Reflections on Christmas

As I look back on my Christmas year, I'm glad I had a little bit of Christmas all year long. I accomplished some things I really wanted to do. One was to see if I could keep up a blog for a whole year. I kinda succeeded (with a few large gaps). I was surprised how God kept reminding me of Christmas things. Another was the goal of having all my shopping done so I wouldn't have holiday anxiety. I got the shopping done but, another surprise: when Thanksgiving was over I started to panic as usual. Why? I don't know. I didn't have deadlines. The Fresno gifts were all delivered and all I had was immediate family gifts left.

A disappointment was not having the usual Christmas lights and decorations because of our new kitten. Then Bill got bronchitis and we didn't even get the outside tree lights up, so there was nothing from our house that looked like Christmas at all except the wreath on the door and the little banner that said, "Christ is born."
Maybe that's all you need anyway. I did play lots of Christmas music and we attended two Christmas cantatas so that helped.

One highlight for me each Christmas season is our family caroling party. We went this year to two convalescent hospitals. We got to carol a dear friend who lived only one week more after we were there. We got names from our church of lonely people and caroled them. We even barged in on a caroling group and sang with them. I think they didn't mind and the people enjoyed it.

We had a lovely Christmas breakfast and opened our gifts together. I wanted to keep the kitten locked up because she eats ribbon, rubber bands, paper, etc. but I was outvoted and she joined the festivities. That afternoon we went to our daughter's house and had Christmas dinner with her inlaws. Later I phoned our other daughter who we hadn't heard from and found out she was alone. Her husband and daughter had gone to his mom's but she didn't feel well so didn't go. I felt bad that she was alone on Christmas.

Saturday we went to Fresno and had another Christmas dinner. So now we're finished and clean up is mostly done. We usually don't take down our tree until New Years but since the cat was pulling the rest of the balls down anyway, I packaged them as soon as she got them down and then Bill packaged the tree. So now there are only a few beautiful treasures around (that she leaves alone) and I'll get them down tomorrow or the next day or the next. This really has been a more relaxing Christmas because the shopping was all done. Oh yes, and most of the cards have been sent out.

So now it's Happy New Year, 2009 in one more hour and a half.
May you remember that Jesus was born for you. May you learn from Him and delight in Him all through 2009.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Merry Christmas

God so loved the world
that He gave His one and only Son
that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish
but have everlasting life. John 3: 16

God gave the best Christmas present ever.
Merry Christmas!
Paulita

As With Gladness Men of Old

'Tis Christmas Eve and and we await Christmas, the birth of our Savior. Here is our December carol:

As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold,
As with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright,
So, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led to Thee.

As with joyful steps they sped to that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before Him whom heaven and earth adore,
So, may we with willing feet ever seek the mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare at that manger rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy, pure and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.

Holy Jesus, every day keep us in the narrow way;
And when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide, where no clouds Thy glory hide.
Amen

Sleep tight, all is ready for our celebration tomorrow.
Merry Christmas!
Paulita

Sasha NO

Yes, the Christmas shopping is really all done. The wrapping, however, has not been done and I have an excuse: Things have come to a grinding halt since we got our first early Christmas present, a kitten. We have had cats nearly all our married years, but it's been a long time since we've raised a kitten. This is an indoor kitten. Imagine her glee when we brought a tree into the house just for her! She had never climbed a tree.

We strung the lights (she has a fondness for cords) and hung about twenty-five balls (she loves balls). Then we left the house for about three hours. When we returned, many of the cords reached the floor and there were at least 8 balls on the floor. We decided right then and there that the lights had to go. We'd never be able to plug them in. Well every day since, she has systematically removed balls from the tree. We even tightened the wires, so now we find balls without wires and we have to go looking in the tree for them. More than that, she has really gotten good at climbing. She got the angel off the top! We have an artificial tree so each day its configuration is a little different, depending on which branch she stands on to reach the top balls.

This cat, by the way her name is Sasha but she thinks it's Sasha NO, has a fondness for house plants, newspaper, waste baskets, leaky faucets, computer printers, shoe laces, etc. We bought her an early Christmas present, some wheat grass. She loves it.

Well, back to Christmas. I don't plan to put up many decorations this year. I put up four of my little houses to make a town but my town will not have cotton for snow, little people, or trees in it this year. I will not put my three wise men on top of the hutch because Sasha could jump from the table to the top of the hutch in one mighty leap. We will not hang our stocking on the chimney with care. I will not put my pretty 12 days of Christmas skirt around the tree because she will eat the days one by one. I will not put wrapped packages under the tree until Christmas morning. Do I sound depressed? Well maybe a little.

So what is Christmas anyway? Lights, balls, stockings, angels (well maybe), wise men (yeah), little towns with cottony snow, Christmas tree skirts? Probably all of the above, but mostly it's Jesus' birthday. We can still play and sing Christmas carols with one another and rejoice that we can celebrate together. And next year Sasha will be one and a half years old.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Christmas Carol Quiz

We just got our first invitation of the year to a Christmas party. Yes, I know, Thanksgiving hasn't happened yet. But people are thinking ahead. If you are one of those thinking ahead to your own Christmas party, here is a fun activity to do with friends:

This is a non-threatening game that is equally fun to do as a group, in teams, as families, or individually. For this game you will need to recall words to familiar Christmas carols and traditional Christmas songs.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Announce the name of the carol and then ask the question. Depending on how you choose to play the game, the answers can be called out, sung, or written.
2. Be prepared to share a copy of the questions and answers for your guests to take home.
3. If you know an accomplished pianist, provide music and words (or just words for the guests and music for the accompanist) for a Christmas sing-a-long when you have finished the quiz.

CHRISTMAS CAROL QUIZ
1. The First Noel - To whom was the first noel given?
2. O Little Town of Bethlehem - What was shining in the streets of Bethlehem?
3. It Came upon the Midnight Clear - What came upon the midnight clear?
4. We Three Kings - Where were the three kings from?
5. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing - What three things did the angels sing about?
6. Away in a Manger - What piece of baby furniture did the little Lord Jesus not have?
7. Angels We Have Heard on High - What echoed the angels' song?
8. O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Who is Emmanuel?
9. While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night - Where were the shepherds seated when the angels came?
10. Deck the Halls - What are we to "troll"?
11. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Santa may not be omniscient, but what three things does he know about you?
12. Winter Wonderland - How do you feel walking in a winter wonderland?
13. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - What part of your anatomy is Jack Frost nipping at?
14. Jingle Bells - What are we doing when we're dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh?
15. Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer - What would you say if you saw Rudolph's nose?
16. White Christmas - What are the children listening for?
17. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - What could be a cause for dismay?
18. Jolly Old Saint Nicolas - What is Santa supposed to whisper?
19. Winter Wonderland - What does the new bird sing?
20. Joy to the World - What is every heart to do regarding the king?

ANSWERS (according to the words in the carols)
1. certain poor shepherds
2. everlasting Light
3. that glorious song of old
4. Orient
5. glory to the newborn King, peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled
6. crib
7. mountains
8. the Son of God
9. the ground
10. the ancient yuletide carol
11. when you're sleeping, when you're awake, if you've been bad or good
12. happy
13. nose
14. laughing
15. It glows!
16. sleigh-bells in the snow
17. nothing
18. what you'll bring to me
19. a love song
20 prepare Him room

Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Catching Up

I'm catching up on my Christmas gift buying. After all, there are only 52 days until Christmas. I don't know how many shopping days that is. I bought two gifts last month. One for my daughter that she really wants but will be very surprised to receive, and one for my son-in-law that he will like. Actually I have two daughters and I won't say which one gets the gift. Likewise, I have two sons-in-law so I can't say which one of them gets the gift either.

This month, so far, I have bought one gift (and it was an impulse buy) for my husband. I think I have 5 more peple to buy for.

There is one other minor problem. In November we have three birthdays. In December there are three, and in January there are two!!! Oh well, I'm determined to get Christmas done first.

Merry Christmas,
Paulita

October Carol

Somehow it seems appropriate amidst the loud claims and protestations of the upcoming election, to focus on the peace which the birth of Jesus brings. Join me

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from heaven's all-gracious King"
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing:
O rest beside the weary load, and hear the angels sing.

For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old,
When, with the evercircling years, shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.
- Edmund H. Sears

Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Onward to the Hallelujah Chorus

In case I forget to tell you, I did purchase one Christmas gift this month. I can't tell you anything about it though, because the person I got it for reads this blog! I am beginning to feel a little pressured. I am only about half-way through my Christmas gift list and there are only 87 days 'till Christmas!

