Day 35 of 4: Keep Calm and Carry On (12/11/12)

Day 35 of four more years (originally posted on Facebook on December 11, 2012)

Are you a super Christmas elf? You know, the person who is ahead in the Christmas race? The first one to send out your cards? How about shopping? "I finished back in September, but am running a little behind on wrapping!" Oh, decorations? No problem, you are the person who enlisted the family to help you decorate the week of Thanksgiving! Baking? "Sweetie, you just do it all ahead and pop it in the freezer, ta dah! That was easy!" Just cast your relaxed, early, "all done" eyes in this direction! I will make your day! I seldom do things ahead of time, and usually I am down to the wire! So you ask, am I ready for Christmas? Not at all. One of my children thinks I have ADD, but I like to believe that God left out my time monitor, clock or sensitivity to time at all.

Here is an example: Yesterday, my first day all alone with no excuse, I told myself, "You, Margsarg, will not, under any circumstance, and I mean it, leave this house without finishing your Christmas cards (not addressing them, ordering them). "Don't even try it, sister.

OK, but my precious little twin friends stopped by and we were able to roast marshmallows on the fire pit! And hot chocolate, too! We laughed and had so much fun. They even told me the reason my Elf has not left her shelf is because she doesn't have a name! So, we named her Molly and she has been zipping all over the house ever since. Then, just as they left and I started the cards, my next door neighbor dropped by with my "early" Christmas gift and we sat, watched the sunset and laughed at how behind I was! So funny! Then, the clock said it was after 7 pm, there was Monday Night Football, a newspaper to read, and oh, yeah, tomorrow is another day!

What is wrong with New Year's Cards anyway? So, you go on now! You are doing great and haven't I made you feel better?

"Rejoice in the Lord always…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petitions, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:4

Pray 

Dear Father, help us to be calm, peaceful and focused on the real meaning of Christmas. Keep our priority list in your hands, and help us lean on you for all understanding and compassion during this busy season.

Amen

Day 34 of 4: The Sparkle Box (12/10/12)

Day 34 of four more years (originally posted on Facebook on December 10, 2012)

Do you know about the Sparkle Box? Earlier this month I posted about a fairly new Christmas tradition called the Elf on the Shelf. It turns out to be fairly controversial… and if you check old posts, you can see all that. I do believe it is all in fun, but some people believe that anything that takes our focus off the Baby Jesus is wrong. And I certainly get that. But last week I was challenged by our BSF leader's lecture when she suggested we replace or start a new tradition that is in keeping with the real meaning of Christmas. So, I remembered the new gift I had purchased for the grandchildren.

"The Sparkle Box!" It is a lovely book by the same title written by Jill Hardie. I purchased it back in the fall from my Crossings Book Club, but I feel like it is widely available. I bought a copy, set it aside because it was still Halloween, and just a couple of weeks ago, I picked it up and read it through. The book even has a Sparkle Box in the back of the book for you to assemble. After reading the book and shedding a few tears, I decided this was an awesome idea, and ordered two more copies, gave one to Lauren and still have one for Jill.

This is the story: A young boy named Sam sees a sparkly box on the mantel the first day of December. After he inquires about the beautiful box, his Mom replied, "It is a special gift, called a Sparkle Box. We'll open it together, but we have to fill it first." All through the story, as the weeks before Christmas unfold, Sam and his family do generous things. They take food and blankets to the homeless shelter, give money to dig water wells in Africa, hand out mittens and candy to a needy man and celebrate at a birthday party for the baby Jesus. On Christmas eve, the family gathers around and opens the box full of slips of paper describing the unselfish acts Sam and his family had done during the holiday season. His Mom explains, "Sam, the Sparkle Box is our gift to Jesus on Christmas Day, His birthday."

