3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

Christmas

Tuesday of the First Week of Advent: Prepare the Royal Highway

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Prepare the Royal Highway

The Lord is Coming! He’s nearer now than ever and he’s closer to you than yesterday. Prepare the Royal Highway, Christmas is drawing near! God loves you and is giving you the Gift of Jesus Christ. His birth is just around the corner.

You can prepare children for Advent by actively teaching them about the importance of Jesus and how he forgives them, even when they think no one else will.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OovruxWkQkU[/embedyt]

Lutheran Advent Season, What is is All About? Hopefully, this series will inspire, teach and prepare you for Christmas in a way you never considered. Prepare the Royal Highway for the coming of the Lord.Jesus is God’s love for all reasons.

He loves you despite what you do, despite what sins you commit. We don’t have to earn God’s love. It is a love that transcends humankind. Isn’t this great?

Man tends to put conditions on love. If you do this, then I will love you. God and Jesus love unconditionally. Even when you can’t love people around you God loves them for you. What gets in the way of God’s love? Sin.

Sin creeps into our daily life, it makes us proud, stubborn and we hurt ourselves. We sometimes feel as though we can’t go to God for forgiveness. That is why he gave us Jesus Christ to forgive our sins.

The baby Jesus is true man, and true God. He is approachable, kind, and leads by example. We can do as he has taught us, we can believe in him, ask for forgiveness and be forgiven.  This is called repenting of sins. When you recognize your sins, put them out there before our Lord and Savior and be forgiven the weight of guilt is lifted. It can no longer hurt us.

So let’s prepare the royal highway for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

During this first week of Advent clean up your life. Put away your secret sins. Stop talking about others. Don’t wish bad on those you dislike. Recognize there are sins you can’t control. Ask for forgiveness for them, ask for guidance in resolution and put a plan into place on controlling your sins.

Prayer for Advent: “Stir up Your powers, O Lord, and come, that by Your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Your mighty deliverance; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.” (Collect for Advent 1)

Reflections the First Tuesday of Advent

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 23: 5-8

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 10: 8-12:27,3-34;  2 Peter 1: 1-21

Links to follow the First Week of Advent

Tomorrow learn how wonderful it is to be a Child of God

First Week of Advent: Why We Need to Stop the Want, Want, Want

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Monday of the First Week of Advent

The first week of Advent is a perfect opportunity to remember why we celebrate the season of Christmas and helps us prepare.

Jesus makes you ready today for His coming to you by giving you His name!

Thank God! Jesus is our justice before God. He is our holiness before God. He’s our salvation! He’s our heaven. He is our righteousness!

He is the Savior of the Nations Come!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldb56S3ZQ7M[/embedyt]

It is Jesus that saves us. Why is this Gospel so comforting? Think about it. That means we are NOT called by our own righteousness, we are not judged on what we do or NOT do. It is NOT how Holy we are, we do NOT EARN righteousness or the gift of heaven.

For goodness sake we each one of us had to daily earn the right to go to heaven we never would. We sin daily. Yes. In what we say, do and don’t do. Think about it. Just think about the 10 Commandments.

First week of Advent. How do we stop the buy, buy, buy mentality?Thou Shall Not Covet

During December we are guilty of coveting and sin on a daily basis. With every Christmas toy commercial kids learn what they “should” have and they often beg and beg for the hottest toys of the year.

It may be a Hatchimals, a Barbie Dream Horse or a Fingerlings (what in the world is a Fingerling??) Our kids want, want, want. “But Mommy…please…”

What is our reply “You will have to ask Santa…” Does it sound familiar?

As adults, we want the new big screen high definition television, a new car, and the list can go on. We are jealous of the magnificent Christmas decorations on our neighbors’ house.

We try and outdo the Joneses on everything. Want, want, want and want some more. More under the tree, the bigger the better.

