Welcome to Our World

I realize Welcome to Our World may not be sung as people carol physically distanced through neighborhoods this year. It is kind of a short song, but it is packed with meaning.

The gist of the song is God coming down from heaven as a child for us and how we welcome him to our world. Can we welcome him, even though we might be scared, worried, disappointed, distracted and distanced by COVID? Can we welcome him to our celebration and welcome him to our sadness?

This song reminds me that Christmas is tied to Easter. The baby’s birth we are celebrating is the savior’s death that saves us. He was born to live with us, to walk with us, to teach us and to die for us. It was all part of the plan. God celebrated the birth of Jesus on Christmas knowing the sacrifice of Jesus was down the road. So we can join God in celebrating as we welcome Jesus into our world. Into our joy and happiness and into our sadness. Into those relationships that are bringing us energy and into those relationships that cause us stress. We can welcome him into our sinfulness, asking for his forgiveness. BUT even as we celebrate the joy of Christmas, we can remember it will be followed by the pain of Good Friday AND the greater joy of the resurrection on Easter. The baby born and laid in the manger, grew up  and was killed on the cross. He came back to life and lives forever.

We can look forward to his welcoming us into his world.

What Child Is This?

Having a relationship with God is life changing and as we enter into that relationship we have to answer the question posed in the title of the song, “What Child is This?”

As a child there was something special about baby Jesus. There was a sacredness. The readings were about the "Word became flesh" and "Unto us a child is born". It was a very special time. It was obvious Jesus was a very special baby. I remember one Christmas our family was chosen to place Jesus, with his family and animals, in the large nativity display in church. That was a special year. At home, every year we would put up our nativity set in early December, but we didn't put baby Jesus in. He didn't come until Christmas. After church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we would sing carols as we placed baby Jesus into the manger.

As I've grown up, the question has grown from "what child is this?" to "who is Jesus in my life?" According to the song, He is the King of Kings bringing salvation. Do I really believe that the King of Kings? Do I really believe He is fully God and fully man? Do I really believe this carpenter's son grew up to be a world changing teacher? Do I believe He died on the cross, was buried and rose again?  Do I believe He is my Savior. Do I trust Him with my family, my money, my life? AND does what I believe about Jesus make a difference in how I live my life? 

This Christmas may we all answer the question "what child is this?" with "this, this is Christ the King" as we allow him to make a difference in how we live our lives.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

Yes, I'm going to pick on Rudolph today. I enjoy singing this song. I enjoy watching the cartoon--truly a classic song and classic show.  A classic story of the unwanted and different being picked on and driven away.  By leaving he learns about sacrifice. At one point in the cartoon, he tries to save his friends by going it alone. Yet in the end the thing that caused him to be shunned is the very thing everyone needed. Everyone has a change of heart and happiness abounds. So maybe I've seen the movie too many times and it blends in with the song...  Anyway.

As fun as the story is, I get bothered by the image of Rudolph being picked on and forced to the outside of  the group. Probably because I have never felt like an insider. Growing up I questioned where I belonged. I didn't seem to fit in. I experienced being bullied from third grade on through high school. Did it make me "stronger"? Did it "toughen me up" and "teach me life lessons"?  NO!--I felt powerless. I felt depressed.   felt like an outsider.  I was like Rudolph, but I couldn't run away to the island of misfit toys and not go to school. I was stuck. 

There is a lot of talk these days about bullying. Children are taught how to deal with bullies. There are a number of anti-bullying curriculums available. And what happens when the bullying is from the leaders? How do children feel when the adults in their lives turn a blind eye and give silent consent to bullying?  t's really cool in Rudolph that the other reindeer and Santa have a change of heart (possibly due to necessity).  But what if Rudolph chose not to save the day? Could anyone have blamed him? Were there any bad consequences to the poor reindeer and elfin behavior? Where were the adults to stand up for Rudolph?

Three last thoughts on Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. One--take a stand for those that are prone to be picked on.  Don't bully and don't let bullies win.  Two--don't discount someone because of their abilities or background.  At Christmas, I am reminded that the savior I follow was born in a stable surrounded by animals.  Instead of baby powder, he smelled of straw and dirt. Third--if you struggle with a blinking red nose, or maybe depression or acne or a differing ability, you can accomplish something that no-one else can? Trust me, you are loved and there is a plan for you. You matter!  Don't believe the bully reindeer. You do belong

Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful

 

This hymn is guaranteed to be sung in many, many churches on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  It is the call to come and worship on Christmas. "Come let us adore Him, Christ our Lord."