There are also only 17 more songs before the Hallelujah Chorus. But take heart. Only nine of them are used regularly in a Christmas Messiah concert. Of those total 18, eight are written for the tenor soloist. Of those eight, only four are usually used. Poor tenor!

Here are the words. We'll start with the tenor. "Thy rebuke hath broken His heart; He is full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity on Him, but there was no man; neihter found He any to comfort Him." Those words are from Psalm 69:20. The tenor continues with his aria, "Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow." (Lamantations 1:12)

The chorus next sings, "Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of glory." (Psalm 24: 9-10)

Now in my opinion that song would make a lot more sense if we had let the tenor sing his preceeding recitative and aria. What we missed was, "He was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of Thy people was He stricken." (Isaiah 53:8) "But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; nor didst Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10) See what I mean? Jesus had to die before he could be resurrected.

The next four songs are usually omitted. So onward we gallop. The soprano sings, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. (Isaiah 52:7 and quoted in Romans 10:15)

Another chorus is omitted and then the bass sings one of my two favorite bass solos in the oratorio. Here comes the drama of the end times: "Why do the nations so furiously rage together? (and) why do the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel against the Lord, and against His Anointed." (Psalm 2:1-2) The chorus answers, "Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us." (Psalm 2:3) Then the tenor agrees, "He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision." (Psalm 2:4) "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." (Psalm 2:9)

Now comes the resounding, "Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Hallelujah!" (Revelation 19: 6 and 16)

Well, as the song says, "You may think that this is the end. Well it..."
I have to think about this. The oratorio continues, but I may want to save the last part for next year's blog, A Year of Easter.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Handel's Messiah, Part II

Part II of Handel's Messiah is all about Jesus' sacrifice for us. Many of the choruses are used in Christmas concerts, and indeed, this section ends with the triumphant "Hallelujah Chorus," a Christmas favorite.

But after seeing the emphasis Mr. Jennens (who compiled the Scriptures for the oratorio) places on this part and his central positioning of it, I have to agree with him and Handel that this oratorio was meant to be performed at Easter.

Nevertheless, here's what you may hear this Christmas season: the chorus opens with the very startling and moving, "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world." (John 1:29) This, of course, is the reason Jesus was born, and is the central message of the Bible.

The alto soloist followed by the chorus gives us much of Isaiah's prophecy concerning Christ's death. "He was despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." (Isaiah 53:3)

The next part of the alto's solo is usually omitted. It is not a quote from the Isaiah passage which preceeds and follows it, but is quoted from Isaiah 50:6 It almost seems to be a tag ending to say, "Hey, this was real and violent." In fact, it is verified and testified to in Matthew's gospel account. (Matthew 26:67 and Matthew 27:30) The orchestral accompaniment is very agitated as these words are sung: "He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; He hid not his face from shame and spitting."

The chorus continues directly with the Isaiah 53 prophecy: "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:4-6)

Far from being distracting during the Christmas celebration, these words emphasize why Jesus was born. If Jesus remains only a baby in a manger, he cannot do much for me, but I can rejoice that God kept His Christmas promise and sent a Savior for my soul.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Shepherds and Angels

After the Pastoral Symphony in Handel's Messiah comes the soprano's delight. I should know. I am a soprano and I used to sing this. Only one time was it not a delight and that was at a college Christmas concert, when I had my usual Christmas laryngitis. (which is a whole nuther story)

The soprano sings from Luke 2:8-13: "There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo! the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying:"

To which the chorus responds: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men."

What a thrill!

Following this, is more prophecy from the books of Zechariah and Isaiah which tell about Jesus' earthly life. (Remember they were written more than 500 years before Jesus was born.) The soprano sings, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold thy king cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen." (Zechariah 9:9-10)

From Isaiah 35:5-6 an alto sings, "Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing."

Yep, that's Jesus.

She continues: "He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah 40:11)

This was beautifully pictured in a stained glass window over the choir loft in the church I attended as a child. I stared at it every Sunday and loved it.

The soprano extends the invitation: "Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and He shall give you rest. Take His yoke upon you and learn of Him; for He is meek and lowly of heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)

To end Part I of the Messiah, the chorus responds, "His yoke is easy and His burden is light."

Thus ends the Christmas portion of the Messiah. But wait, you say. Where is the Hallelujah Chorus? Hm-m-m, I think I'll tell you next time.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Pastoal Symphony/Silent Night

The next part of The Messiah by Handel is an orchestral interlude which sets the stage for the angel's announcement to the shepherds who are out in the fields watching their sheep.

Unfortunately, since it is the only selection without words, it is often used at an intermission break, or as a background to taking an offering (if it is part of a church service).

Since the Pastoral Symphony does not have words, I am going to insert our September Carol of the month here. It will also set the mood for the angel's announcement to the shepherds: the first verse showing the newborn baby, the second telling of the shepherds surprise, and the third proclaiming who this baby is.

"Silent Night" by Franz Gruber

Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing alleluia;
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
P.S. Last night, our choir director introduced the cantata for this Christmas season. Did yours?

Jesus is Born

"Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, God with us."
How refreshing. This is what we've been waiting for in our journey through Handel's Messiah. This quotation is from Isaiah 7:14. It is also in the New Testament in Matthew 1:22-23 when the writer is confirming to us the significance of the angel's announcement to Joseph.

The announcement here is made by an alto soloist. She continues with Isaiah 40:9, "O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up unto the high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!" "Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." (Isaiah 60:1)

The chorus jubilantly joins her using many of the same words.

Oh, oh, here comes our bass soloist again. He starts out in his somber mood, but he can't help himself this time. Though he commands our attention and we're ready for the worst, he brings us some good news. "For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to the light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising." (Isaiah 60:2-3)

Did you hear what he said? "...and the Gentiles shall come to thy light and kings to the brightness of thy rising." Gentiles! The Old Testament says Gentiles shall come to the light. That's us!

The bass continues, "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:2)

And the chorus (and we, too) respond, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Holy God, Sinful man

Hang on to your hats, you fellow Messiah oratorio fans.

After the glorious announcement that God's promised Savior is coming, instead of taking us immediately to the prophecy concerning Jesus' birth, Mr. Jennes takes us to an Old Testament scripture regarding Christ's return to the temple in Jerusalem. Here's a little background on his chosen scripture.

It is from the small book of Haggai (only two chapters), the third to the last book in the Old Testament. This prophecy by Haggai, the prophet, was given to Zerrubabel, the governor at the time, Joshua, the priest, and a remnant of the Israelites who had come back from captivity in Babylon. They were rebuilding the temple which had been destroyed by the Babylonians 70 years prior, and were very discouraged because the foundation seemed so small and insignificant compared to the original temple. But the Lord said, "Be strong Zerrubabel, be strong Joshua, be strong all you people of the land. Work for I am with you."

Then the prophet says, "Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: Yet once a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come." (Haggai 2:6-7)

Question: Was God going to shake the heavens and earth right then? when Jesus was born? or when He comes back at the end of the age? Most scholars think this refers to Jesus' second coming. If so, Mr. Jennes has used it here to forshadow the glorious ending of the oratorio.

He couples this verse with Malachi 3:1-2: "The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. But who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire."

All this is sung by a bass soloist which emphasizes the gravity of the pronouncement. We'll see as we go along if the bass soloist continues to the "the heavy."

The chorus sings the next verse from Malachi which says the Lord will purify the sons of Levi. The sons of Levi were the priests who offered sacrifices to God. They would not be able to offer sacrifices if they themselves were not first purified.

"And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." (Malachi 3:3)

Whew! That's the best I can do gang. Next time, though, we get the prophecy about Jesus.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

The Announcement

If you were going to tell the story of the Messiah, where would you start? Genesis 1, at the creation of the world? My husband said he would start with the Gospel of John, "In the beginnig was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,...and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

Mr. Jennens (who chose the Scriptures for Handel to use in his oratorio, The Messiah) chose to start with sinful mankind desperately in need of a Savior.

A tenor voice announces, "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."

That is a prophecy from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 40:1-3) who lived and prophecied a few years before the Israelites went into captivity in Babylon. It is written in old English because Mr. Jennens used the King James Version of the Bible. It's not that hard to follow and it sings well.

The tenor follows with, "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight, and the rough places plain."

The chorus answers with "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." (These last two are also from Isaiah 40, verses 4 and 5.)