During the rest of the year, we want the better job, we want better pay, we want a nicer house, car, tv, etc, etc. Even if we don’t say it out loud, we sometimes say it in our heads. WOW!!

Where does sin lead us?

The unsatisfactory nature of coveting makes us not appreciate what we have? It can make us bitter, jealous, spiteful, and angry.

Sin leads to other sins. Coveting leads to talking about others (gossip – though shall not bear false testimony), leads to being angry, and defying your parents (honor your Father and your Mother). Sin spirals into more sin.

But Jesus saves us all sin. Simple.

Our sins died with Jesus on Good Friday. They were buried with Him. He is righteous before God for us.

His coming this Christmas reminds us that we are washed in His righteousness, NOT our own.

Remembering this may not eliminate ALL the want, want, want mentality. But during this first week of Advent, it may just make us pause and think about what we NEED.

Reflections the First Monday of Advent

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 23: 5-8

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 10: 8-12:27,3-34;  2 Peter 1: 1-21

Links to follow the First Week of Advent

Tomorrow I will share another of my favorite hymns for Advent Season: Prepare the Royal Highway

 

Lutheran Advent Season: Daily Reflections

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The Lutheran Advent Season prepares us for the birth of the baby Jesus. Why Am I Starting a Lutheran Advent Season Series?

As Christmas approaches it is easy to lose focus on the birth of Jesus Christ get wrapped up in the commercialism of the season. The insert Lutheran Advent Season reflections in my church mailbox gave me an idea. It was copied and printed on black and white copy paper, nothing fancy and yet it is so simple.

Each day is outlined with a specific reading and lesson to reflect on the meaning of the Advent season. As I started reading so many things came to mind.

You see I teach Sunday School and have for over 25 years. I always look for inspiration, ideas, and ways to teach my fourth and fifth graders in a way they can relate and understand the Bible and the Gospel message.

Right now we are practicing for our Christmas Eve program and I am the piano accompanist. So I’m craving some eye-opening teaching time.

Hopefully, this series will inspire, teach and prepare you for Christmas in a way you never considered. I will include the Daily reading, hymns, music, and a summary of the Reflection of the Day. A link to Trinity Lutheran Church online sermons will also be provided.

I encourage you to comment below, for a couple of reasons. God wants you to ask questions. By asking questions you learn and understand.

The First Sunday of Advent

Today’s Reading: Matthew 21:1-9

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 9:8-10:11; 1 Peter 5:1-14

Jesus is coming!! He is “the coming ONE”

This, in a nutshell, is the Christian meaning of Advent. Advent is all about Jesus coming to you. He’s not coming to condemn you, He’s coming to save you. He will take upon Himself all your sins and give you everlasting life.

So what are you going to do to make yourself ready?

Nothing. There is nothing that you can do that will make Jesus love you any more than he already does. He alone makes you ready. He delivers His coming to you in His gifts.

Hymns: First Sunday Advent

Hymns during Advent are anticipatory and lead up to Christmas and the anticipation of the birth of Baby Jesus. Many songs people think of as Christmas music are actually Advent hymns. O Come, O Come Emmanuel is what I would call an anthem for Advent.

Oxford Hymn Settings for Organists: Advent and Christmas: 38 original pieces on hymns and carolsOxford Hymn Settings for Organists: Advent and Christmas: 38 original pieces on hymns and carolsSeven Preludes on Advent HymnsSeven Preludes on Advent HymnsO Come, O Come, EmmanuelO Come, O Come, EmmanuelWillis Music O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Early Inter Level) Willis Series by Carolyn C. SetliffWillis Music O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Early Inter Level) Willis Series by Carolyn C. Setliff

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-Swwc[/embedyt]

The Piano Guys O Come, O Come Emmanuel is one of my favorite renditions of this popular Advent song. I do scour YouTube for Advent hymns and will be sharing my favorites in the month to come.

A more traditional version of O Come, O Come Emanuel YouTube edition is the performed by a traditional choir.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xtpJ4Q_Q-4[/embedyt]

I like both. Which is your favorite?

