Christmas

Christmas...

Just the word conjures up so many memories, so many emotions.

 

The tree, the lights, the food, all the decorations, the carols, the fellowship with family and friends, the traditions.

I just love everything about Christmas!

 

Easter

Easter... What does this holiday mean to you? What traditions do you associate with this day?

When I was a little girl Easter meant a basket filled with chocolates and treats. A new dress, sometimes with a little bonnet. Sometimes with a little purse and gloves. It meant decorating eggs, and finding them, hidden in the yard. It meant getting together with family and sharing a special meal.

The Jelly Bean Flowers... this is a tradition that my children and I share at Easter. We make this simple flower arrangement and place it on our kitchen table.

Christmas Time

My favorite Christmas decoration... it holds a prominent place on the mantle above the fireplace. I actually have several nativity scenes placed throughout my house. I am reminded that Jesus humbled Himself and came to this earth to die for my sins...

One of my very favorite Christmas stories to read aloud to my family...

making the gingerbread house... making memories...

I always love seeing how it will turn out when they are finished.

my blessings

dh and Lizzie, sporting her new winter coat (hehe)

I fill a stocking for everyone... even our furry and feathered friends...

Christmas morning

I love Christmas! I love the sights, the sounds, the smells associated with this special holiday. I love decorating my house, inside and out... stringing lights along the roof line, hanging wreaths on the doors, draping greenery around doorways, mantle and porch rails. Picking out a tree, putting the lights on it and hanging the ornaments. Hanging the stockings by the fireplace, placing the nativity scenes around the house.

I love having hot cocoa with my kids after we finish decorating the tree. I love baking cookies with my kids to share with loved ones. I love watching them make a gingerbread house each year. I love going caroling with our Awana group at church. I love that we memorize and recite, as a family, Luke chapter 2 each year. I love reading special Christmas stories with my family, celebrating the Advent, anticipating the arrival of a savior.

I love picking out gifts for friends and family, thinking about each one, and what they mean to me, how they have blessed me. I love going to celebrate Christmas with our families. I love getting together with them, I love our time together, our visits.

I love all our traditions and the special things we do to celebrate Christmas each year... but more than this... more importantly than all these... I love the WHY of our celebration. I am literally amazed anew, every year, at God's remarkable gift.

I'm amazed that He would leave glory, descend from His throne. That He would wrap Himself in human flesh. That He would choose to be born to the poorest of parents, to be born in a stable. That He would choose to announce His arrival to lowly shepherds.

I marvel that He left the glories of heaven, that He came to this earth. To make a way for sinners, to close the gap that eternally separates us from Him. That He died for the sins of mankind. For my sins. Yes, that is the marvel and miracle of Christmas. That is why we celebrate.

For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord ~ Luke 2:11

Easter 2010

I love Easter...love all the little things we do to celebrate...love everything that it represents. New life. A resurrected life. I am grateful that He gave His life so that I might live!

Coloring eggs at the church-wide Easter celebration

As part of our celebration, we had a "Walk Through the Resurrection" with the deacons and pastors telling the Easter story.

The donkey reminds us of Christ's entry into Jerusalem

The coins remind us of the 30 pieces of silver that Judas received for betraying Jesus into the hands of the Jewish leaders.

The cup reminds us of Jesus' last supper with His disciples before His crucifixion.

The praying hands remind us of Jesus' visit to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.

The leather strips remind us of the whip used to give Jesus 39 lashes after His trial by Pilate.

The crown of thorns reminds us of the crown that the soldiers placed on Jesus' head while mocking Him, saying, "Hail! King of the Jews!"

The spikes remind us of the nails that were driven into the hands and feet of Jesus when He was crucified on the cross.

The die reminds us of the Roman soldiers gambling for Jesus' robe.

The spear reminds us that the Roman soldiers pierced Jesus' side while He was on the cross.

The stone reminds us of the tomb with the stone rolled away

The tomb is empty because Jesus is resurrected and He lives!

The egg hunt is on!

Freedom

I'm trying to finish up our schoolwork for the day, but I keep losing my kids. This weather is soooo nice! They work a little, then before I know it, they are back outside again!

