The gift of snow

     

     Dreaming of a white Christmas certainly came true this year for us, here in my home-town, Kelowna. 

     Just now, gazing out my kitchen window to the snow-laden shrubs and trees surrounding my patio, I am amazed at the majestic beauty right here before my eyes. 

     Approaching Christmas each year, I often have mixed emotions about the weather. To be with me, some of my family need to travel over miles of mountainous terrain. So usually I feel we could just do without the white stuff. 

     

     This year, after family had safely arrived, we were blessed with this lovely gift of white. 

     Storms often become an unwanted problem especially for travellers. I heard on the news of air flights being cancelled, which is so disappointing for those trying to reach home in time for Christmas. 

     We know snow has varied purposes. The snow-capped mountains help to irrigate the valleys below. It also reassures us that our drinking water levels we depend upon, won't be lacking in the summer months. 

     Admiring these pristine snow piles reminds me of the "gift of forgiveness" I receive from my Heavenly Father when I ask Him. 

     King David prayed, "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow."  

— Psalm 51:1 

     Wow! I am thankful for the gift of snow and for forgiveness. 

     Speaking of gifts, my family once again spoiled me with their gifts of love. Our giving and receiving gifts at Christmas, reminds us of the Magi who came to the baby Jesus, each bringing their worthy gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh. 

     I learned that frankincense was a perfume used in Jewish worship and, as a gift, it showed that people would worship Jesus. 

     Gold was associated with kings and Christians believe that Jesus is the King of Kings. 

     Myrrh was a sweet-smelling perfume that was put on dead bodies. As a gift, it showed that Jesus would suffer and die. 

     

     I appreciate each gift I receive. The time, effort, thought, and perhaps sacrifice that goes into each gift — to me, spells "LOVE."

     Sharing tangible gifts with each other, certainly does remind us of Jesus, the best gift of all! 

     Today, some of my family made their return trip home over those snowy mountains. I already miss them, but am grateful they made it safely home during this  awesome, but beautiful, Season of White.   

     I like to think, that when Jesus forgives me, my heart is as clean as new fallen snow.


— beulah

Sharing Christmas

     

     "I'll be home for Christmas. You can count on me. Please have snow and mistletoe and presents 'round the tree..." 

— recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943

     This popular Christmas song never fails to fill me with nostalgic moments each time I hear it, bringing memories of past Christmases spent with family and friends. Unfortunately, not everyone gets to go home. Then, there are others out there that don't even have a home to go to, much less a caring family. 

     While much joy and revelry surround the celebration, there is also much sadness lurking around the corner. 

     

     At Christmas all hearts turn towards home and family.  A group of college students was asked, "How many of you are planning to go home for the holidays?" Almost every hand went up. "Why?" they were asked, "Why do you want to go home?" The answers: "That's where I have a sense of belonging."  "My family accepts me for who I am."  One just wept and said, "That's where the deepest feelings of my heart and soul are. I am them, and they are me."  

     Thank God for families! I think we are often called upon to be "the family" for others who have none, or are a long way from theirs.  

     

I still recall Nel's remembering the pain and loneliness he felt that Christmas day, spending it all alone in his one-room boarding house. 

     Out west, as a young man serving in the air force, and later attending theological school and pastoring churches, he was miles from his maritime family. 

     No one thought to even ask him to a Christmas dinner! This left a lasting impression on Nels, so throughout the years I would often hear him say, "Let's ask if they have anyone to share Christmas with?" 

     He was always ready to extend to others that warm, friendly touch. We seemed to have an unwritten rule over the years, that "no one was to spend Christmas day alone, if we knew about it." 

     I am still trying to have an open heart open home, and am always pleased when there are extra feet under my table. 

     Christmas is many things to many people — parties, new clothes, special baking, beautiful, glittering decorations inside and outside of homes, listening to and singing the timeless carols, getting in touch with old friends, and attending at least one Christmas service at church. 

     But, many of us know it is, oh so much more!  These can make it enjoyable, but the thoughts expressed in the following prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson is really the crux of it all.  

  

   

     

     "Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels — the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. 

     Close the door of hate, and open doors of love, all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift, and good desires with every greeting. 

     Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. 

     May Christmas morning make us happy to be your children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful hearts.  In Jesus name. Amen."

— beulah

Telling others the true story of Christmas

     

     I was reminded recently, that 50 years ago, A Charlie Brown Christmas was first broadcasted on American television. 

     Some network executives worried that quoting the Bible would offend viewers. The creator Charles Schulz, was encouraged by some to omit the Christmas story, but Schulz insisted it stay in. 

     We know the program was an immediate success and its  viewing is still a much-anticipated event every Christmas since 1965. 

     I think many of us feel like the character Charlie Brown each time this beautiful, holy season rolls around. 

     Charlie Brown — as director of the children's Christmas play — was frustrated and discouraged by the commercial spirit he saw everywhere. It sounds like something we are experiencing in 2015. 