When I hear this son, the question I find myself asking is "what do I adore?" I adore my wife. She is fantastic, smart, beautiful, funny, real, caring and so much more. It is a very special adoration. 

I also adore my kids. They are unique, funny, caring, smart and helpful. I want the best for them. I want them to grow up to be able to totally live the life they are designed to live. I adore them in a very different way than I adore my wife.

Merriam Webster defines adoration as "feelings of strong love or affection."  In light of that definition, I can look back and see how many different things and people I have adored.  Most of them were not good ideas--like adoration of money, pleasure, drinking, you get the idea.  I've learned not everything I have adored is worthy of adoration.

That is what makes the call to adore Jesus so life changing. God is worthy of our adoration. He created us in the image of himself. He created this world. He gives us the choice to adore him or not to adore him. We were made to have strong feelings of love or affection--sometimes those feelings get misdirected. We are called to adoration. Come let us adore Him.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

 

Why was Christ born?  According to this song, one of the reasons was to free us from Satan's power when we go astray. I go astray at times. Quick lesson--Satan is a spiritual being who decided he wanted to be in charge. He gathered some followers and tried to take over from God. God won. Satan lost. Now Satan hates all things good and all things godly. Humans are made in the image of God. Therefore Satan hates humans and will do anything he can to make our lives never live up to our potential and will do anything he can to keep us from God.

But do we really believe in Satan's power? Is evil just an abstract concept brought about by mistakes and poor choices? Isn't evil just the absence of good? Isn't the idea of a devil a bit outdated? I believe in Satan and in evil, not just from my faith stand point, but from a personal stand point.

I look back at my active drinking days. I was not only dependent on alcohol, but truly felt in bondage. When I was hurting myself, I felt trapped and hated who I was. When I was suicidal, I very much believed the only way out of pain was death. Bondage, trapped, death. The presence of evil in my life was very real. I still struggle with doubt.  I still struggle with depression. Satan hasn't given up on keeping me from freedom and from God. He still tries on a daily basis to draw me away from the life I am meant to lead.

Maybe some of you feel trapped in some areas of your life. There may be self-destructive habits you can't seem to break or that you can't seem to want to break. Maybe you live in fear that someday, those you care about will see the real you and you will be left alone.  

This Christmas, listen to the message of God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman. Let it remind you there is a love greater than the despair you feel. There is a savior who was born to free you. There is a God who offers hope, forgiveness, guidance, strength, peace and life. He will not be stopped. His love will not end. His strength will not fail. We can be free from the power of Satan. Have a Merry Christmas and receive the gift of freedom. 

The Grinch Theme Song

 

I’m sure you and I both know some people who don't enjoy Christmas. I’m reminded of them when I hear the Grinch theme song. I went to a church where the people love God and love others. They are trying to make a difference in their community. Part of the time together we heard of five local families or organizations that were going to receive a generous gift from this small church family. People came up with ideas. People voted on the ideas. Now people get to carry out the ideas. Cool stuff.

At another part of the night, the person teaching brought up Grinch and Scrooge. He talked about how some people just don't like Christmas.  It is not a season of joy for them.  He wondered if even in our own hearts there have been times or certain aspects of Christmas that we don't like. He then asked us what does Christmas have to say to people who don't like it. Great question.

I know of people who don't enjoy Christmas. For some they don’t enjoy Christmas because it is a time of loneliness, depression and loss. Sometimes memories associated with a previous Christmas continue to hold power over all future Christmases. Some people get stressed over family, gifts, cooking, time, travel.  Expectations can run high, only to lead to disappointment. 

We the church can help these people by reminding them they are not alone. We can tell the story of how Jesus came into the world in relative obscurity, understood our struggles, was betrayed, abandoned and killed. He understands our pain. He has dealt with emotions, loss, family, friends, misunderstandings, temptation--just like we have.

Christmas is a time of celebration. It can be enjoyed. It is for those at peace with themselves and the world around.  It is for those that love to give to others. It is also a time for those that feel lost, alone, misunderstood and abandoned.  Christmas says "I am here.  I have come to be closer to you. I will be with you when you celebrate and when you cry. I love you when you are full of joy and full of sorrow. Even when you don't believe-I will be here."  It is a time to be grateful we have a God who chooses to be with us. Even in our grinchiest moments.