This then is the initial announcement of the fulfilling of many prophecies in the Old Testament. Messiah will come. God's promises are sure.

You may be surprised at what comes next, and may think we've completely lost track of where we are going. Hang in there. It lays a wonderful foundation for the coming of Messiah.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Interesting tidbit

The date is August 30th. Today I went shopping in the local Dollar Store. Guess what I saw when I walked in the door - - - - CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS !!!
Paulita

Handel's Messiah

One of the great oratorios most often performed at Christmas time is Handel's Messiah. In fact Christmas doesn't seem like Christmas without singing in, or at least attending a performance of the Messiah. But I found out that Handel meant for his oratorio to be performed at Easter.

Handel composed his oratorio in 1741 from August 22nd to September 14th. (24 days !) That means that he composed it around this time of year. It was first performed for a charitable concert in Dublin, Ireland the next spring on April 13, 1742. Every year after that, starting with March 23, 1743, it was performed in London.

My copy of the Messiah includes the Scriptural words as part of the table of contents. I took the time to find out where they were located in the Bible and then I wondered who it was who chose them for this oratorio. It was not Handel! It was a man named Charles Jennens. He is not even mentioned as the compiler in my copy. My information said he chose Scriptures for other Handel works, too. It also said he was not too happy that Handel had whipped out the music for his chosen Scriptures in only 24 days! Little did he know of the lasting impact the Messiah would have on both Christians and non-Christians throughout the centuries.

I am going to use the next few blogs to write out the words and then see if they are the ones I would have chosen to tell Messiah's story. I'll also find out if we should be singing this oratorio for Christmas, Easter, or both.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

A Christmas Carol for August

iT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR

It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, good-will to men from heaven's all-gracious King":
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing:
O rest beside the weary load, and hear the angels sing.

For lo, the days are hastening on by prophet seen of old,
When, with the evercircling years, shall come the time fore-told,
When the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.

I am so intrigued by how these carols, especially this one, are put together. The first verse tells the story or incident, the second verse is me, here and now, and the third verse looks forward to Jesus' return to earth. My prayer is that as you rest beside your weary load, you'll hear the angels sing.

Merry Christmas,
Paulita

What Difference does Christmas Make?

Of course Christmas makes a great deal of difference to a merchant. Most of his sales are at Christmas. But if Jesus' birth was so important, and I believe it was, how did those who were close at the time respnd to it? How could some of them miss it?

The Innkeeper - He was a very busy man trying to fit as many of the people who were visiting Bethlehem into his inn. By the time Mary and Joseph arrived and the birth of Jesus was imminent, he was just too busy to think they could be anything other than just another couple, albeit she was pregnant. So he provided what he could in the way of lodging, but he missed the blessing of Christmas.

How often I've also been so busy that I miss the blessing of Christmas!

The religious leaders ie. chief priests and teachers of the law - When King Herod was confronted by the wise men seeking a new baby king, he consulted with these leaders to find out exactly where the Messiah would be born. The leaders knew. They were well aware of the scripture that pinpointed Bethlehem as His birthplace. Even though they knew this, they didn't bother to check out the report of the wisemen or even ask Herod why he wanted to know. Their indifference caused them to miss Christmas, too.

Am I so preoccupied at Christmas that I become indifferent to the wonder of the miracle?

Herod - He didn't want Christmas! He was the king and didn't want anyone usurping his throne. He was bah-humbug personified, but more than that he was afraid: afraid he'd lose his position and power, afraid of being associated with anything or anybody that might be considered fanatic, afraid of losing his autonomy if this really proved to be the Messiah.

How do you feel about Jesus?

The shepherds - Would you announce the special birth of the Savior of the world to shepherds? There's nothing wrong with being a shepherd but it's certainly not a stutus occupation. Men were shepheds but so were children and women. These were very ordinary people following a simple lifestyle. But suddenly God parted the sky and a glorious angel announced to these startled shepherds that the Savior had come. Did they care? You bet they did! They may not have been scholars, but they did know there was a God who had created the earth they traversed and the stars they camped under each night. They knew He provided for them and they were accountable to Him, and they were terrified!

But they left their flocks and ran to find the Savior, the newborn king, and when they did, they returned to their flocks, telling everyone on the way what they had seen and heard!

Christmas is coming in only 127 days. Will we be too busy to notice that it is Jesus' birth? Will we treat the miracle of God's gift to us with indifference? Will we be afraid that if we acknowledge Jesus is the Savior of mankind we'll also have to acknowledge that we need Him? Or will we readily hear the angels' voices, greet Christ's birth with joy and thanksgiving, and tell everyone we meet during the season the Good News?

Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Gifts, Gifts, and more Gifts

I've gone Christmas shopping again, but apparently I'm not the only one. An article came out in our local paper entitled, "Christmas in August." It said prices are going to be higher this Christmas season, so it's a good time to shop now. I think I basically distrust the motivation behind the article, but since I had the same idea, (only with a different slant) I'm running with it.

I purchsed four more gifts. Summer is a great time for sales and I found a good one on HUGE beach towels. Do you think you'd like to get a beach towel for Christmas? I generally buy sweaters etc. at Christmas time, but why not beach towels? They might be useful for swimming classes or Hawaiian vacations, and they certainly won't rot waiting for next summer. This super sale offered "Buy one towel, get two free." How could I pass that up? I already have them alloted.

But I said four gifts. I ordered The Bible Answer Book for Students for my granddaughter who will be a senior in high school. It has answers not only for spiritual questions, but for ethical, moral, and social questions. It sounds like a good source of info from someone other than parents. I'll let you know when it comes if I can recommend it further.

Well, from looking at my list I have about 8 more gifts to buy and 4 months to do it. I need to double up. I'll get it done. I really will. Until then...
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

The Word Became Flesh

"How many more days 'till Christmas?"

Starting December first, that was my constant question. Even though my parents tried to limit the anticipation and excitement to a two or three week time frame, my focus was Christmas and what Santa would bring.

In our home there was no emphasis on Christmas being Jesus' birthday, but at Sunday school we kids memorized the Christmas story from Lluke 2:8-14 and sang the carols that announced His birth.

A stained glass window in our church showed Jesus, the Shepherd, holding a lamb. When the church was decorated with red poinsettias, I knew this was the Jesus of Christmas. When the decorations were put away, He was still my Jesus, my Shepherd. I didn't know the theology behind "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," but I knew Jesus came, lived on earth, and died for my sins. Jesus loved me and was always with me. I knelt by my bed and prayed and He heard me. He was my way to God.

Later I realized He had indeed transferred me from the kingdom of darkness to His kingdom of light. When Jesus came from the Father, He brought a gift no one else could give - the gift of Himself, the promised Savior of the world.

Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Christmas Carol Quiz

Here is a fun game to play at your next Christmas party: For this game you will need to recall words to familiar Christmas carols and traditional Christmas songs. I will give you the name of a carol and then ask you a question about it. Your answer must be according to the words in the carol.

Here you go. Number 1 is a freebee.

1. The First Noel - To whom was the first noel given? (Answer: to certain poor shepherds)
2. O Little Town of Bethlehem - What was shining in the streets of Bethlehem?
3. It Came Upon the Nidnight Clear - What came upon the midnight clear?
4. We Three Kings - Where were the three kings from?
5. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing - What three things did the angels sing about?
6. Away in a Manger - What piece of baby furniture did the little Lord Jesus not have?
7. Angels We Have Heard on High - What echoed the angels' song?
8. O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Who is Emmanuel?
9. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night - Where were the shepherds seated when
the angels came?
10. Deck the Halls - What are we to "troll?"
11. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Santa may not be omnicient, but what three things does he
know about you?
12. Winter Wonderland - How do you feel walking in a winter wonderland?
13. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - What part of your anatomy is
Jack Frost nipping at?
14. Jingle Bells - What are we doing when we're dashing through the snow in a one-horse open
sleigh?
15. Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer - What would you say if you saw Rudolph's nose?
16. White Christmas - What are the children listening for?
17. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - What could be a cause for dismay?
18. Jolly Old Saint Nicolas - What is Santa supposed to whisper?
19. Winter Wonderland - What does the new bird sing?
20. Joy to the World - What is every heart to do regarding the king?

OK. Do you want the answers now or should I tell you to tune in tomorrow? If you promise you won't cheat, you can have them now.