I just love this simple exercise of love. Children, no matter how young, understand gifts and even by the age of 3 or 4 can realize Christmas is not their birthday (unless it really is!). If you are interested in this lovely tradition or replacement of one you already practice, go to www.TheSparkleBox.com. for information and ideas or to share your own Sparkle Box story. By the way, you don't even have to buy anything. You can hear the story on the website and make your own box. I hope this idea is a blessing to you. So like the Wise Men in the story of Jesus' birth, we too can bring gifts to the Christ Child, and like the Little Drummer Boy, we can give Him our best! By the way, I have my own Sparkle Box! Can't wait to put some love in there!

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me." Matthew 25:40

Pray: 

Dear Jesus, thank You for coming to be a light to our world. Help us to give gifts to the needy and suffering, in honor of Your birthday. For You taught us the true meaning of Christmas as You gave the perfect gift of Yourself. Amen

Day 33 of 4: Silent Night (12/9/12)

Day 33 of four more years (originally posted on Facebook on December 9, 2012)

"Silent Night," is it your favorite Christmas carol? It certainly is mine. And here is my shallow reason: As a young, aspiring church pianist, I treasured this Christmas carol because it was easy to play! In fact, I can probably play it in my sleep, even today! The beautiful music is simple yet profound. How I relished this beautiful carol and dreaded the sweet, "O, Little Town of Bethlehem!" which is an enigma to me. Sounds precious, but plays hard! But "Silent Night" is a treasure. It is called "the Christmas carol heard 'round the world."

The history of "Silent Night" gets a little bit complicated. The author of the words was Joseph Mohr, who wrote the inspirational lyrics over 180 years ago in a small village in Oberndorf, Austria. He was a modest choir director whose best friend, Franz Gruber, put the music to the lyrics. The two men actually performed their composition together for the first time on Christmas Eve 1818. After that, the history of the song developed into a traveling folk song, performed far and wide. It was sung for the first time in America in 1839 at the Trinity Church in New York City.

All the historical facts have probably left you "glazed over." But there is a treasure in the story. The most famous carol of all time brought income to the author, Joseph Mohr. Yet, he died penniless in 1848. His life story began in poverty in 1792, he was gainfully employed all his life in the priesthood and made modest gains in revenue from Silent Night. Yet, he died penniless. What did he do with the money he made in his lifetime? The fact is that he donated it all, not just the amount he could claim as a tax deduction, but all of it to be used for elder care and the education of the children of the area. These words were used to describe the author of Silent Night, "a reliable friend of mankind, toward the poor, a gentle, helping father." What an awesome tribute! And what a legacy of faith… a simple, modest man who made a difference; a man who gave all he had to those in need. It has been suggested that part of the miracle of "Silent NIght" is that it was penned from a man's imagination by the hand of God.The author was never internationally known like Irving Berlin who wrote "White Christmas," but you can bet all your earthly treasures that Joseph Mohr's name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life!

"Only those in the eternal heaven whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (dwell there)." Revelation 21:27

"Jesus said, 'Simon, son of John, do you truly love me?….Feed my lambs." John 21:15

Pray:

Precious Lamb of God, may the words of "Silent Night" pour into our hearts as we worship you at Christmas. May the simple words of the silent night when you were born give us a new joy in you as the baby who came to save us all. Thank you for your humble servant, Joseph Mohr, and may the blessings of his simple Christmas carol speak to us this year. Amen

Day 32 of 4: Christmas Cold (12/8/12)

Day 32 of four more years (originally posted on Facebook on December 8, 2012)

Today I need your prayers. Not for me, although I need them all the time and more than most people, but for my sister. She has an awful cold, a dreaded "Christmas cold." It is not allergies, as we so hoped, but one of the awful ones that have moved into her chest. And of all things, her flight home is today. The day will be long, and even involves a layover to boot. Yuk! Travel is hard enough on a healthy person. Some of you many also know the airlines frown on sickly persons. Not only does she need to feel better but look healthy, too. FYI: never mention flu or expected appendicitis around a gate agent…just so you know.