Away in a Manger

"Away in a Manger"

Words

I  do like this song. I find the melody soothing and the words tender. It speaks of love and a desire to be close to Jesus and for Jesus to be close to us. As much as I love the picture this song paints, I'm not sure I like the poetic license the writer takes when he talks about the animals making noise and baby Jesus waking up and not crying.

You see, the way I read the Bible Jesus was as much of a human being as you and me. Fully human. He cried as a baby. He needed to be fed by his teenage mom. He needed his diaper changed or whatever they did back then. He had gas. He burped. He spit up. He probably had some sleepless nights as did Mary and Joseph. Jesus was not just pretending to be a little baby. He was a little baby.  

He is the creator of the universe. The one who spoke everything into existence.  The imaginator that gave us reindeer and hippos. The artist that gives us sunsets and ice coated trees. The constructor who placed the stars and the planets. The conductor who orchestrates it all. That ONE came into our world needing everything! He humbled himself to be taken care of. It was not an act. It was not a fraud. He was a little baby boy.

God in the straw has a lot to teach me about humility. My self sufficiency needs to be challenged so I don't forget my need for God and others. If God can be humble enough to be a child, can I be humble enough to ask for and accept help?  If a simple manger was good enough for a king, maybe my house is good enough for me. If God can set aside his rightful place of authority and splendor and accept living with parents and family, maybe I don't have to be right, recognized and remembered all the time.

Simplicity.  Humility.  Acceptance.  Three gifts we all could use this Christmas.

Here Comes Santa Claus

"Here Comes Santa Claus"

Words

So, this is a fun song about Christmas cheer and getting ready for Santa Claus and the anticipation of Christmas. All good things. Yet--there's this mixed up verse about Santa Claus loving the rich and poor the same because he knows we are all God's children and another about saying your prayers. But from what I’ve seen, the gifts under the tree are not stacked the same. Some have more, some have less.

Did you know, that in Christmases past, there have been volunteers from a number of different groups buying, sorting and packing gifts? There are giving trees and Shoeboxes and so much more. We are blessed to have so many chances to give to make a difference. I've seen first-hand, the joy when churches or organizations adopt a family, and provide for them beyond expectations. I've seen those tears of gratitude.

I was able to enjoy Christmases where a number of churches and individuals adopted young, single moms living in a maternity home. They provided food and necessities, but also gave according to the moms' wish lists. I've seen single moms come home with a toy from Toys for Tots, that they could never have bought for their child themselves.

Maybe I'm wrong to feel cynical about this song.  Maybe Santa Claus does love every child the same.  Maybe he counts on us helping him every Christmas.  Maybe he counts on us helping throughout the year so people who have been helped can turn around and help others--as so many of them do.  Maybe God is counting on us to do the same as well.  To be His hands and feet reaching out and giving--not so people can experience the spirit of Christmas, but so they can know the Spirit of God.  May we love all year round.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

 "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

Words


The story goes that there was a great nation founded by God and led by God.  But they wanted a king like other nations.  So God said yes.  This great nation went through many ups and downs.  They kept turning away from God, being conquered, turning back to God, being rescued, turning away from God. . . . and so on.  God sent them prophets and judges to lead them.  He promised he would bless the world through them.  Then God fell silent.  This nation no longer heard from prophets.  They were conquered and they stayed conquered.  But they had God's promises and they hung on to them with all the hope they had.  God promised to send a savior.  God promised to send a son born of a virgin.  God promised to send a light into their darkness.  God promised freedom.  So this conquered nation believed and waited and waited.  

They lived in anticipation of rescue.  Who would it be?  Would this savior be a great warrior and lead them to victory over their enemies?  Would their new king restore them to the land God promised them?  Would they be led in victory and again prosper? Who?  When?  How about now, God?  Now would be good!

But God surprised them.  He fulfilled his promises, but most people missed it.  Shepherds noticed, but scribes did not.  Astronomers noticed, but the priests did not.  Eventually fishermen, tax collectors, women, children, sick people and hurting people noticed; but the religious leaders could not or would not believe.  God sent a baby and they wanted a soldier.  God gave freedom from sin and they wanted freedom from the Romans.  God opens the way for us to know Him and be with Him and they wanted rules, not relationship.

