Archive for the ‘Christmas’ Category
Joy To The World! The Lord Is Come!
December 24th, 2009
No one living on earth today knows the date of the birth of Jesus, but it most certainly was not December 25 because the shepherds wouldn’t be watching their sheep in the fields at night in the winter.
When Christianity was declared in Rome people were upset that their pagan holidays were not going to be able to be celebrated, so someone decided to combine the date of the winter solstice with the Christian celebration of our Savior’s birth on earth.
The Christmas tree and other symbols are tied in to the old pagan traditions, but it is the birth of Christ we celebrate as Christians and we don’t worship the tree or any other of the ornaments of this holy season. Since we do not worship these symbols there is nothing wrong with having that tradition in our homes.
However, our attention should be focused on the birth of God as Man and what He did for us during His life, death, burial and resurrection. Unfortunately, for too many of us the focus is on what we get or what we can get someone else for Christmas.
My husband and I give to our children and grandchildren and celebrate the holiday quietly, reflecting on the Greatest Gift ever received by Man.
Thank you, Father, Son and Holy Ghost for your love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Posted in 
Merry Christmas!
December 24th, 2009
1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
2This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
4Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
6While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
7And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
11for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12″This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14″Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”15When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
16So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
17When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
18And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. [Luke 2:1-20]
As some of us go to church late this afternoon or early this evening for one of the most beautiful services I have ever attended, the Candlelight Service, and others are with family enjoying the Christmas season, let us never forget that God sent His Only Begotten Son into this world to take our sins upon His shoulders so that we might have everlasting life with God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
We here at J’s Cafenette wish you a very Merry and Holy Christmas, peace on earth and goodwill toward Man.
Things You Have To See To Believe
December 22nd, 2009
What in the name of heaven are these ornaments doing adorning the White House Christmas Tree?
I won’t even reproduce them and post them here, but do check them out at Big Government.
What a disgrace, and once again a display of arrogance and self indulgence by this White House.
Christmas Concert
December 22nd, 2009
Last Tuesday we attended our granddaughter’s school Christmas Concert. I’m going to give you three selections from the concert.
The first is “White Christmas” featuring my granddaughter as the first soloist. There’s a story behind this. When she started singing her microphone wasn’t working so the teacher/conductor stopped the show and told her to cross the stage to get the other microphone and told the other two girls to improvise, and that’s why you will hear applause as she finished her part of the solo and the next girl picked up her part.
The second is the group of boys singing an upbeat old black spiritual, “Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet”. Remember, these are just middle school kids and they sound pretty good even though most of them haven’t gone through a voice change yet.
Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet
I particularly wanted you to hear the brief solo in the following song because it is sung by a seventh-grade boy. He has a beautiful voice and could have done the entire song himself.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
I hope this brings you some Christmas cheer as you listen to these middle-schoolers performing in front of 600 people for two consecutive shows.
A Doggie Christmas Tree
December 21st, 2009
Celine Dion Sings “O, Holy Night”
December 17th, 2009
I have posted this video for the past 3 or 4 years because I think it’s such a beautifully arranged song with an exceptional voice singing such a moving hymn.
Enjoy.
My New Favorite Christmas Carol
December 12th, 2009
Thursday night our granddaughter and some friends attended our church’s Christmas play/dessert theater with us. One of the songs I heard toward the end sounded familiar to me and I asked my granddaughter if she had sung it in chorus at school. She hadn’t.
I then remembered hearing it and being mesmerized by it last year while looking for Christmas caroles on YouTube.
The song is called “In the Bleak Midwinter” and is performed by the Gloucester Cathedral Choir, with the congregants joining in. Words are shown and, to me, it’s a beautiful song.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Tis’ The Season
December 4th, 2009
Belated Christmas Greetings and Pre-New Year Wishes
December 26th, 2008
Hi all!
Just wanted to wish everyone the best during the Holidays.
Sorry I did not get a Christmas post up but my modem has been on the fritz (hopefully replaced sometime tomorrow afternoon).
I hope this connection lasts until I publish this and just in case the problem is on-going, my you all have a happy, healthy New Year!
