Monday, December 15, 2014

Remembering the Real Reason for Christmas

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I love all the holidays, but Christmas is so special. There are so many traditions and memories surrounding Christmas. Some good, some maybe not so great, and some even sad...

My mom has always made the holidays special and so memorable. In turn, I still want to make the holidays great. I get caught up in the planning, the gift buying, the decorating, the baking, and all of the "things" of Christmas. This year, is no exception. 

Today I saw this little picture on Facebook from an author. 


It is the "WHO" we celebrate. It is about the family and friends around us, but even more importantly, it is about Christ coming to earth. He came as a just a babe, a very unlikely Savior. He offered hope to a world in darkness. Today, He still brings light to the world. 

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:2, 6 NIV

And Christ also calls us to bring light to the world. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 NIV

I look around me and see so many people in need. There is so much hurt in this world. I pray that this season we can shine for Christ! And be there for the people in our lives. It may be that we have to give up the "things" of Christmas. We may have to let a lot of things go. We must remember what is most important and share Jesus' love with the world this season and always. 


Saturday, December 13, 2014

Favorites - Christmas Songs

I have many favorite Christmas songs. In fact, I probably like Christmas more than I like any other genre of music! It is hard to narrow down favorites, so I will share a few. A lot of these are sad songs, but I dearly love them. 

One other note, I am very strick when it comes to playing Christmas music. It cannot be played before Thanksgiving, unless it is in July. (There is just something about "Christmas in July"). I recently found a song that shares my feeling very well. 

The Day After Thanksgiving by Brandon Heath
Listen to it here: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XvmLSk9C3Js

My list:

-Going Home for Christmas by Steven Curtis Chapman
-Christmas Shoes by NewSong

The following songs by Matthew West:
-The Heart of Christmas
-One Last Christmas
-Give this Christmas Away

-I heard the bells on Christmas Day (love the Johnny Cash version) 
-I need a silent night by Amy Grant
-Toy Packaging by Sara Groves
-Christmas with a Capital C by GoFish 

And many, many of the traditional songs as well. 

Here are a couple of my favorite Christmas CDs: