The True Meaning of Christmas

Schedule Some Quiet Time for Christmas Devotions Each Day

2007-12-19T08:58:00.001-08:00

I know, the holidays can be pretty busy. I know I have a lot going on - not to mention the fact that we just got back from a mid-December trip to San Diego.

But, I'm not letting the holidays frazzle me. Out of town guests. Parties. Cooking. Gift Shopping. It's enough to make anyone feel the opposite of joyful.

This is not good because after all, isn't that the point? That we take some time to feel the joy of Christ's birth?

The solution is to take some quiet time to pray, read the Bible, and read some devotionals. They don't even need to be Christmas devotionals - they can be about what you want.

There are plenty of devotionals online. You can also buy a book filled with your favorites to have on hand whenever you need a spiritual boost.

Countdown to Christmas - Are You Ready?

2007-12-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

It's now December 16 and Christmas is nine days away. Are you ready? We just got back from a trip, and I have A LOT of cleaning to do before I have the peace of mind to decorate how I should. I did some shopping before Thanksgiving, but have not continued since then.

But one thing I have been doing is pondering the reasons why the season exists. So, I am not be prepared by material standards, but by spiritual ones, I am certainly getting there.

This week, I will take care of the material things. There is nothing wrong with them - as long as I don't do so at the expense of everything else.

Make Daily Christmas Devotionals Part of Your Routine

2007-12-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

I find that it is important to find some quiet time each day to pray, read the Bible, and read devotionals. Now that it is Christmas time, you can read daily Christmas devotionals instead of your regular devotionals. I find that spending a few minutes of my day reading about Christ's Birth and other reflections such as the important of gift giving, it helps me focus on what is really important during this time of year.

If you need to establish a quiet time of your own, here are some ideas.

Take a daily walk and spend it praying. When you get back from your walk and after you stretch, read scripture and take a few minutes to read your devotionals.
Pray throughout the day and make sure to do some reading whenever you can.
Some people like to make it a routine to walk up each morning, pray, and read the Bible.
You can also get Christmas devotionals and Bible readings on a CD to listen to during your morning commute. Or, upload the mp3's into your portable mp3 player.

Even if you can only spend five or ten minutes a day, that can help considerably.

A List of My Favorite True Meaning of Christmas Devotionals

2007-12-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

I love reading devotionals. Lately, I've been focusing my efforts on the true meaning of Christmas. So, I want to share with you a list of my favorite Christmas devotionals:

True Meaning of Christmas by Captain Carol Williams
Letter from Jesus - Remember My Birthday
12 Days of Christmas Devotionals at About.com
An Ornament for Christmas - Julia Bettencourt

I know, there are a ton of devotionals out there. If you only have time to read one or two a day, it can be frustrating to sift through all the devotionals that are out there to find the good ones.

What is the Christmas Spirit?

2007-12-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

The last article I posted talks about "The Christmas Spirit" and offers practical advice for holding on to that feeling, even after Christmas is over.

But what is "The Christmas Spirit" really? Some say that is the feeling of goodwill and happiness that comes over you because it is a joyous time of year.

Let's take that one step further. Why is it a joyous time of year? The Christ-centered answer is because it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. This is the event that marks the beginning of the the Christian faith, and the teachings of the New Testament that form the cornerstone of our beliefs.

And, Christ's birth led to his eventual death and resurrection, which was the ultimate sacrifice.

Don't Let Go of the Christmas Spirit

2007-12-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

by J Gardner

The holiday season always seems like a whirlwind of shopping, parties, pageants, and family gatherings, a month or two of furious, but joyful, activity, leading up to Christmas and the New Year celebration. By the time it's all over, most of us need a breather, a bit of time to relax and reflect and renew.

No matter how wonderful the holidays have been, by January many families experience a kind of celebration withdrawal. Most of us naturally miss the lights and the music and the fellowship of the holiday season, and the gray winter days of the next few months just seem to emphasize the fact that the wonderful feelings of Christmas are over, for nearly another year.

But the feelings generated by the season leading to Christmas need not vanish completely, for the calendar, beyond December. Though Santa Claus's visit is the high point of the holiday season for families with children, there are many other aspects of these days that can be kept fresh and alive, throughout the year.

It's wonderful that many families donate clothes and toys to their favorite charities before Christmas, to help others who may be less fortunate. But donations drop off in January, as the holiday season ends. It's the perfect time for a family to gather last year's gently-used toys and drop them off at a donation center.

Clothes that have been replaced at Christmas or outgrown are also perfect for a January donation. Families can make January a time for collecting and preparing those toys they won't need any more. They can make the trip to the donation center a real outing, knowing that they are bringing joy, like the joy of the holidays, to someone else's family.

There are many activities, like volunteering, that families engage in throughout the holidays, which are just as rewarding and necessary the rest of the year. Once a family has experienced the joys of giving and gathering at Christmas, there's no reason to let those feelings lie dormant for the rest of the year. The holiday feelings can be year-round feelings.

About the Author

Imaginary Greetings assists thousands of families globally by enhancing and extending their children's once in a lifetime magical beliefs like not ever before possible. You too can make this happen with a letter from Santa Claus.

Christmas Holiday Traditions

2007-12-08T11:22:00.000-08:00

by Roger Thompson

Christmas is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. Christmas festivities often combine the commemoration of Jesus' birth with various secular customs, many of which have been influenced by earlier winter festivals. The date as a birthdate for Jesus is traditional, and is not considered to be his actual date of birth. As the autumn breeze blows summer away, the fall leaves begin to drop from the trees and everyone begins to bundle up and prepare for the chilly weather. The color of the season turn to bright orange, a golden yellow, browns and reds as everyone begins to prepare for the first days of autumn and Halloween. And yet, right there on the shelf, next to the jack-o-lantern is Santa himself.