Thank God For People Like This
December 26th, 2008
If I were to name the blogger who did this, she would be so embarrassed and mortified that she probably wouldn’t call me her friend anymore, so she must remain anonymous in this post.
I tried to tell the story on her blog but she deleted it as she said she will get her reward in Heaven. Indeed she will.
During the past month I found out there were 48 children in my youngest grandson’s school who would not have any Christmas if people didn’t donate to help them.
I found this out through my daughter as the school was trying to keep this quiet and the teachers and other employees of the school were trying to do this by themselves.
On our grandson’s seventh birthday one month before Christmas his Dad had to take the goodies to the school for snack time. While there he told the office staff he had just cleaned out the coat closet and asked if any children could use coats. The answer was a resounding yes, and when he went back he took seven jackets that were in perfect condition, just too small for their children. They were given away that day.
The staff went to a store that was closing and loaded up on jackets for $3.00 apiece for all the other children. This came from their pockets.
Then we found out about the 48 needy children.
I called the school and spoke to the lady who was co-ordinating the effort and she emailed the name, sizes, wish for a toy etc. for a little first grade girl.
I was asked to get her toy, underwear, socks and shoes. When we checked the stores for a doll that swims we found exactly one left at Target and bought it after asking the man to hold it because it was for a needy child.
I mentioned on the other person’s blog that there were 48 needy children and how could I not help one of them. She had posted she was finished Christmas shopping and was tired of it.
She put a bold note inside my post and said she would like to help, and asked if there were an address.
When I read the note I emailed her and told her I would find out if all the children were taken or not, but if they were my daughter is a teacher in middle school and they had siblings of students who needed things also.
She replied that would be fine, and in response to my query as to whether she preferred a boy or a girl she said it didn’t matter.
I emailed my daughter, who emailed the first name of a little girl and her sizes. She’s a four year old who takes a size 3T. The other blogger remarked she was just a peanut, and asked if she could send the package to me and have us get them to the schools. No problem.
First came the toy from Amazon.com. A few days later came a large box with at least five and maybe more packages already wrapped with a tag that simply said for and the girl’s name.
She had bought her a jacket, an outfit and other things I don’t remember now. She said she had not bought for a girl in a long time because she has boys and enjoyed it.
These came from another state and she didn’t have to do this.
Somewhere in this bedroom community of Charlotte, NC, is a very happy little four year old girl, and siblings as those children were taken care of too.
Christmas Eve after church we took our granddaughter home and my daughter had a card from the school her son attends, thanking us for what we did.
No thanks necessary. The reward of knowing a little child has had a good Christmas is all the thanks we need.
Thank you, Blogging friend. I am proud to call you my friend.
Merry Christmas From Afar
December 20th, 2008
Footage of Marines performing a special reading of “The Night Before Christmas” to the families of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Provided by 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs.
To every member of our Armed Forces and their families,thank you for your service.
Please know that there are many thoughts and prayers with you.
Merry Christmas.
Christmas Joy
December 18th, 2008
It’s not just about the children, they are wonderful..but their conductor just reels me in every time..what a delight
Enjoy the Soul Children of Chicago!
Christmas Through the Eyes of Children
December 16th, 2008
At the time of this posting the video below was available. When I checked again I found the embedding code had been disabled.
Do yourself a favor and go here to view the video.
Beautiful Christmas Sights and Sounds
December 14th, 2008
Did your town make the list of the Top Ten Christmas Towns in the United States?
Christmas is a magical time of year, celebrated in unique ways across America. Travel to 10 different communities — from Alaska to Maine — each rich in its own culture and traditions, as they prepare for the holiday season. On the sea, on the shore, atop mountains and in underground caverns, join in each town’s heartfelt festivities as they share their glad tidings and Christmas stories.
I happened to see the actual show on the HGTV and it was a delight. If you have a few extra minutes, the videos at the link are well worth a view.
Celtic Women-Silent Night
December 14th, 2008
This is the one Christmas song that gets me every time. I always wished I could be back home and with my grandmother for Christmas, but was unable to during her last years.
Whenever this song played on the radio I would get tears and a longing for home like no other time.
