Making Jesus Accessible to Littles

But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18:16 NIV

My one-year-old grandson’s eyes lit up as he quickly noticed all the Christmas decorations around the house.

Climbing out of his father’s arms, he couldn’t creep fast enough to the front bay window where our miniature tree stood, adorned with bright red hearts. Too colorful to resist, he grabbed a heart and his high-pitched squeal announced his accomplishment.

There’s no greater joy than to experience Christmas through a child’s eyes! Their sparkle, their curiosity, their building anticipation for Christmas Day through every detail of preparation awakens my own senses to the awe and excitement of Jesus’ birth.

My grandson crept his way from the miniature tree, past the festive Christmas mugs in the China cabinet, to his great, great grandmother’s nativity perched upon the blanket of cottony white snow in the next room. While I toyed with the idea of making this untouchable, God whispered, “Make me approachable.” So, cuddled up on my lap, my grandson and I carefully held each piece, one at a time, in our hands while I told of its role in the Christmas story.

“Here is baby Jesus, God’s son, who came to save us so we can live in heaven with him someday.”

“This is Mary, his mommy, and Joseph, his daddy.”

“Here’s the donkey that Mary rode upon all the way to Bethlehem.”

And so on, from angels to shepherds, wise men and camels. I let him hold each one because he needs to know that Jesus is always accessible and touchable. The Christmas story, the good news that Jesus brought us–that He is God’s son come down to live among us–was to make God accessible to every human being.

How do you make Jesus accessible to your little ones?

If you're joining me here from the Christian Children's Author's blog, welcome!

Cindy Lou Who Wisdom

"Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?" Isaiah 55:2

Buried behind a tall stack of Christmas packages, Cindy Lou Who says, "Isn't this all a bit much?"

Feeling adventurous, my husband and I joined the midnight madness on Black Friday this year. Call us crazy, we arrived at the store with a fist full of store cash, two 25% off coupons, a short gift list and a plan: get what's on the list and dash.

Ha! Dash was more like crawl with the crowd winding around the store like a Python sneaking up on its prey. Without a cart and only a few things on the list, we snuck past the serious shoppers unscathed and two hours later, with our bargains stuffed under and over our arms, we joined the even longer checkout line coiled around the store's perimeter.

It was then, I felt like Cindy Lou Who and thought, "Isn't this all a bit too much?"

(Join me for the rest of the story at Christian Children's Authors blog...see you soon!)

Make Merry This Christmas

 Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks...This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the JOY of the Lord is your Strength. Nehemiah 8:10

The Christmas spirit seeped in early this year. Maybe it was watching Disney World transform into a Christmas wonderland over night on our Thanksgiving vacation or maybe my heart was so tired of grieving that it craved joy like never before.

Either way, I was humming Christmas carols long before Black Friday and it took all the discipline I could muster to keep the lids on our Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving. But at daybreak on Black Friday, instead of hitting the malls, I spun into a decorating frenzy.

First up were the lights: electric candles in the windows, colored bulbs strung 'round the front bushes, lighted garland on the piano, the mantle, and glowing lights beamed through every window of our nostalgic Christmas village. All this to announce, "CHRISTMAS IS HERE! REJOICE for the LIGHT of Heaven has come!"

And all this light? It pierces the darkness and adds JOY to our little corner of the world. When you live in the Light it drives away the darkness and the joy it brings is contagious. Our neighbor told us our lights brightened his heart so much that he wanted to spread the light, too. So, he strung his own lights "to add joy to the hearts" of those who pass by.

Our first snow fall created the perfect backdrop to reflect the light and created the perfect excuse to stay inside and bake sweet treats. The scents of sugar and chocolate, molasses and peppermint permeated our house all day long. And best of all? Sharing the first fruits of our labor at Sunday dinner.