In this song, I hear the longing of people who have hope and faith in a God who saves. This longing for a deeper relationship with God resonates in my heart as well.  I just want to cry out "Come God!  Be more with me.  Bring me deeper into you.  Be more real in my life.  Make my love more real to others.  Come Lord and light those dark areas of my soul.  Restore my broken spirit.  Lift my head so I can see your face.  Come Jesus and form me into the world changer that you have called me to be.  Come Rescuer and free me from my pettiness, my habits, my selfishness.  Come Lover of my Soul and help me to love my wife and children unconditionally.  Come Healer and make me whole from the inside out.  Come, come Emmanuel.  Come into my life and make me more like you."

We Three Kings of Orient Are

"We Three Kings of Orient Are"

Words

"Star of wonder, star of night..."  There are so many parts of this song that come to mind.  The first thing to jump out is the fact that these three wise man travelled together.   They probably had servants and hanger-ons.  So--think community.  This Christmas-don't travel alone.  If you plan on a physical or spiritual or emotional journey--take a friend.  Personal note--I know the importance of community, but I am not very good at it.

Second thought--they were seeking. They saw a star, deduced its meaning and followed it. They wanted to see the King. They prepared to see the King. They prepared to worship Him. They weren't satisfied just knowing about this King, they wanted/needed to go see the King. I would rather meet a king than just know about a king. Plus, the person they were seeking was worth the time, money and effort.  Sometimes I seek things that are stupid. This Christmas I hope to seek a joy that is worth it, not just seek more stuff.

BUT--the thing that I really think about with this song is that the the wise men were anticipators.  (Probably not a word, but let's go with it.) They didn't just happen to see a star one night and wonder what it meant.  They studied what was available to them so they were ready and knew what the star meant.  When they went on the journey, they were prepared to see the King. They brought gifts.  They brought hearts open to the King. I can imagine the conversations on the long journey: "What will he look like? Will he be in the palace? Will we be welcome? Will we get to see him?" Or maybe they believed that with this birth, the world would be changed. They anticipated watching and experiencing history.

These weeks leading up to Christmas are celebrated as Advent in some Christian practices. It is seen as a time to anticipate and prepare for the coming of Christ as a baby. There are traditions such as the advent candle and the advent calendar. Ways to mark the passing of time and build the anticipation.  

I remember one Christmas growing up when times were kind of hard around our house. We anticipated not having a lot under our tree. But then, we were blessed by members of our church sharing gifts with us.  I was so excited. The gifts came wrapped and we gathered around on Christmas Eve when they were delivered.  Mom let us open them that night.  But when we opened them, they were second hand clothes and nothing we wanted or needed. Today, I can appreciate the desire to help, but back then (as a child) it was very disappointing and disheartening.  

God is not in the business of handing out second hand gifts. He wants his best for his children. He expects us to give our best to those in need. That Christmas has served as a reminder for me to take a part in the various opportunities I have to give this year. To give something new, fun, useful, wanted.  To give like God calls me to give. To give in hopes that when that child or family receives the gift, what they anticipated will not even come close to what they have received. That is what God did on Christmas. The wise men anticipated a new King, but what they and the world got is so much more.

Anticipate, participate and celebrate.  

Be like the wise men in the Book of Matthew.

Song 1--Joy to the World

"Joy to the World"
Words

When I started talking about doing this blog with my kiddos and wife, I started to wonder what song I was going to end with.  For a while, I thought it might be Silent Night or O Holy Night.  But my kids lobbied for the "Jeremiah is a bull frog song"--that whole joy to the world, all the boys and girls.  I set them straight, but when I thought about it--this song does capture some key beliefs I have.

I believe that Jesus is the creator of all and Lord over all.  I believe that on Christmas he was born of a virgin and became a man.  Fully human.  Fully God.  I believe at the end of the day Love wins.  And I believe that this is fantastic news for everyone.

I believe, as a follower of Christ, I have reason to be joyous.  I make mistakes, but I'm not defined by my mistakes.  I sin and hurt people, but I'm not held captive to that sin.  I am forgiven.  I am free.  I am loved.  I have a relationship with the Creator God.  The joy of Christmas for me is the realization that God can and will do anything to show us his love for us.  Give up the throne of heaven for manger of straw--done.  Give up the eternal beauty of heaven for a dusty desert--done.  Let go of the right to command the stars into existence for the ability to cry and hope someone figures out you are hungry--done. 