Links to follow the Lutheran Advent Season of Reflection

Tomorrow I will share another of my favorite hymns for Advent Season: Savior of the Nations Come.

 

Letting Go of Christmas Expectations and the Stress

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Merry Christmas to everyone, I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season.

As you eat prime rib, turkey, and open gifts from your family and friends are you thinking this Christmas is not meeting expectations? Is it different, are your traditions changing? Our Christmas traditions are definitely changing and it’s not a bad thing.  It’s an adjustment.

Merry Christmas church candles

Due to outside family obligations, we have “our” Christmas on Christmas Eve-Eve on December 23rd and open presents at 12:01 am on Christmas Eve.

Long story, but it’s become a tradition. Normally I get the 23rd and or the 24th off, but this year I had to work and it really put my Christmas season out of whack.

We had the dinner, which was AMAZING, but then can prime rib roast NOT be amazing. My husband was wonderful in getting dinner prepared while I was at work and Christmas program practice.

I basically showed up and ate, which wonderful and odd at the same time.

It’s now Christmas Day, it is just the two of us, and the house is quiet. This gives me time to reflect on the year and where I’ve been and where I’m going.

This year I “let go” during the Holidays.

    • I didn’t get every Christmas cookie made.
    • I didn’t get cards mailed, ok that’s several years in a row.
    • I didn’t stress about all the presents under the tree being adorned with bows, ribbons and looking fancy.,,,in fact
    • ALL the presents were with the SAME wrapping paper, and not a bow to be seen (OMG!)
    • Not all the Christmas decorations were put up this year.
    • I shrugged off the fact my “extra” presents for people didn’t happen this year.
    • I didn’t cry when all the kids couldn’t be home during dinner. (traveling from out of state isn’t predictable)
    • I didn’t stress about the “yearly” family Christmas photo in front of the tree where everyone is dressed up for church service. (didn’t happen this year)
    • I didn’t freak out that everyone couldn’t make it to Christmas Eve service. (my daughter had to work late)
    • I didn’t go into a panic trying to find that present (ornament) that got “lost” this year. It will show up this week I’m sure.

What I did do this year.

  • I was thankful for the present, now and today.
  • I sat on the couch, watched the Christmas tree lights and listened to Christmas carols on Pandora.
  • I hugged my adult kids when I could, much to their dismay.
  • I snuggled on the couch with my husband watching Christmas movies.

and…

Baby Jesus in the cradle at a Church Christmas program

    • I played the piano during the church Christmas Eve program and listened to the pure sound of the kids singing Away in the Manger.
    • I teared up singing Silent Night at the Candlelight portion of the service.
    • I am grateful to be alive and have all my grown kids healthy, happy and all together today. No matter where they are spending the day.

Holy Gifts: The True Meaning of Gold, Frankincense, and MyrrhHoly Gifts: The True Meaning of Gold, Frankincense, and MyrrhC Is for Christmas: The History, Personalities, and Meaning of Christ's BirthC Is for Christmas: The History, Personalities, and Meaning of Christ’s Birth

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True meaning of Christmas

Does it feel different? Yes, and it feels odd. But,…Christmas is not about the commercialism, the wrappings, or the gifts.

It starts with Christ, a baby born a humble birth, in a time of turmoil, who was sent by God to save His people and world. The Peace of God, the everlasting forgiveness who washes away our sins, cleanse us and makes us new.

To think over two thousand years ago a simple baby, a child, a man, was able to change the world. All of this without social media, just word of mouth from one person to another.

Merry Christmas Everyone and Remember the Reason for the Season!

