My Meaning of Christmas

I’m blogging.

That’s a big step for me. I always have trouble getting started with my writing but here goes…

My first thoughts were to write some kind of political statement on the issues that I feel passionate about. But then, after listening to some Christmas music, and especially after watching Hannity and Colmes with their guest, Pastor Rick Warren, author of Purpose Driven Life, I realized that my message was right there for me. It was a GREAT show, by the way, for those of you who happen to have missed it. Pastor Warren’s comments on the spirit of Christmas took my thoughts away from politics. I thought that maybe I should start out my blog on a more ‘spiritual’ note.

First: A prayer (This is like a little invocation for my blog…)

Oh God, for many years you have constantly put situations in front of me that I wondered about and stressed over. Many, many times I have asked myself (and God) two questions, “Why me?” and “what is my purpose in life?” I know, oh Lord that you get asked this a lot but help me out here…

Again and again, oh Lord, you spoke to me without speaking. As a teenager, I asked your blessing on me when I attempted to write..but I was always fearful of failure and only you know the reason why. So now Almighty God, I humbly ask your forgiveness for my many sins, I ask for your mercy and I humbly beseech you to bless my attempt at creating meaningful and relevant material for my readers.

My hopes and wishes for this format are to reach out to those who may not know you and your son, Jesus Christ. Please use me as a tool to reach those that may somehow have long ago lost their way, or do not know you as I do. Oh God please grant me the humility to know when I am wrong, the wisdom to discern your mighty voice, and the courage to go forth in your name!

I ask all these things, seeking your guidance, in your precious son’s name, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Now for some personal Christmas history:

For many years, ever since I can remember, ‘Silent Night’ has always held a very special place with my family. This is one of the most solemn and beautiful Christmas hymns I think I have ever heard. According to my maternal grandparents and my mother, our ancestor, Franz Gruber, wrote the music to Silent Night. I do not know all the details to the story. Here is an interesting ‘Silent Night’ link:

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/i/silntnit.htm

The Nativity

In considering that first silent, holy night, I realized that Christmas has, and always will be a special time for me and my family. If ever I have received any glimpses into ‘my purpose in life; these surely came to me during all the Christmases I have spent with my children and now my grandchildren. In today’s materialistic culture, we tend to be caught up in the whole ‘gifting’ process. I realized that it’s not really about “Oh no! What can I get the kids?” it’s really about, “I can’t wait to see the kids!” Having my children, grandchildren and my husband all together at Christmas and sharing the gift of our love for each other is really the best gift of all.

When I think of my family and how much they mean to me, it makes me all the more thankful to God for his gift and sacrifice – his only begotten son – for the salvation of an insignificant individual living on an insignificant planet in some backwater spiral arm of a pretty normal galaxy. Wow

Since I’ve started down this road, let me include the real story of that first silent night all those years ago. No Frosty Snowman, no Rudolph, not even a Saint Nicholas -Bishop of Myra (yet…)

St. Nicholas

The Real Christmas Story

From the Revised Standard Version Bible

Luke, Chapter 2

1.In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.

2: This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3: And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city.

4: And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5: to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

6: And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered.

7: And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8: And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9: And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.

10: And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people;

11: for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ

the Lord.

12: And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

13: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”

For now, I want to send out a wonderful and glorious Merry Christmas to all of you!

Peace be with you and among you!

Please keep in mind why we celebrate Christmas.

Go with God!

(Yeah! I did it!!!)

Credits:

Nativity scene courtesy of

http://www.eonline.com/movies/e_reviews/index.jsp?uuid=e3c6f448-ca0c-432c-8c28-157f8b891e20

(Yeah, I know… It’s from a movie but I liked this Nativity picture the best…)

St Nicholas Icon courtesy of

http://www.stnicholaschurch.ca/content_pages/organiz/council.htm

The Christmas Story excerpted from

http://www.osv.com/OSV4MeNav/AdventChristmas2006/TheChristmasStoryinScripture/tabid/1750/Default.aspx

Tags: Christmas, Conservative, Nativity, St. Nicholas