He covers himself in humility.  Takes on the robe of our humanity.  Suffers with us.  Cries with us.  Hurts with us.  Rejoices with us.  Laughs with us.  Celebrates with us.  He truly is God with us.  This is Christmas to me.  God with us today and everyday in every circumstance.  Alleluia.  Glory to God in the Highest.

Song(s) 2--O Holy Night and Silent Night

O Holy Night and Silent Night
Words
More Words

Silent Night is a song that draws me into worship on Christmas.  It paints the Christmas picture.  You can close your eyes and see the stable.  Over there is a cow.  There's a sheep.  There's a young mother holding her newborn baby.  There's the father with a glassy look in his eyes wondering if he is up to the task. Close your eyes and hear the heavenly voices of the angels mixed with the low and rough worship of the shepherds.  The animals joining in.  The murmuring of people.  See the star shining bright--a beacon for the world to see.  This was a night when the world paused and began anew.

O Holy Night might be my favorite Christmas song.  It speaks of the world being held captive and yearning for rescue and on this night, the Rescuer showed up.  Not just for the Hebrew people.  Not just for Christ followers today, but for the world.  And the world rejoiced.  It speaks of the God in the straw, the king in the manger who will be our friend and our savior.  It speaks of the law of love and how we can now have peace.  It calls me to worship, to humility and to God. 

What a picture this song paints.  A multicolored God who breaks chains and unites.  In his name, all oppression will cease. I could go on a rant about what people do in his name that has nothing to do with oppression ceasing, but it's Christmas time so I won't.

Instead let me tell you how this song speaks to me of the God who Restores.  He came to restore people to a relationship with him.  He came to restore justice.  He came to restore freedom.  He came to restore light and chase away the darkness.  This is what he is still doing today.  Christmas is a celebration of restoration.  Of God coming to us and living with us and knowing us and being us and staying with us.  We can have justice.  We can be free.  We can begin anew. We can join with him in his restoration of the world.  This Holy Night continues in a more vibrant way each and everyday as we join with God who came to us.

Song 3--O Come, O Come Emmanuel

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
Words

I'm running out of days, but when I heard this song I just had to write about it.

The story goes that there was a great nation founded by God and led by God.  But they wanted a king like other nations.  So God said yes.  This great nation went through many ups and downs.  They kept turning away from God, being conquered, turning back to God, being rescued, turning away from God. . . . and so on.  God sent them prophets and judges to lead them.  He promised he would bless the world through them.  Then God fell silent.  This nation no longer heard from prophets.  They were conquered and they stayed conquered.  But they had God's promises and they hung on to them with all the hope they had.  God promised to send a savior.  God promised to send a son born of a virgin.  God promised to send a light into their darkness.  God promised freedom.  So this conquered nation believed and waited and waited. 

They lived in anticipation of rescue.  Who would it be?  Would this savior be a great warrior and lead them to victory over their enemies?  Would their new king restore them to the land God promised them?  Would they be led in victory and again prosper? Who?  When?  How about now, God?  Now would be good!

But God surprised them.  He fulfilled his promises, but most people missed it.  Shepherds noticed, but scribes did not.  Astronomers noticed, but the priests did not.  Eventually fishermen, tax collectors, women, children, sick people and hurting people noticed; but the religious leaders could not or would not believe.  God sent a baby and they wanted a soldier.  God gave freedom from sin and they wanted freedom from the Romans.  God opens the way for us to know Him and be with Him and they wanted rules, not relationship.

In this song, I hear the longing of people who have hope and faith in a God who saves. This longing for a deeper relationship with God resonates in my heart as well.  I just want to cry out "Come God!  Be more with me.  Bring me deeper into you.  Be more real in my life.  Make my love more real to others.  Come Lord and light those dark areas of my soul.  Restore my broken spirit.  Lift my head so I can see your face.  Come Jesus and form me into the world changer that you have called me to be.  Come Rescuer and free me from my pettiness, my habits, my selfishness.  Come Lover of my Soul and help me to love my wife and children unconditionally.  Come Healer and make me whole from the inside out.  Come, come Emmanuel.  Come into my life and make me more like you."

Song 4--Little Drummer Boy

"Little Drummer Boy"
Words

In addition to this being a really cute cartoon and a really cool duet with Bing Crosby and David Bowie--I think this is a powerful little song with a great message.  Plus just by knowing how to sing "pa rum pum pum pum"--you can sing half the song!

