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Thursday, December 24, 2015
12 Days Of #ChristmasRevealed DAY 11: Poinsettias
Why are POINSETTIAS a symbol of Christmas?
Luke 2:16 "So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger."
My wife loves Poinsettias. As a matter of fact it was one of the only Christmas decorations that made the move from Florida to California. We had to let go of all our Christmas decorations due to limited moving space, but she made sure that we took the Poinsettias. To her it made Christmas a little more special and brighter.
Many churches, I've seen, typically have Poinsettias decorating their altars during Christmas. Most reception desks, in businesses, will have one sitting on their counter. Even hotels like to have Poinsettias in their lobbies welcoming their guests. What is it about Poinsettias that make them a symbol of Christmas? After all it's just a plant. Is it because it's red? Why are they so special above other plants at this season? And how do they point us to Christ during Christmas?
Luke 2:16 "So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger."
My wife loves Poinsettias. As a matter of fact it was one of the only Christmas decorations that made the move from Florida to California. We had to let go of all our Christmas decorations due to limited moving space, but she made sure that we took the Poinsettias. To her it made Christmas a little more special and brighter.
Many churches, I've seen, typically have Poinsettias decorating their altars during Christmas. Most reception desks, in businesses, will have one sitting on their counter. Even hotels like to have Poinsettias in their lobbies welcoming their guests. What is it about Poinsettias that make them a symbol of Christmas? After all it's just a plant. Is it because it's red? Why are they so special above other plants at this season? And how do they point us to Christ during Christmas?
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
12 Days Of #ChristmasRevealed DAY 10: Stockings
Why are STOCKINGS a symbol of Christmas?
Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”"
For as long as I could remember every year for Christmas we would always hang these big looking socks on our wall or fireplace with the expectation that when we woke up on Christmas morning they would be filled. As a kid waking up on Christmas morning and running into the living room seeing the hung Stockings full of gifts and treats was breathtaking. Did Santa really remember me? Even if we weren't spending Christmas at home he still seemed to find us where we were, if only we hung our stocking up for him to fill.
But why stockings? Is this just another avenue in receiving presents on Christmas? What is the purpose of stockings and how do they point us to Christ during Christmas?
Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”"
For as long as I could remember every year for Christmas we would always hang these big looking socks on our wall or fireplace with the expectation that when we woke up on Christmas morning they would be filled. As a kid waking up on Christmas morning and running into the living room seeing the hung Stockings full of gifts and treats was breathtaking. Did Santa really remember me? Even if we weren't spending Christmas at home he still seemed to find us where we were, if only we hung our stocking up for him to fill.
But why stockings? Is this just another avenue in receiving presents on Christmas? What is the purpose of stockings and how do they point us to Christ during Christmas?
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
12 Days Of #ChristmasRevealed DAY 9: Elves
Why are ELVES a symbol of Christmas?
Luke 2:10 "but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.""
One of my favorite movies especially during Christmas is Elf starring Will Ferrell. The movie is hilarious. It's about a human who ended up at the North Pole and was raised by Elves, returning to New York to seek his biological father. He lived in a world of Elves. Short people who wear pointy hats and pointy shoes that make toys for kids around the world. And what about that Elf on the Shelf, you have to love the places he's been and the pictures he's taken!
Typically we don't hear about Elves all year, except for those Keebler cookie makers, but at Christmas they are everywhere. I remember my mother had a decoration she would put up near our Christmas tree every year, of Santa climbing a ladder and an Elf right behind him a step lower on the ladder. He seems to always be associated with Santa. Is that association the reason Elves are a symbol of Christmas? How do Elves point us to Christ?
Luke 2:10 "but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.""
One of my favorite movies especially during Christmas is Elf starring Will Ferrell. The movie is hilarious. It's about a human who ended up at the North Pole and was raised by Elves, returning to New York to seek his biological father. He lived in a world of Elves. Short people who wear pointy hats and pointy shoes that make toys for kids around the world. And what about that Elf on the Shelf, you have to love the places he's been and the pictures he's taken!
Typically we don't hear about Elves all year, except for those Keebler cookie makers, but at Christmas they are everywhere. I remember my mother had a decoration she would put up near our Christmas tree every year, of Santa climbing a ladder and an Elf right behind him a step lower on the ladder. He seems to always be associated with Santa. Is that association the reason Elves are a symbol of Christmas? How do Elves point us to Christ?
Monday, December 21, 2015
12 Days Of #ChristmasRevealed DAY 8: Santa
Why is SANTA a symbol of Christmas?
Proverbs 15:3 "The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good."
Santa Claus the man in the big red and white suit. The figure of a big jolly man. Apparently he sees you when you're sleeping, knows when you're awake, knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake. Comes down your chimney or into your home to leave you presents in a stocking or under the tree. What does this man have to do with Christmas?
His face is everywhere during this time of year. You can go to nearly every mall in America and take a photo with him. He's visiting hospitals, churches, and holiday parties. He's on stamps, wrapping paper, cards, sticker, mugs, clothing, cookie tins, everywhere! You can't miss him. I would say he's a pretty big deal during Christmas. But how does Santa point us to Christ during Christmas?
Proverbs 15:3 "The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good."