The First Christmas NightThe First Christmas NightThe Christmas Miracle of Jonathan ToomeyThe Christmas Miracle of Jonathan ToomeyThe Christmas Story: From The King James BibleThe Christmas Story: From The King James BibleAway in a Manger: The Christmas Story from a Nativity Scene Lamb's Point of ViewAway in a Manger: The Christmas Story from a Nativity Scene Lamb’s Point of View

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Original Elf on A Shelf Before It Was Popular

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The Elf on a Shelf Craze

Original Elf on a ShelfThe Elf on A Shelf craze seems to be everywhere, but Santa’s little helper isn’t new.

My grandmother gave me a small knee hugger elf to hang on the tree in the 1960’s, it is one of the few things I have from my Dads’ Mom and I don’t even remember meeting her. All I know is the little pixie with the bell on top was one of my favorite ornaments.

My Mother in law really gets into the Christmas elves. About 20 knee-hugger Christmas elves in various poses sit around miniature Christmas trees in her window.

These little guys don’t get into mischief and they don’t tattle to Santa. They are just cute and whimsical.

Large Elf on a Shelf

They came in various sizes, the large ones were 14″ and designed to sit on a shelf, but the small ones were meant to hide on the Christmas tree and sometimes they moved around.

I love the faces on these vintage Elves, the new ones just don’t have the same personality. You can almost see the mischief in his eyes below.

Start an Elf on a Shelf Tradition in Your House

If you don’t have vintage knee-hugger Christmas elves in your house you can start a new tradition with your kids at Christmas. You can create your own story, your own version of Santa and how his elves help Santa with Christmas. Here are just a few options for the modern and up to date Elf on a Shelf Dolls.

Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition (blue-eyed girl scout elf)Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition (blue-eyed girl scout elf)Elf on the Shelf Pets ReindeerElf on the Shelf Pets ReindeerElf on the Shelf Scout Elves At Play KitElf on the Shelf Scout Elves At Play KitElf on the Shelf Pet Pack - Reindeer and Saint Bernard Elf Pets - Direct From North Pole in Official Santa Gift BoxElf on the Shelf Pet Pack – Reindeer and Saint Bernard Elf Pets – Direct From North Pole in Official Santa Gift Box

Red Elf on a Shelf

Elf on a Shelf Craze

Cute Elf on a Shelf

Retro is in, what is old is new again.

The famous fairy became popular again with the 2004 Elf on a Shelf book. The posable and posable red and white elf now reports to Santa if the kids in the house have been naughty or nice. All the time the Elf is creating mischief. Maybe its to show the kids what they “should not” do.

It’s more of the elf being naughty when he’s away from Santa. The internet is full of the pixie making a mess with cereal, unrolling the bathroom tissue, and getting in compromising positions.

The Real Life Elf on a Shelf

My friend Andrew gets into the holiday spirit not just during Christmas but his costumes are famous all year round on airplanes, hotels and out and about in Omaha Nebraska.

In December he dresses as a life-size Elf on the Shelf and greets by kids young and old at the airport as he flies around the country as a photographer. Parents take pictures of him with their kids, and he loves to hear the whispers and giggles as he hames it up.

Andrew takes selfies of himself as the naughty elf pushing all the buttons on the elevator and getting trouble with bubble wrap.  But mostly he’s just bringing smiles to people from the photo lab, to those in his condo. I really believe he just has fun dressing as an Elf and enjoys every day to it’s fullest.

Andrew also dresses as Cupid on Valentine’s day and is the Breast Cancer Awareness “Pink Man” on Delta flights during October.

Life size Elf on a Shelf played by Andrew Dean

I don’t know how popular this new craze of dressing as a life-size elf will become.

I’ve seen a post about “renting an Elf on a Shelf” for your party (I’m sure Andrew would do that), and I’ve seen the baby Elf posed in various places by his Father who is a photographer, but there will be only one true live Elf on a Shelf for me and that’s the one above with the oversized imagination and love of life.

Elf on a Shelf Costume

If you or your friends want to bring the Elf on the Shelf magic and fun to your Holiday season the costume can be found on Amazon. I would love to see pictures of your adventures, or even photos of a vintage elf from your childhood.