Some might say I've given in to the commercialism or I'm missing the true meaning of Christmas. To that I say, "Bah humbug!" It's time to claim the hope that God gave us through the birth of his son, Jesus, and live in the joy of God's promise fulfilled and yet to come. Jesus is the Light of the world - the Savior of mankind - who drove out darkness, healed the sick, laid down his life for us that we might have eternal life and be called children of God. That, my friends, is worth celebrating!

Grief stops today, for today is sacred to our Lord. We celebrate the birth of his son, Jesus. So, "go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks...for the JOY of the Lord is our STRENGTH!"

Merry Christmas!
Dawn

Waiting Hope-Full

"Though you have not seen him you love him...believe him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy." 1Peter 1:8

Red and green stockings dangle empty below four red blocks, carefully centered upon my back-lit mantle. The Christmas story framed between two brass angels, nestled amongst these blocks that spell out H-O-P-E. Oh, how I need that reminder, today.

You too? Join me over at Christian Children's Authors blog and let's fill up with hope.

Christmas Un-plugged

Jesus spoke to all the people, saying, “I am the Light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will not walk in darkness. He will have the Light of Life.” John 8:12 NLV

Returning from morning worship, white Christmas window candles cut through the Sunday fog, beckoning family fireside.

Every corner glowed with winter scenes and perfect tree trimmed branches while simmering chili and hot, baked, golden-crusted bread teased our senses all afternoon.

The house warmed and filled and we lingered with one another - caught up on the week, watched grand babies immersed in imaginative play, and even enjoyed a bit of football. It wasn't anything special...and yet it was everything special.

Christmas unplugged.

No presents, no pressure, no skirmishing or deadlines. Simply worshipping the God who became man, born of a virgin, sacrificed all unto death, rose again and still lives - within us. He draws us together - family, friends and strangers - gives meaning to life on earth and fills our hearts to overflowing.

He - Jesus - who cuts through the fog,  illuminates every corner of our lives and beckons us home? He is Christmas.

Christmas unplugged.

Jesus comes, wrapped-up in the Father's extravagant love, offering abundant life and we need not wait 'til December 25th to experience Him. He's ours for the taking any day of the year.

He is Jesus and He is Christmas.

What Are You Waiting For?

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior."

Micah 7:7

While we set aside lawn rakes for snow shovels, pumpkins for pointsettas we usher in the Advent season - the season of waiting and inward preparedness. But what exactly are we waiting for? And how do we prepare for it?

Are we awaiting a birthday celebration - the remembrance, the anniversary of the Christ child? Yes, in part. The incarnation of God's love for mankind through Christ is certainly a divinely significant event to celebrate. Yet, if that's all we celebrate - an anniversary - then we are left wanting after all the presents are unwrapped, the decorations torn down and put away. For what power does Christ's birth have for us here and now without understanding the hidden cross inside his lowly manger on Christmas night as our hope of salvation and resurrection? (Watch for the Light, 2001 Orbis Books).

Join me over at {re}fresh for the rest of the story... 

Christmas Moments: Did You Know?

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

I heard the story of Joseph and Mary every year for the last thirty-two years, but never had I really examined Mary and what she must have been feeling and thinking on that long journey to Bethlehem. As I sat in church a few Sundays before Christmas, I listened to the beautiful words of the special, ‘Mary, Did You Know?’ and tears formed in my eyes. My hand unconsciously rubbed my belly, quite large with our fifth child due just weeks later, wondering if my little one I carried a boy or a girl?

Mary knew.

She knew her little One was a boy. The angel of the Lord had told her nine months before that she would have a Son, and she should call His name Immanuel. I let my mind drift back 2000 years before and put myself in Mary’s place.

Riding a donkey in her condition, bouncing along on the rough trail, feeling every jolt and muscle sway as the rocks rolled underfoot. Walking would have been better, had it not been for the constant tightening of the stomach every few minutes. The baby’s head was obviously dropping. In this strange and unfriendly town, who would attend to her labor and birth of this precious child? Who would know what to do when everyone else failed them?

 Joseph knew.

