Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Willardj on December 23, 2008 at 1:58am

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!"
willardj

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on December 24, 2008 at 4:40am

Ted,

You are a theologian at heart... It is (in part) about God and humanity coming together in Jesus (the incarnation). It is about hope that even when we see how abused Christmas has become, that it's message of love will still get through. Yep and it's about the grandkids.... gotta let that love be a vehicle for God's love.

Blessings my friend,

Sam


Ted Crocker said:

Pastor Sam,

That's a tough question. What does Christmas mean to me? (to ANYONE?)


I think willard summed it up perfectly as Happy Birthday Jesus...

perfect

it's not a big sale at walmart
it's not the best xmas decorations
it's not my present is better than yours
it's not santa



Christmas is the celebration of faith, something to rock your soul

Christmas is also a celebration of humanity, which should be celebrated everyday.

The holidays bring on an enhanced feeling of brother and sisterhood. Not quite nine-eleven, which sucks, but somehow mankind gets manners during the holidays.

but,

commercialism might've edged out faith

We are guilty of being under the influence of Santa


C'mon Sam, you have grandkids...

Merry Christmas!!

and

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

amen

ted








It's personal and goes against the commercial grain.

Permalink Reply by RayTheOtherRay on December 26, 2008 at 5:23am

There are traditions that our family goes through each year, but the more I concentrate on the gift of Christ that God gave us, I start to shed the extra trappings of the time of year and Christmas day, and try to put my time in on appreciating that gift with as much enthusiasm each day of the year. I listen for the songs that tell the real story. I still tingle when I hear Handel's "Messiah."

Just so you don't get the wrong idea, I'm not sitting in my room and meditating through the whole time off work. I'm enjoying the family I've been blessed with, and the health and each breath that I most often take for granted. I have no grandkids yet, but the kids I have are, indeed, grand!

I'm also thankful for this unique gathering of friends that I might not otherwise have met!

To close, one of my major Christmas moments is Linus's response when Charlie Brown doesn't know "what Christmas is all about."

Permalink Reply by RayTheOtherRay on December 28, 2008 at 11:47am

Thanks, Ted! My daughter also gave me the dvd for Christmas. That scene is always a strong reminder when all the other stuff becomes too loud!