Manger Scenes - the Extra Jesus Post  

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Christmas is just around the corner, and so we have dusted off our growing stack of manger scenes. I think I'd leave them up all year long if I thought I'd get away with it. I started a collection years ago (when it was still just me and Jesus) with the Italian fabrication company that makes Fonatanini decorations. On most (with the exception of only a few) years I add another villager or shepherd or angel to gather 'round the manger. It's a beautiful, growing Christmas decoration with a lot of sentimental and traditional value to me.

In addition, we have a variety of children's nativities—including the VeggieTales® singing one (with parts missing and Family Life’s “What God Wantsfor Christmas” devotional nativity. We have a world of manger scenes (literally): one from Prague that has seen better days, one from Kyrgistan (Kyrgizia) made out of felt, one from Africa (a gift from my Mother-by-Law), one from Poland made out of corn husks and cloth, a martrushka (nesting doll) version we picked up in Ukraine, one carved into a tree ornament from Middle Eastern olive wood. But I must admit my favorite is the one my Blushing Bride purchased as a gift for me as she was leaving Egypt in order to become my Blushing Bride. I’ve posted pictures and commentary about this Egyptian Nativity previously here and here. (If you read the different posts you’ll see two different angles from which to view the ideas.) So, posting about my Nativity with the “extra Jesus” is becoming another tradition for me.

I love this manger scene best for a couple of reasons: (1) it is one of the first gifts I received from my Lovely Bride. She took time to know that I am a Christmas fanatic, that I love depictions of the Nativity, and she took time to find this in the marketplace of Egypt in the middle of August! (2) I also, love this manger scene because it helps me to focus on Jesus. After all, isn’t that what we should be focusing on during this special holiday celebration? Not just Jesus, but more Jesus. It isn’t “another” Jesus, but some “extra” Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I find that I can always use a little more Jesus. And not just at Christmastime.
Oh, and by the way—when you find that you have some extra Jesus, you can share Him with others. I’ve discovered that when I share a little Jesus with those around me, the little faith that I have in Jesus becomes a little more Jesus in me.

Have a Christmas that is filled with extra Jesus!


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Music of the Season: Bells  

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This pretty little seasonal song called "Carol of the Bells" is really beautiful. As with a number of Christmas songs there are words, but the most inspiring versions are instrumental. My first memory of exposure to this song was Christmas advertising for 'Asti Spumanti' with champagne flutes clinking together on the downbeat. But I think that the holidays deserve more than bubbles and a pretty song. I believe that this song can lead us to remembering the reason that church bells clamber and announce the Savior's birth.

One reason that I prefer versions such as Chip Davis' Mannheim Steamroller project for this song is that it is the carol of the bells. So I say let the instruments do the talking on this one. Let them start gently, build to a massive crescendo, and then leave us with an all-snuggly feeling, like they do in TSO's version below:


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Music of the Season: Something about Snow  

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Just to let you know, I don't have anything against Bing Crosby. As a matter of fact, sometime during the season I intend to view the movie White Christmas (there are a couple of scenes toward the end that just get me every year), and if you'll click this link there's a superb treatment of Bing singing his signature Christmas song, but . . .

I've developed a dear place in my heart for the intro to the song that identifies it ("Ba-doobie doo, Dit dit doo da dit"), and if you'll watch today's video, you'll see that these guys haven't lost a bit of their step as their hair cottoned up:

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Music of the Season: 12 Days  

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This week I'll focus on some of the songs that have become more or less a bit of a tradition around the Christmas season, and then next week we'll move on to the more devotional-esque music for Christmas as we approach the day.

Today's song is one that has become a tradition for me. Although hundreds of different versions are out there, including Bob & Doug McKenzie's version from "Great White North" and one with John Denver 
and the Muppets, my favorite has to be this rendition from SNC:

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Advent 2012 - Week 2: More Love!  

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If there is one thing that there is no shortage on in this world it is love. Certainly, there are those who don’t experience or express love on a regular basis, but this is not for lack of the commodity. Love, as we understand it is one of those wonderful things that grows the more that you give it away. One of my favorite short quips is attributed to Oscar Hammerstein II:
“A bell's not a bell 'til you ring it
 A song's not a song 'til you sing it
 Love in your heart wasn't put there to stay
 Love isn't love 'til you give it away!”
With this reminder during the Christmas season, it becomes a challenge to those of us who know the Love that invaded our planet on Christmas Day to extend His love to everyone with whom we come in contact.