We have done all we can here: tons of over the counter medicines, decongestants, and a pilfered antibiotic in case it gets into her chest. The best, most perfect remedy also hasn't worked yet: homemade tamales. My dear friend, Maria, made them fresh last night and at 8 pm she (and I joined in just to show support) ate 3 of them. Marvelous, curing properties, those tamales! When she gets up today, she may be healed already! But in case she isn't, will you pray for her? And for me, as I will miss her like crazy! (Just an additional fact, we froze a dozen of the tamales for her to take in her carryon bag…you know, just in case someone needs healing on the plane, or her husband and daughter need them!)

I thank you all in advance for I know she will feel your prayers today.

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray….the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well..the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:13-16

Pray: Father, heal my sister of her cold. Help her to have a safe and comfortable trip. Bring her back to us in due time and bless her family as they welcome her home.

Amen

Day 31 of 4: Saying Goodbye (12/7/12)

Day 31 of four more years (originally posted on Facebook on December 7, 2012)

"Salutations!" as Charlotte the spider wove in "Charlotte's Web. "Good morning! Missed you, how's the family?" "

Are you hanging in there?"

All of the above are common greetings. Hellos are fun and anticipatory, but what about good-byes? Not so fun to me.

First I will say good-bye to Paradise today and return to my beloved home and family in Arlington. This is always bittersweet to me. I cherish both homes and haven't found a way to be in both places at one time!

But tomorrow, I have to say good-bye to my favorite sister. Sad day. This is the farewell I dread. What do I say then? "I will miss you like crazy. Can't you stay a little longer?" Thinking of this makes me reflect on the fun you have with someone when you know your time is limited. If you see someone everyday, you take closeness for granted. Jane and I have tried to make every minute count! Every one. Well, we have had to sleep, but all of the activities we planned were meant to be deliberate and with purpose. Today, we do one of our favorite trips... The long way to Arlington. The slow boat to China! A trip of 2.5 hours we turn into 5! We stop wherever we want and have our fill at each place: looking, shopping, eating and laughing! That is one of the many things I love about her! A great sense of timing or lack of it!

Please pray for us as we ease back into our "normal" lives. I'm staying positive because I am blessed to have had my favorite Christmas guest!

Benedictions from Paul:

"Grace be with you. The Lord be with your spirit. Peace and love with faith from God the Father through The Lord Jesus Christ!" from letters to Titus, Timothy, the churches at Ephesus and Corinth.

And Merry Christmas!

Pray: Father, may we appreciate the time here on earth, treasure minutes as gifts from You and anticipate the time when we will never have to say good-bye in heaven. Amen

Day 30 of 4: Snowy Nativity in Bethlehem? (12/6/12)

Day 30 of four more years (originally posted on Facebook on December 6, 2012)

Snowy scene, wrapped up baby Jesus, and shepherds who came to see. Do you really think it was snowing on the night of Jesus' birth? Does is ever snow in Bethlehem? I was curious and decided to investigate...like a Snopes detective! I found out that it very, very rarely snows in Bethlehem, although it has happened. But other facts make it even less likely. For one, the census that Joseph and Mary had come to submit to only happened in the warm months because of the difficulty in travel. Shepherds only put their sheep out in the fields during the the warm months from April until October. In December their sheep would have been in a warmer place. 

I am interjecting a personal reason for my curiosity here. You see, I was looking at the small, treasured nativity here at my childhood home. My sister and I take out a few decorations while we are here and this is one of our favorites. The small figures are surrounded by a cloud of snowy blue (?) angel hair. As kids we loved the silky "snow" and were so tempted to stroke its soft strands. However, we were sternly warned never to touch it because the spun glass would cut our fingers! Really? I still hesitate to try! Ok, I must confess: this year I did try. And surprisingly, it does cut your fingers! Why would my Mom buy cutting snow? And blue? Questions I'll ask her someday!

