Tag Archives: Christmas

This Little Light of Mine

The garage door opened and she watched as her husband walked through the living room carrying a ladder.  She stopped him, calling out, “Honey—uhm—what are you doing?” He paused.  “Taking down the holiday cheer.” “Oh good,” she smiled.  “It’s January 11, after all.” He didn’t smile.  “We’ve been getting some complaints from the Homeowners’ AssociationContinue reading “This Little Light of Mine”

I Really Don’t Care How You Feel About Santa Claus

As a former children’s pastor, I had many interesting conversations with parents about the difficult conversations they’ve had with their children.  A lot of parents seem to have huge concerns and issues with Disney and Harry Potter.  They worry about certain television shows and video games.  But what really surprises me is the number ofContinue reading “I Really Don’t Care How You Feel About Santa Claus”

December 1st: The Andy Williams Christmas Album

I listened to the local Christmas music station for about 30 minutes today. Spaced apart by about 2 hours, I was annoyed by all the commercials and the way the DJ’s referred to themselves with holiday nicknames.  I was also bugged that in the 30 minutes I listened, I heard two of the same songs:Continue reading “December 1st: The Andy Williams Christmas Album”

Christmas Music 2011

Walk into your local Target and you’ll see an endcap full of Christmas music.  There’s a few collections made just for Target, usually a young newer artist who puts out an EP exclusive, and there will be some collection CD’s re-releasing the same 24 versions of the same 24 songs that have been on nearlyContinue reading “Christmas Music 2011”

One Child

Christmas is the season of light and hope. It’s the celebration of that moment in time when heaven and earth met—when God wrapped himself in humanity and became not a conquering hero, but a tiny, helpless baby.  Just one child among millions born into this world.  And yet, this One Child—this is the One ChildContinue reading “One Child”

Christmas Music of the Day, Part Two: Let’s Sing a Song of Christmas

Yesterday began my attempt to introduce a Christmas album a day until December 25th. Some nice responses, including one from my sister-in-law, who informed me that her whole family enjoys listening to The Animals’ Christmas, which was my first suggestion.  I think that’s a great idea, actually.  Most people put Christmas music on just toContinue reading “Christmas Music of the Day, Part Two: Let’s Sing a Song of Christmas”

Bring a Torch

“It is Jesus, good folk of the village! Beautiful is the mother — beautiful is her Child.” “Why?” she asked. “Because that is what we do on Christmas,” came the answer. “But why?” “Really, Jeannie.  You know perfectly well why we open presents.  It’s to show our love for each other and our love forContinue reading “Bring a Torch”

Ah, Bleak and Chill the Winter Wind

“Ah, bleak and chill the wintry wind, but colder far be he who hath no warmth of love to share.” She had been standing on the corner since morning.  The skies had clouded up, and the first hints of winter snow fell.   But she was standing on the corner, wrapped tightly in her winter coat,Continue reading “Ah, Bleak and Chill the Winter Wind”

Heaven’s Fairer Eye

Christmas is less than a month away.  The buying, the carol-singing, the decorating, suddenly all of these things are the most important and I’m filled with what some sage has termed, “the spirit of the season.” But I pause.  I stop and I reflect and look at those carols. They are songs to be sungContinue reading “Heaven’s Fairer Eye”