In all the busy stuff at this time of year, it is nice to have gentle reminders of why we are celebrating. This past Saturday night we had our church Christmas party. We usually have a big turkey dinner followed by some carols and children singing. This year however, it was very simple. Everyone brought soup, or dessert and rolls & butter were provided. It was a lovely meal and a lot less work for so many people. After dinner we watched a program which took individual characters from the Nativity and they each spoke and explained the symbols of Christmas.
Rebekah was Mary
Her husband, Alex, was Joseph
At the end of the evening, our young children sang
The simplicity of it all brought to mind how simple His birth was. Yet that simplicity impacted the world in a way that meant it would never be the same again. Whether you believe in the Christmas story or not, I hope you will be touched by the special spirit which is abundant at this time of year - the spirit of Christ. May we all think on this as we scurry around to prepare for Christmas and take time to ponder the birth of the baby in Bethlehem.
This looks like a lovely evening. I haven't been to a Nativity play in a few years but I always enjoyed them. Thank you for your calming words and important reminders.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely evening Jennifer. Next weekend our church puts on a live outdoor Nativity with live animals and music. We are going with our 21 month old Grandaughter so it will be extra special this year as I know she is going to love it! I'm sure there will be photos to follow. Have a wonderful Christmas with your little ones!
DeleteThank you for sharing the lovely time that you were able to share with your congregation. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Amy. It was a lovely evening.
DeleteJulie, I can imagine you had a wonderful family evening. I think so many people forget or (in some cases) dont even know why we celebrate Christmas anymore. Especially here in UK, some schools dont always tell children about the nativity in case they offend those of other faiths. My little granddaughter O who will be 3 next month has been telling me about Mary, 'Josie (dont think she can say Joseph yet!) and baby Jesus, but she is brought up in the Catholic faith and regularly goes to mass with her mum and auntie.I feel quite sad about it all sometimes. The most wonderful christmas memories I have are of watching my children and grandchildren in nativity plays.
ReplyDeleteSo reassuring to know that some children still know the Nativity story. Like England, we don't see a lot of this in schools anymore. I heard about a startling conversation recently. In school a child was talking to another child about God and the other child said "What is God?"! Now, I can understand that some kids may not know the Christmas story - but not to have even heard about God?! I fear that in the name of political correctness, we have gone too far! There is room for all of us. I am not in the least offended if someone wishes me "Happy Hanukkah". Let's get real, people! At least people in the stores are beginning to say "Merry Christmas" again - a couple of years ago, they were told to say "Happy Holidays" and some people went as far as to call a Christmas tree, a holiday tree. Utter nonsense! So, on that note.....Merry Christmas Anne. Hope you have a lovely time with family and facetiming (I just made up a word) with your Aussie ones.
DeleteJulie, just to let you know the parcel arrived and has been well received (aka chocolate eaten and it was delicious). Have written a post on it (not the chocolate)...well that too, but the gifts. So thank you for the lovely Christmas Gifts as they have been greatly appreciated. Some time back I bought a crochet DVD and some hooks and some wool and the kids and I sat and watched the instructional DVD and we all made chains. I thought my daughter (7 years old) would be into it but James (9 years old then, now 10) got into it to and made a big long chain. Well today when I was cooking dinner he had the crochet book out and was making a chain circle and showed me (now not to be too sexist or old fashioned.....I don't go around making my son do crochet as such...he does play AFL footy and I teach him how to cook etc. however I thought you might get a kick out of that little story that while I was cooking he had already opened the book and was learning how to make a circle. It made me giggle...so the book has been well received by everyone and Sienna thinks the blanket that I want to crochet is lovely.
ReplyDeletehttp://oursimpleandmeaningfullife.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/presents-from-canada.html
Your Christmas decorations around the house are lovely and your wooden (I think) nativity set is beautiful. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas together. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
Please tell James I am very impressed and look forward to seeing some photos of his work on your blog! The Nativity set we have is from Willow tree. I know they sell them in in the UK as I bought some in England for my sister when we were there. Maybe you can find them in Australia. They do all kinds of beautiful statues. Here is their website if you want to take a look. http://www.willowtree.com/ So glad you liked the gifts. Have a wonderful Christmas!
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