Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, What’s your name?”

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says “You better not cry”

JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa’s little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree

JESUS became our gift and died on the cross.

It’s obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ in right place during Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season!

On that Special Day, Remember to say:

Happy Birthday Dear Jesus:)

(N.B. the article is coped ..not mine!)

At The end ,I don’t mean that we should Hate Santa & not love him …No! I Loveee Santa
but Sometimes we get mixed up & Forget what the real reason for Christmass is about..That’s just to remind us …& ME in the first place.

Thanks for joining me on my week of Christmas here at the Light of Truth blog. It’s been fun.

I thought I’d end the week with a classic.

Enjoy. Hope you had a great one.

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Merry Christmas, everyone.

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Merry Christmas, everyone!

Happy birthday, Jesus! (Even though it’s probably way off from when Your birthday actually was, but hey, I’ll roll with this one.)

Remember this Christmas classic?

The two mis-fits:  Rudolph and the dentist. . . That part always cracked me up.

“Oh, is this your snow bank?”

LOL.

Enjoy, and Merry Christmas

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Our week of Christmas continues.

Who of you love Charlie Brown? Do you watch the Christmas specials each year?

Such a classic. Had to give them some blog time **smile**

Enjoy and Merry Christmas.

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Its Christmas time and here we go again! The Christmas haters have reared their ugly heads and are on the rampage. They are trying to quiet the words ’Merry Christmas’, some P.C. schools are not allowing Christmas programs or religious songs and just like pro-choice, some want to abort the baby that started it all, hence the term, ”Happy Holidays”. Well what I say to all of this is, “MERRY CHRISTMAS; HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS and O’ HOLY NIGHT!

I recently saw a story of a Philadelphia school district banning Christmas carols from being song in their schools. It all started with a 2004 decision by the Maplewood-South Orange School District to ban religious-themed carols. It also banned the high school gospel choir from performing at a school assembly. Not only were lyrics banned but the schools brass ensemble was not allowed to perform instrumental versions of religious holiday songs.  And, according to court documents, printed school materials were not allowed to include holiday images like Christmas trees.
(Read article)

Now I’m shouting out, “Give me back my Christmas!” and you who believe Jesus is the ‘Reason for the season’ should join in this call.

We have to take back and protect Christmas and here’s a few ways to do it:

• When someone say’s ‘Happy Holidays’ to you; politely say, “Merry Christmas to you too”
• When a school says no singing Christmas carols at programs, then peacefully and with calm and smiles, sing Christmas carols during program
• For those that don’t do Christmas, that’s their lost. Don’t hide your Christmas spirit
• Shop establishments that aren’t afraid to say ‘Merry Christmas’ and let those that don’t say the magical words know your displeasure

People who celebrate Christmas as I do, shall not and shouldn’t be intimidated into not participating and celebrating Christmas with all our might. This is an all out attack on something Christians hold at high esteem. We should speak out and show your disappointment when confronted with Christmas opponents. Remember we are the majority in this, and lots of times it’s a mere single individual throwing a monkey wrench into the program.

So don’t let these opponents of Christmas steal our joy, because as Christians we can’t allow them to win.

I leave you with these words:

Joy to the world!
The Lord is come
Let earth receive her king
Let every heart
Prepare him room
And heaven and nature sing…

Christmas is more than a month away, and we’re already seeing the tinsel and wreaths put up and the 106.7 radio station play the familiar Christmas songs we would have so liked to have anticipated after Thanksgiving.   I love Christmas in the United States. The lights have got to be the number one pleasure I indulge in, especially after having been deprived of them in Iran. The whole concept of making dreams come true, even the faintest possibility of such a thought being feasible makes the season a thrilling experience. Department stores go out of their way to decorate and inspire. As much as I’m critical of consumerism, I admire the joy it brings in December (making the January hangover worthwhile). The whole combination of music, lights, parties, shows in the city make me feel so lucky to be here in the midst of it all. As I hurry to Macy’s to use my valuable coupons for the all important Christmas shopping, I try to push back the memories of Christmases past in Iran, where,save the few Christmas trees in churches, there aren’t any decorations, lights or music displayed in public. I remember one year my best friend and I conspired to decorate a tree in the park  and scouted for hours to find the perfect tree.But the  freezing cold quickly melted those hopes. How will my twin be celebrating Christmas this year? I cave in and let my thoughts travel to yesteryear. Christmas seems so much darker and colorless there now that I think about it, yet we were so happy and blissful.We’d get together for Midnight Mass (Christmas celebration was a night time festivity) and celebrate with the few christians that were there. It meant night time bells in church, singing with my twin, sharing smiles and warm wishes with family and friends in various languages. We’d exchange maybe a gift or two. It certainly wasn’t expected and when received, no matter what the gift, it was accepted with gratitude. One Christmas eve, we offered a ride to one of the churchgoers home , an elderly lady who lived alone.  She poured out her heart to us, sharing so many memories from her youth. It was the warmth of her smile that was the highlight of our Christmas that year.Such were my memories of Christmas in Iran ,of love in the naked cold of the night. Just like the night Jesus was born. With shopping for gifts not taking center stage, the simplest things become so precious. So this year, instead of Merry Christmas, I’ll say ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’ and bring Christ back to Christmas, at least for the day. Then on December 26, like every hardworking American who knows a good sale when she sees it advertised, I’ll be heading to the mall with my coupons!

