What Says “Christmas” to You?

When I was a little girl (I know. Kids hate it when we say that.) holidays were so different. Traditions were upheld and celebrated.

Christmas, first and foremost, centered around the gift of Jesus and then family, fellowship, food, and fun.

The country church my daddy pastored delivered baskets of goodies to those in our community who were less fortunate. We celebrated the season with Christmas carols, “dinner on the grounds,” and other festive activities. A week or so before Christmas each family was given brown paper bags stuffed full of candies and oranges and nuts of some sort. (Yes, that was before everything was regulated by the FDA, but surprisingly, we were a healthier lot then. And so were our food sources. I suppose I digress.)

There was no argument between various factions what Christmas really meant.

No political diatribes about whether or not mentioning Jesus, Santa, and Christmas trees (in the same breath) were allowed.

No invitations to “Holiday Parties” because we called them what they were. Christmas parties.

No sniping, whining, or dissing Christians because they dared to horn in on CHRISTmas.

And certainly, no refusal of prayer at public events because it just might offend.

My, how things have changed.

Despite this, I’m determined to stand firm and hold fast to my beliefs, traditions, and values as Christmas gets in full swing.

Though I no longer attend the little country church of my youth, my place of worship today still focuses on the true meaning of the season. We preach Jesus and the virgin birth. We praise Him in song. We dress the sanctuary and foyers in cheerfulness. We live, laugh, and love as if Jesus were there right along with us. Because He is!

I thought I’d share some favorite photos with you. Enjoy!

The Nativity our church places at the front of our auditorium each year. Stunning!

A smaller Nativity display in one of the hallways.

A fun snowman display near our children’s church area…

The near life-size Nativity in our main foyer…my personal favorite!

A ceramic Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus displayed just outside our main sanctuary.

The CHRISTmas tree our church displays in the main entry. (Our handbell choir plays during the holidays…thus the table nearby.)

One of the lovely Christmas paintings our church often displays. (See my link to a previous post at the bottom of my blog today.)

I’ll be mostly offline today, but I’ll check back in as I’m able.

Remember, each comment you leave counts as an entry in my upcoming blog drawing. In case you’ve missed it, here’s what you can win and here are the RULES. You have until this Saturday, December 14th to enter. I’ll announce the winner of my goodie package on Monday, December 16th.

Here’s to a blessed day! *Clink*

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How do you keep CHRIST in Christmas?

In what ways does your church celebrate the Christmas season?

PLEASE SHARE

Keeping CHRIST in Christmas. Is it possible? (Click to Tweet)

Memories of Christmas past and snapshots of Christmas present… (Click to Tweet)

Other thoughts you may enjoy:

Would Jesus and Santa Claus Be Friends? (Remember the painting above? This post is what I think!)

An Old-Fashioned Christmas

Blessings Always,