1. certain poor shepherds (I already gave you that one.)
2. everlasting Light
3. that glorious song of old
4. Orient
5. glory to the newborn King, peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled
6. crib
7. mountains
8. the Son of God
9. the ground
10. the ancient yuletide carol
11. when you're sleeping, when you're awake, if you've been bad or good
12. happy
13. nose
14. laughing
15. It glows!
16. sleigh-bells in the snow
17. what you'll bring to me
19. a love song
20. prepare Him room

Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Am I Keeping Up?

Yes, indeed, I did buy a June gift. It was probably frivolous, but one that will be enthusiastically received - something every woman wants and needs. No, I can't afford diamonds or even a gift card at Macy's, but it's almost as good.

I think this month's gift will be books. After all, I do teach reading, so I promote the written word whenever possible. I have a son who reads voraciously so it's rather hard to keep ahead of him. He likes the unique, intellectually challenging books usually by controversial authors, but not always. Sometimes I can log onto his Amazon wish list for ideas.

Do you see why I need to do this month by month? It's too hard to think during the "Christmas rush," usually the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but lately the time between Halloween and Christmas, and maybe next year, the time between Easter and Christmas. I think I prefer the time between Christmas and Christmas. Hence, A Year of Christmas. Not that I need to keep the commercial part of Christmas on my mind all year, but I do think I'll be glad that part is done. Besides it's more fun when I have time.

By the way, Merry Christmas to you,
Paulita

Christmas in July

Several years back when I directed a small church choir, we had a party each year to introduce the special Christmas music for the coming season. We called the event "Christmas in July." You may think that's really planning ahead, but we needed that much time to learn the music. Besides we hadn't gotten together as a group since June, and wouldn't again until September.

When the music was reintroduced in the fall, it was not totally unfamiliar and was greeted enthusiastically. This also gave the soloists time to learn their solos. (Don't you hate it when the soloist is the last to learn their part and you knew it two weeks ago?)

One year we learned a few selections from the Messiah, a totally new experience for some, and one year we dared to think we could pull off "Amahl and the Night Visitors." Yes, we had a wonderful boy soprano! Christmas in July was a time of stretching and imagining with no looming deadlines. We also invited people who didn't usually sing in the choir, and as a result, some decided they could.

In the hot days of summer it's fun to do something cool and unexpected like celebrating Jesus' birth together in song.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

OK, I'm back on track! We are now about the furtherest from Christmas we can be. Here is the central valley of California the temperatures are hot, flowers are in bloom, the trees are fully clothed, and picnics are the order of the day. No snow, no bare branches, no cold, foggy days and no Christmas trees. What I need are some angel reminders to put me in the mood for Christmas.

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echo back their their joyous strains.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
Say what may the tidings be,
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come adore, on bended knee,
Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Yes, that's what I need to inspire my earthly song. In my mind's eye I come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing. I come on bended knee and adore Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.

As I begin the last half of the year 2008, I still have more carols to share, more gifts to buy,
and more stories and scriptures to add to our inspiration and enthusiam of celebrating Christmas. Will we get it all done so we can enjoy the reason for the season in December?
Yep, we will.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Make a Connection

After Christmas do you take time to write thank-you notes to the people who gave you gifts? Some people do and some don't. Some people train their kids to write thank-you notes. I always appreciate those little notes, usually short and to the point, but more and more creative as the child gets older.

When I was a child I was required to write thank-you notes only to those who sent gifts and were not present to be thanked personally.

Today I was reading the story of Jesus healing the ten men who had leprosy. All believed Jesus could heal them. All did exactly as Jesus told them and hurried off to the priest so he could declare them healed. But one man stopped on his way and ran back to Jesus. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked Him. Out of this act of gratitude that man began a relationship with Jesus that the others missed.

A relationship with Jesus - that was the whole point. When I receive a thank-you note or I write one, a connection begins - that, too, is the point. We are called to connect - connect with God and with people.

This year as you purchase, wrap, mail, and receive gifts, make a connection - begin a relationship. Check to see if you have an attitude of gratitude. Or are you just as hassled this year as last?

Thank You, God, for the Christmas gift You sent, Your only Son, to be my Redeemer and Lord.
Paulita

The First Noel for the month of May

Story carols are the most fun to sing because some of them just go on and on and on. Take the English carol, "The First Noel," for instance. In my hymnal it has six verses each followed by the refrain, "Noel, noel! Noel, noel! Born is the King of Israel!" Even little children can join in the refrain after the first couple of times.

Actually the first five verses in this carol tell the story. The sixth verse gives us a chance to respond to what we've sung (or read, as the case may be).

Here is the story:

The first noel the angel did say

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,

On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

They loooked up and saw a star

Shining in the east, beyond them far;

And to the earth it gave great light,

And so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star,

Three wise men came from country far;

To seek for a king was their intent,

And to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest,

Over Bethlehem it took its rest;

And there it did both stop and stay,

Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those wise men three,

Full reverently upon their knee,

And offered there, in His presence,

Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,

That hath made heaven and earth of naught,

And with His blood mankind hath bought.

Noel, noel! Noel, noel!

Born is the King of Israel!

Merry Christmas,

Paulita

I Like Trumpets

May is fleeting fast. It always does as things like school, concerts and special programs, end of the year recitals, etc. all seem to happen in May. BUT Christmas endures on my CD's.

I've been listening to some Baroque Christmas music and it occurred to me that a couple of the selections should have been used to announce Jesus' birth. Oh, I know they hadn't been written yet, but wouldn't it have been awesome if the angels had decended from heaven with the baby Jesus in their arms to the brass accompaniment of Purcell's "Tumpet Tune and Air," and laid him in a soft bed in a magnificent palace?

God didn't choose that plan. Instead he gave an ordinary young Jewish couple a baby whom they laid in a manger behind an inn in Bethlehem because there wasn't a room available to them.

One other selection on my Baroque Christmas CD is Handel's "Tochter Zion." It is a short trumpet fanfare (actually part of "Judas Maccabeus" by George Freidrich Handel). It is in my hymnal under the title, "Thine is the Glory" and is located in the Easter section. The words speak of Jesus as the risen, conquering Son. So it occurred to me that perhaps when Jesus comes back to rule over earth, the trumpets will play this song. Scripture does say, "The trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." (I Corinthians 15:52)

While we wait, Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Precious Gifts

My, how time flies. This month is almost half over and already more than a third of the year has passed. Only 225 days left until Christmas!

I was actually reminded of Christmas when I received a Mother's Day flyer from a charitable organization we support. It showed gifts I could purchase in honor of my (or someone else's mother) which would benefit a child or family in a third world country. I could buy a goat for $75. I could feed a mother and her children for $50. I could purchase two chickens for $25. (Imagine!) I could provide hope for exploited girls for $35, or enroll a girl in school for $35.

All are worthy gifts to give in someone's honor. All of these, since it was Mother's Day, had to do mainly with females. I personally liked the two chickens, a source of fresh eggs and the ability to increase a family's income for only $25. I love chickens!

Anyway this reminded me that I receive a similar flyer every year about a month or so before Christmas. It has been my habit to pass the flyer around to our granddaughters (We haven't included our grandson, but we will this year.) and let them choose something for $15 or less (There are a lot of items to choose from). Last year two of them put their gift money together and provided help for exploited girls. The other chose an animal gift because she is very interested in animals (ROP animal husbandry class at high school). Each child gets a thank you card from the organization acknowledging her gift.

Often I feel that this is my most rewarding gift giving.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

April Christmas presents

No, I really didn't forget to buy a Christmas present for April, I just had to wait until May 1st to have the money. You know how that goes. Well, I bought three presents. Our church had a 50th anniversary a week ago and one of the momentos of the occasion was the creation of a church cookbook. They are the best kind! So I bought four (one for me). Since our church is from a Swedish background, we included a few Swedish recipes. There was also a whole menu for a Swedish smorgasbord usually served at Christmas. I intend to attend a Christmas smorgasbord this November at a nearby church, or if I get brave, I'll try to make some of the dishes.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Three Kings in a Nut Shell

Actually this long Christmas carol will not fit in a nut shell, but it does give the adoration story of the kings. It was written by John H. Hopkins, Jr. in 1857.

We three kings of Orient are,
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I,
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising all men raising,
Worship Him, God on high.

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Sounds thru the earth and skies.

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to Thy perfect light.
Amen

I love singing these traditional Christmas carols, but I also love, in a different way, just reading the words. This is a perfect ending for our three (or many more) kings who followed the star to find Jesus, the foretold king (our promised Messiah).
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

A Spring Reminder

This is the time of the year when our tulip tree blooms. This is not the same tree as our neighbor's which greets spring with a burst of large fushia-colored flowers. Our tree produces delicte cup-shaped blossoms that you have to get up close to see. They are light green with orange and yellow centers.

