Christmas here...

SuperDaddy and I decided to have a tree this year and it was very fun putting it up together last night.  Last year we decided not to have a tree, but this year, we did.  It was a tough decision to make because we want to keep Christ the focus of Christmas.  But we decided that the tree doesn't have to take away from Christ either.  So we put one up and are enjoying it.  My favor part of the tree is the little navitity scene on the tree, our reminder that Christmas is about Christ not the tree or gifts under it.  But we do give gifts in remembrance of Christs ultimate gift.  He was and is the gift to the world. 

 John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

So here are a few photos of our Christmas trees.  One in the living room and one in the foyer.  Enjoy!

What is Christmas?

Is Christmas about the packages, gifts, family gatherings, giving, receiving?  These aren't bad, aweful, or sinful things by no means.  In fact, giving is very important, as well as spending time together as a family.  But what is the heart of Christmas?

Over 2000 years ago, Christmas began with a tiny baby born in a manger.  Who is this baby?  The one and only Savior of God's people.  The story is complete in the book of Luke...

The Christmas Story
Luke 2:1-20

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ [a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.