What has happened to the holiday traditions? For the sake of commercialism, stores now decorate the shelves with Halloween candy and Christmas stockings. It was once customary to allow each holiday it's own time for celebration and merriment before allowing the next to breeze into the markets retail aisles. Gone is this policy and in its place is a department store crammed with Halloween decorations, turkey platters and artificial Christmas trees. It is as if we are in the fast lane of holiday celebrations, how long until commercialism combines them into one giant event.

I remember the fun of seasonal shopping, anticipating the arrival of the Halloween costumes, candy, ghosts and goblins filling the aisles and the shopping carts, undisturbed by the Thanksgiving turkey or Santa and his elves. Happy Halloween was not seen on the same aisle as Merry Christmas, because the two holidays were never being sold at the same time. Some Stores held onto custom much longer that their competitor's and did not decorate or sell their Christmas specialties until the day after Thanksgiving. It was impossible to buy a cup of Christmas blend until the early morning hours on the day after Thanksgiving shopping extravaganza, while on the way to see the Christmas decorations at Nordstrom.

It once was a time-honored tradition that the phrase "Merry Christmas" was never seen or heard and Santa absolutely never arrived at the malls until after the turkey had been cleared away from the Thanksgiving table. Why has the need to increase sales and generate revenue forced us to sacrifice the pleasure and joy found in celebrating each and every holiday? You do not have to see Christmas decorations or hear "Merry Christmas" to purchase Christmas gifts, so why the need to bundles holiday sales into one bulk shopping experience?

In our house, we still recognize and celebrate each holiday as it arrives. In the fall we celebrate the seasonal change by picking apples and hosting a neighborhood cider press party, making cider from freshly picked apples. In October we decorate and prepare for a large Halloween party filled with ghosts, goblins and skeletons. In November we gather around the table to give Thanks for the years blessings and in December we welcome the Christmas spirit inviting friends and family to celebrate a Merry Christmas together in our home.

For Home Improvement & cash back deals visit http://www.dragonrewards.com/browse/all/all/all

Roger Thompson writes for Leading Portal for Home Improvement,cash back rewards,weight loss & hoodia

Spending Time with Family is an Important Part of Christmas

2007-12-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

I just posted an article about making cookies with your children. I know, I deviated from the theme slightly. But, not really. Spending quality time with your family and your children is an important part of Christmas. It helps build a closer bond between you and your kids. Plus, you can use the time to share with them important topics such as the birth of Jesus and the importance of charity during Christmas.

Besides baking together, here are some things you can do with your family:

Make ornaments and decorations together
Wrap gifts
Shop for presents
Decorate the tree
Watch your favorite televised holiday programming
Sing Christmas carols

As you establish these bonds with your children, you may notice that traditions start to form. This is the best part!

6 Tips for Making Christmas Cookies with Children

2007-12-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

by EJ Cooksey

Making Christmas cookies are as much a part of the Christmas tradition as a visit from Old St. Nick himself. Preparing the cookies at Christmas can be a great way to spend time with your children but can also be a trying time unless you follow a few of the tips listed below.

1. Plan Your Cookie Making Day

Make sure you schedule this for a day when this is the only thing on your calendar. You do not want to rush through making the cookies. This is one of the things that you want you and your children to look back on at Christmas and remember doing together. So relax, take your time and have fun.

2. Make Sure Everyone Is Rested and Well Fed

Because of the dangers of foods, such as raw eggs, that are included in cookie dough it is important that children be well fed before you start making cookies. You do not want to risk the health of your children by them eating the raw cookie dough.

3. Make Sure Each Child Gets a Turn

Be sure that every child gets a turn with the fun stuff. Let each child have a turn using the mixer and watching things spin around as well as letting each child choose a favorite recipe for the next batch of cookies. Plan to make some cookies that they can paint, decorate, and play with just for fun and their own personal enjoyment. This will guarantee a ton of smiles.

4. Be Patient

There will be spills and messes made which will require that you to be patient with your children. This is one of the reasons why you want to plan your cookie making on a day when the calendar is clear - you will need plenty of time for clean up after all the fun is done. It will also help is you keep the sink full of hot soapy water for clean as you go throughout the day.

5. Make Sure You Have Everything You Need

This is probably the most important tip I can give you - make sure you have all the required ingredients for each chosen recipe before you begin. Children will not understand if they have to stop making the cookies and wait for you run to the store for the missing ingredient.

6. Have a Camera On Hand

Take lots of pictures of your children as they are making their cookies. You can use them in a scrapbook or add to the family photo albums to look back on in the years to come. Make copies of the pictures to give to grandparents along with a tin or plate of the cookies as a Christmas gift.

If you can make it through all the tips above you should be in for a smooth Christmas cookie making day.

Written by EJ Cooksey. For Christmas Recipes, Crafts, Gift Ideas, Decorating Ideas, Traditions, Trivia and More...Visit: Home For The Holidays

Another Site for Christmas Devotions

2007-12-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

I was just browsing the internet and I found a site that has Christmas and Advent devotionals. In fact, this is an entire site dedicated to showing people that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season."

Check out Christmas in Cyberspace to see what they have to offer.

In fact, the whole site is filled with resources that will help you celebrate a Christ centered Christmas. I definitely have it bookmarked!

Where to Find True Meaning of Christmas Ornaments

2007-12-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

So, you want to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Ornaments are a great way to express your beliefs and show others what your values are during this holy time.

Here are some ideas for great Christmas ornaments:

Make Your Own. You can make your own cross ornaments, nativity scenes, and decorations that depict scenes from Christ's birth. Here is a list of some craft sites you can check out:

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/Xmas/religious.html

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/christmas-religious/kids-crafts/index.html

http://www.christmascarnivals.com/crafts/religious-christmas-crafts.html

Purchase them online. It isn't too late to find true meaning of Christmas ornaments online. Check out these sites and search for your different options.

Search on Amazon for Christmas Ornaments

Collectibles, Decorations Ornaments and more...

The ornaments to look out for are nativity scenes, crosses, stars, and anything else depicting the events listed in the Bible, particularly in Mathew and Luke.