A few years ago, when my husband was enjoying his hobby of painting, he chose to paint a picture of our tulip blossoms. We made his picture into a Christmas card and I wrote the following:

One hardly even notices these blossoms
hidden among the leaves of the tulip tree
without walking close and gazing upward.
May they remind you to come close to the manger
and gaze at God's Christmas gift to you -
a Savior, which is Christ, the Lord.

Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Prophecy Trivia & the End of the Nativity Story

How did Matthew know about the prophecies from the old scriptures that he used in his Gospel narrative? Matthew was a Jew writing to Jews to convince them that Jesus was their prophecied Messiah. The prophecies hidden as they were (or so it seemed to me) could be known by all Jews who were familiar with the scriptures. I, like many other Christians, accept Matthew's assertion that these actually foretold this part of Messiah's story.

I looked up Ramah and discovered two things: 1. Rachael (see yesterday's blog), Jacob's beloved wife died near there during childbirth. 2. Rama was the town where, historically during the time of Nebuchadnezzar's invasion of Judah, King Neb detained captives prior to deportation. The captives deemed too old or too weak to make the trip to Babylon were slaughtered. This was the primary fulfillment of the prophecy in Jeremiah 31:15. Later Matthew applied it to another slaughter: Herod's slaughter of all the boys two years old and under, after the birth of Christ. (Matthew 2:18)

Now for the end of this part of the Christmas story, and one more prophecy:
"After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead.'
"So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: 'He will be called a Nazarene.'"

OK. I don't know who the prophets were who said this, but I can tell you that Nazareth was an insignificant place, lacking in commendation and with a certain crudeness in the Galilean dialect. In fact, Nathanael, when he first learned of Jesus of Nazareth, asked, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" So my Bible dictionary says, "Thus the word Nazarene was a fitting title for the One who grew up 'as a root out of dry ground, dispised and rejected by men.'"
(Isaiah 53:2-3)

Anyway, we've come full circle. Our story started in Nazareth and this part ends in Nazareth. (Read again Luke 2:1-7)
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

The Story Less Known

If you've kept current with this blog, you will remember that Herod called the Wise Men in secretly so he could find out exactly when the star had first appeared in the sky. Then he sent them on to Bethlehem to find the new king. He told them to be sure to come back and tell him, so he could go and worship him, too.

But after the Wise Men found Jesus and presented their gifts to him, they were warned in a dream NOT to return to Herod so they went home by another route.

Pretty wise, huh?

Matthew 2:13-16 continues the story: "When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. 'Get up,' he said, 'take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.' so he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet,
'Out of Egypt I called my son.'" (Hosea 11:1 written about 723 BC)

Matthew 2:17-18 "When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
'A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachael weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.'" (Jeremiah 31:15 written about 597 BC)

One of my Christmas treasures is a figurine called "Flight to Egypt." It is of Mary and the young Jesus riding on a donkey with Joseph walking alongside leading the way. It graphically tells this less known Christmas story.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

O Come Let Us Adore Him

Every Christmas pageant has three Wise Men dressed in either bathrobes and cardboard crowns, or in purple velvet as royalty. Usually the Wise Men sing "We Three Kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar..." as they come down the church aisle to the manger scene.

Who were these kings who came to worship Jesus? Where did they come from? What did they see in the sky and how did they know what it meant? Oh yes, and how many were there? One last question: Why did they go to Jerusalem and not Bethlehem?

The Wise Men (kings) came from the east. The trade route from Egypt ran through Israel northeast through Damascus, up to Haran, and followed the Euphrates River to Babylon and points east. The Wise Men, who were perhaps astrologers living in the east, studied the stars. When they saw an unusually large star in the sky they checked out their sources of information including prophecies concerning signs in the sky. They ran across a prophecy concerning a coming great king, made by an obscure prophet, Balaam, from Pethor in northern Mesopotamia. Balaam's story is found in Numbers 22-24. His prophecy (made around 1425 BC) is found in Numbers 24:17:
"I see him, but not now;
"I behold him, but not near.
"A star will come out of Jacob, a scepter will rise out of Israel...."

Balaam knew about the nation of Israel because the king of Moab had hired him to curse this large company of poeple coming toward his country, but God wouldn't let him do it. (My, this is getting complicated. Read the story, Numbers 22-24)

Anyway the nation of Israel was settled in Judea (or Israel) by this time and that's where the Wise Men headed. They wanted to greet this new king and honor him with gifts. They set out for Jerusalem since that was the capital city, and where they supposed the king would be. When they arrived, they went to Herod's palace and asked where the new king was. AND they told Herod WHY they had come.

Matthew 2:1-12
"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written:

But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel. (Micah 5:2)

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.'

After they had heard the king they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."

Do you really think three Wise Men would create a stir such as what occurred, or do you think perhaps it was a large delegation that appeared at the palace? Only three kinds of gifts were named but they cover what is fit for a king: gold (of course), frankincense (the religious gift) and myrrh (for his burial), but the Bible doesn't say how many people came - perhaps three, perhaps more.

NEW KING? WORSHIP HIM?

Next time I'll tell you King Herod's reaction when the Wise Men didn't come back.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

From Nazareth to Bethlehem

My Bible copyrighted in 1872 lists many prophecies about Jesus and their fulfillments. Among them are ones concerning his birth (Christmas - remember?) One of the ones I think is so creative of God, is the timing. Since Mary was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah, AND since she and Joseph lived in Nazareth in the north part of the land of Israel called Galilee, AND since the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, how would God get them to move?

Actually there were more problems than that!

Mary and Joseph were engaged - a binding agreement, but they hadn't lived together yet.
Matthew 1:18 "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit."
Isaiah 7:14 (written some 700 years beore Jesus' birth) "Therefore the Lord, himself, will give you a sign: the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
Matthew 1:21-23 "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' which means, 'God with us.'"

Whew! I understand. Now about Bethlehem:

Micah 5:2 (also 700 years before Jesus was born) "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
Matthew 2:3-6 "When he (Herod) had called together all the prople's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah: for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

Now the creative part:

Luke 2:1-3 "In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. "

Imagine such a simple occurance as a census, yet a monumental event in the life of Mary and Joseph.

Luke 2:4-7 "So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and place him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Was that easy on Mary and Joseph? It wouldn't be on me, I can tell you! Don't you ever wonder why God doesn't make our circumstnces easy? Me, too. But in regard to this event, maybe He wants us to experience surprise discoveries and a-ha moments as we put together the puzzles in the Bible.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Bookends

He is risen!
He is risen, indeed!

He is risen!
He is risen, indeed!

What fitting bookends for the story of Jesus' life here on earth:
Christmas and Easter (Resurrection Day)

"God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal, and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives."
verse 1 of "Because He Lives" by Gloria Gaither and William J. Gaither 1971

He is risen!
He is risen, indeed!

Pauita

The Reason for the Season

This morning as I sat in my living room doing my Bible study, I heard the sound of a chain saw outside my window. I turned and looked. There was a city crew beginning to cut down my next-door neighbor's tree. I turned away. I hate to see a beautiful tree cut down, and this was a seemingly healthy blue spruce. Within minutes I heard the tree fall and looked again. Quickly the crew cut off the branches and fed them into the grinder that chewed them up and blew them into a larger truck. Finally the men loaded pieces of the large trunk into the grinder, then swept up the remainding debris in the street, and drove off to their next job. It was over.

As I sat staring at the stump, I thought of two other trees, one a man-made symbol and the other God-ordained. The first is, of course, is our Christmas tree, the symbol of life, the celebration of Jesus' birth here on earth. The other is the symbol of death. "He himself bore our sins in his own body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."

That is the reason Jesus was born.

On Good Friday, 2008 years later, lets remember "He was wounded for OUR transgressions, he was bruised for OUR iniquities; the chastisement of OUR peace was upon HIM; and with HIS stripes, WE are healed."

May you receive the blessings of this season from God our Savior,
Paulita

O Christmas Tree: How Lovely are Your Branches

Early in our marriage we lived in Los Angeles. Preparing for our first Christmas there (although we'd be spending Christmas day with family some four hours away) we went shopping for our first Christmas tree. We could hardly believe our eyes as we drove past the Christmas tree lots. We not only had our choice of green trees and white trees, but also pink trees, blue trees, yellow trees, and black trees!