Joseph knew what to do. His hands were strong and capable of catching the sweet babe as He made His entrance into the cold world. He knew how to bundle the little one with swaddling clothes and lay Him in the manger filled with sweet hay. As the cattle and sheep gently chewed their cud, they watched as their visitors settled down after their long ordeal and slept for a few minutes on the pile of fresh hay, covered with a soft blanket. Nobody else knew of the miraculous birth that occurred that night and nobody cared to come and see the newborn baby.

But the shepherds knew.

The angels appeared to them in the sky above, startling them from their usual quiet chatter as they watched their sheep. The sky lit up with a glorious light, almost blinding them as the angels sang overhead. “Glory to God in the highest!” Their angelic voices rang out with the most beautiful song, praising the Heavenly Father for the birth of God the Son. Only the shepherds heard that song of praise and now came to worship the King.

And today, we still worship our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Did you know that Jesus came to bring peace to His children and is still bringing that peace to us today? Rest in the truth that He will never change and He is the same as He was 2000 years ago. I can truly say I am glad that He chose to come to earth as a man and I know I am going to be with Him someday in Heaven.

How about you….do you know?


About the author:

Cara Simmons is a wife, mother of five, and an author of Christian YA adventure fiction. She's enjoyed writing short stories since childhood and telling them to whomever would listen. From monkey tales to stories of kidnappings, and orphans, Cara wove exciting adventures that thrilled her listeners. In 2007, Halo Publishing International published the first book of her trilogy, The Orphans of Mordecai's Castle: The Haven followed by book two, The Leviathan in 2009. Her final book is presently in the editing process and Simmons hopes to see it published by the end of 2012. To learn more about Cara and her books click here.

Christmas Moments: Come Let Us See

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:12

Every year after Christmas Eve service, Dad turned on the car radio so we could listen to the announcer track Santa's journey through the winter sky. I was so eager to get home, jump in bed and quickly fall asleep so Santa could come to our house. Sometimes, I tried to stay awake as long as I could, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Jolly Old Elf himself as he left gifts under our tree. How my little heart thrilled at the thought of catching that twinkle in Santa's eyes.

Oh, if only I could just catch a glimpse...

In Luke 2:8-20, we read the story of shepherds who caught more than a glimpse of the greatest gift ever given. While they were tending the sheep, angels appeared in the sky; and as frightened as they were, the shepherds were so convinced of the angels' news that they said, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened." When they arrived at their destination, they came face-to-face with Jesus. He wasn't left under a beautifully decorated tree. Instead, He was placed in a manger. He wasn't wrapped in a pretty package tied with a brightly colored bow. He was wrapped in strips of swaddling cloth.

When our boys were small, I couldn't wait to see their little faces as they opened their gifts. I anticipated that moment more than I looked forward to opening my own gifts. I wanted to see their eyes light up and hear their joyful squeals of delight over their new toys. Might this be what the Father had in mind when he gave us Jesus? Is it possible He greatly anticipated our response to His gift more than He wanted to receive from us? I think so, because it's more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

This year, as we reflect on the Christmas story, let us see Jesus. Let us unwrap the gift of the Savior and receive anew all that He has given us, and turn our faces toward heaven and offer to the Father our joyful praise and thanksgiving for all that He has done.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

About the author:

Renee Rowell, lives in Elgin, SC with her husband David and their youngest son. Their eldest son is serving overseas in the U. S. Air force. For the past twenty-five years she and David have served shoulder-to-shoulder in worship ministry and presently minister at The Church of the Harvest in Lexington, SC. Renee's current projects are blogging at Life Outside the Margins and authoring a book, Loving Like Jesus Loves: Strengthening Your Heart for the Extra Mile. Renee welcomes visitors to her blog or facebook page.

Christmas Moments: A Humble Trust

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”

Luke 2:6

I read the verse and had to pause for a second as I thought about what it said.
“…while they were there, the days were accomplished…” So many times I have seen movies or heard narratives about the two weary travelers arriving in Bethlehem, exhausted and worn out from their long journey. Mary, on the verge of giving birth, sits upon the back of a donkey, grimacing in pain as Joseph desperately knocks on door after door only to be turned away with the words, “We have no more rooms!”