We hopped in the car and left on our "Holiday Road-trip" the same night that Vegas had their record setting winter storm.  I thought maybe we should hold off until the morning, being that the Mountain pass between LA and Vegas was closed.  My husband said, "Where there's a will there's a way"…and indeed he did find an open road that took us to Vegas.  It was a tad nerve-wracking to find ourselves on glare ice roads, among drivers who aren't used to those conditions.  But, we made it….Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and finally Minnesota for the Olson Christmas.  The bad weather followed us the entire way, I clutched onto a pillow during most of the trip, and only took over driving when we hit clear skies.  I did get to see my Godson, Jack, in Iowa though….and I was so happy that pit stop worked out.  Then it was on to North Dakota for the Elkins Christmas.  I didn't mind the piles of snow so much there….we all holed up at home, played games, and did make the short trek up to the "Knights' Bar" a couple of times.  To me, it's not Christmas without some snow!  It was so pretty.

  

  

  

  

              

It’s Christmas morning 2008.  This is a joyful day.   It’s a day of celebration,  It’s the day that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, my Lord and savior!  That alone is good news, but the fact that he still lives and still loves you and me is even better news.  But the best news is that he wants us all to have a personal relationship with him and share in his inheritance.  It doesn’t cost a thing, all you have to do is say that you want a personal relationship with him and invite him into your life.  Then you gotta believe, have faith, and seek him by reading and learning his holy word, (The Bible), and he will direct your path through the Holy Spirit that he promised all of us that love him (John 14:15-21).

Our country is going through some rough waters.  Unemployment is at an all time high. I’m even looking for work.  Our financial lives are in turmoil.  Our country is still at war.  The definition of marriage is being debated in the media.  However, there are some signs of hope.  We have CHANGE coming to the White House.  Gas prices have fallen back to a reasonable level; and I still believe that God will supply all of my needs.

Happy Birthday Jesus.  Thank you for loving me.  Please order my steps and help me take care of my family.  And help me do what is right and pleasing in your sight.  Amen.

DeaconDavid

If you have a job lead, in Chicago,  for me (I have 16 years of  marketing and sales experience) send an email to david@deacondavid.com.  I will send you a personal reply of thanks for serious leads.

Happy birthday, Jesus!  Chapter 9 verses 6 -7 of the book of Isaiah from the Living Bible describes this significant and magnificent event below.

For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder.  These will be his royal titles:  “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.”  His ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end.  He will rule with perfect fairness and justice from the throne of his father David.  He will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world.  This is going to happen because the Lord of heaven’s armies has dedicated himself to do it!

Let us remember the Reason for the Season!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Merry CHRISTmas to all!!  & God Bless you!!

Happy Birthday to Jesus!!  Thank you for being the BEST Gift ever!!!!!

I am up still (it’s 1am) getting things ready. We bought wrapping paper, so presents are now wrapped, except for mine (Hubby was tired and said he would wrap them in the morning). I am filling the bathtub right now, in case we should loose power because of the wind. I guess that is about it. I just keep reminding myself what Christmas is about!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Myspace Glitter Graphics

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Thank You for Your sacrifices

to make us free from sin.

Christmas has finally come.
I thought it might be good to remember the birth of Jesus in the random lyrics of some of our favorite Christmas music.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.

All I want for Christmas is you, Baby (Jesus)

Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth

How silently, oh how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.

O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Wonderful Counselor
Lord of Life, Lord of All
He is the Prince of Peace,
Mighty God, Holy One
Emmanuel, Emmanuel

The Birth of Jesus



Happy Birthday Jesus!
“Happy Birthday Jesus (a Child’s Prayer)” by Little Cindy



O Holy Night



Silent Night




Carol of the Bells/God Rest Ye Merry,Gentlemen


The Chipmunks – Christmas Time


The First Noel



O Little Town of Bethlehem


Here We Come A-Wassailing

Merry Christmas

Every year lip service is paid to the idea that Christmas is over-commercialized. Every year we get gushy news stories and sentimental movies about the true meaning of Christmas (I should admit here that I cried while watching the Will Farrel film ‘Elf’). And every year people ignore what they know and go on ridiculous shopping binges, buying things they can’t afford for people they don’t like with money they don’t have. I’m glad Americans are broke now. Maybe we’ll start to live our ideals rather than just preach them.

I’m gonna go Christmas shopping now.

Running, walking, a simple-dressed uptight man, late twenties, carrying gifts bought with hard-earned money planned a pleasant and enjoyable Noche Buena.

“I’ve got to move fast or else the market would be closed and I don’t have time to buy coconut and malagkit (rice cake). Alicia requested me to buy this stuff before going home, ” Isaias murmured remembering what his wife ordered as he passed by Sta. Cruz church at exactly six hours before Christmas.