Wait a second. Can you picture a pink Christmas tree? I would imagine it with pink shiny balls or swirly things, pink celophane "tinsel," and a princess ornament on top. That might work for a store window display, but not our house.

Can you picture a blue Christmas tree? Well maybe with silver stars and blue shiny balls, and a star on top, and perhaps some snow. But I think I'd tire of it before Christmas arrived.

How about a yellow Christmas tree? Yuck! Or a black Christmas tree? Can you imagine brightly colored packages under a black tree?

When I was growing up we always had a "fresh" fir tree. Only one year did we add a second tree for our buffet area: a two-foot white tree which my mother set on a mirror and on which she strung blue lights. We kids loved it because it wa different.

My husband and I have always had green trees for our family, some with flat branches, some bushy, long needled or short, but always green. Green accomodates so many other colors to decorate with: red, gold, silver, and even blue. Green also speaks of life, and that, after all, is what Christmas is all about: LIFE - a baby, Jesus, the promised Messiah, born to be our Savior, born to give us life.
Paulita

March Carol of the Month

I'm amazed at what a different feeling I get when I just read the words of a Christmas carol. I've sung these words forever, but when I read the words I can linger over their meaning, their significance for me, and the timeless truths they have expressed for years. Here is the poem, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" written by Phillips Brooks in 1866. (Each line of a poem starts with a capital letter, but I've left the capitals off the beginning of some of the lines so you'll just keep reading them as a continuation of the line before.)

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light:
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together procalim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem! Decend to us, we pray:
cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

Thank you, Phillips Brooks!
Paulita

French Hens and Cats

About ten years ago I decided to make a Christmas tree skirt. I found patterns for making "The Twelve Days of Christmas" figures out of colored felts. It took me several years to complete the skirt because I only got inspired in December. Finally with all twelve figures glued in place and fringe sewed around the edge, I proudly displayed my Christmas tree skirt under the tree. Of course, within a few days it was covered over with presents and hidden from view (except for the fringe) until after Christmas. But each year I take it out and enjoy it again.

We now have a cat who thinks we put a tree in the livingroom once a year just for her. She sleeps under it and knocks off an ornament about every other day. That's OK by me, but when she started playing with the French Hen's tail feathers, I drew the line. I turned the skirt around and put the French Hen to the front where I can keep my eye on it. You can guess where I put the first present that goes under the tree.

So far the other eleven figures seem to be surviving the years and the cat. But I told the cat she'd better watch out because Santa knows if she's been bad or good, and SO DO I.
Paulita

In Case You Forget

This is not original with me, but when I found it in my stack of papers, I thought perhaps it might lift your day as it has mine.

If God had a refrigerator, your drawings would be on it.
If God had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring and sunrise every morning.
When you need to talk, He'll listen.
He could live anywhere in the universe, and yet He chose your heart.
And that Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem?
Face it, my friend. He's crazy about you!
Paulita

Catching up on my Christmas Gifts

OK, OK, I'm new to buying Christmas presents this far ahead of time. So today I bought a February gift AND a March gift. The one for February is a Hi Ho Cherry-O game. My kids loved it when they were little, and we have a little one in the famiy who will, too. Spilling your cherries can be tramatic, but putting them back on your tree is fun. It's good for adding and subtracting too, but we don't mention that. The cherries are small and can get misplaced, but there is an address inside to order additional cherries if necessary. Been there, done that!

The gift for March is something I wanted for myself last year and then decided I didn't need it. It, too, is a game: Are You Smater than a Fifth Grader? I watch the program as often as I can and haven't yet gotten ALL the questions right. This game is a card game boxed in a lunch pail. It comes with 500 grade school questions and a CD that lets you play the game on your CD player, your MP3, and in the car, too. I love games you can play in the car.

Tomorrow I will wrap three gifts. OK, if not tomorrow, the next day or at least this week! That's the whole idea of this isn't it? Boy don't I feel smart! Maybe smarter than a 5th grader.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Christmas Carol of the Month - February

Of all the Christmas carols, my favorites are the story carols. The carols with verses and choruses are sung most often, and the choruses are easy to remember, but I like to follow the story all the way through. If you omit a verse or two with the other carols, it's usually OK unless it's someone's favorite verse, but if you omit a verse in a story carol, you've just left out part of the story. See if that's not true in
We Three Kings (5 verses)
The First Noel (6 verses)

The carol I picked for February is While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night.
It tells the part of the Christmas story that focuses on the angelic announcement of Christ's birth to the shepherds. "We Three Kings" tells the Christmas story from the kings' point of view. "The First Noel" spends one verse on the shepherds, the next four verses on the Wise Men (kings), and the last verse imploring a response from us.

The words to While Shepherds Watched their Flock by Night were written by Nahum Tate who was Poet Laureate in the reign of Queen Ann. He was one of the first to paraphrase scripture into verse to be used in the church. Before that, only scripture was used. His poem was set to a tune by George Friedrich Handel. The first four verses tell the story. The last verse is the praise of the angelic chorus surrounding the announcing angel, but, in my mind, seems appropriate for the shepherds as well upon seeing the infant Savior, Christ the Lord, for themselves.

While shephers watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around.

"Fear not!" said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind;
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind.

"To you in David's town this day is born, of David's line,
The Savior, who is Christ the Lord, and this will be the sign:

"The heavenly Babe you there shall find to human view displayed,
All meanly wrapt in swathing-bands and in a manger laid.

"All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace:
Good will henceforth from heaven to men begin and never cease!"

May God's peace be true in your life, too, because of His gift to all mankind.
Paulita

Christmas Made Me Sick

Every Christmas season for about 7 years (we counted them one time) I was sick. My birthday falls four days before Christmas, so I was either sick on my birthday or Christmas. I'm not sure why this happened year after year, but here are some possibilities:

1. Maybe I was allergic to the indoor Christmas tree. We have an artificial tree now and I'm rarely ill during the Christmas season. But allergy and sickness are different. As I remember I ran a fever and had to stay in bed in my bedroom. Isolation of germs was the theory then.

2. Maybe I was allergic to mold spores from the rain, or smoke from the fireplace. (Both are true today.)

3. Maybe there was too much excitement from the anticipation of my birthday, Christmas, and two weeks' vacation from school.

4. Maybe I caught stuff from other kids who were sick. This is probably the reason because as Pasteur proved, germs don't just appear. There was a lot of hand holding in games at school and I don't remember too many admonitions to wash hands except when you used the restroom, and I don't remember EVER using a school restroom! (another story)

I got my bicycle for Christmas when I was 9 years old. Daddy parked it between my sister's and my twin beds. (My sister had moved to another room for the duration of my sicknes.) Every time I got up during the day to go to the bathroom, I was allowed to sit on the bicycle seat for a few minutes. I think it was an incentive to get well faster.

P.S. I still had the same Christmas-season problem when I was in college. My major was Vocal Music. Consequently, I had a high level of anxiety regarding Christmas programs. I was always afraid I'd have laryngitis and wouldn't be able to sing, and I loved the soprano solos in the Messiah.

SO I'm reconsidering my choice above, and I vote for #3.
Paulita

Christmas Dinner at Grandma's

Christmas dinner at Grandma's was always the same. The table was set with Mother's best China and long-stemmed glasses. Three leaves were added to stretch the table, but even at that, we often had a "kid's table" in the adjacent closed-in porch.

The menu, which never varied, included a huge turkey with Italian spinach dressing. There were mounds of mashed potatoes and a silver gravy boat with thick turkey gravy. Of course we had cranberry sauce (the jellied kind) and also frozen green peas to complete the Christmas colors. The only salad we ate was jello salad, usually lime jello with crushed pinapple and cottage cheese. But the dish that set our dinner apart from any others was raviolas. To this day I still make raviolas from scratch for Christmas. Daddy served a sweet, dark, red wine in stemmed wine glasses to the adults.

After the dinner dishes were cleared off the table Mother brought in dessert: pumpkin pies, a mincemeat pie, and persimmon pudding with lemon sauce. Daddy brought out a box of Italian almond candies wrapped in little individual boxes. It was a once a year treat which he kept hidden until after dinner.

Most of us waited until later for pie because we had already sampled Mother's chocolate fudge, divinity, meringues, and peanut brittle which were on the coffee table in the living room and the buffet in the dining room.

How we ate all that food I'll never know, but it was our traditional family feast and we were celebrating Christmas day.