But that's ok with me...we've had a long winter and a VERY rainy one, at that! So we've been cooped up inside so much that this is really a NICE change of pace! Just after lunch, I decided to take up the brush and scrub the "stuck-on" pollen from the sides of our swimming pool. As I savored the warmth of the sun on my skin, I didn't even seem to notice the tiredness in my arms from the scrubbing action! I LOVE spring!!!

From Journey to the Cross...  Today we learned that the palm branches they waved as Jesus entered Jerusalem was a symbol of freedom. The branches of the date palm tree were like a national flag to the Jews. And by waving the palm branches, the people were saying that they wanted to be free from the Roman rulers. As Jesus passed through the crowds, the people called out, "Hosanna!" The word Hosanna means, "Please save us!" They wanted Jesus to free them from their oppressors, the Romans.

They weren't really concerned with the thought that Jesus came to free people from the oppression of their sin. They were more interested in being set free from their human oppressors. How many times am I just like that? More often than not, I am concerned with Jesus getting me out of the current situation I am in, rather than waiting for Him to deliver me from the oppression of my sin... the very thing that drags me back down into the pit that He reached down into and set me free from. Oh how I need to be reminded that He is working all things together for my good and His glory! And how freeing it is to know that when I don't understand what's going on, He DOES!

"LORD, save us. LORD give us success. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD." Psalm 118:25-26

What I Learned Today...

In the mornings, after breakfast, the kids and I sit down together for our group read-aloud time. We begin with the Bible, then move into our catechisms. We spend about an hour reading before we begin our core subjects. We are currently reading about heroes of the Reformation, and we read an article from Voice of the Martyrs magazine. And we are reading two biographies, as well. We read just a little from each book, and have gradually increased the number of books that we read from.

We recently started a new book, for Easter. It is called Journey to the Cross, by Helen Haidle. It is basically a retelling of the text of the Bible concerning everything leading up to and after the crucifixion of Jesus. Each chapter ends with a few comprehension questions and a scripture verse to memorize. But what I really like about this book is that each chapter begins and ends with an explanation of a Jewish custom or tradition of Jesus's day, or as in today's reading, an explanation of something that Jesus did.

We all know that Jesus asked his disciples to go into the next village and to bring back to Him a donkey's colt that they would find inside the city gates. We all know that the disciples did just as Jesus asked them to, and that Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem. We all know that Jesus did not come to conquer the Roman army and set the Jewish people free from their rule.

But what I did not know (you may have known this all along) is that Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem was supposed to present a picture to the people of the fact that He did not come to conquer Rome. In Jesus's day, a donkey was known as an animal of peace. Men did not ride donkeys into battle; they chose fast horses for that. So by riding a donkey into Jerusalem, Jesus was showing that He did not come to lead a battle against the Roman army. Instead, He came to make peace between God and man.

As many times as I have read this account in the Scriptures, I did not get that. Obviously I'm in good company, though, because apparently Jesus's disciples and early followers didn't get that message either. Throughout the Bible, Jesus was constantly teaching people through word pictures. I'm glad that He still does that, even today!

The Lamb, who was put to death, is worthy!...He is worthy to receive honor and glory and praise! -- Rev.5:12

Day 12 - Empty Tomb

But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. Matthew 28:5-8

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary saw an angel, who told them not to be afraid. He said that no one had taken Jesus' body, but instead He had risen from the dead! The angel told them to go tell His disciples what they had seen, that Jesus was risen. Can you imagine their excitement? They ran all the way to tell the disciples the good news! "He is risen from the dead! Alleluia!"

Now after this Jesus appeared in person to Peter, the other disciples, and then to more than 500 people! Because Jesus appeared on different occasions to so many people - who saw Him with their own eyes and even touched Him - we have proof that Jesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-7; John 20:27-28).

As He rose from the dead, Jesus did what no one had ever done before or since. Being both God and man, He overcame sin, death and hell. And now those things no longer have any real power over those who believe in Jesus and have His Spirit leading them. Instead of being slaves to sin and death, Christians, by the power of His Spirit, are free to obey God and do good (Romans 6:17-18). The Bible says in John 8:36, "so if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed."