Daily December Christmas Devotionals

2007-12-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

I just found this website I wanted to share with you. I know that December is well underway. But these daily December Christmas devotionals will take you from now all the way to Christmas. What better way is there to keep your mind focused on what's really important?

Yes, this is a busy time of year. It's okay to celebrate, exchange gifts, bake, and spend a lot of time with friends and family. But it's easy to lose track of the reason why we celebrate - to remember Christ's birth.

Check it out here. The site is called the Mililani Baptist Christmas Devotional.

Christ's Birth Foretold - Luke 1:26-38

2007-12-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

Today, I started reading through Luke. In the first chapter, we learn first about John the Baptist and how Elizabeth is going to have a son. After that, we learn that Mary is also going to have a son - the Christ, or Messiah. I'll talk about John the Baptist at a later time.

For now, I am interested in Mary. In this passage, an angel appeared to her and told her that she was chosen by God to have the Christ. When the angel first appeared, she was afraid. But as the angel explained, she was chosen.

Read her reaction:

38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

Mathew 1:38

Notice how she accepted God's plan for her. Mary's life was about to change,yet she still accepted it.

Christmas, 25 December - Why? - Part 1

2007-12-07T08:02:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day historically was probably not December 25. Jesus most probably was not born on 25 December. Some people are shocked when they realize that 25 December has only one chance in 365 of being the date that Jesus was born. This shock generally deepens when they find out Jesus wasn't born 0 AD. In fact there was no 0 AD - the year before 1 AD is 1 BC. Jesus probably was born some time in 7-4 BC (but that's another story).

How did 25 December come to be the feast of Christ's birth?

Attempts at guestimating a date often turn on the shepherds being in the fields around Bethlehem in Luke's gospel and what time of year that might have been. This misunderstands the role that Bethlehem and the shepherds play in Luke's masterpiece. Bethlehem is there to fulfil an expectation amongst some that the messiah would be born in David's city. And we have so sweetened Jesus' infancy stories and lost their nature as prelude and overture that we often forget that shepherds in that culture were despised as law-breaking, irreligious, un-trustable rogues. In Luke's story the shepherds are amongst the first to hear the good news to set the scene for Luke's story in which God has special care for the downtrodden and despised amongst which were Samaritans, women - and shepherds.

The pagan origin of a 25 December Christmas

The most common explanation that one hears for December 25 being Christmas day is that in the Roman Empire December 25 (the date of the winter solstice in the Julian Calendar introduced in 45 BC) the Romans celebrated the festival Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, "the birthday of the unconquered sun." This celebration grew to its greatest popularity under Aurelian, who in 274 encouraged it as an empire-wide holiday.

Early Christianity conflated iconography and symbolism from the Sol Invictus cult into its own traditions. The haloed Christ is an obvious example. Constantine on March 7, 321 made dies Solis, the day of the sun, "Sunday" the Roman day of rest.

In the twelfth century Jacob Bar-Salibi wrote: "It was a custom of the Pagans to celebrate on the same 25 December the birthday of the Sun, at which they kindled lights in token of festivity. In these solemnities and revelries the Christians also took part. Accordingly when the doctors of the Church perceived that the Christians had a leaning to this festival, they took counsel and resolved that the true Nativity should be solemnised on that day." (cited in "Christianity and Paganism in the Fourth to Eighth Centuries", Ramsay MacMullen. Yale:1997, p155)

25 December, Christmas Day, does not, hence, celebrate Jesus' historical birthday as we do not know the date of his birth. It is an annual commemoration of Christ's birth.

December 25 is not the only date for Christmas (that too is another story). That this date originates as a Christianized pagan festival is not the only theory. In part 2 I will outline a fascinating Judaeo-Christian theory of the origin of a 25 December Christmas Day.

Bosco Peters has a deep interest in spirituality. He runs a website on liturgy worship spirituality. This includes using the Bible in prayer within a tradition called the Liturgy of the Hours.

Religion, Christmas, and Jesus

2007-12-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

The Revolutionary That Saved Christmas

We live in a stoic world, we are a cynical people and who can blame us? Living in a plastic artificial existence, a world of special effects of Penn & Teller of David Copperfield and such. Blockbuster movies of wizards and goblins, space aliens and talking mechanical monsters. So then, who can blame us for becoming jaded?

Especially at this time of year with the crass commercialism of Santa, Rudolph and any other damn thing they can come up with to sell electric razors, toothpaste or Antonio Banderas cologne and now even boxes of condensed chicken broth. Just to imagine how this product is manufactured is enough to turn the stomach. But boxes of condensed chicken broth make the point exactly. A fraud, an imitation of a life that we are trying to pretend that we live, the microwaved home cooked meals just like mother used to nuke.

Irradiated meat, non-fat margarine with an ingredient list half of which you couldn't pronounce let alone spell. A virtual smorgasbord of unfathomable chemistry that we use to replace churned cream because we are watching our waistline.

It would be easy enough to point the finger of blame at capitalism but pundits praise the bounty and shout, "Amen let us shout Amen! Hallelujah praise his name!" But what I want to talk to you about today my dear dear friends about is Jesus! I'm not content to just walk the minefields of politics, yes my dear dear friends lets step into the deep doo doo of religion or the lack there of. But before we do we must prepare ourselves and cleanse ourselves from the heathen religious beliefs that have convinced millions of us that if only we build a grander alter to God then by God its gonna be all right.

Friends! I want the congregation today to open their Bibles and with their Jesus loves you black magic markers pens to begin on the first page. To ask yourselves friends, what would Jesus do? Jesus would start by blacking out everything in the Bible that he didn't say. Jesus wouldn't get half way through it before he threw it down as nonsense. Now before you start gassing up them flaming crosses let me explain.

Try and use your stoic side, the side that says less filling not the side that says tastes great! And all you atheist out there in the crowd stop rolling your eyes, for brothers and sisters I was one with you! I walked among you. I have no intention of trying to proselytize I want you to pretend that this is all part of a made up Hollywood movie in a distant galaxy far far away and the parts of R2D2 and CPO3 will be played by flawed mortal humans.

