HCIKFS: Birthday of a King

I cannot take credit for most of the body of this post.  Someone sent me the following piece of comparative writing about seven years ago.  I saved it to my flash drive and each year at Christmastime, I read it.  It helps put things in perspective for me.  If I am caught up in the hustle and bustle of the world’s idea of Christmas, it reminds me that we’re supposed to be celebrating a birthday.  I think the prose goes especially well with “Birthday of a King.”

http://kkeitel.blog.is

Why JESUS is Better than Santa Claus

        (author unknown)

Santa lives at the North Pole.  JESUS is every where.

 Santa rides in a sleigh.  JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

 Santa comes but once a year.  JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.  JESUS supplies all your needs.

 Santa comes down your chimney.  JESUS stands at your door, knocks, and then enters your heart .

You have to stand in line to see Santa.  JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.  JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

http://www.wikipedia.com

Santa doesn’t know your name.  All he can say is “Hi little boy or girl.  What’ s your name?” JESUS knew our name before we did.  Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.  JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is “H0, Ho, Ho.”  JESUS offers health, help, and hope.

Santa says, “You better not cry.” JESUS says, “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa ‘s little helpers make toys.  JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes. and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree.   JESUS became our Gift and died on a tree.

t’s obvious there is really no comparison . We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about .

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.  Jesus is still the Reason for the season.

“Birthday of a King” (Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir)

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HCIKFS: Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)

 The angel told her,“Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God.  You will become pregnant, give birth to a Son, and name Him Jesus.  He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High.  The Lord God will give Him the throne of his ancestor David.  Your Son will be King of Jacob’s people forever, and His kingdom will never end.”  Luke 1:30-33 (GOD’S WORD translation)

To be visited by an angel and to have received the message that Mary received would seem overwhelming at best.  But Mary’s response to this message was the very reason that she was chosen by God:  “I am the Lord’s servant.  Let everything that you’ve said happen to me.” (Luke 1:38 GWT)

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I first heard “Breath of Heaven” years ago.  I am a huge Amy Grant fan and in this song, she vocalized all the things that Mary may have “pondered in her heart.”  Oh, that I should ponder more things and keep my mouth shut.  Oh, that I would realize that because of my salvation, each day I have the “Breath of Heaven” in me.

Breath of Heaven (Amy Grant)

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HCIKFS: Christmas This Year

Dear Friends and Followers:  Thank you for allowing me to have October and November off to celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary (the celebration was memorable and special — when I get our pictures back, I plan to write about the day and post many pictures) and to do some work for my church’s new phone directory that is due out in January 2013.  I am so glad to be writing again.  With so many wonderful Christmas songs, I have decided that the rest of December is going to be a “How Can I Keep from Singing?” Christmas song festival.  God bless each and every one of you.  Sandy

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TobyMac doesn’t realize it, but his biggest fan lives in Wade, North Carolina.  Cailin, who sings in the Crusader Choir at Culbreth Memorial UMC, is such a big fan that when I was choosing Christmas songs for our 2012 Christmas concert, I was pleased when I found “Christmas This Year.”

http://www.turnbacktogod.com

I have to say that the Christmas music the children will be singing on Sunday evening, December 16th, has been a smashing success in rehearsals.  It does my heart good to see them all singing and smiling while we practice.  The best thing is that the smiles aren’t just facial expressions — these kids are singing from their hearts.  They are on a mission to promote the birth of Jesus with a celebration that will make our Savior smile.

If you happen to be in Fayetteville that Sunday, I invite you to our little concert.  This children’s choir and the adult choir will be presenting our special Christmas music beginning at 6:00pm that night.  If you come, you can hear my buddy, Cailin, singing her solo on “Christmas this Year.”

TobyMac would be so proud!

Christmas This Year (TobyMac)

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