     

     He asks if anyone could tell him the real meaning of Christmas. Linus then recites Luke 2:8-14, straight from the Bible text, adding, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."  

     I hear people talk about "getting into the Christmas spirit." What exactly does that mean? 
     The popular concept seems to be —  "it's inside us." We just have to "get it." 

     So, does that happen when we start decorating, playing Christmas music or go gift-shopping? Does it mean out-dazzling our neighbours with a bigger outdoor display?  I believe it's a deep-seated joy in knowing that the story of the Christ Child coming that first Christmas morn, is gloriously true! Not a myth, but a firm historical event. 

     Many will celebrate Christmas this year, exchange gifts and experience lots of excitement, but never connect the celebration with the reason for the season. 

     Someone once likened it to people at a wedding reception who celebrate enthusiastically, but don't even know the bride and groom. I believe here lies the difference between those who really have the Christmas spirit and those who don't. 

     For those who have it, if all the lights, glitter, music and presents were removed, their joy would still be intact! That's because they've come to personally know the Christ who was born in that manger. 

     The angel of the Lord said to Joseph, "He will save His people from their sins." Unless we understand that, Christmas will not be much more than a sentimental occasion for a celebration. 

     Jesus gave us the perfect gift, Himself, as our sin substitute. 

     So, what can we give Him in return as we celebrate His birthday?  

     I'm often reminded that everything I have comes from God, so the only thing I have to give is something God has already given me. He is the Giver of Life. 

     I am still in awe that God chose to extend the gift of life for me, here on earth, by bringing me successfully through my cancer journey, this time last year. I've thought much about it and I realize a rich life is full of many acts of kindness. 

     

     This season I have once more enjoyed helping man the Salvation Army kettles. 

     On several occasions, I have hosted my senior friends in my home, as we keep on encouraging each other on our journey. 

     Collecting toys for the local food bank hampers has been a joy for us ladies, as we visited and toured the amazing facility. It was most interesting and a real eye-opener as to the amazing help they give to many within our community.  

     I believe, that whether I am driving my neighbour to the doctor or the eye specialist, or buying groceries for her, visiting a sick neighbour in the hospital, contributing to the Tiny Tim toy breakfast, or taking my home-made muffins to Terry, (my shut-in friend) I am demonstrating my Heavenly Father's love. 

     I think I hear Him say, "... whatever you do for others, you do for me." (paraphrased).  

     

     These acts of kindness are carried out by others also, not only at Christmas, but all year throughout our world. It is truly sharing the message of love He came to bring us that first Christmas. 

     Someone accurately stated, "The real issue in life is not how many blessings we have, but what we do with our blessings. Some people have many and hoard them. Some have few and give them away."   

     Let's all see how many lives we can bless this Christmas Season! 

     And oh, yes, never stop telling others the "true" story of Christmas.


— beulah

A lovely beginning to our Advent season

      

     "Do not fret because of those who are evil."  

— Psalm 37:1    

     Since my last writing, we have all been vividly reminded of the evil, so rampant in our world today. The mid-November series of coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris — at cafes, restaurants, a music venue and at the Bataclan Theatre, reminds us again, we are living in perilous times. 

     How do we live in the face of such evil? We could choose to give up, hide and live our lives in fear, but it is then that we must remember that God is still on His throne and still in control. 

     "... For You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth." (Isaiah 37:16) 

     There is a kingdom of evil and the kingdom of God. He has planted seeds of His kingdom in the hearts of His people throughout our world. 

     Though for a time, evil abounds, eventually, at our Lord's timing — "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10) 

     This includes those present day evil doers. Trust, being the antidote for an anxious heart, more than ever, I think we are called upon to show the essence of our faith. We trust in our Sovereign God while living in a troubled world. 

     Last Sunday was the beginning of Advent — a Latin word — adventus, meaning "coming" — the holiday season when we honour Jesus. 

     It originated in Germany in the late 19th Century. We focus our minds on the coming of Christ that first Christmas, the coming of Christ in our lives today, and His second coming at the end of time. 

     The advent wreath is a circle of evergreen plants symbolizing God's never changing nature. Within its circle are four candles, one to be lit each of the four Sundays in December. 

     The first candle represents Hope, the second Preparation, the third Joy, and the fourth Love. We need "Hope," reminding us that, "the eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27)

     As we remember... His birth was for his death, and His death was for our birth — "He... who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)  

     Jesus said his followers are the light of the world. It is our duty then to reflect our light into the darkness around us. We must show love love in the face of hatred, patience in response to trouble, and peace in moments of conflict. 

     Our light is a reflection of Jesus the Son, the very one that came as a babe that first Christmas.   

     We had a lovely beginning to our Advent season last Sunday evening after our dinner. 

          Karen, having prepared the wreath with its candles, we lit the first one representing Hope. 

     

Ann Voskamp

     We then listened to thoughts of Advent on a YouTube video by Ann Voskamp, one of Karen's favourite inspirational authors and blogger. 



     We followed with quiet moments of prayer. You may wish to check in on her website.



— beulah