In the Jewish tradition Rabbi's (teachers/ Jedi's) spoke in parables. You told them of your troubles and they answered you with another story about someone else in trouble. To make you understand that your situation wasn't unique and our common troubles connect us in the human existence.

But these people were under the domination and oppressed by the dark empire. Their cities were occupied and their prophecies foretold of a savior who would come with the uncircumcised federation and with light sabers and space fighters to destroy the death star. Just like us in our 21st century boxed chicken broth society they were waiting for a Hollywood savior, a savior their corpulent religious leaders told them that was a coming, now open those checkbooks and show Jesus just how much you love him.

Instead they got a parable, Instead of a savior to destroy the death star they got a revolutionary, a Che Guevera who came with the sword of truth in hand to destroy not the death star but the religious orthodoxy.

So we begin our story with the young Che disappearing in the big city to be found talking with the Religious elders at the temple. The leaders are taken by his knowledge and his wisdom but what does this say as a parable? That he would listen and hear them out but also that these where the things a child would do and accept. The leaders admired his mind and his knowledge only so long as it agreed with their orthodoxy so that when they condemned him it would be known that it for his ideas.

We next find our young revolutionary walking the streets preaching that salvation is not found in the temple. But not only that he was preaching it to non-Jews! Time out; flag on the play that's not allowed. In the filthy unsanitized biblical world it was considered unpious for a Rabbi to even have contact with these people let alone proselytize to them. Then he goes and recruits them as his chosen and refers to them as brothers! Greek, Samaritans being called brothers in the context of times and local traditions it could be considered nothing less than insanity.

Had he stayed there calling non Jews his brothers he could have been laughed off as a harmless nut. But then he went to the temple and despite all his talk of peace and love he goes all rainbow warrior on them. Sacking the merchants and the gift shop, merchants who where just trying to make sure you had all your religious needs available for your salvation at everyday low low prices. This guy goes nuts on them, perhaps they think, this guy is a red sympathizer with communist beliefs.

So with Carl Rove tactics they seek to trip him up, "Say there Che should we pay our taxes to the Vader?" In one sentence he blew up the death star, "Render unto Vader the things which are Vader's, and unto God the things that are God's" and the crowd said, "Oh, shit he's done done it now!" A separation between church and state? You mean God doesn't want my shekels and kopecks and denier? That God doesn't care what corner of this forsaken mud ball I live on?

So then this left leaning hippie with communist sympathies goes out breaking dietary restrictions. "Say there Che you know, you're not supposed to be eating that right now." To which our hero replied, "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Gosh that was profound wasn't it? That's Bible speak for why don't you shut up and mind your own business. Clearly heresy and impolite to boot!

It says a lot about our hero it speaks to his character that he had infinite patience for those whom he thought he might could reach but to ideologues in love with religious rules and regulations he says stick it where the pharos can't reach it. Then when he shows up at the temple, oh what did that scene look like? "Shhh, just ignore him and maybe he will go away." The he goes to read to them, "Just ignore him give him his five minutes and then he's out of here."

So Che goes up on the alter and says, "Wow! What a great room, this place must have cost you a fortune and all you rich folks got the best seats and skyboxes and everything. I mean wow, what a room but have you noticed that there is a whole world out there? A whole world outside of this great gig you got going on in here people suffering and hungry but man what a room! Would you all do me a favor? Just stay in here because this is where you belong this is where your faith belongs inside this pretty little room.

To say they were angry with him is an understatement even the insurance salesman and stockbrokers wouldn't talk to him. They took his picture down off the new member's bulletin board and they didn't even offer him a church bulletin so he could get half off at Denny's But was our revolutionary smiling when he left the building? I think he was, if not laughing at telling off the stuff shirts the self-righteous.

Then the rich man came to Che and asked, "Dude, this is really cool how can I join you guys?"

Che elbowed John in the ribs and gave Simon Peter a wink and then said unto him, go and talk to Thomas about the paperwork and then go give all your money to poor and then after you've done that come on back and we'll teach you the secret handshake. And they laughed at the rich man all the way down the road to Jerusalem

To lepers and tax collectors and even an adulterous woman at the well he goes not to condemn them but to commune with them. He scoffs at the rich and powerful and when taken before Vader he says you can freeze me into a wall hanging if you like but I'm not backing down to you. Vader then turns him back over to the orthodoxy that are upset at this point because Vader won't kill him.

Vader explains, "He's obnoxious all right but he's not threat to my empire. But Vader they implore, we want him dead and we've got to make it look like it was your idea otherwise folks might get the idea that we killed him because he was a threat to our phony baloney jobs."

"I find no fault in him."

"Vader we can't kill him, can't you just make something up? He did make ugly remarks about your voice box you know."

"Well all right, just this once but you guys owe me!"

So it was that Che was put to death for preaching the gospel of food for the poor and treatment for the sick. Of brotherhood among all peoples and the equality of all mankind. That it was the rich and those whose piety segregated them from the people they claimed to serve that he would rebuke. That war was the ultimate sin against God not sometimes but every time. That his soldiers were in the service of peace, for he would fight for the poor but he wouldn't allow his followers even to fight for him.

Rather than a leather bound dogma of orthodoxy just one lonely commandment. Love one another as I have loved you. To understand each other's sufferings and to be compassionate towards them. To remember whom God loves and who God hates. That despite for the most part this revolutionaries message being cloaked and usurped by the church it is still there for us if you look for it.

If you don't want to believe that Jesus was the Son of God or not it really doesn't matter. No matter if Luke blows up Vader, as they are both parables. Jesus called himself the son of man, was he the son of man? Did he stand up against all the powers of the earth in the name of justice for the poor? Was he willing to be beat down and murdered rather than renounce them?

Did he inspire the revolutionaries that followed him? In the parable of his crucifixion Christ walks the street beaten but defiant dragging a heavy cross to his death. Past hundreds of people, some mocking him, some ignoring him but none save one offering to give him a drink and wipe his brow. A parable of truth, Christian, Muslim, Atheist or Jew that you will make few friends trying to change the world. That only by trying to save each other can we save ourselves. That is the message of the revolutionary that saved Christmas.

