Day 7: Earning Your Wings

For day 7, Collins talks about Angels and their significance in the Christmas story. They carry the message from God. Many people hold the belief that angels are always watching out for us.

"Perhaps one of the best modern and easy-to-understand examples of angelic behavior can be found in the Hollywood classic, It's a Wonderful Life. Though not a financial success when originally released in 1947, over time this Jimmy Stewart film has become a most beloved treasure of the Christmas season. The world's adoration for this movie is in large part because of its theme that each of us has the power to change the world. The movie shows that by just being here and taking part in our day-to-day lives, we make the world a very different place than it would have been if we had never been born."

"In It's a Wonderful Life, the angelic figure is somewhat of a misfit. On the surface he seems nothing like the graceful, wise, and beautiful creatures described in Scripture. Yet perhaps director Frank Capra portrayed Clarence this way to give us a clear look at the sotry's real angelic role model."

"When a bumbling Clarence reviews George's life, showing him how different the world would have been without him, we discover that George is a man who reached out to help the least of those in his world. George's faith and sacrifices blessed others. Even though he didn't recognize it, that was why his life was so wonderful. In a real sense, George reflected the tru meaning of Matthew 25:40: "Whatever you did for the least of these... you did for me.""

"Discover the real joy in serving others. Volunteer with your family to spend a few hours at a soup kitchen or at a clothing or food drive... Show your appreciation to those who provide a service to you and others all year long. Everyone needs to feel appreciated. Take a snack to a group of workers. Many stores are so crowded during the holidays that employees barely have time for a break. Your thoughtfulness in providing a batch of holiday treats spreads the joy of the season."

"As Christmas draws near; begin now to become the messenger who trumpets this season to everyone around you. You can be that special person who brings the spirit of the holidays to life. You can live out Matthew 25:40. Not only will your holidays become brighter, but you may decide to continue this positive attitude in the New Year. Those who have known the true joy of giving find that they too have been blessed with a wonderful life. And isn't that really what we all want for Christmas and beyond?"

The tip for today is to take the time to focus on one section of Scripture during this busy season. Collins suggests to keep a bible out and open to Matthew 25:34-40 as a reminder of the important mission we have, during the holday season and throughout the entire year.

Merry Christmas!!

Day 6: Trimming the Tree

Usually, when people think about Christmas, the first thing they think of is the tree. It is the most visible symbol of the holiday. What i didn't realize before today, is how the evergreen tree became a symbol of Christmas.

"Long ago evergreens were held in awe by Viking warriors. These powerful men knew winters that were long and harsh, in which many living things did not survive. During these bleak days, almost all plant life ceased to exist, and many animals starved to death. Stranded outdoors, a man could freeze to death. Yet in these horrid conditions, the evergreen not only survived; it thrived. Its vitality was so great, it seemed nothing could harm it. Beacause of that unique strength, the tree was seen as a source of mystery and power. Vikings prayed to their gods that they could be as strong and resilient as the fir tree."

"When early Christian missionaries began explaining faith to these feared arriors, they used the evergreen as an example of God's undying love. They told the Vikings that even in their bleakest and darkest days, Christ would be with them. Their faith, like the evergreen, would survive every test. By putting this Christian lesson into a visible context, the missionaries helped thousands understand the love of God and the sacrifice of his Son."

"Even if you don't feel like embracing the evergreen as the early Christians did, the Christmas tree is still much more than just a decoration. Think of it as a tie to the past. Each year, millions of us retrieve old decorations that have been carefully stored in boxes. Often, using these ornaments generates vivid memories of past Christmases. Thus, like few other things, the tree brings to life the love and wonder of former holiday seasons. Sudeenly loved ones who have passed away are with youa gain. You feel their spirit and remember their warmth and love. In this way, the Christmas tree reunites us with our own family tree."

"The tree is the gathering place in your home, the first thing that catches the eye, so let it truly reflect your family and your faith. Make this facet of your Christmas as bright as the star atop the tree, and you will bask in the glow of a season filled with faith and love."

Collins' tip for today is to find boxes of animal crackers with the string handle and hang them on the tree!

I don't have a tree set up at my house, but Bryan and I will be spending Christmas with my Aunt and Uncle and cousin in Boston. Last year, they had an amazing 12 foot Christmas tree in their living room and I am pretty sure they got one just as big for this year. It was truly majestic.

