Cardboard Nativity

While my sweet in laws were here, I put them to work and we all sat down with empty wrapping paper rolls, construction paper, glue sticks and tape. It looked like a kindergarten class project, but we so enjoyed making this Nativity set. I hope it lasts for years to come....

Blessings,

Ali

The story of St. Nicholas

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1

Many families choose not to include Santa Claus as a part of their Christmas celebrations. The legend of Santa, the North Pole, flying reindeer, keeping naughty and nice lists, and coming down the chimney can seem as just too much distraction from the true meaning of Christmas for many Christian families. But, whatever your family chooses to do with Santa Claus, it may be worthwhile to consider the historical St. Nicholas.

“Nicholas lived long ago, in the third century, in a place called Asia Minor, what is now the country of Turkey. His parents died from an illness while Nicholas was a teenager and left him a large inheritance of money. Nicholas’ parents taught him about Jesus. As he grew older, he followed the teachings of Jesus and sold all his possessions, secretly giving money to those in need.

“Nicholas became well-loved by the people and later became the Bishop of Myra. He died on December 6, 343 A.D. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration in his honor, called St. Nicholas Day. On this day, children would give and receive small gifts of candy, chocolate initial letters, or riddles hidden in baked goods or in elaborate packaging. Children also hung stockings by the fire or placed shoes filled with carrots and hay for the horse, eagerly awaiting gifts from St. Nicholas. Gold balls or oranges were given to represent the gifts of gold once given by St. Nicholas.” 1

Influenced by St. Nicholas’ popularity in Europe, immigrants brought his story and tradition to America. Over the years, legend was wedded to historical elements and developed into our modern day Santa Claus.

While we celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus, we can have an appropriate appreciation for the lives He has touched. This includes those whose lives demonstrated compassion and selflessness out of their love for Jesus. St. Nicholas was such a person.

Christmas priorities....

It has been so key to me this year to remind myself, on a daily basis, where the importance should lie in celebrating Christmas. We did cut back on gift buying this year, but even still, this video hit hard!

Blessings....
"Oh come let us ADORE Him!!!!"

Ali

What a glorious Star!

"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."

Matthew 2:9

I love having a star on the top of the tree. It's symbolism is great and when the sun shines through it during the day it sends chills up my spine. Such a simple thing with such a deep meaning!

Blessings,

Ali

Artist: Christmas Song
Song: Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem


O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shining far through shadows dim
Giving the light for those who long have gone
Guiding the wise men on their way
Unto the place where Jesus lay
O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shine on

O beautiful star the hope of life
Guiding the pilgrims through the night
Over the mountains 'til the break of dawn
Into the land of perfect day
It will give out a lovely ray
O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shine on

O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shine upon us until the glory dawns
Give us a lamp to light the way
Unto the land of perfect day
O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shine on

O beautiful star the hope of grace
For the redeemed, the good and the blessed
Yonder in glory when the crown is won
Jesus is now the star divine
Brighter and brighter He will shine
O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shine on

O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shine upon us until the glory dawns
Give us a lamp to light the way
Unto the land of perfect day
O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shine on

O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shine on

Sharing is what we're meant to do

"Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee."
Mark 5:19

There are many reasons we are to share our testimonies with others, but bottom line is that God asks us to do it. It doesn't get any more simple then that. In addition to following HIM in obedience, we will get a satisfaction that will warm our hearts when we do share. It reminds us that we were once without hope, and when we accepted the gift of salvation, our lives were transformed and renewed. Another thing that is so powerful about sharing our story with others is that it cannot be disproved. We live in a world where faith is frowned upon because there is no "proving" it. Well, the proof is in our lives! There isn't a soul on this planet that can tell me God doesn't exist, because through my story I can explain and see that I am now a different person with new desires. That is not natural....it is SUPERnatural! Amen?

My friend found this site that I think is pretty special. Won't you visit it? It's point is simple....

I AM SECOND!

Blessings,

Ali

Lots of Christmas Cheer

We had a wonderful day together yesterday, FILLED with Christmas activities. We started the day off with a visit to Santa. We had planned to be there right at 10, when the mall opened, but since we dressed up the girls and all, and a few other things happened that morning, we ran about 30 minutes late. When we got there, we found out the big guy wouldn't even be there till 11, so we hung out in great anticipation for him. Finally, he arrived, looking fat and jolly as ever! Kayla was so excited. Anna, on the other hand, instantly dug her little claws into me in great fear. We attempted to put her on his lap, but she was wiggling so much, she kicked him in the leg and that was that. We decided it just wasn't worth it if she was that afraid. Kayla was the first customer of the day (although we didn't even have her picture done professionally since we think their prices are OUTRAGEOUS) She sat in his lap for probably a full 5 minutes, and although he was talking fairly soft and intimately to her, I was able to sneak close enough to hear what they were talking about. First of course, there was the "what do you want for Christmas?" question. She answered, "new Christmas toys, of course!" They chatted about this and that, "make sure to go to bed early...", you know, the usual Santa talk I suppose, but then the conversation took a turn. I heard him asking her if she was going to sing "Happy Birthday" to him on Christmas morning. Could it be? Was Santa talking to my baby about Jesus...the REAL reason for this season? Yes!!! He went on to tell her all about how he was born in a stable in a little manger full of hay. How cool is that? It was completely unexpected and a total blessing that he openly and unashamedly spoke of Jesus to her like that. It was a total God stop moment for me...you just never know where you might find them, even in the presence of SANTA! He topped it off by making her an official reindeer (which she later shared the title with Anna)



After our visit with the big guy, we headed out to look for our Christmas tree. It was a great lot of trees, and the owner even took the time to snap a quick family shot of us, a rare thing indeed! The girls had fun running around, and even cooperated enough to take a few sweet sister shots. After grabbing a bite to eat and realizing it was WAY past their nap times, we headed home for just that.




After naps, it was time to decorate!! Kayla was really into it this year.....and just bubbling with excitement each time she put a new ornament on the tree (most of them were clumped at the bottom, so we helped out a little with the distribution) Anna enjoyed it too, but was still a little groggy from her nap, so we just let her cuddle the plush decorations for the most part. After finishing the tree and decorating the house up a bit, we were ready to make our very first gingerbread house! I think we'll make this a tradition....it was just so much fun! At the end of the day we all felt tired, but so blessed to have had such a wonderful day.....21 days to go!




Blessings,

Ali