Not the boxed ready-made chicken broth religious message that we are served up on a daily basis. Of a poor hungry shivering infant living in squalor two thousand years ago but the poor hungry shivering infant living in squalor tonight. But the orthodox rejoice and say I want to be here when Jesus returns to which I say I don't think you've thought that through clearly enough.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Cox

Setting Up Christmas Wreath Fundraisers

2007-12-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas wreath fund raisers are a great way for non-profit groups to make money. Instead of the old standby of selling cookies, candy bars, or cookie dough, selling Christmas wreaths brings in more money and helps bring a festive mood into the neighborhood at the same time.

Christmas wreath fund raisers are a great way to help out your community and help your group raise funds at the same time. Oftentimes the wreaths that are made by non-profit groups have a very competitive price and are of excellent quality. There is a special something that a Christmas wreath brings with it when you know that the purchase has helped out a group you wish to support.

There are several companies that offer a Christmas wreath fund raiser program, most are available online using a simple search. These companies allow you to purchase wreaths in cases getting a substantial discount and then sell them at a marked up rate. Many are offering wreaths as low as $6 that you can later sell for $25. As you can see, this is much better than the fifty cents that you get from a candy bar sale.

There are deadlines and not everyone thinks of their Christmas fund raisers in or before October. For those of you who are a little late getting started don't fret, there is hope. Instead of getting their wreaths out on Thanksgiving Day or during the last week of November several people prefer to wait until closer to Christmas. Some companies offer shipments as late as the week before Christmas.

Still, if this doesn't work for you then you can take matters in your own hands. To put together a Christmas wreath fund raiser you can choose to make the wreaths yourself. They are quite simple and all of the supplies (minus the evergreen boughs) are available in craft stores year 'round.

The best way to put together a Christmas wreath fund raiser is to pre-sell them. Before you actually purchase your supplies you should have made your sales. Collect for these sales when the order is made, this will keep your group from holding the bag when the 47 people who ordered are suddenly not home at time of delivery and have apparently moved and not left a forwarding address from costing you all of the money you planned on making. Have the balance due a few days before you plan to make the purchase so those last minute stragglers can get their orders and money in as well.

After getting your orders you can purchase your supplies (or pre made wreaths). You can often make a few sales at the last minute so you might want to pick up a few extras to sell as you are delivering the Christmas wreaths that were ordered.

If you are making your own you will want to get everyone involved and plan to take some time doing this. You will not want to be known as the group that made 'temporary wreaths' that fall apart in a couple days that one Christmas. A quality product will do much for your future fundraisers.

If you are purchasing pre made wreaths you should order them with a week's time to spare on your scheduled delivery so you won't be late. Bringing the product late is not usually appreciated. Christmas wreaths displayed on front doors of homes around the neighborhood always brings a special mood to the area, it shouldn't be delayed. Fund raisers can have their bumps, so schedule time for them and you will have a much better result. Organization is the key to making your Christmas wreath fundraiser work.

Visit us for more information on Wreath Christmas Tree, Choosing An Outdoor Wreath and Glorious Holiday Decorating: Ten Tips.

Christmas Eve Recipe Ideas

2007-12-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas is quickly approaching and the time has come to soon send our invitations to the Christmas Eve or Day dinner.

Special occasions are a great time for friends and family and, in order to please our guests, we have to be creative when it comes the time to create our menu. But... if the Christmas turkey is a delicious meal, we would sometimes change our habits and eat something else.

Here is a Christmas menu idea including four different dishes from soup to dessert; which are simple to make special occasion cooking recipes but include a nice alternative to the Christmas turkey.

The portions are calculated for 8 guests.

Soup:

Tomato Cream

Ingredients:

2.2 lb peeled and chopped matured tomatoes
200 g chopped carrots
250 g chopped celery
120 g chopped onions
Chopped garlic (to taste)
1 small box of canned tomatoes
200 ml cream
salt and pepper to taste
Thyme, bay
Oil
2 tablespoon sugar
4 tablespoon red wine vinegar
200 ml water

In a large saucepan, melt sugar with a little water and pour vinegar until reducing
Add the vegetables
Cover and simmer 20 minutes
Mash the canned tomatoes and add them in the saucepan
Simmer 30 minutes
Salt and pepper to taste
Add 200 ml water and then the cream
Blend the soup
Serve hot

Starter:

Avocado cream

Ingredients:

2 chopped avocados
2 lemons (juiced)
2 chopped shallots
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Use a fork to mash the avocado
Stir in lemon juice
Add the chopped shallots
Blend all the ingredients
Serve cold in small glasses
Decorate with lemon zest

Main dish:

Christmas Goose

Ingredients:

8 to 10 lb. whole goose
1 chopped onion
1 chopped apples
1 tablespoon dried grapes
Oil
100 ml red wine
500 ml chicken broth
Thyme
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 365 degrees F
Put the oil coated goose in a shallow roasting pan
Tuck the wings and tie the legs together with kitchen string
Put the apples, onions and dried grapes around it
Cook for 3 hours, basting regularly with the cooking juices
Remove the goose from the oven
Pass the cooking juices through a strainer
In a saucepan, combine the fat from the roasting pan, the red wine, the Chicken broth and the red wine
Let cook until boiling and then add floor, stir constantly, until the gravy thickens
Serve with steamed potatoes.

Dessert:

Baked Apples

Ingredients:

10 mashed speculaas
120 g almond paste
40 g dried grapes
2 tablespoon rum
4 tablespoon grounded hazelnuts
1 tablespoon honey
8 apples, washed, cored and halved
sugar glace

Preheat the oven to 365 degrees F
Combine the mashed speculaas, the almond paste, the dried grapes, rum, hazelnuts and the honey
Put the apples in a baking dish
Garnish with the mixture
Bake for 15 à 20 minutes
Serve warm with ice cream and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Prosperity66 is an European History, Holidays and Tarot cards passionate. She writes articles and creates websites dedicated to these subjects. For more Christmas Costume, Christmas Cards, Christmas Recipes, Christmas Traditions Information, feel free to visit Christmas Time Guide.