Nice and simple story.  A little boy, with nothing to give to the baby in the manger, comes and plays his drum for him.  Not something I recommend doing in most hospital rooms and birthing suites/stables, but it worked for him.

Each of us, no matter how rich we are or how poor we are, have something to give.  We all have talents.  We are each unique and without any one of us the world would be a poorer place.  You matter to other people and you matter to the world.  You have the power to make a difference in people's lives with a smile, a touch, a hug, a card, a song, a meal, a cookie, a call, a post.  We are surrounded by people and that means we are surrounded by chances to give.

The little drummer boy shows us courage.  He wanted to give.  He wanted to declare his love and worship and he was not going to let his social standing, his status, his class, or his clothes stand in the way of giving his gift.  He understood the greatest gift we can give to another is ourselves.  We are treasures.  We are masterpieces.  To give your talent and to serve is a gift. The little drummer boy understood that God desires humbleness.  He comes humbly to the manger, risking ridicule and rejection, and gives everything he has.  At the manger he finds acceptance and unconditional love. 

Did this little guy really understand and think about all that and dwell on the theological implications of his drumming?  No way.  He just wanted to love and worship.  This Christmas bring yourself.  Bring yourself to the others.  Bring yourself to the manger.  Bring what you have and who you are.  At the manger you will be smiled upon.  At the manger you will find unconditional love.  At the manger you will find the God who is with us.

Song 5-The Grinch Theme Song

"The Grinch Theme Song"
Words

Yet another song that I have trouble thinking about without thinking of the two Grinch movies--both of which I enjoy.  This song came up in my mind because of a Christmas service I went to on Sunday night.  I went to a church where the people love God and love others.  They are trying to make a difference in their community.  Part of the time together we heard of five local families or organizations that were going to receive a generous gift from this small church family.  People came up with ideas.  People voted on the ideas.  Now people get to carry out the ideas.  Cool stuff.

At another part of the night, the person teaching brought up Grinch and Scrooge.  He talked about how some people just don't like Christmas.  It is not a season of joy for them.  He wondered if even in our own hearts there have been times or certain aspects of Christmas that we don't like. He then asked us what does Christmas have to say to people who don't like it.  Great question.

I know of people who don't enjoy Christmas.  For some it is a time of loneliness, depression and loss. Sometimes memories associated with a previous Christmas continue to hold power over all future Christmases.  Some people get stressed over family, gifts, cooking, time, travel.  Possibly it is the building up of expectations only to be disappointed by family, friends, cooking, etc. that forms a dislike for Christmas.

So is Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year, for these people?  Where is God? The people at the church in the coffee house responded with thoughts of how Jesus came into the world in relative obscurity, understood our struggles, was betrayed, abandoned and killed.  He understands our pain.  He has dealt with emotions, loss, family, friends, misunderstandings, temptation--just like us.

Christmas is a time of celebration.  It can be enjoyed.  It is for those at peace with themselves and the world around.  It is for those that love to give to others.  It is also a time for those that feel lost, alone, misunderstood and abandoned.  Christmas says "I am here.  I have come to be closer to you.  I will be with you when you celebrate and when you cry.  I love you when you are full of joy and full of sorrow.  Even when you don't believe and struggle to live--I will be here."  It is a time to be grateful we have a God who chooses to be with us.

Song 6--Santa Claus is Coming to Town

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
Words

We take a break from the semi-deep thoughts of the previous days' songs to bring you this rant.

Santa as a chief spy of a major elf espionage team.  Sleeping, awake, good, bad.  Don't pout, don't cry.  YOU BETTER WATCH OUT!

Talk about a lesson in manipulation and conditional love.  If you are good according to Santa's standards, he will reward you with presents.  If you mess up--nothing for you!  This is a ton of pressure for a child (and me). 

As a parent, it is possible that I could have used Santa and the implicit threat of his immenent arrival as a way of behavior modification.  But this is not how I want my children to learn to choose to be good.  Yes, I want them to be good.   I don't want them to be mean.  I don't want them to pretend to be something just to get what they want.  As a parent, I don't want to bribe, trick or bully my children into acting how I want them to act.  Using those techniques is a good way to have my children act one way when they are around me and another way when they are not. 

It is also possible for them to learn that they are only lovable when they act correctly.  Scary thought.  If I don't provide a solid foundation of love and acceptance, how can I expect my child to come to me when he or she messes up?  How can they possibly see me as being able to help if I demand perfection?  Conditional love leads to perfectionism or rebellion.