Day 5: Escaping the Inner Scrooge

In today's reading, Collins discusses how may people easliy fall into a "Bah, humbug!" spirit. "Far too often, a majority of people caught up in the hurried nature of the season, carrying long lists of things to do and places to be and items to buy, reflect the mood of Scrooge. They say, 'Merry Christmas' as they gripe their way through the whole month of December. Rather than enjoy the holiday season, that can't wait for it to be over."

"Our mood is deeply affected by our environment, and at times we don't have the power to control what's going on around us. But we do have control over how we respond to a situation. If we embrace the joy of the Christmas season, we defeat the Scrooge mood."

"A change of attitude can do wonders. This isn't a time to rush; it's a time to savor. Enjoy the time you are forced to wait in line, (or in traffic). Take a deep breath. Look around and study the faces of those around you. Focus on people who are relishing every moment of the season. Be like Christ. Reach out to those in need. Take time to offer a word of encouragement. And smile. Smile at those who seem to be at their wit's end."

The tip for today is to spend some time walking, which gives us an opportunity to move slower than we normally do and look around deliberately and see the things we miss speeding by in a car.

Day 4: Singing a Carol of Hope

Collins talks about how during this season there is music everywhere, but for most people, the music is just in the background, they don't take the time to listen to the lyrics. He encourages us to listen to the music, how it echoes the joy and hope found in this season.

"Probably no sermon has ever touched souls in as passionate a way as have "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Silent Night," and "Joy to the World." This is how most children first learn of Jesus' birth. Music can build a children's deepest impressions and clearest visions of a spiritual Christmas if we make sure they understand the lyrics. Music opens the door to the heart. But to really have their full power, the songs must be more than background music."

"By putting a song in your heart, you become more like the angles who brought the news of Christ's birth to earth, and like the shepherds who left their flocks to honor this new King. By having a song in your soul, you join with the earliest Christians in the melody of faith."

He asks us to take a moment and listen, embrace the message of the song, and feel the wonder of the season. The tip for today is to listen to the music. I have a wonderful cd of Christmas music that Bryan brought me at Thanksgiving... I listen to it each time I am in the car.

Merry Christmas!

Day 3: Making Christmas Mighty

Candle
Originally uploaded by andrewlee1967

Today is about how to make your Chistmas mighty... more than just merry. Collins looks at the lyrics to the Christmas carol, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”.

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

In looking at the meaning of words and how they differed in the Middle Ages than they do now, you can see that the meaning behind this carol is easily lost. The English meaning for the word rest meant also make and keep. “The composer’s charge was for listeners to let God make a change in their hearts and minds about the good news found in Christ’s birth and life.” In Old English, merry could mean happy, but it was also often used in the place of the word mighty. When you look at it that way the name of the carol becomes, “God keep you mighty, gentlemen”. Pretty cool huh?

We can chose to make our Christmas mighty. We are called to invest our gifts from God. The best way to invest the joy we experience from God is by letting others see joy in our actions. "The light that is created by the joy of the season.... is found in the knowledge of not just Christ's birth, but also his life." The best way to share this is through our attitude. Smile, whish people a “Merry (or mighty) Christmas!” “If we live this Christmas season recognizing the power of the message of Christ, it will show in every facet of our lives. When you fully embrace the mighty message of the season, the light you set aglow with your joy will become a blazing beacon to others.”

The tip for today is to light a candle or oil lamp each day as a reminder of our potential to be a light in a dark world. I just got a brand new cinnamon bark candle from Method home at Target. I’m gonna light it tonight!

Mighty Christmas to all!

Thanksgiving!

I hosted Thanksgiving at my house this year and was blessed to have so many family members able to make the trip. Bryan arrived on Tuesday night and we enjoyed a massive food shopping trip! My mom and brother drove up from SC (and Florida!) and after 13 grueling hours finished the normally 10 hour drive to my house and arrive on Wednesday night. My aunt and sister took the red-eye from Los Angeles and arrived on Thursday morning. Then we got to cooking. My kitchen is much too small to hold more than two people at a time so while some were cooking some were watching tv, all 9 Thanksgiving episodes of Friends to be exact!

Everybody sitting down to eat!

The dessert table:
vegan apple pie courtesy of Whole Foods
delish Holiday Bundt Cake courtesy of Natalie over at Oven Love
turtle pumpkin pie courtesy of my sister and kraft foods

My lovely kitchen after the cooking!