Like the tomb, our hearts are empty and lifeless without Jesus. But as we repent, believe, and trust in Jesus' death and resurrection, He fills our hearts with life and the Holy Spirit. As we read the Bible and memorize God's Word, the Holy Spirit helps us obey God. God's Spirit never goes against His Word. When we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit can speak into our lives in powerful ways.

Of course, we won't always do the right thing. The Bible says this in 1 John 1:5-10. God's Word makes it clear that when we do sin, we need to confess our sins and then repent. God will forgive us based on Jesus' death on the cross.

Now, when you think of the empty tomb, remember that Jesus rose from the dead and is alive. Remember too, that Jesus comes into empty, dead hearts and fills them with His Spirit, giving new life! Will you allow Him to roll the stone away from your empty heart?

Day 11 - Stone at the Tomb

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. Matthew 28:1-3

A large stone, bigger than a door and heavier than a car, was placed over the opening of a tomb to prevent grave robbers from stealing the body of a dead person, or from taking valuables that had belonged to the dead person. In the case of Jesus, the Pharisees were worried Jesus' disciples would take the body and say that Jesus had risen from the dead. In order to prevent this, Pilate had posted soldiers to guard the tomb. He even had the soldiers close the tomb with an official Roman seal on the edge of the huge stone. Pilate was sure this would keep the disciples from taking the body of Jesus because the penalty for breaking this seal was death. And the Roman soldiers also knew that the penalty for them was death if anyone broke the seal during their watch.

When Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrived at the tomb of Jesus to anoint His body with spices, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, the guards were gone, and the grave was empty, except for Jesus' grave clothes! They were fearful and didn't know what to do. If only they had remembered that Jesus told them He would rise from the dead, they would have been filled with faith rather than confusion. How many times have I been like the two Marys? How many times have I forgotten His words to me?

When we don't remember God's Word (the Bible), we too, are fearful and confused. God wants us to remember His words. They give us faith, hope, joy, courage, and direction in this scary, confusing world in which we live. Words about the stone being miraculously rolled away and about Jesus' resurrection from the dead are the most encouraging and hope-giving words a Christian could ever hear!

Day 10 - Linen Wrapping

Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb. Matthew 27:57-61

Some of the Jewish leaders secretly believed that Jesus was the Messiah, but didn't want others to know they believed, for fear of being killed. The Bible tells us that both Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were members of the Sanhedrin who believed that Jesus was the Son of God and trusted Him for their salvation. After Jesus died on the cross, these men could not hide their faith any longer. Joseph of Arimathea loved Jesus so much, he was willing to risk his own life by asking for the body of Jesus.

Joseph was a very rich man and wanted His Lord to be buried in a proper manner. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 53:9 "His grave was assigned with wicked men, yet He was with a rich man in His death..." God foretold this before Jesus was even born.

Joseph's love for Jesus and courage were really amazing! God is pleased when we love Him enough to risk the things we own, even our very lives, to stand with Him. Will you be courageous and stand with Jesus?

Day 9 - Soldier's Spear

Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not one of His bones shall be broken." And again another Scripture says, "They shall look on Him who was pierced." John 19:31-37

The Bible tells that because the Sabbath was approaching, the Jews were anxious to remove the crucified bodies. Therefore, they asked Pilate to have the soldiers break Jesus' and the other two thieves' legs, so they would die quickly. When people were put to death on the cross, it was common for the Roman soldiers to break their legs. With broken legs, the people could not lift themselves up to keep from suffocating, thereby allowing them to die more quickly.

The soldiers broke the legs of the two thieves who were crucified on either side of Jesus, but when they came to Jesus, He was already dead. So there was no need for them to break His legs, thus fulfilling prophecy foretold hundreds of years before, "He keeps all His bones, not one of them is broken." Psalm 34:20. I remember studying this several years ago with our previous pastor's wife. When the Jewish people offered sacrifices to God for their sins, the animal had to be unblemished. In order for Jesus to be the sacrifice needed to pay for our sin, He had to be the unblemished lamb, hence no broken bones!

Because the soldiers had to make absolutely sure Jesus was dead, they pierced Him in the side with a spear. When they did this, blood and water came pouring forth. This was the proof the soldiers needed, and it is proof of His death to us, as well.