And what about this not pouting or crying crap?  My desire is not for my children to be stepford children.  I want them to be able to have feelings, express those feelings and learn how to regulate those feelings.  Each of my children have different temperments and different ways of expressing themselves.  It is wrong of me to try to make them act and feel the same way.  Cry--but know why you are crying.  Pout--but know why you are pouting and what you hope to gain from it.  I want them to be the persons God has designed them to be so I think I'll let them cry and maybe even pout.

Most importantly I think I will love them no matter what and let them know that nothing in this world can ever separate them from my love for them.  Afterall, this is the love God has for each of us.  And if you think about it, is more of the love that parents try to teach their children to have for others by celebrating Santa as the giver of many presents.  This song speaks of a conditional love not the love of God or Santa.

Song 7--Away in a Manger

"Away in a Manger"
Words

I  do like this song.  I find the melody soothing and the words tender.  It speaks of love and a desire to be close to Jesus and for Jesus to be close to us.  As much as I love the picture this song paints, I'm not sure I like the poetic license the writer takes when he talks about the animals making noise and baby Jesus waking up and not crying.

You see, the way I read the Bible Jesus was as much of a human being as you and me.  Fully human.  He cried as a baby.  He needed to be fed by his teenage mom.  He needed his diaper changed or whatever they did back then.  He had gas.  He burped.  He spit up.  He probably had some sleepless nights as did Mary and Joseph.  Jesus was not just pretending to be a little baby.  He was a little baby. 

The creator of the universe.  The one who spoke everything into existence.  The imaginator that gave us giraffes and hippos.  The artist that gave us sunsets and ice coated trees.  The constructor who placed the stars and the planets.  The conductor who orchestrates it all.  That ONE came into our world needing everything!  He humbled himself to be taken care of.  It was not an act.  It was not a fraud.  He was a little baby boy.

God in the straw has a lot to teach me about humility.  My self sufficiency needs to be challenged so I don't forget my need for God and others.  If God can be humble enough to be a child, can I be humble enough to ask for and accept help?  If a manger was good enough for a king, maybe my house and cars are good enough for me.  If God can set aside his rightful place of royalty and splendor, maybe I don't have to be right, recognized and remembered all the time.

Simplicity.  Humility.  Acceptance.  Three gifts I could use this Christmas.

Song 8--It's the Most Wonderful Time

"It's the Most Wonderful Time"
Words

There may be jingle belling, good cheering, marshmallows roasting, parties, mistletoe and glowing hearts, but this song reminds me of a different reason why it's a very wonderful time for me.  Let's take a look at a Christmas past.

December 1997.  We finished a very fun Christmas show with our church where my wife directed  and I was King Herod and teenagers fed me grapes.  Good times.  Shortly thereafter, December 22nd to be exact, we find ourselves in the hospital.  It's a Monday night and the Dolphins are playing on MNF and I am watching.  Oh, and my wife is in labor with our first child.  Her parents are driving back from Wausau in hopes they will be on time.

At 1:16am on December 23rd, our son is born.  He is wonderful.  My wife did fantastic.  Her mom was supportive.  Her dad was in the hallway.  I was by her side.  The next couple of days were very magical.  Friends came and prayed with us and brought gifts and enjoyed our new addition.  Santa even came and visited in the hospital.  Eventually the flock of friends dwindled and we had alone time. 

Outside the hospital window the snow gently glided down from the heavens.  My heart was more full than it had ever been.  I was sitting in a glider rocker holding my boy and telling him a story.  A true story about a young girl, a young man and their baby, Jesus.  With tears in my eyes I told him about shepherds and angels. One manger and three wise men.  Sheep, swaddling clothes, songs and probably a drummer boy.  I told him about how much God loves him. 

We brought our tiny boy home on Christmas Day with a blanket of snow on the ground and a chill in the air.  When we got to our place, the first thing we noticed is that our Christmas tree had fallen down.  So after putting the tree back up and replacing a few ornaments, we stuck our child in a big stocking and went about capturing his first Christmas on film.  Christmas of 1997 might be my favorite Christmas. 

Is it the most wonderful time of the year?  For me it is, because of two babies:  the baby born on December 23, 1997 and the baby who's birth we celebrate on December 25th.  May you be of good cheer and may your heart glow this Christmas.