On Friday the fam headed out for some Black Friday shopping- primarily to get Byran an iPhone (finally!). We also went to the mall where Bryan and I picked up our Charlie Brown Christmas tree. We all enjoyed dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, yum! We also found my mom's Mother of the Bride dress at the mall which was very exciting! AND- my invitations arrived from the printers!

Our first Christmas tree :)

On Saturday, I had my final dress fitting so that my mom, aunt, and sister could see my dress (and learn the bustle). Since my mom had her dress and my sister's was at the shop we were able to all try on our dresses together. It all looks so good! Sorry, no pics will be posted so if you wanna see, email me :) After the fitting, we headed to Philadelphia and enjoyed lunch at Continental Midtown- one of my favorite restaurants in Philly. Bryan and I snapped this pic in Love Park. My aunt and sister had to fly out that afternoon (boo). Then the rest of us went home and watched the Gators beat up on the Seminoles!

My mom and brother left Sunday morning for the long drive back south and Bryan and I went to church and had another pre-marital counseling session. We did a little invitation envelope stuffing and had a quiet night. It was an amazing couple of days and I am so happy I was able to spend it with family!

Day 2: Shopping off the List

Candy Cane
Originally uploaded by Pisces Romance (very busy)

For day 2, Collins talks about looking at our Christmas gift shopping as a blessing rather than a duty. He encourages us to look over our list and add to the top someone who isn't on anyone else's list, to shop for those less fortunate. He cites Matthew 25:34-40

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

For this tip of the day he encourages us to pick a person off an Angel Tree at the mall, or buy a gift for Toys for Tots, or for our church to adopt a family for the season.

Tonight I am headed to the mall and the Angel Tree!

Merry Christmas!

Day 1: Rediscovering Advent

From "25 Days, 26 Ways to Make This Your Best Christmas Ever" by Ace Collins:

"Let’s take a look at why the meaning of Advent has been lost for so many. Before 1940 the retail holiday season was relatively short. Many people didn’t even think about Christmas
until around December 20. A great deal of the shopping and almost all the decorating were done on Christmas Eve. What transformed this time-honored week of Christmas into a full six-week holiday experience was World War II. With millions of Americans fighting the war in foreign lands that lay beyond two oceans, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked folks to shop and mail their gifts early. To ensure that loved ones overseas received their packages by Christmas, these parcels were to be given to mailmen no later than the first week in December. Thus, in 1942 the Christmas rush began before Thanksgiving. Four years later, after the war ended, the mold was cast. Christmas had grown into more than a month of sales, songs, and entertainment."

He says to consider three things about the season of Advent:

1.) Reflect on what it means for God to come to earth in human form as a baby. Remember what it means for God to love us so much that he placed himself in a body like ours.

2.) Consider how accepting Jesus as Savior changed your very existence. Think about the power and influence of Jesus' life in yours.

3.) Know that Jesus is coming back. "That’s why it’s important to consider what Jesus would think if he spent some time with you during this holiday season. Would he see your excitement
in the way you greet others? As he observes you preparing for the special day, would he recognize your faith in the way you reach out to others? Would he see you living out his commandants to reach out to the least of these?"

Over the next 25 days, I will use the part devotional/part practical tip words of this book to enhance the spiritual aspects of Christmas in my life and hopefully in the lives of those around me.

Tip for the day: "The gospel of Luke has twenty-four chapters. Read one chapter a day during December, using this book as a biblical Advent calendar that puts your focus on the birth, life, and promise of Christ."

Blessings,
Mary

These are a few of my favorite things

I know I need to blog about Thanksgiving but I am waiting for the pictures before I do that... so this will be a little out of order.

I just wanted to post about some of my favorite things for this holiday season! (Click on the pics for the link)

Yummy Starbucks Espresso Truffle

(so bad for you but so good)

Super cute mittens from Anthropologie to hold my yummy Espresso Truffle

Sufjan Stevens' "Songs For Christmas" is 5 discs of holiday music awesomeness

(check out track 9 on Vol V Peace)


So adorable Charlie Brown Christmas Tree from Urban Outfitters
(currently the only Christmas decoration up in my house)

Finally, I will be using this book as a living Advent calendar to prepare for the season!

I am really excited about this last thing. The book gives some history of the season of Advent and some practical things you can do to bring joy and peace to Christmas! Ill be blogging about it this month!

More to come!