Santa Claus the man in the big red and white suit. The figure of a big jolly man. Apparently he sees you when you're sleeping, knows when you're awake, knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake. Comes down your chimney or into your home to leave you presents in a stocking or under the tree. What does this man have to do with Christmas?
His face is everywhere during this time of year. You can go to nearly every mall in America and take a photo with him. He's visiting hospitals, churches, and holiday parties. He's on stamps, wrapping paper, cards, sticker, mugs, clothing, cookie tins, everywhere! You can't miss him. I would say he's a pretty big deal during Christmas. But how does Santa point us to Christ during Christmas?
Sunday, December 20, 2015
12 Days Of #ChristmasRevealed DAY 7: Lights
Why are LIGHTS a symbol of Christmas?
Philippians 2:15 "so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people."
I love driving at night during Christmas season because the streets are a lot less dark and creepy. A street may not necessarily need a street light on if the residents of that street have Christmas lights up because it illuminates the walk path in substitution.
But what is it about these bright colorful bulbs that make it a symbol of Christmas? Who in their right mind wants their electricity bill to peak during the season of buying gifts for others? Having to face your fear of heights by climbing ladders and standing on edges of the roof, scary!
Philippians 2:15 "so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people."
I love driving at night during Christmas season because the streets are a lot less dark and creepy. A street may not necessarily need a street light on if the residents of that street have Christmas lights up because it illuminates the walk path in substitution.
But what is it about these bright colorful bulbs that make it a symbol of Christmas? Who in their right mind wants their electricity bill to peak during the season of buying gifts for others? Having to face your fear of heights by climbing ladders and standing on edges of the roof, scary!
Saturday, December 19, 2015
12 Days Of #ChristmasRevealed DAY 6: Presents
Why are PRESENTS a symbol of Christmas?
Luke 2:12 "And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
Tis the season to be giving!
Presents are always fun whether you are the one giving or receiving them. Packages are usually beautifully wrapped in glamorous paper and with decorative bows. Its that expectation of not knowing what is inside. Presents are great! But why do we give them during Christmas?
This is the time of year where you could walk into your local neighborhood store, doctors/dentist office, or even church to find a box for people to donate toys to those in need. It's a time of wanting to bless others. But why?
Luke 2:12 "And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."
Tis the season to be giving!
Presents are always fun whether you are the one giving or receiving them. Packages are usually beautifully wrapped in glamorous paper and with decorative bows. Its that expectation of not knowing what is inside. Presents are great! But why do we give them during Christmas?
This is the time of year where you could walk into your local neighborhood store, doctors/dentist office, or even church to find a box for people to donate toys to those in need. It's a time of wanting to bless others. But why?
Friday, December 18, 2015
12 Days Of #ChristmasRevealed DAY 5: Tree Toppers
Why is a TREE TOPPER a symbol of Christmas?
Matthew 2:9-10 "After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!"
Yesterday I wrote about why Christmas Trees are a symbol of Christmas, as they are to display that Christ was born to die for us and break the curse of shame and death. After displaying your beautiful Christmas tree with lights and decorations typically the last thing a person puts on top of the tree is the Tree Topper.
Tree Toppers are usually the largest ornament on the tree. Placed at the very top to be the focal point of all who see it. Traditionally one of three items that would be positioned as a Tree Topper are a Star, an Angel, or a Bow. But why?
Matthew 2:9-10 "After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!"
Yesterday I wrote about why Christmas Trees are a symbol of Christmas, as they are to display that Christ was born to die for us and break the curse of shame and death. After displaying your beautiful Christmas tree with lights and decorations typically the last thing a person puts on top of the tree is the Tree Topper.
Tree Toppers are usually the largest ornament on the tree. Placed at the very top to be the focal point of all who see it. Traditionally one of three items that would be positioned as a Tree Topper are a Star, an Angel, or a Bow. But why?
Thursday, December 17, 2015
12 Days Of #ChristmasRevealed DAY 4: Christmas Tree
Why is a CHRISTMAS TREE a symbol of Christmas?
Galatians 3:13 "But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”"
Plastic or Pine? It seems that many will put up some symbol of a Christmas Tree in their home during this season. Even Charlie Brown went on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree and came back with a lowly limp tree, but fit the scene perfect for the touching performance of the Peanuts gang.
The other night my family and I were watching a television contest show about Christmas light displays and in one persons home display they lit and decorated 12 Christmas trees, one for every window of their home. My family and I were in awe. I remember one year, while pastoring in Florida, we decorated 5 different tress for the church and home. During this season you can walk into most public places and more than likely will see a big decorated Christmas tree. You may walk into churches and possibly see more than one tree put up in display. Why so many trees? Why are they important?
Galatians 3:13 "But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”"
Plastic or Pine? It seems that many will put up some symbol of a Christmas Tree in their home during this season. Even Charlie Brown went on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree and came back with a lowly limp tree, but fit the scene perfect for the touching performance of the Peanuts gang.
The other night my family and I were watching a television contest show about Christmas light displays and in one persons home display they lit and decorated 12 Christmas trees, one for every window of their home. My family and I were in awe. I remember one year, while pastoring in Florida, we decorated 5 different tress for the church and home. During this season you can walk into most public places and more than likely will see a big decorated Christmas tree. You may walk into churches and possibly see more than one tree put up in display. Why so many trees? Why are they important?
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