Born in a Manger to be Your Valentine

This is Valentine's week, the time when everyone is scrambling to find the best Valentine to send or give to their beloveds. God is in the Valentine business, too. He offers the same one to each of us.
"God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son that whoever believes in Him, might not perish but have everlasting life."
Remember that baby in the Christmas manger? He was and is God's best Valentine to you this year. Will you receive what God has for you? Jesus, the Savior, born in a manger so long ago is alive and wants to be part of your life. He wants to be your Valentine.
Paulita

Gift of the Month

Last week in the Pickles comic strip, one lady said to another, "Whew! That's a relief!" The other asked, "How's that?" The first one said, "I finally got all my Christmas shopping done." The other reminded her that Christmas was over a month ago, to which the first said, "No, it's for next Christmas!"

Well, that's what I plan to do, kind of. I'm going to buy one Christmas present each month. With homeowners insurance, property taxes, and seven birthdays occurring in November, December, and January, I need to do something like this. So today I went Christmas shopping. I loved shopping for one gift at a relaxed pace and I'm pleased with my purchase of...a Rubic's Cube. I'm quite sure the child who gets it will have fun playing with it. I could tell you who it is intended for but I might have relatives reading this. so now they can only say, "Oh boy, I hope that's for me!" or "I have one. I hope that's not for me." My secret.

The next step, of course, is to wrap one present each month and tag it. My third step, which should have been the first, will be to construct a list and keep it in two different places. You with memories that don't extend for a year know why.

I will be curious to see how I feel about this plan in November when all the sales start, but for now, it's my plan and I'm sticking to it.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita

Christmas Cards

A month to the day after Christmas, and the Christmas cards are all down from where they were displayed on the back of my kitchen cupboards. Wouldn't you agree that the back of the cupboards that face the family room is a good place to decorate with something?

I've looked at my cards again. Two were hand-drawn and colored by two children overseas who we support. Those are very special like the ones our kids used to make in school. Another special card was handmade by a friend from Holland and had a three dimentional element to it. Still another was from a friend who is a very recent widow. It showed a snowflake on the front, and inside simply said, "Christmas is a time to remember." I can imagine the feelings behind that card.

One very pretty card had a handwritten note that expressed many people's response to the season: "What a frantic time of the year - Look forward to Dec. 31st and the start of 2008." Still another card had the Bible verse "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God." The outside picture was of Middle Eastern children.

Most cards were of a religious nature, but several this year showed what used to be the standard in Christmas cards - Currier and Ives snow scenes. Perhaps the sentiment I liked best was the card that said, "When you get right down to it, the only thing that really matters is..." Inside was a pop-up manger with Mary and Joseph holding baby Jesus.

"Now this is eternal life; that they may know You, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." John 17:3 NIV

Christmas Pictures

Today I took down all the pictures we received for Christmas. What a treasure! Idivided them into piles to look at them again.

Relatives: the kids grow up, families expand with new marriages and babies, older folks get older, empty-nesters show pictures of themselves in exotic places or with new expensive hobbies/toys. It's our family.

Friends for years: folks we rarely see, some not for 30 years, but it's gratifying that the families are still in tact. We really appreciate the labels that identify who's who in the picture and give us a one sentence summary (many commas included) of each person.

New friends: Everyone needs new friends. Some of these have come through my writing, or my tutoring, or my need of hair color.

I like seeing faces. Now that being said, I'll be sure to include ours in this year's Christmas greeting.

Deceptive Beauty

"Oh look, mistletoe!" exclaimed Cassady. "We'll have mistletoe for Christmas and New Years."

"We may also have a dead tree in a few years," her dad said, shaking his head.

"Why?" Cassady asked in surprise. "Does mistletoe hurt a tree?"

"You bet it does," her dad said. "It's a deadly parasite. It grows into the tree and sucks out the nutrients and water."

Cassady looked puzzled. "Is that what 'a deadly parasite' means?"

"Yes," said her dad. "Mistletoe attaches itself to the tree and sooner or later weakens the tree so much that the tree may die. Scientists call it the 'tree thief.'"

"Wow!" Cassady said frowning up at the mistletoe. "I didn't know that. It looks so pretty with its white berries and soft, green leaves."

"And we make it special when we tie it up with a red bow at Christmas," her dad added.

He put his arm around his daughter's shoulders. "Mistletoe is one of God's nature lessons," he said. "This one warns us not to be decieved. Sin looks good, too. It looks like fun and excitement, and people make it more attractive by encouraging it. Lots of folks are fooled. They find out too late that sin can destroy families just like mistletoe destroys trees."

"I wish bad things were ugly and smelled bad," Cassady said. "Then I wouldn't be fooled."

Her dad laughed. "Yes, it would be nice if everything came with a label."

Cassady scrunched up her face. "Can you get rid of that mistletoe so it won't kill our tree?"

"Yes, her dad said. "I'll cut it out of the tree."

Cassady watched as her dad cut out the mistletoe. "It's too bad that something so pretty has to be so bad."

Dad nodded. "Just remember Satan is a destroyer even when his temptations look good. Just like mistletoe, his real nature never changes. We need to be sure he doesn't deceive us."
Paulita

Letters in January

What a lovely cold day to stay inside and answer Christmas mail! As the days got closer to Christmas, I hastily read through the mail and "parked" it. Cards and pictures got put up for display (or decoration, if you wish), but letters went into my Snowman file. Today I reread the Snowman file and noted who I haven't yet heard from. They will be first on my Easter card list.

I love getting letters from families we've known through the years. As we've all gotten older, raised kids, and become empty-nesters, it's fun to hear what these families have become. What were their family characteristics? What held them together? How did they weather sickness and sorrows? And what was their real high of 2007?

Well, I answered the last of the letters today and found three more cards to hang up, much to my husband's dismay. Maybe by the week's end I can take them down, too.

I hate to let go of Christmas. It's my favorite time of the year. Can you tell?

God's Christmas Gift

At Christmas we celebrate the time when God visited this earth and was born as a wee little babe in a manger. But if we leave Him in the manger and ignore the work He came to do - to die on the cross for your sins and mine - we miss the reality of God's love.

Forgiveness, cleansing, salvation, eternal life, and much more are all wrapped up in God's Christmas gift lying in the manger.

The star that illuminates the stable must also illuminate the cross.

The gift is offered in love. This Christmas will you receive God's Christmas gift to you - His only son, Our redeemer?

Relax. It's Christmas!

Every year I hear people complain that Christmas is getting more and more commercialized. Actually one of those voices has been mine. Christmas merchandise is on the store shelves by the day after Halloween, holiday misic greets the customers, and sales abound to entice early shoppers. Christmas is good for the economy.

I even heard a TV actress exclaim, "God, I hate Christmas!" I must admit that it took a moment to get over the initial shock of hearing her tell the Creator she didn't appreciate His Christmas gift. Then I realized she was actually addressing her television audience and using the term "God" as an increasing number of Americans do, to emphasize her upcoming point.

Even if we resist the urge to jump on the Christmas bandwagon immediately after Halloween, we abruptly come to our senses with the arrival of the newspaper on Thanksgiving morning! One could literally spend the day pouring over the brightly colored ads, if one didn't have to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for twenty-three people by two-thirty PM. One could complete the list of gifts needed, where to buy each one, and the best route to conquer the 7 to 11 AM doorbusters happening the next day.

So, what can we do? Can we resist this growing menace of commercialism? Let's plan now. But wait! Maybe there's a better idea coming. Why not use the ways of the world to accomplish what we really want for Christmas - a beautiful, unhurried time to celebrate the birth of Christ with family and friends.

It may be hard to think "Christmas" when you haven't yet swept up the broken Jack-o-lantern from your driveway, but merchants are making it easier each year. So why not cull out that which is commercial and tend to business in a logical manner during the first two weeks of November. Imagine thanking God on Thanksgiving that you've finished your Christmas shopping!

December could be spent on the yearly trek to get a Christmas tree, decorating the home for the celebration, enjoying traditional holiday music, wrapping and tagging the gifts, putting them under the tree, addressing the Christmas cards, and spending an evening with special friends. Isn't that enough for one month? Wonder of wonders, we might even go to church on Christmas Eve knowing that preparations for the next day were complete! Surely the candles would seem brighter, our hearts would be lighter, and His natal star whiter in this dark and frantic world.

Do You Believe in Santa Claus?

