the loaves and the fishes.

I will fill all the stockings
and not leave a track.
I'll eat every cookie
that's left for my snack.

I can do all these things Lord,
only through You,
I just need your blessing,
then it's easy to do.

All this is to honor
the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us,
Your most Holy Son.

So to all of my friends,
lest Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them,
who gave me this job."

[Carey]

Welcome to Grace Centered Noah.

Regarding your first post here:   

Cheers and God bless,
Carey.

[WhiteKnave2]

Thank you kindly ma'am.

[Carey]

Thank you kindly ma'am.

Well that would be sir, not ma'am, but no worries, one gets used to it. 

Regards,

[WhiteKnave2]

There is a gender identifier under your username and everything    Thanks for the gentle correction, my three year old has me so exhausted I tried driving the fridge to work this morning. Alright, I'm done hi-jacking this thread. Have a grand day.

- Noah

[RB]

A messy house is filled with love.

Agreed.....

Proverb 20:13~"Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread."

Loving the wrong thing!

[Carey]

A messy house is filled with love.

Agreed.....

Proverb 20:13~"Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread."

Loving the wrong thing!

I think that would depend on the mess, as it is somewhat ambiguous, and messy does not necessarily mean dirty or unhygienic.  My mother in laws "mess" is not my "mess," but my priorities are not hers, and perhaps it is her loving the wrong thing, not I. 

.

[MeMyself]

A messy house is filled with love.

Agreed.....

Proverb 20:13~"Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread."

Loving the wrong thing!

I think that would depend on the mess, as it is somewhat ambiguous, and messy does not necessarily mean dirty or unhygienic.  My mother in laws "mess" is not my "mess," but my priorities are not hers, and perhaps it is her loving the wrong thing, not I. 

.

Haha!  I used to get so upset about my lack in being able to keep my house pristine and perfectly clean, like my grandmother used to be able to do.
But, then someone shared the verse from Proverbs that says (in part) "an empty stable stays clean"...
I loved that!  My stable is full of life, laughter and MESSY people that I love.

I would rather the full stable, with all its imperfection, than an empty, lonely one that looks real nice.

[mommydi]

The official end of the holidays. Teenage boys conducting a burning of the greens, roasting chestnuts on the open fire, and making s'mores.

All is well in the world.