The Epiphany, Care And Love

2007-12-06T14:53:00.001-08:00

A lot of folks are so focused with celebrating Christmas, they forget the celebration of Epiphany. Epiphany is the time after Christ's birth when the Three Wise Men journeyed to visit the Child Jesus. In times past, this holiday includes the twelve days after Christmas when the church celebrates the announcement of Christ as the Light of the world and to look back at the pilgrimage of the magi.

Many families outside the United States begin the celebration of Epiphany by thinking of others on St. Stephens Day. December 26 is St. Stephen's Day, in honor of Stephen the first martyr of the Christian faith. Family Bible reading on December 26 might include his story in Acts 6, 7, & 8.

His convictions about the revelation of Christ in the world brought about his death. In the book of Acts, he was considered the first martyr among Christians. For hundreds of years, people of the Christian faith have remembered his faithfulness on December 26, the day after Christmas. This day marks a day for selfless care for people in need, the unwanted, who have no people to love them.

Along with your family, it's nice to also find a needy family or support group to render services the day after Christmas. When most people are out shopping, you show that you care by bringing food or gifts to an impoverished family.

In Britain and Canada, this day is called Boxing Day, an official holiday in Britain. When my kids first heard of Boxing Day, they thought it was a celebration of those who box as a sport. They were surprised at the true meaning of Boxing Day.

On this day boxes of food are to be delivered to the needy, and in days gone by were given to servants from their employers. The spirit of Wenceslaus is demonstrated so that the entire community may celebrate with joy the manifestation of the Good News of Christ's birth.

Most of the time churches plan for this day to specifically render humanitarian services to the needy and thus show that God's Word requires good deeds to people near them. On this day, you can visibly see that love that people give to their fellow man.

By: Kerry Beck..

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Kerry Beck desires to give you her free Advent activities for your family's Christmas Celebration this year. Her package also includes the meanings of the words to 12 days of Christmas song.

Children's Christmas - Make Cardboard Nativity Scenes

2007-12-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

The nativity and the birth of Jesus Christ are the fundamental part of Christmas. It’s the story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem to be counted for the census.

Poor Mary was heavily pregnant and had to ride on a donkey. When they got to Bethlehem all the inns were full, and Mary and Joseph spent the night in a stable, where Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God. Angels, shepherds and three wise men from the east came to visit Jesus, who was lying in a manger. This is the traditional image we have of the nativity scene.

To make a cardboard nativity scene all you need is...

roll tubes or other tubes, scarps of paper and colored card, glue, scissors, felt tip pens, cotton wool, and a few sequins for decoration.

To make the figures...

The loo roll tubes for the main body of the figure. Wrap coloured paper around your tube so that it completely covers one half of the tube. This becomes the body and the bare tube becomes the figure’s head.

Cut out two small rectangles from some card, these become the arms. Stick them into place n the figure’s body, towards the top of the coloured paper. Stick a 'D' shaped piece of flesh colored card on the end of the arm to form a hand.

Draw on the figure’s face with felt tip pens. You can also draw on clothing details or patterns.

Extras...

The shepherd holds a crook, its a hooked tool which shepherds use to put around a sheep's neck as a sort of temporary lead to guide the sheep where the shepherd wants it to go. Cut a long hooked shape tool from card and stick it standing upright in the shepherds hand as though he was holding it.

The three wise men wear crowns or a turban. Cut these out of coloured paper and wrap them around the top of the wise men's heads. Decorate them with sequins to make them look jewel encrusted.

Joseph holds a lantern. Cut a long stick with a 'V' shape at the top. Stick this into Joseph's hand so that it is standing upright. This pole is to suspend the lantern from.

To make the lantern, take a small, rectangle piece of card and fold it in half so that the top and bottom of the lantern are together. Cut slits along the folded edge. Open up the card and now curve it round so that the two side edges meet and slightly overlap stick these two side edges together. When the glue has dried off a little, give the lantern a little squeeze so that the lantern forms '< >' Shape. Insert a roll of flame coloured paper into the lantern, glue and trim so that it fits snugly into place. This makes the lantern glow as though it were lit. Stick on some threat or a thin strip of card so that the lantern can be hung from Joseph's pole.

Sheep are made by covering a loo roll tube in cotton wool. Cut out a face shape from card to stick on one end of the tube. Cotton buds form the sheep's legs and feet. Cut a cotton bud in half to form two legs, glue all the legs into position.

Jesus is made from a rolled up piece of card, with coloured paper covering his body.

The manger is made from a loo roll tube. Cut the tube in half lengthways to form two guttering looking parts. Cut one into leg type shapes on each side and stick the two half tubes together, back to back.

Arrange all the figures on a table to recreate the nativity scene.

You could also attach a thread from your figures and hang them from the Christmas tree.

By: Suie Roberts

See nativity images at www.santaspostbag.co.uk/how-to-make-cardboard-nativity-scene.html Christmas makes and fun stuff at www.santaspostbag.co.uk/ you can also write Santa a letter telling him what you would like for Christmas, he always replies www.santaspostbag.co.uk/write-letter-to-santa.html

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Christmas Traditions - Gift Giving

2007-12-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

Historically, Christmas gift giving became part of many Christmas traditions all over the world to honor the three wise men that brought gifts to the baby Jesus. The bible records "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem . . .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".

Even though the roots of the Christmas present extend to ancient times, the gift giving tradition we are familiar with today owes perhaps the most to Victorian England. The Victorians, who brought a renewed warmth and spirit to Christmas after it had experienced a long period of decline, made the idea of family part of the celebration. Friendliness and charity filled many hearts during their Christmas season, so giving gifts was natural. The ultimate reason for giving a gift was as an expression of kindness, a sentiment that went nicely with the historical tradition of the holiday.