In memory of Grammy:
Handle With Care (The Christmas Tree That Is)
December 11th, 2008
Talk about patience. That is exactly what these talented artisans have..and a flair for the unusual too!
Fifteen years ago, Tom Holdman, owner and head designer of Holdman Studios, visited the Festival of Trees for the first time and had a dream to create a tree made entirely of glass. With every passing year, his vision for the tree would transform and grow. He is delighted that the pieces ultimately came together. Tom enlisted help from his brothers, Treavor and Richard Holdman, both respected artists in their own fields, to add to the final creation. Treavor is the head glass blower at the studio and Richard is the wizard of the lights and music (Click Here to see his Christmas Display). Their father, Floyd Holdman, taught them art at an early age as they helped him on photography assignments for National Geographic and other worldwide clients.
(Scroll ahead to minute twelve to see the assembly of the tree begin)
Making of a Glass Christmas Tree from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.
Have Your Tissues Handy….
December 7th, 2008
It’s so hard when they go, but oh so wonderful when they come home.
The best Christmas gift ever!
HT:Hot Air
Tis Better To Give Than To Receive
December 1st, 2008
Even those who have little sometimes have the biggest gift to give…as told by Johnny Cash.
Luke Chapter 2
December 24th, 2007
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23(As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord)
24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
No need to say anymore.
The Christmas/Easter Story
December 19th, 2007
A few years ago, my wife and I attended a conference at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Mich., which focused on music and arts in worship. One of the presenters was Dennis Dewey, who has a passion for oral presentations of the Bible.
His methodology makes perfect sense, because the Bible—scripture—was always read to people until relatively recently, before the printing press (and literacy) made the Bible physically accessible to everyone. If I remember correctly, Dewey said to take note of how some passages seem repetitive, possibly because the text often lends itself more to oral presentation than written presentation.
During the weekend conference, we were given a copy of the following, which I think is magnificent. We always seem to think of the warm and cuddly baby Jesus and how indescribably wonderful a gift He was. But how often do we reflect that the gift of the baby Jesus culminated at the cross?
This is meant to be spoken aloud, performed during a service or Christmas play—or Easter play, which would be equally apropos. Enjoy, and have a merry and blessed Christmas!
ONE: In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. (This was the first enrollment when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
TWO: Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. I will therefore chastise him and release him.”
ONE: And all went to be enrolled to their own cities. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
TWO: But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave sentence that their demand should be granted. He released Barabbas, the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, whom they asked for, but Jesus he delivered up to their will.
ONE: And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered.
TWO: And when they came to the place which is called the skull, there they crucified him, and two criminals—one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
ONE: And she brought forth her first-born son and wrapped him swaddling cloths…
TWO: And they cast lots to divide his garments.
ONE: …and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn. And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
TWO: And the people stood by, watching.
ONE: And an angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them. And they were filled with fear! But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for, behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all the people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
TWO: But the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others! If this IS the Christ of God, God’s chosen One, let him save himself!”
ONE: And this will be a sign for you…
TWO: And while the sun’s light failed, the curtain of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!”
ONE: ….You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths…
TWO: Then Joseph of Arimathea took down the body of Jesus and wrapped it in a linen shroud…
ONE: …and lying in a manger.
TWO: …and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb.
[PAUSE, as the tellers switch stories]
TWO: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and earth peace among people of God’s favor!”
ONE: The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid, and returned and prepared spices and ointments.
TWO: When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened that the Lord has made known to us!”
ONE: And on the first day of the week at early dawn they went to the tomb.
TWO: And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
ONE: And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb! But when they went in, they did not see the body!
TWO: And when the shepherds saw the babe lying in the manger, they made known the saying which had been told them concerning the child.
ONE: While they were perplexed about this, suddenly, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel, and they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you when he was still in Galilee that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinners and be crucified and on the third day rise?”
TWO: And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds had told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.
ONE: And they did remember his words, and, returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest!
TWO: And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them!
ONE: But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
– Composed by Luke’s Community/Rearranged by Dennis Dewey, 1995
(If you pass this on to anyone else, please include the credit line!)
