MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

The “Christmas” Word . . .

image from http://rianniello.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-sadness.html

Oh, Lord, forgive us!!!

We are a fallen nation –

We have forgotten our place as ‘one nation under God’ – being an example of YOU to the world!

This is what we have fallen to . . . punishing those who would mention Your Name during this season where we are to put aside conflicts and celebrate You and Your great love for mankind . . .

Oh, Lord, forgive us!!!

This is not a ‘cute’ little comic . . . this, sadly, represents the reality of life in the world right now . . .

 

I am sitting here in tears over this photo, realizing that it is all too true in our schools, in our offices, in our workplaces . . . and, all I can cry out is:

Oh, Lord, forgive us!!!

Will YOU stand with me and continue to speak of Christ in Christmas?!?

(c) klh 4Given Ministries

‘Tis The Season?

from creativeidea.tk

Nativity scenes come in all shapes and sizes. I remember as a child, growing up in California, each year we would take a drive to a place my parents called “Christmas Card Lane”. Of course, that wasn’t the name of the street – in fact – they were whole neighborhoods.

There were lights. There were huge Christmas cards lit up on the front lawns full of messages of the Hope that was brought to earth at the birth of baby Jesus – many (if not most) had a nativity scene. It was an event that we all looked so forward to seeing.

Nowadays, when one drives around neighborhoods full of lights and such, you will find Santa, Reindeer, Elves, Cartoon Characters, Snowmen, Stockings, Toys, Bright Blinking Lights, even music  . . . and . . .  once in a while . . . a very rare nativity will show itself.

How very sad that we, a Nation that developed by people who desired to put God first above all else, have let the Christ Child slowly disappear from CHRISTmas!!! He IS the focus . . . we are celebrating HIS birth (although most of us realize that this wasn’t the actual date of His birth, it is the one chosen to celebrate it).

How can we have allowed this to happen?!!?

Shame on us!

I’m sitting here at my keyboard listening to Barlow Girl singing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and I am almost in tears as I recall these CHRIST-centered Christmas songs being sung by children and teachers alike in the schools. I remember when the school Christmas Programs WOULD include the reading and acting out Luke 2 – with shepherds, angels, kings, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. The audience would stand and join in singing “Joy to the World, The Lord has Come!” and “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem.” Now, if there even is a program at this time of year it is things like “Jingle Bells” or “Rudolph” or “Frosty the Snowman” – not that these songs aren’t fun, but they are NOT the focus of the season!

Oh, I’m not against sharing the spirit of giving – the story of St. Nicholas and/or Kris Kringle with their loving hearts towards bringing happiness to children – but with the truth of them being a ‘nice tradition’ to pass along while completely emphasizing the TRUE meaning of Christmas!

The Evergreen – Christmas Tree – representing everlasting life. The star atop / or the angel – both announcing the birth of The One Who brings us everlasting life.

How my heart breaks over NOT hearing CHRIST-centered Christmas songs playing in the stores and/or restaurants we visit! I don’t want to hear about Grandma being run over by a reindeer . . .  I want to hear “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” or “Oh Holy Night”!!! This is what my heart longs for – my deepest longing is for others to experience not only the Christ-child we celebrate being born, but to KNOW Him as He IS . . . our Lord, our Savior; Lover of our soul!  Again, all I can say is:

How can we have allowed this to happen?!!?

Shame on us!

Here is my “Christmas Card” to my neighborhood . . .

I want all to know that I have not forgotten . . . and I am proud to share Jesus with everyone . . . He IS the reason for the season!

 

(c) klh 4Given Ministries