After a little research over something most of you will think is silly, I am concluding that Jesus was probably born in September. If you add to the facts above, the idea that the date of Jesus' birth was arbitrarily set by the church. The timing of the celebration of the Christmas festival was determined to coincide with pagan tribal parties, honoring the winter solstice. These were pretty wild affairs, with lots of wassail, roasted animals, rich foods and sacrifices! Sounds like a Christmas party gone awry!

Why does any of this matter? I believe we cling to lots of myths and legends about Jesus birth. Even the timing of the visit of the Wise Men is one of those. But our focus can get lost, our ideas muddled by myths, and our search for a mythical baby King born in the snow can cloud the real truth. Jesus' birth was not a Hollywood production, no matter how the Jewish people looked for the king as a triumphant ruler. Baby Jesus did not have a halo on His sweet head! He was a real, ordinary baby, wrapped in rough muslin, not silk. Are we still looking for a king with an entourage of servants? Is that what we are searching for, as like the shepherds, we leave our flocks to go give Him praise? To kneel at the manger and see the God who became an ordinary baby who would grow up to save our souls! I want to see that baby! And forget about the snow!

"Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which The Lord has told us about." 

Luke 2:15

Pray:

Dear God, let us see the wonder, glory and majesty in the birth of Your Son, the ordinary baby who became the unbelievable miracle at Christmas! Amen

Day 29 of 4: Christmas at Ma's House (12/5/12)

Day 29 of four more years (originally posted on Facebook on December 5, 2012)

Christmas....what is your best memory? Or forget memories. Maybe it is just a lot of work to you. My Mom sometimes expressed that thought and a worry of a lack of money. Hustle, bustle, crowds, deadlines all threaded together with the Holy Birth of Jesus. Other worries include Santa Claus who makes parents anxious as he seems to promise far more than he can deliver. Between worry about the Elf on the Shelf and Santa watching their every move, the children have some anxiety of their own!

Most people can filter their memories of Christmas in order to conjure a happy scene. Here are some from my childhood: a big old farmhouse with a crackling fire, an enormous cedar tree which tipped over from the top, decorated with silver tinsel, shinny balls and raggedy garland pulled from a shelf. Smells of chili and tamales coming from the kitchen, children being shuffled into the dining room, listening for the sounds of sleigh bells and hoofs on the roof. Popcorn balls in big bowls, fire works out on the dirt driveway as family huddled near a fire. Anticipation of a visit from St. Nick, depending on how much bourbon was left in the flask under his seat on the sleigh, and laughter, gifts and hugs all around, family coming from far and wide for the family event known as Christmas at Ma's house! 

The common thread through all of it was my great-grandmother, Ma Shurtleff! She made Christmas come together on Christmas Eve! Ma was an amazing lady! She was hard-working, tough as nails, talented, self-confident, kind and a heroine of my childhood! No one escaped her strong arms! And yes, she had her favorites: all of us! I totally mean that. She loved all her family passionately, and nothing came between her and her family. If a family member got into trouble or became sick or drifted away, she pulled us all together to keep us safe and rescued, prayed or grabbed them back to her. She forgave our faults, and overlooked a lot since we were a boisterous bunch of sinners!

But at Christmas time, it was all about Ma's house! Together! The gave us all Christmas memories with hugs, love and a cement bond that is not broken even today, over 70 years later. The ones of us who remember Christmas at Ma's house are getting fewer each year. I hope that in retelling the story, I can recreate the memory to share with my children and grandchildren. My hope for you is that you have a similar story to hand down.

But what if your story is not like mine? Perhaps your family story is not like the Walton's and seriously, neither was mine. Christmas brings painful memories. Please believe this: You have a great, loving family of your own as a child of the King. You can make wonderful memories at Christmas starting this year. And your Heavenly Father will never disappoint you or fail to care for you. His love came down at Christmas and will provide you with all the greatest memories on this earth and in the one to come!

"And don't lose heart...God still changes families" Max Lucado

"I will be your father." 2 Corinthians 6:18

Pray: 

Dear Father, we thank You for the gift of family on this earth and the external family only You provide through the birth of the Baby Jesus so long ago. Amen