My life verse

"Commit your way unto the Lord; trust in him and he will do this" -Psalm 37:5 NIV

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Snow



This past Friday, December 18, we had a significant snowfall for central North Carolina. At our house there was 4-5 inches. We do not get much snow in central North Carolina and a snow of 4-5 inches this early in the winter is unusual. Snow in our area shuts everything down, actually it becomes a social day for the family and the neighborhood.

I have always marveled at snow. How can tiny flakes come down in such numbers to accumulate across the landscape in inches and feet?

Snow reminds me of so many things:

1. A fresh fallen unmarked snow reminds me of a new beginning. Everything has changed from the night before, the tracts made will be brand new.

2. A fresh fallen snow covers everything, it is like a blanket insulating the cold barren earth.

3. No two snowflakes are alike, yet they blend together to make a beautiful picture.

4. Snow brings people together. Plowing, shoveling, sledding, making a snowman is usually done with others.

5. Snow brings an opportunity to help others. The elderly, and handicapped need help to get the car out, get to the mailbox, delivery of supplies.

6. A warm fire. Working and/or playing in the snow gets one cold and wet. A warm fire to cozy up too, warms us up and dries us out.

7. Memories. One of my fond childhood memories is winter camp meeting. I grew up around Indianapolis, Indiana and each winter there was a mid-winter indoor camp meeting at Cadle Tabernacle. The tabernacle's seating capacity was 10,000. The camp brought in the best Wesleyan/Armenian preachers and singers of that era (1950's). It always snowed during camp meeting but we always had great crowds, great services, great fellowship.

Let it snow!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Christmas Season

Don't wish me Happy Holidays or Merry Xmas! For me it is and always will be Merry Christmas. For us Christians Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it is not just a holiday time or a celebration we leave Christ out of.

I know December 25th is not the actual birth date of Jesus. However, we Christians celebrate it as such and have for a very long time. I know some say to celebrate is to recognize a pagan holiday, and in past history some may have celebrated it that way. Too us Christians in today's world it is a very sacred religious celebration. The word Christmas originated as a compound meaning "Christ's Mass". It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038.[6] "Cristes" is from Greek Christos and "mæsse" is from Latin missa.

As far back as I can remember in my lifetime Christmas has always been about celebrating the birthday of Christ. Yes, we had a Christmas tree when I was a child and we received presents but the focus was on celebrating Christ's birthday. I thank God for the rich Christian heritage I have. I have fond memories of Church Christmas programs, plays, cantatas, and caroling the great religious Christmas songs to shut-ins. It was truly a time to proclaim Joy to the World Christ has come.

Today our political correct world wants to leave Christ out of Christmas entirely. I have many Christian friends who use Happy Holidays, but not me and I never will. To me it is and always will be Merry Christmas.