Jesus loved us so much to die this horrible death in our place! Let us not take it for granted!

Day 8 - Dice for Gambling

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. They said therefore among themselves, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:

"They divided My garments among them,

And for my clothing, they cast lots."

Therefore the soldiers did these things. And there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John 19:23-25

Amazing to me is how God foretells, hundreds of years before this event, how the Roman soldiers would gamble for Jesus' clothes:

"They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." Psalm 22:18

Jesus shows us what we are to do when others wrong us. He asked His Father to forgive them. This is to serve as an example to us of how we should treat others when they are mean to us, even when they hate us. We know from God's Word that we should pray for our enemies, but we are also told that we need to forgive them, just as Jesus showed us.

Day 7 - Nails in the Cross

Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away. And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of the Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'He said, "I am the King of the Jews."'" Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." John 19:16-22

Why did Jesus have to die? He died so our sins could be forgiven, and so we could live forever with God. In Romans 3:23 the Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." From the beginning, since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, everyone is born sinful and separated from God.

God is perfect and holy and in Him there is no sin. Our sin keeps us separated from God. It's as if there is a big canyon or gulf (of sin) between us and God that we can never cross on our own. There are many ways in which we try to get across that gulf...being good, going to church, tithing, obeying those in authority over us. But no matter how hard we try, we always fall short...no one is good all the time, or obeys all the time, or is perfect. Since God is holy, he must punish all sin with death. In Romans 6:23, the Bible says, "For the wages of sin is death..."

There you have it, a bleak outlook indeed. Death. Sin = Death.

Now for the good news! God the Father provided a way for us to escape the punishment of our sin. Only one way. Many falsely believe that there are many ways to heaven, but God clearly states there is only one way. He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die in our place. Jesus received the death sinners like us deserve. Because Jesus is the perfect Son of God, only He could be punished in the place of sinners like us! By His death on the cross, Jesus built a bridge for believers across the canyon of sin and separation.



When we as Christians think of the nails that were pounded through Jesus' body into the cross, of course we should be heartbroken about our sins that put Him there. But shouldn't we also be filled with wild abandon and joy because He died for us, to free us? And because we know that we have been given eternal life through Christ's suffering and death? He was pierced through for our transgressions! Can you say Hallelujah?

Day 6 - A Crown of Thorns

When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified. Matthew 27:29-31

We are using FamilyLife's Resurrection Eggs as a launchpad for our family's Easter devotions and I really enjoy the insight it gives into the Scriptures that we read during this season. I won't quote it all verbatim here, but I will give a short synopsis of what we read last night.



Day 6 - Crown of Thorns

Obviously, the same people who were praising Jesus a few days before, when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, are now the ones crying out for Him to be put to death. And not just any death, death by crucifixion. I read some information a few years ago, detailing the horrors of this type of death.

After scourging Jesus to the point that He was not recognizable, the Roman soldiers fashioned a crown of thorns and placed it on Jesus's head. Not your typical rosebush thorns, either. These thorns were 1 to 2 inch long spikes. The soldiers didn't just place it on His head, either. They crushed it down onto His head, thereby forcing the spiky thorns into His skin, causing much pain and bleeding.

Still, Jesus showed them the love of God by forgiving and praying for them. The Bible says if you love God, you will love others. If you don't show love to others, then you really don't love God. I stressed this point to my children as I was reading it to them, but I could feel Jesus pricking my heart on this issue, too. We can be reminded that even when we experience the thorns of others' meanness to us, we can choose to respond in love because Jesus has gone before us and has shown us the way of love...even when it is difficult to love.

I wish I had thought to post each of the days on here as we have read them, but I will leave you with the passages of Scripture and you can go back and read them.

Day 1 - Ride on a Donkey - Matthew 21:1-9

Day 2 - Silver Coins - Matthew 26:14-16, 46-50; 27:1-5

Day 3 - Passover Cup - Matthew 26:17-19, 26-28; Exodus 12:23

Day 4 - Praying Hands - Mark 14:32-42

Day 5 - Leather Whip - John 19:1-15

I will try to remember to post the others each day.