Christmas is a time that has different meanings to different people.
As we approach the year 2000
it seems like the major emphasis is on shopping.



TO RETAILERS CHRISTMAS IS 90% OF THE YEARS TOTAL SALES VOLUME.



To families it is a time of togetherness.

HOPEFULLY IT IS NOT A TIME OF WORRY BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT AFFORD TO BUY EVERYONE ON YOUR GIFT LIST EVERYTHING THEY WANT.



I hope you will take a few minutes and scroll down through this page
to see how I try to keep the meaning of the holiday alive.



I HAVE HEARD OF MANY COMPARISONS OF HOLIDAY TRADITIONS THAT ARE ACTUALLY REMINDERS OF THE BIRTH, LIFE, AND DEATH OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR,
JESUS CHRIST.
I HAVE LISTED A FEW.
DO YOU KNOW OF MORE?
IF YOU DO, PLEASE LET ME KNOW SO I CAN INCLUDE THEM ON THIS SITE.



The first item that comes to mind is the Christmas tree. It is very popular in the United States.
Can you imagine Christmas without it?
Most families decorate the top with a star or an angel.

The cross that Jesus was crucified on is often referred to as a tree. By having a Christmas tree in our houses it adds a feeling of warmth and love. Hopefully this warm feeling is a reflection of the love that Jesus has for us.

What about the candy canes? Yummy.
They are as fun to decorate with as they are to eat.

The candy cane certainly looks like the Shepherd's staff. The Bible has many references to shepherds. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
He will do whatever it takes to protect his flock.

The Christmas colors of red and white stripes on the candy cane are reminders of the stripes Jesus bore for us when he was taken captive and beaten before being crucified. The blood shed by Jesus has washed away our sins and made us white as snow.
But only if we choose to believe.

Christians all know the significance of angels in the birth of Jesus. I wanted to include some on this page. What would a Christmas page be without angels?

Another Christmas decoration that is highly significant is holly. Many people use holly to make a wreath decoration. Some people believe that the Crown of Thornes that Jesus wore when he was crucified was made out of the holly bush. The red berries signify the blood that Jesus shed for us. Anytime you get stuck by this pretty plant you can be reminded of the pain Jesus bore for us.

It is my personal belief that once we become Christians the entire Bible opens up to us by being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus came to earth to bring eternal life not only to the Jews,
but this free gift of salvation was offered to anyone who would accept it, no matter what race or religious beliefs they held at their time of conversion.
Through our faith and belief in Jesus, we accept God's promises and prophecies in the Old Testament as well as the New.
The Jewish traditions and beliefs become ours. And for this reason I want to wish everyone the following:

When we believe in the Bible, we realize that we are all descendents of the first Jewish family of Abraham and Sarah, who were descended from Adam and Eve. Those who know the Bible can trace the roots of Jesus to the original families.

It is all very exciting.

Another tradition is the use of colorful lights to decorate stores and houses during this time of the year. The use of lights definitely points to Jesus.
Jesus is the light that came to save the world from darkness.
God's most famous words in the Book of Genesis were, "Let there be Light."
There are so many references to the light of the Lord in the Bible that it just seems fitting that more and more people are going wild with their light displays.
As extravagant as it may seem to some people, just let it be a reminder of the light that Jesus brought to the world.

Finally, many of you might think that the most commercial site of Christmas,
Santa Claus,
could have nothing to do with Jesus.
To me, when I think of Santa, I see a person who loves children of all ages.
He wants to see us filled with Joy, and Love.
He wants to give us the gifts that we desire.
I think everyone would desire the gift of eternal life.
If only they would believe the truth.
So when I see Santa, I can think of the gift God gave to all of us
when He gave us His Son, Jesus.

This is how I keep Jesus alive during this hectic time.
Plus, I remember to talk to Him as often as I can through prayer,
and visit His written words in the Bible.
Many years we have not been able to afford the symbols of Christmas
like the fancy decorations, and a tree or even buying gifts for loved ones.
But, somehow we always manage to survive the holidays.
The love of Jesus is always there whether you are rich or poor.
Remember to share this gift with someone you know this year.

PRAISE THE LORD

The title of the song is, "A Gift For All"
by Elton Smith and Larry Holder.
The lyrics to the song follow.

See the people as they rush all around;
Every store in the town
selling toys to go under the tree.
Every corner has a red-suited man
with a bell in his hand,
And the sights are something to see...

But beneath all the noise,
they can find the true meaning of Christmas:
Jesus came to the earth, a gift from heaven above.
Far beyond all the toys,
they can find the true meaning of Christmas:
Jesus came to the earth, with forgiveness and love.
As a gift for all!

(Verse 2)
See the families as they all gather near,
Full of holiday cheer,
as the lights flash bright red and green.
Turkey, dressing, and some fresh apple pie
put a gleam in your eye,
It's more fun than you've ever seen...

But beneath all the noise,
we can find the true meaning of Christmas:
Jesus came to the earth, a gift from heaven above.
Far beyond all the toys,
we can find the true meaning of Christmas:
Jesus came to the earth, with forgiveness and love.
As a gift for all!

(Instrumental Chorus)
Come, let me tell you of the One
From heaven above
Came as a humble child to Bethlehem;
Thanks be unto Him!
Tell of the One
From heaven above
Came to show Truth and Love in every way,
Turn our darkness into Day;
That's what Christmas truly means to me!

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Graphics by Steve Charles

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