Isaias is an artist in a printing press in one of the business firms in Binondo. He receives a measly monthly compensation for every printing job that he makes… Christmas cards, memorabilias, gift items that need to be enticed with famous quotations. This time the Chinese owner promised to give Christmas bonus to all his laborers. Isaias was fortunate. His works were impressive and marvelously crafted. So most customers acquire his service.

By this time, he caught up with heavy human traffic in Avenida. So called last minute shoppers, they all crammed to get the choicest gifts in department stores money could buy. Carriedo was flourishing with vendors selling anything ranging from small figurines to imitation leather bags. He had to reach Quinta Market so he turned to a small callejon to reach his destination.

“My family is already waiting for me. My kids would surely what I brought for them,” he sighed as he looked as his small bag loaded with plastic toys and other kidstuff.

Little did he know that someone was following him. Not too far but trying to get his attention. Shoe lace turned loose. He paused for a moment to fix it when suddenly he felt a poke at his back.

“Mama, Meri Krismas! (Sir, Merry Christmas!),” a three or four year old, dark-skinned child, clad in t-shirt covering his whole body stretching his left hand begging for alms. Knowing a typical mendicant, Isaias did not bother to pry upon the lad’s family demise.

He dug deep in his pocket to look for small coins. “Well, this is a season for kids, so they say,” he got a few peso coins, immediately placed it in the lad’s hand and started to trek the road.

“Salamat po, Mang Isaias (Thank you Mr. Isaias)!” the boy uttered. Upon hearing that, the man was stunned! Never did he mention his name to the boy. Isaias is not a common Filipino name. He never heard of any popular movie star with that screen name. Pausing for a deep breath, he looked back at the boy’s direction. Alas, the kid was gone!

He was sorely frightened. “How could he have known my name?” He then decided to look for him. But his efforts proved futile. The child he met was already drowned in a river of people in that busy street. going back to what he was supposed to accomplish, he directed his eyes on the road. Still, flashes of the boy’s face appeared in his mind.

“Oh, well. Maybe my ears need to be cleaned,” he shrugged.

All of a sudden, “Looking for me, Mang Isaias?” The man was startled! That small boy suddenly reappeared from nowhere! “Who are you? How did you know my name? Why…..?“, questions crisscrossing his mind, eager to receive an answer.

“I’m just a small boy, Mang Isaias. I should not be concerned about other people. But I feel so neglected and lonely.” His innocent face frowned as if the world is in his hands.

“Why did you say that?“, he asked enthused as he kneeled down to get a good look at his face. “This is Christmas! You still have time to beg for other people’s money. Where is your family?“

“Come now, Mang Isaias. People have been so engrossed and busy with what to buy for others, what to get from their friend, what to decorate their houses with, what to wear during mass. Their so call Christmas spirit stinks. They don’t have time to think about me.“, the poor boy replied.

“Look at you. Have you thought about me? All you want is to spend your time with your family. You prepare for your midnight feast. You go to mass only to yawn loudly without shame and sometimes sleep during the sermon. You’re busy for yourself,” the boy’s seemingly all-knowing voice asserted.

He was aghast at his last words. Questions popped his mind. “I thought Jesus said, if we love our neighbors, it means that we’re also loving Him?“

“Yes, I did say that. But have you thought about why I had to be born in this world? That I had to suffer and die so that you will be free?“, he said authoritatively.

Before he knew it, he felt fidgety. “Am I talking to him or to Him?” Mang Isaias was awestruck by the lad’s strong utterances.

“Mang Isaias, try at least to greet me. It’s my birthday anyway,” he pleaded. He turned his back. And then He was gone, engulfed by the dark shadows of the alley.

Mang Isaias reached home with his mind full of thoughts about what he experienced. He bought what he needed and the whole family gathered at the table and prayed. He heard the message loud and clear. He pictured the faithful and joyous event that took place more than 2000 years ago to his kids and how wonderful this Perfect Child came into this world. That is, to win the people back to God.

Before Noche Buena, he asked his whole family to praise, “Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!“

The reason why? Only he knows…

Note: I wrote this story during my college days. It was published on the Christmas Magazine Edition of The Featinean, the Official Student Publication of Feati University. I was then a member of the Editorial Staff and became its first News Editor.

Sending you all Christmas blessings and prayers that you’ll have a wonderful Christmas and an opportunity to focus on the true meaning of the season.

May God’s peace be upon you all!

I was worship leading last year on Christmas Day and had hoped to use this clip. Technology beat me at the last minute (like Christmas morning!) so we didn’t have it. To me, it’s a great way to focus on what Christmas is really all about.

Stay safe and have a wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Have a blessed New Year!

I received this as an e-mail and I thought you all may enjoy it.  Don’t forget the reason to celebrate is Jesus! This tree might help.

Won’t you join me by having a Jesus cake at your Christmas day celebration?  Send me a picture of your cake.  I am going to have a post with all the cakes I receive.

Here is the link for the Scripture Tree.

Enjoy!

Tonight we got to see our little star in her first performance.  Okay, she didn’t have any lines or anything, but her preschool program put on a great show.  Here’s a little sample.  You can’t see Dylan very well, but it’s the music that counts and it couldn’t be sweeter.