Song 9--God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
Words

Why was Christ born?  According to this song, one of the reasons was to free us from Satan's power when we go astray.  I so go astray at times.  Quick lesson--Satan is a spiritual being who decided he wanted to be in charge.  He gathered some followers and tried to take over from God.  God won.  Satan lost.  Now Satan hates all things good and all things godly.  Humans are made in the image of God.  Therefore Satan hates humans and will do anything he can to make our lives never live up to our potential and will do anything he can to keep us from God.

But do I really believe in Satan's power?  Is evil not just an abstract concept brought about by mistakes and poor choices?  Isn't evil just the absence of good?  Isn't the idea of a devil a bit outdated?  For my take on the spiritual, you can look over Song 17--"Angels We Have Heard on High."  As for evil, I believe in Satan and in evil, not just from my faith stand point, but from a personal stand point.

I look back at my active drinking days.  I was not only dependent on alcohol, but truly felt in bondage.  When I was hurting myself, I felt trapped and hated who I was.  When I was suicidal, I very much believed the only way out of pain was death.  Bondage, trapped, death.  The presence of evil in my life is very real.  I still struggle with doubt.  I still struggle with depression.  Satan hasn't given up on keeping me from freedom and from God.  He still tries on a daily basis to draw me away from the life I am meant to lead.

Do you feel trapped and enslaved in areas of your life?  Does he use money and things to control you and drive you?  Are there habits that are self-destructive that you just can't seem to break or that you just can't seem to want to break?  Is lying a way of life and not just a hobby?  Do you live in fear that someday, those you care about will see the real you and you will be left alone?  Do you feel God could not possibly care about you?

This Christmas, may this song remind you there is a love greater than the despair you feel.  There is a savior who longs to free you from the spiritual jail you are in.  There is God who offers hope, forgiveness, guidance, strength, peace and life.  Jesus was born to show us that God has the ultimate power.  He will not be stopped.  His love will not end.  His strength will not fail.  We are made in the image of God and through Jesus we can daily be remade in that image.  We can be free from the power of Satan.  Merry Christmas--receive the gift of freedom.

Song 10--Home for the Holidays

"No Place Like Home for the Holidays/Home for the Holidays"
Words

Home for the holidays.  It sounds like a great idea for some folks.  For others--not so much.  Sometimes home is where the heart is.  A man's home is his castle.  Home sweet home.  Sweet Home Alabama.  Home on the range.

Where ever or whatever your home is, I hope you find it this Christmas.  A few "home" Christmas memories for me include the Christmas I spent down in West Virginia volunteering on a Catholic Worker Farm.  We existed on donations and people were pretty generous at Christmas, so it wasn't a bad time.  I was working at a fast food place to try to pay some bills.  On Christmas Eve, I got off work and felt like going to Midnight Mass.  So, I drove to a church I knew a couple of hills away, and low and behold, their midnight mass started at 10:00pm.  HMMM.  Kind of disappointing.

Another holiday involved driving back from Minnesota to Ohio.  Going back I ran into a horrible storm and sat on the interstate outside of Minnesota for quite some time.  Another Christmas was also a snowy time and we blew a tire on the Indiana Turnpike with two kids in the car, freezing weather and snow.  (Still thankful for that state trooper who helped change the tire).  Needless to say, we don't travel much over Christmas anymore.  But travel wasn't always bad.  We had a fantastic Christmas in Webster, Wisconsin on a family homestead one year.  Cut down our own tree, made decorations.  That travel worked out great.

Recently, Christmas Day has turned into a very low key, relaxing day.  Just my wife, our kids and me.  We manage.  I know my parents would really like us to travel over Christmas, but we just aren't traveling through all this white stuff.  Christmas Day we wake up.  Get the coffee going before anything else.  Our kids then open up their presents.  Sometimes we wrap those presents.  Sometimes we hide them.  Sometimes they don't finish unwrapping because we all start playing with something.  No big deal.  There was one year when they were little, my wife and I waited downstairs watching to see them come down.  We waited.  And waited.  Finally they appeared and we got started. 

You probably have your own traditions and ways you like to do things.  Some of you may be flying this Christmas.  Some of you may be driving.  Or maybe everyone comes to you.  Whatever the case, I hope you will be surrounded by those you care about and who care about you.  May you and all your loved ones be safe and make it home for the holidays.