The Victorians surrounded the act of gift giving with a great deal of ingenuity and merriment: simply tearing into a cache of wrapped boxes would have been to miss the point. Far more thought and preparation than that were in order during the holiday season. They had cobweb parties, which was a lot of messy fun. Each family member was assigned a color, then shown to a room crisscrossed with yarn of various colors. Each person was to follow an assigned color through the web of yarn until he or she reached the present tied to the end.

The Christmas pie was another favorite diversion, although it was not exactly edible. Small gifts were hidden in a large bowl of grain. After everyone had eaten Christmas dinner, they would gather around the pie and they took turns taking a spoonful. Whatever treat was in their spoonful was theirs to keep.

The American Christmas was greatly influenced by the Victorians, gift giving, tradition and all. America expanded on the concept with the addition of Santa Clause: the association with gifts was a natural one. Soon Santa or one of his earlier models became responsible for the presents left in an ever-increasing number of stockings.

Because Christmas traditions are rich in history, spiritual abundance, and family traditions, you'll want to find just the right gifts to celebrate the occasion in style, check out http://www.combomart.com for your unique holiday gifts!

By: Paul Liu

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Christmas Devotionals - The Glorious Coming: A Jesse Tree Advent Celebration

2007-12-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

I've been searching the internet looking for some resources that can make my holiday planning easier and more fun. When I was going through Mathew 1, I actually read the family tree listed in the first chapter. This is something that I usually skip.

I realized that this is Jesus family tree and it can help us trace his earthly origins.

I found an ebook that makes this experience more hands on called The Glorious Coming: A Jesse Tree Advent Celebration.

Here is a list of what the ebook includes:

Explore Christ's Geneology
Daily Christmas Devotionals leading up to Christmas
How to make your own Jesse Tree
Jesse Tree Advent Ornaments

You can use this as an educational tool for your family and for small groups. Or, you can purchase the book to enjoy the Christmas devotionals throughout the Christmas season.

Click here to purchase it for only $7.95

The Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas

2007-12-06T10:54:00.001-08:00

Everybody thinks that "The Twelve Days of Christmas" were the days preceding the Christmas festival. In reality, Epiphany is the time of the Christian celebration that starts December 25 and lasts until January 6, a duration of 12 days. This marks the Church's celebration of Jesus as the Light of the world and remembers the pilgrimage of the three wise men.

Every day, from December 25 to January 6, was traditionally a part of the Yuletide celebration. Dedicated to mercy and compassion, each day was noted by selfless giving and tender charity. In many cultures, gift giving was not concentrated on a single day, but rather, as in the famous folk song, spread throughout the entire season.

From 1558 until 1829 the Church in England was prohibited by law to practice their faith openly or in private. During that period 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' song was written as a catechism that could be sung in public without fear of imprisonment. The words to the 12 Days of Christmas song are an allegory. The words to the song have 2 meanings: the literal meaning and the second meaning known only to Christian followers.

Each phrase or word in the carol has an actual religious meaning. "True love" means God and 'me' means the Christian believer. On the first day, the partridge in a pear tree is synonymous to Jesus Christ's coming to save mankind.

See if you can discover the rest of the religious meaning as you read the words to the song, 12 Days of Christmas.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

By: Kerry Beck..

Kerry Beck desires to give you her free Advent activities for your family's Christmas Celebration this year. Her package also provides the meanings of the words to 12 days of Christmas song.

Keep Christ in Christmas with Christmas Decorations

2007-12-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

One good way to help keep Christ in Christmas is by placing decorations throughout your home that are a reminder of the nativity and the events in the Bible surrounding Christ's birth. Here are some ideas:

Put a nativity scene in a visible place inside your home.
You can also put nativity ornaments on your tree
Hang a star or an angel at the top of your tree
Put crosses throughout your home and on the tree

You an either buy them or make the ornaments. Making them is a fun project, especially if you have small children.

Another idea is to display any Christmas cards that you have received, especially if they depict scenes from the Bible.

A Few Lines on Christmas - Watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

2007-12-04T20:26:00.000-08:00

Today, I tried to force myself to watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on television. I missed the first 20 minutes of it, and from there, I couldn't seem to get into it. I used to love that television special. In fact, I still do. I guess I just wasn't in the mood for it today.

I realized something. It's okay if I am not in the mood for these "traditional" Christmas shows, or for decorating, or wrapping presents. As long as I take some time out of my day to reflect on the Advent season, that's really the most important part. Whether or not I watch Rudolph, or any of the other Christmas specials on television isn't really important.

Today, my focus is to read Mathew 2. Even though Mathew doesn't focus on the actual birth, and the traditional manger scene, he does write about the events surrounding His birth, including the Wise Men. In fact, these first two books set to establish that Jesus is the Messiah.

After I work through these chapters in Mathew, I'll read the parts in Isaiah where the prophet talks about these very events. Mathew is set on establishing that the things that Isaiah talked about are coming true.

Do you have an Advent Calendar?

2007-12-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

If not, it's not too late to get one. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some have chocolate or other toys in them. Some focus on Santa Claus or other Christmas scenes. You can even make your own.

But if you notice, a lot of these calendars focus on the material aspects of Christmas, such as Santa Claus and getting presents. Why not use this as a tool to help keep your family focused on Christ's birth?

Find an Advent Calendar with a Christian Theme

The goal is to find an Advent Calendar that focuses in Christ's Birth. It's okay if they feature chocolate or other gifts as well. But a good calendar will also have scripture verses and scenes from the nativity.

Here are some calendars and resources that I found on Amazon:

Holy Night Advent Calendar

Christ in Christmas: A Family Advent Celebration

Advent Calendar on DVD

This is a really good tool to teach your kids about what Christmas is really about and make them familiar with the Nativity story. Go through the calendar each day and read a Bible verse or two that goes with it. You can also pray together as a family, and sing Christmas songs. Make it fun so that your kids will start to look at the holiday as more than just a time to get presents.