With one last final attempt of finding lodging for his laboring wife, Joseph begs an innkeeper for a place to sleep. The innkeeper quietly tells him that they can rest in the stable out back. Joseph gladly accepts and gets his wife settled in. Not too long later, a little baby’s cry pierces the night as baby Jesus takes His first earthly breaths as He makes His bloody and watery entry into this earth.

 Taking a look at this verse again, I cannot help but wonder just how long did Mary reside in that stable before actually giving birth to her Son? Assuming hundreds, maybe even thousands of people arrived in Bethlehem around the same time, the tax process would not have been completed overnight with that many people to count. Did Mary and Joseph have to wait in line, day after day, until it was their turn to be counted?

 It is only speculation on my part, as with any of these stories that people have written about the birth, seeing that we only know a small part through what the Bible explains to us. Maybe God wanted Mary to learn something while she waited for her little one to arrive. She was already a humble girl, having meekly taken on the task of carrying God’s Son in her womb. She never questioned the angel’s words in any way, only to politely ask “How shall this be seeing I know not a man?” After the angel kindly answered her, Mary’s humble reply clearly said, “I am surrendered to do whatever God wants. My life is His.”

Whether it was that night, a day later, or even a week later when baby Jesus was born, God’s timing was perfect in the arrival of His Son. Everything worked out exactly to God’s plan, and through it all, God taught the chosen mother of His precious Son, that He was in control, and even though the circumstances and place may not have been her first choice, she could trust Him through it all. If she could learn that lesson before the birth, then she would be able to put all the unknowns of the future of this precious Baby at the feet of Jesus’s Father, and trust Him to see her through all the trials that lay ahead which would lead to Jesus’s ultimate reason for even entering the world….the cross.


About the author:

Cara Simmons is a wife, mother of five, and an author of Christian YA adventure fiction. She's enjoyed writing short stories since childhood and telling them to whomever would listen. From monkey tales to stories of kidnappings, and orphans, Cara wove exciting adventures that thrilled her listeners. In 2007, Halo Publishing International published the first  book of her trilogy, The Orphans of Mordecai's Castle: The Haven followed by book two, The Leviathan in 2009. Her final book is presently in the editing process and Simmons hopes to see it published by the end of 2012. To learn more about Cara and her books click here.

 

Christmas Moments: Letting Go

Welcome guest blogger and freelance writer, Cheri Liefeld:

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."  Luke 2:19

The last few Christmas mornings I woke up and realized I missed Christmas. I let busy work schedules and distractions keep me from experiencing Christmas.

 Sure, I had fun watching my niece and nephews open up their presents; I even made it to two school programs. But there was little joy and I forgot about the hope this season offers. I missed reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.

 This Christmas I am choosing a different path. I left my job with the crazy schedule. I made a conscious choice to approach it differently. I am trying to soak it in. I am taking moments each morning to spend time with God. I have let go and decided to stop trying to create the perfect Christmas moments. I can tell you that what God has brought my way has been much better.

 Today I was thinking about Mary and what she let go of in her life to give birth to Jesus. She gave up control of her life and the plans she was making. She let go of what people thought - you know there had to be whispers. She chose to believe the Angel of the Lord and walk in faith. Her faith in God leads her to being the mother of Jesus and receiving favor.

 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:16-19 NIV).

Treasure and ponder - don't you love those words? I want to treasure the moments and the people the Lord brings into my life this month. I want to ponder all that God has done in my life this year; the way He saved this broken girl so many years ago and transformed my life. I want to meditate on His words and then put them into action. I want to give more than I receive.

Mary focused on what really mattered. She did not miss the moment. What can you let go of this Christmas season?

About the contributor:

Cheri Liefeld is a freelance writer and speaker who focuses on food, faith and family over at Adventures In The Kitchen and GirlGodGrace. Her passion is to encourage women to find healing from their past and experience the grace of God.