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Music of the Season - Hippos(?!)  

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Since the kiddos and I discovered this old beauty a couple of years ago, it has become one of our Christmas-time fun favorites. For the video, I found a clip of Gayle Peevey appearing on Ed Sullivan's show back in the day. Hope you like it:


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Music of the Season, Santa  

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Regardless of the myths and legends that have been built up over the years concerning St. Nicholas. The character he has become almost overshadows the One for whom Christmas is celebrated. (A tragedy that St. Nick himself would not have enjoyed or accepted.) At any rate, one of the more popular of the songs in the "fun" category that has gotten lots of play time is "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." It has been recorded by a wide variety of artists from Fred Astaire to Justin Bieber. I was sorely tempted to embed the newer version by Michael Buble (affectionately known as "Michael Bubble"), but decided I'd rather rock with the Boss. So, I hope you enjoy:


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Music of the Season, Part 1  

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Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting some of the favorite songs of the Christmas season. Decidedly some of them will be a little less about what the season really is, but what we've allowed to creep in (and some of the stuff is rather creepy). As we get closer, I will be posting more Christmas-appropriate songs. But to begin, I thought we could still have some fun.

So, let's start with the 'Singing Cowboy's' version of "Rudolph":

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Time for a Christmas Sale!  

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Are you looking for a great stocking stuffer? Well here's just the thing. You can order my little Christmas story from Amazon.com. Or, you can cut out the middleman and just contact me directly (I'll be glad to sign the book with a dedication to whomever you want.) And if you order five or more copies direct from me (sorry can't say what Amazon would do) I'll throw in shipping. (Cover price: $7.00 plus $4.00 s/h; Amazon price $6.00 plus $3.99 s/h; Direct order from me: $5.00 + s/h; orders of 3 or more price is $4.00. Orders of 5 or more receive discounted price plus free shipping. I can fulfill orders through PayPal.)

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Advent 2012 - Week 1: Here's Hope!  

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In the late 1980s Southern Baptists set aside the Fall (’89) and Spring (’90) for simultaneous revivals. The object was for churches to engage in these revival efforts in one fell swoop with the theme “Here’s Hope Jesus Cares for You”. The convention even partnered with her publishing arm (Holman Bible Publishers) to prepare themed New Testaments (NKJV) to be given out by the churches in the effort.
             I do not know the full results of the revival effort, but I do know that the sentiment presented in the theme is one that bears remembrance during this Christmas Season—Jesus Christ is the Hope that is available to all mankind. Whether we find ourselves in distress or over-extended this Holiday, we can find all Hope in the One who cares most for us. He cares so much that He offered His own life in place of ours. That’s why He came on the very first Christmas, and why we can still say, “Here’s Hope! Jesus Cares for You!”

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Thanksvember: Day 30 - Jesus the Christ  

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Entering into the Christmas season is always a great pleasure for me. Not the pushing and shoving and shopping and such, but the hustle and bustle does invigorate one. No, it's the celebration: the decorating of the home, the setting and celebrating of traditions; sappy Christmas movies that don't really have much to do with Christmas itself but do enlarge the spirit of the Holiday within the hearts of those who watch, the many versions of "Little Drummer Boy" that keep cropping up, "visions of sugarplums" dancing in all the heads of all the little children who've ever heard the poem by Clement Moore.

But what makes Christmas special is not just the Christ-child, it is the CHRIST, the Son of the living God - Jesus Himself. Born of a virgin. Living a sinless life in order to fulfill His purpose in coming at Christmastime anyway--to shoulder the responsibility for my sin willingly on a rough-hewn cross. I am so thankful that Jesus initiated Christmas so that my inadequate payment for my sin would be covered by all of His adequacy - His abundance. It is the Life found in Jesus the Christ that makes me so thankful every year, at both Thanksgiving and at Christmas.

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Thanksvember: Day 29 - Peace  

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(Advent Preview 4)

Peace.

When you hear the word, the image that comes to mind is often of the long-haired hippie in rosy-colored glasses raising his hand up with a two-fingered 'V' saying, "Peace! Baby." Or with a new vigor for it, you may think of the broken cross symbol that some people claim means peace.

But for me, my mind races back to those days when I see one of my children as a round-headed, bald-pated infant sleeping on their pillow, a soft smile touching their tiny lips.

