Carols , Decorating and 18 Days

Last year I was late getting to watch the numerous Christmas Carols that have been made over the years. This year I have made it a silent pack to myself to watch them all before Christmas. Each one has some scenes that I really love. The only one I do not like very much is the musical ones and the comedy featuring Bill Murray. It just didn't work for me . So we started with my youngest son's favorite starring Patrick Stewart. It is one of the most faithful to the book and Stewart captures the meanness and cold heart nature of Scrooge very well. The cast is stellar and it has numerous scenes that really stick out.So one down and 4 to go.

Today I hope to get the tree. It has been a tradition to take the boys with me and let them choose , fortunately , Jordan ( the youngest ) always had a decent eye . Now that they are older , Jacob ( the oldest and in his 3rd year of University) will just let Jord do his magic.  As the boys near the day they will leave our house , each Christmas is very special to me . I savor them and Lord willing hope one day they will have grand children to fill my house at Christmas time.

So now that its only 18 days away I remind myself that no matter if there is snow or not , the blessing of Christmas is wrapped up in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Recently had a very short conversation with someone who was debating to even put up a tree or buy gifts etc... why? Because their kids are all working on Christmas day and they have no need for anything. After saying I look forward to Christmas no matter what , I wished him a merry Christmas and left. After leaving it saddened me to think how many think this way .

The truth of the matter without one celebrating the birth of Jesus , God in that stable , why really continue to partake in the day. Yes I know the pagans say we "stole" their traditions , get over it. For when ever God touches the ordinary He transforms it. If Christians didn't start to go against the pagan  celebrations . would we even have special day in December . Let me tell you emphatically not.

So I will continue to enjoy and celebrate Christmas , taking the traditions borrowed and transformed for Christ and no matter how old I get , I will play carols , buy gifts , put up a real tree ,use some mistletoe  to kiss my lovely wife hang decorations and enjoy the day that commemorates when the Savior came to save sinners like me. What is not to celebrate and tell the world that good news.

Good news from heaven the angels bring,
Glad tidings to the earth they sing:
To us this day a child is given,
To crown us with the joy of heaven.

~ Martin Luther

---