Christ's Birth in Mathew - Just a Few Lines

2007-12-01T16:17:00.000-08:00

I am working my way through Mathew, and sharing my impressions. Mathew doesn't focus on the immediate events surrounding His birth. In fact, he just spends a few sentences talking about it.

Mathew 1:25 (NIV) Says:

But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

More time is spent on dealing with how Joseph handled the news of Mary's pregnancy. Chapter 2 starts off with the Magi, or Wise Men.

So, why does Mathew only talk about the actual birth in only one verse? I think it's because the main focus of the book is to establish that Jesus is The Christ, or Messiah.

As described in this post, that's why he started off with the genealogy. Then, we learn in this post about how Joseph came to accept the situation through the dream. We are meant to accept it, just like Joseph did.

Daily Christmas Devotionals at Peggy's Place

2007-11-30T18:03:00.000-08:00

I was just browsing through one of my favorite sites, Gospelcom.net. They have a list of links to a whole bunch of websites that has devotionals. Peggy's place is one of them.

She has devotionals listed on this page for every day in December leading up to Christmas. A devotional a day, plus daily Bible reading and prayer, will help you feel more connected during this Christmas season.

As an extra bonus, why not read these aloud to your family?

Christmas Decorations Above a Buddha Statue

2007-11-30T17:41:00.001-08:00

At the place where I get my nails done, there is a fairly large statue of Buddha on a tabletop, next to some incense. Today, I watched some girls hang up Christmas decorations right above it. It looked really pretty.

But then, I started to think about it. Why are they hanging up the decorations? Were some of the workers Christians? Is it for the guests? True, there were no religious symbols in those decorations. Just some fake evergreen and some shiny glass ornaments.

I think decorations are a nice reminder of Christmas and what it really means. It's great that stores and manicure shops want to decorate. If not for themselves, than for their guests. But, it's too easy to get caught up in the shopping and the parties. How many of us see the decorations in a store, and it reminds us of the fun aspect of the season, but not the true meaning?

I resolve to let the decorations remind me of what Christmas really is - not the commercial aspect of it.

Mary is With Child - Mathew 18:18-24

2007-11-27T12:47:00.000-08:00

To start your Christmas season off, why not read the story of Christ's birth in Mathew? The retelling in the first book of the New Testament can help put your mind in the right place. Read it before you shop. As I've been saying, getting and receiving gifts is not the problem. It's forgetting why we're celebrating that is.

Mathew's account is to the point. The passage at the end of the first chapter in Mathew talks about the fact that Mary was found to be with child. It deals with how Joseph handled it. Initially, he was a little upset, but didn't want Mary to be disgraced publicly. An Angel appeared in a dream and told him not to worry, that the child came from God.

What does all of this mean? Well for me, I understand that Mary is someone who did exactly what God told her to do. She accepted her position in life, and eventually so did Joseph.

Read Mathew Chapter 1:1-17

2007-11-26T18:57:00.000-08:00

The geneology in Mathew Chapter 1 may appear boring on the surface. Why do we need to read a bunch of names?

This chapter sets up the entire New Testament. The genealogy gives us the background we need to understand where Christ came from - who His earthly descendants were.

This is his family tree.

The question people have is - is Jesus really the Messiah?

When Mathew started this chapter off with the family tree, it sets the tone for the whole chapter. It answers the question - Yes, Jesus is the Messiah.

His family tree starts with Abraham, the father of the Jewish people. King David is also in his family tree. This establishes that Jesus' claim that he is The King matches his family line. There is true, Earthly royalty in that line.

But Jesus is an entirely different King than what people initially expected. People expected an earthly king, but He is much more than that.

Celebrate Christ's Birthday - Not Santa

2007-11-25T19:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ, the Messiah. It doesn't celebrate the fact that Santa brings us presents. Or that we should attend cocktail parties and eat. Yes, giving and receiving gifts is fun. So giis attending holiday parties and spending time with our families.

But that's not the point of the holiday. It's important that we don't lose sight of that. Here are some ideas to help us remember why we celebrate:

* Put up a special "Jesus Tree". Buy gifts for needy families and donate things to charity. Wrap them and put them as gifts under the tree. Decorate the tree with crosses and scenes from your favorite Bible stories.

* Adopt a family. Giving to charity can really help.

* Read the Bible every day, especially the nativity story.

* Make or buy a nativity scene and put it somewhere visible in your house, or outside of your house.

Remember, it's okay to participate in the festivities this season. Just remember why you're celebrating.

What did you do on Black Friday?

2007-11-24T09:03:00.001-08:00

Did you endure the long shopping lines? Put up your tree? Spend time with your family?

The day after Thanksgiving officially marks the beginning of "The Christmas Season" and most of us seem to spend it shopping and watching holiday television.

I found an article on Gospelcom.net that reflects on Black Friday, and the importance of giving and charity during the holidays. You can read the article here.

Charlie Brown Christmas - Discover the True Meaning

2007-11-20T13:04:00.000-08:00

I love the part where Charlie Brown says to the audience, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

And Linus saves the day by reciting the passage in the Bible. I love that part.

Even though I am now 30 years old, that doesn't stop me from watching my favorite Christmas cartoons. And why should it?

I love the self discovery Charlie goes through. Why is Christmas so commercial? What is wrong with everyone? Sometimes I feel like that.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with decorating, or giving and receiving gifts. But if it is done at the expense of understanding that Christmas is about Christ's birth, then something is wrong.

Do you miss the televised special? Well, you can easily rent it from your local store, or buy it.

The Real Meaning of Christmas

2007-11-12T07:22:00.000-08:00

I just started a blog about holiday gift shopping. As I was doing that, I realized I couldn't have a blog about gift giving without starting one that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas. Yes, gift giving is fun. Receiving gifts is fun. But it is important to understand why this holiday exists.

Sometimes it makes me feel sad that we've gotten away from what is really important - that we are celebrating Christ's birth.

In the posts to come, look forward to devotionals and other posts on how to keep Christ as the focal point of this holiday season.