Of course I believe in Santa. I've always believed in him in one way or another. Well, do you believe he comes down the chimney and brings presents? Chimney, no. Presents, no, not the physical ones. I'd call what Santa brings "gifts." Santa brings fun and surprises. He brings mysteries, imagination, and delight. Does he bring joy? No. Jesus brings true joy, peace, and good will. Jesus brings what's lasting into our temporary.

I don't think anyone would sing, "Joy to the world, Santa has come," but many do sing, "Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King."

Well, does Santa know when you are sleeping and know when you're awake? Does he know if you've been bad or good? No! for goodness sake! But God does, and He's the one you want to watch over you anyway.

One of my favorite figurines shows Santa looking into the manger to see the baby Jesus. Even Santa knows God gave the best gift.

AH, TINSEL!

I remember when the tree was not decorated until the tinsel was put on. But that was a long time ago. We haven't used tinsel for years. I think we stopped using it when we decided to get a bushy tree. After our love of bushy trees died and we finally got an artificial tree where you can bend the branches however you want, we'd long forgotten about tinsel. I did discover a box and a half of silver tinsel in with our decorations this year. Maybe if I save it long enough, it will be valuable on Ebay.

I can remember helping to decorate our family Christmas tree when I was a child. My sister and I put on the ornaments except for the top where we could not reach. Daddy did that part. When it was time to put the tinsel on, he opened the box. The tinsel was folded over a piece of cardboard. He put half over my sister's left hand and half over my left hand. Actually he saved a little for himself so he could demonstrate good tinseling techniques. We were to take a single strand and drape it over the needles so it would hang as long as possible. This worked for me for perhaps the first ten strands. then I draped my strands halfway over the branch. That was easier. Finally, when Daddy wasn't looking, I threw a few strands together and let them land wherever they wanted. To me, putting on the tinsel was tedious and good enough was good enough.

My mother said that when my sister and I went to bed, Daddy did a remake. The next day the tree looked lovely. The ornaments were spaced out nicely and the tinsel hung long and smooth. What a good job we did!

Christmas Carol of the Month

I love story carols, one where each verse adds to the story of Jesus' birth. This one starts in heaven and ends in heaven with middle verses carrying us through the story at a rather fast clip. I've left out one verse, the third. (Why do people always leave out third verses?) It is called Thou didst Leave Thy Throne, and the words are by Emily E.S. Elliott

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown
When Thou camest to earth for me,
But in Bethlehem's home there was found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus: There is room in my heart for Thee!

Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang
Proclaiming Thy royal degree,
But in lowly birth didst Thou come to earth
And in great humility.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus: there is room in my heart for Thee!

Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word
That should set Thy people free,
But with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn
They bore Thee to Calvary.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus: There is room in my heart for Thee!

When the heavens shall ring and the angels sing
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying "Yet there is room,
There is room at my side for thee."
And my heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus, When Thou comest and callest me.

and I hope you, too.

January 6th, Wise Men's Day

Today is Wise Men's Day - the date traditionally celebrated to acknowledge the arrival of the Wise Men to see Jesus.

Most of the Nativity sets I've seen include figurines of the Wise Men and their camels. and there are always three Wise Men. (My set only has two because one got smashed under a careless foot years ago. Yes, You're right. The Nativity set was under the tree.)

So were there really only three Wise Men? Probably not. Three men, no matter how important, wouldn't have caused the stir in the capital city of Jerusalem and so enraged King Herod. There were perhaps many more who came, but we use three because of the gifts mentioned that they brought to Jesus.

When King Herod asked the Wise Men when this star had first appeared in the sky, they said about two years before. (They had a long journey.) Hence, if Herod wanted to kill off a rival to his throne, he'd have to kill all boys up to two years old. Herod's own prophets told him the Messiah was scheduled to be born in Bethlehem. so he sent the Wise Men to Bethlehem.

"When you have found him, bring me word so I can go and worship him, too." That's what King Herod said, but that's not what he meant.

Needless to say Jesus was no longer in the manger when the Wise Men arrived, even though our Nativity sets show it so. The Bible says the Wise Men followed the star to the house where Joseph, Mary and Jesus were now.

Did the Wise Men go back and tell Herod where they found Jesus? No, they were WISE! Actually an angel warned them in a dream to go home another way and they did. But when Herod found out he'd been tricked, he ordered all boys age two and under to be killed.

One of my favorite Christmas figurines is called "Flight to Egypt." It shows Mary and Jesus on a donkey led by Joseph on their way to Egypt to escape King Herod's soldiers. Isn't it interesting that one of the prophecies in the Old Testament about Jesus says, "Out of Egypt I have called my Son."

The end of this story is that after King Herod died, Joseph, Mary and Jesus returned to Nazareth, their home town, and that's where Jesus grew up.

Mama, Mama, You Didn't Tell Me

"Mama, Mama, you didn't tell me Christmas is Jesus' birthday!"

"William, remember how God's angel appeared one night and scared the shepherds who were guarding their sheep? The angel told them not to be afraid. He brought them good news. The Savior had been born. He said if they'd go to Bethlehem, they'd find him snuggld in a manger."

"I remember that. I do, but Mama, Mama, you didn't tell me Christmas is Jesus' birthday!"

"But William, every Christmas Eve we go to church. We sing 'Silent Night' and 'Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.' Last year you sang 'Away in a Manger' in the Christmas program."

"I remember that. I really do, but Mama, Mama, you didn't say Christmas is Jesus' birthday!"

"William, don't you remember the bright star in the sky above the stable where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were? We always put a star on the top of our Christmas tree. And remember the Wise Men who followed that star? They came from far away to bring presents for Jesus."

"I remember that. I really, REALLY do. But Mama, if Christmas is Jesus' birthday I want to bring him a present, too. I've never, ever given Jesus a present for His birthday. Mama, Mama, why didn't you tell me Christmas is Jesus' birthday?"

"William dear, I thought you knew. Well, this year we'll both make it a special birthday for Jesus."

"Happy Birthday to You. Happy Birthday to You.
Happy Birthday, dear Jesus. Happy Birthday to You!"

A Fake Christmas

Jesse was excited to see the Christmas tree in the mall. His older brother, Rodney, had told him the tree was huge and the decorations, fabulous.

Jesse stood at the rope barricade and stared in wonder at the shiny balls, the glittering stars, the miniature angels, and the sparkling snow.

"We can get some of that snow to put on our tree," Rodney said.

"We can?" asked Jesse. "How?"

"You mean where," Rodney said. "You just buy it. It comes in a spray can and you spray it on the tree."

Jesse looked disappointed. "It looks so real," he said. He looked around some more. "Who are all these presents for?"

"They're not for real either," Rodney said, giving his brother a pat on the head. "They're just boxes wrapped to look like presents."

"But what's in them?" Jesse wanted to know.

Rodney shrugged. "Nothing. They're empty boxes, just part of the decorations."

Jesse could hardly believe that. He wanted to reach over the rope and shake one to make sure.

"For people who don't know about the real Christmas when God gave us His gift, Christmas can be just as empty as those fake presents," Rodney added.

"What do you mean 'His gift'?" Jesse asked.

"God gave us Jesus, His Son, to be our Savior," Rodney said. "That's really why we celebrate Christmas."

"Oh, I know that," Jesse said. "We do that at home and at church, but it doesn't see like very many other people do."

"I know," agreed Rodney, "and a display like this at the mall probably won't help them. It's supposed to get people in the mood to buy Christmas presents, not worship Jesus. It really doesn't have much to do with the real Christmas."

Jesse nodded. "It's kind of like the fake presents," he said.

Christmas Greetings from the IRS

Sometimes I think the IRS does me a favor. Amidst the rush for last minute gifts and the dismay from scorched Christmas cookies, comes the mailing address label to attach to my Income Tax form. Despite the fact that I must keep this tiny label in a safe place until February or March, and it must not get mixed with the Christmas mail, it's a reminder that life does go on after Christmas.

I need this kind of reminder as I frantically scramble to find the appropriate card to send to those I've scratched from my Christmas card list, when I suddenly discover the scratching wasn't reciprocal.

I need this kind of affirmation when I realize I forgot the stocking stuffers, and all the cute little gizmos have been swallowed up by on-the-ball, day-after-Thanksgiving shoppers.

I need this kind of prophetical knowledge when cousin Kathryn arrives unexpectedly with her three kids and Aunt Cornelia, to spend an overnight rest stop on their way to Fresno.

Who cares that my brain is signaling Christmas overload and the surprise package I have hidden remains hidden? That little label staunchly reminds me that some things stand unchanged, life does go on after Christmas, and my IRS will always be there for me.
Paulita