Peace.

Another of those inner springs that well up not because of circumstance, but often in spite of it. In the midst of an embattled war zone - peace. At the end of a crime-ridden alleyway - peace. On the long dark ride from the chapel to the graveside - peace.

Peace.

It happens in that moment of overpowering triumph and it envelopes the sense of query that accompanies the times we cannot control. This is because in order to have peace, one must relinquish control to someone else. And if you really want to find peace, I would suggest that you relinquish your control to the One who alone has control--Jesus Christ. And because of Him I am thankful for . . .

Peace!

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Thanksvember: Day 28 - Joy  

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(A third Advent preview during the Thanksgiving season)

I love the thought of joy, don't you? That exuberance you experience for no apparent reason. It just bubbles up and you can't hold it in. We're not talking about mere happiness here, but boundless, life-filling . . . well . . . joy. Perhaps this video will make my point:



I am so thankful for Joy.

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Thanksvember: Day 27 - Love  

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(Here's another Advent preview. Hope you enjoy)

Love comes at us in all directions and in many forms. We love our children. We love our parents. We love our sports teams. We love chocolate. We love pie (and how we love pie). But all of these examples of love don't really touch what the real thing is, do they? As a matter of the fact, some of these examples are more love-y than others.

Love is that great intangible that the Bible teaches us is the greatest. The apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian church: "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (I Corinthians 13:13)

 You can't see love, though you can see evidence of it. You can't touch love, but you most certainly can feel it. And the most wonderful thing about love (the thing that I am so thankful for) is that the more of the love you pass on to others the more love you find that you have.

"A bell’s not a bell ’til you ring it A song’s not a song ’til you sing it Love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay Love isn’t love ’til you give it away!" – Oscar Hammerstein II

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Thanksvember: Day 26 - Hope  

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(I thought that for the last few days of November this year, I'd do an Advent Preview. This is not to replace, but to augment, my annual Advent posting.)

Hope - that not yet but going to be - goes beyond the wishful thinking that usually enters the mind when we use the word "hope". For instance, consider the following statements:

"I hope you have a good day today."
"I hope the weather is nice this weekend."
"I hope I get a nice gift for Christmas."

This kind of hope is not only selfish in nature, it hides our eyes from real hope. Real hope is based in an unknown reality. And as such provides more than a positive desire. Real hope gives way to selfless thinking and help for others. I am thankful for real Hope that is found in Christ Jesus.

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Thanksvember: Day 25 - My Blushing Bride  

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One of the reasons that I am always thankful, and especially thankful during the month of November, and even more especially thankful on the twenty-fifth day of November is because this is the day (twelve years ago today) that my Beloved Blushing Bride stood before our fathers (yes both of them), a host of friends and family, and God Almighty Himself, and chose to become my Blushing Bride.

I am blessed by God through her. I am honored by her. And I just can't be thankful enough for all that happened over a few weeks at our missionary orientation and training so that I could be so blessed.

I am thankful for my Bride.

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Thanksvember: Day 24 - Grands  

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Before you get all excited. I'm not thankful for biscuits today (although I do like biscuits--with or without gravy, with butter, and with jelly, or just plain right out of the oven). Today, I am thankful for parents of parents--or grandparents!

I have the memory of two sets of my own. When we went to Grandmother's house (my mom's mother) we slept on the floor, woke up early to hear Grandmother making breakfast (including biscuits!), we explored the barns and sheds, played in the pasture, and had general fun. Somewhere there's a picture of several of us posing around the little tin wagon that we built and then painted with red tempera paint (every time we played with it afterward the paint came off on our hands and clothes).

I recall the story of my farmer Granddaddy as he was getting older. My cousin who was helping on the farm at the time heard something out on the porch in the middle of the night. He looked out on the porch to find Granddaddy in his sleep attire and a rifle in his hands. "What is it, Granddad?" he asked.

"There's a blame deer in the corn," came the reply. At this point Granddad raised the .22 and shot out into the dark. Next morning my cousin and our uncle went out in the field in the direction of the shot and found blood drops! Apparently, there was a "blame deer" in the corn.

MawMaw and PawPaw loved having the family to their place for holidays. When we went to San Antonio for a visit we had holly berry wars, and played with my Dad's cousin's boys (especially "Andy across the street" who was our age and bore the same name as my youngest brother). PawPaw told really bad jokes--always the same jokes and always just as corny. Q: Why did they bury the old Indian in the side of the hill? Reply: I don't know, why did they bury the old Indian in the side of the hill? A: Because he was dead!

I'm also thankful for my children's grands. We live so far away from both sets of parents' parents that we only get to see them once a year (if that). We relish phone calls, letters and packages. And we are thankful that our children love our parents as much as they love us.

And finally, since we do live so far from our own parents, I am extremely thankful for the friends who have generously stepped in to fill that grandparent gap for our children. Thanks to all of you who love on our children as if they are your own grandchildren.

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Thanksvember: Day 23 - Memories  

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I'm thankful, I suppose, for the little invention we call a camera. Because when the camera goes 'click' - instant memory! Certainly the real thing (memory, that is) is more vivid and vibrant than the moment caught on film, but the impact of the freeze-frame lets the reality come rushing back, better than the original.

From early days, we remember the good times, the bad times, the smiles, the jokes, the blessings, and the struggles that build the character that makes us who we are.

I remember first day of first grade. Arriving at school with my "twin" Sherry Long (we discovered shortly after moving to Cason, Texas that we shared a birthday): anticipation that something new and exciting was going to happen. Happy that I didn't have to face it by myself and quickly making a host of other friends to add to the one that I arrived to school with.

I remember my first crash. A real crash. Coaster brakes on bicycles on steep inclines should be applied early rather than late. Another thing for which I'm thankful is that the pick-up I ran into was mostly through the intersection and not just starting. Otherwise I'd probably be not here being thankful for memories.

I remember friends from the past. The laughs, the tears, the arguments. I remember the retreats to Mt. Lebanon with campfire devotions in the late October when it was getting cool. One year Randy even asked me to bring the devotional thought at the fire. Don't remember if it was a good devotion--probably a little lean because I spent the walk up the hill hiding behind the evergreens so that I could jump out and frighten the girls and younger youth (not much time to think about devotions on that walk).

I remember college days - at both HPU and OBU, separate but fond memories both.

See, the memories just keep flooding in. And if you've got a picture of photo album, the mountain will keep growing. Sometimes the tears (happy tears) will start flowing; at others the laughter just bursts forth and someone in the room with you will say, "What's so funny?" At which time you try to re-live and describe the memory, never doing it the justice that it deserves. And certainly without the Technicolor, VistaVision that replays in your mind. But the memory is still there and it's good. So, remember. And be thankful.

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Thanksvember: Day 22 - Tryptophan  

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Oh no! You say--here comes another eating post. Okay, guilty. But today, Thanksgiving Day, has become for Americans a day of excess and gluttony. We say we are thankful and then we eat ourselves into oblivion. We eat big and then we snack the rest of the day.

In the midst of our eating we become drowsy and begin to nod in front of the big football game. (To nod but not to snore.) Who is the culprit for this uninvited sleepiness? We have come to place all the guilt at the feet of the Thanksgiving Turkey and his modicum of tryptophan. Truth be told, no more of this ingredient (which our bodies need in small amounts) that is in this holiday delicacy, we would have to eat more than one whole turkey (by ourselves) in one sitting in order for it to cause the sleepiness that overcomes us. I imagine that the culprit lies in the decision not to stop with just three helpings of everything plus a sampling of all five kinds of desert.

Even so, I like me some Turkey on Thanksgiving Day. And I'll eat me some Turkey on Thanksgiving Day. And I'll be thankful for Turkey (Tryptophan and all) on Thanksgiving Day. And in the mean time I'll force myself to moderate so that I can spend less time eating and more time being Thankful on Thanksgiving Day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thanksvember: Day 21 - Sunshine  

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Something about sunshine just brightens my day. I don't know, maybe its the sunshine. I have a cousin who always greets me (and I'm assuming everyone else, but it's nice to think that it's just me) with: "Hello, Sunshine!" I like that. It means that her day has been brightened when people come into her sight.

The sunshine that we know helps the plants to find nourishment and it also lights up the world so we can see those healthy plants. It provides for us certain vitamins to keep us healthy, too. It warms us and teaches us about the One  true Light who brightens life and gives Sonshine to those who believe.

I used to parody: "Sunshine on my shoulder makes me sunburned/Sunshine in my eyes can make me blind . . ." But in all truth, today I am truly thankful for this:

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