Tag: Christmas

The Birth and Resurrection of Christ

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment

IMG_7862This Sunday is Easter Sunday. Christ rose from the dead and He IS ALIVE.

At our house we are doing things a bit differently. Not only are we celebrating the Resurrection, we are celebrating the birth of Christ. We are Celebrating Christmas and Easter this coming Sunday. Gifts are handed out, tree is decorated and we will remember why Christ came to save us and we will celebrate that He is ALIVE. I know it sounds kinda weird, but that’s OK. I will be posting pictures of all the happenings after Sundays Celebration.

Since Christ wasn’t really born on December 25th, I don’t think He will have a problem with us celebrating on Easter Sunday. You will find people and historians that believe Jesus was born either in the spring or the fall. I don’t know when He was born, but I know without a doubt that He was born. But here is my thoughts on this and one reason we are doing Christmas and Easter together. I do want to cover a little bit about why Christmas and Easter is the most important of all observances to many Christians. I can’t speak for everyone, but I think many feel this way.

When we read Luke 2:7-8 we read, 7 “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.”

Ok, so here are my thoughts. Shepherds would not be in the fields in December. According to Luke it would suggest that Jesus could have been born in the early summer or fall. It is very cold in Judea during the month of December.  There is a really good article on Biblelight.net that goes into a lot of details about the birth of Christ and when it could or would have been. Here is the link for that http://biblelight.net/sukkoth.htm …

risenchristFor many Christians, myself included the most important holiday on the Christian calendar is Easter, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I think it is very important to remember that Christ died for my sins and all of mankind’s sins. Jesus was the atoning sacrifice.

We will all die physically unless Christ comes again while we are alive. Our death is not sufficient to atone for  our sins because atonement requires a perfect, spotless sacrifice.  Jesus, is the only perfect man who is blameless and without sin. He came to offer the pure, complete and everlasting sacrifice to remove, atone, and make eternal payment for our sin. Jesus was the sacrificial lamb.

The suffering and the glory of the coming Messiah was foretold in Isaiah chapters 52 and 53.  When we accept Jesus’ payment for our sin, His perfect and blameless sacrifice washes away our sin and restores our right standing with God. God’s mercy and grace provided a way for our salvation. There is nothing we can do on our own that will save us.

Only through Jesus Christ can our sins be forgiven, thus restoring our relationship with God and removing the separation caused by sin.

2 Corinthians 5:21 
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (NIV)

I just want to close this post with this thought.  it says in Romans 5:10, “For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life. (NLT).”

When we accept and believe in Jesus Christ our sins are paid for, and we no longer have to die an eternal death. We receive eternal life though Jesus Christ.  And this is why Jesus had to die. And this is why we need to remember why He died for us.

Jesus as a Child?

Published on by Sandie D4 Comments

ImageWhat would Jesus have been like as a Child? There isn’t too much that is mentioned about him as a child other than when he was born and when he went to the Temple at 12 yrs old. I’m left to my imagination of what it would have been like to be Jesus.

Jesus didn’t live a life that was for the wealthy, he would have lived in a modest home since Joseph was a carpenter. He would have to go out and work with his earthly father, and help bring food home for the family. Jesus would rather go out and play with his friends, but he knew he had to obey his parents and they needed his help. One of the many chores Jesus had was feeding the little lambs. It was his job to make sure they were fed and watered.

When Jesus was done with his chores, He would have gone out to play with the other children during the day. Children love games and Jesus would have not been the exception. I can see him out there in the playground playing their version of tag your it or kick the can. I’m pretty sure it would have been like a hacky sack. Children from Jesus’s time would fill a little sack with seeds and play with that. His favorite game though might have been where the children get on each others back and they try to knock down the other person or Romans and Countrymen. I guess that would be something like Cowboys and Indians ancient days style, lol. If girls were there playing, they would have asked Jesus to hold the end of the jump rope and he would have been happy to do that even when his friends would laugh at him. But Jesus was OK with that.

ImageSince Jesus had such a kind heart, he would see someone hurting because they fell down and he would be there to hold their hand and help them up and dust them off. He would be that little boy who would knock on the neighbors door to see if they needed any help. All the other parents knew that if Jesus was with their children or around that everything was OK and they were safe. He wouldn’t let anyone bully or put anyone down. He would be ready to defend them and stick up for the underdog.

I would think that he loved to study nature and watch the birds fly. If there was a little bird that fell and needed to be nurtured, he would come to his aid. Jesus would have had a favorite little lamb that would be trying to keep up with him and wait for him to come home. Boys love to fish and Jesus would have loved that too. He would go out with his friends and catch fish and bring them home for his mom to cook up. His eyes would light up over how pleased his mom was over his kindness and willingness to help feed the family. Since they had so little and was poor, all the help was appreciated.

ImageWhen the family would go on their travels each year, Jesus would stay by them until he was about twelve and thats when they went to the Temple. His mom and dad were ready to leave and they were missing Jesus. I think about my fear when my kids aren’t where they are suppose to be and they could be lost. I’m pretty sure they were pretty stressed out. They head back to find Jesus and he is found talking to others about his Father. I’m pretty sure Joseph and Mary must have been more than a little upset. They found him and asked him what he was doing and he looked at them puzzled like any child would. Well, a very smart child, lol. But he told them that He was doing His Fathers business in Luke 2:48, 49.

Jesus would have had a childhood like all the other children and would have shared those experiences. He was tempted and had to learn and mature. He was never gave into sin though, he was the perfect child and person.

Now, I would love to hear what others think Jesus’s childhood would have been like.

Christmas is Just around the Corner

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment

I can’t believe that Christmas is just a few days away. This year Christmas was pretty easy since we exchanged names and I got the grand-kids only a couple gifts each. Normally they get all kinds of gifts, but I wanted them to have quality over quantity. We will see what they think on that.

I can’t help but think about all those parents who have lost children this year and what their Christmas is going to be like. My deepest prayers go out to them. This year my church family has had more than it’s share of deaths and people returning to be with the Lord. I would like to also remember our troops and their families who are still away or who have lost someone they love.  I hope 2013 is a much better year.

I don’t want this post to be negative, so I’m going to focus on all the good things about Christmas and what it means to me.

ImageChristmas isn’t just a day, but it is a feeling that is embedded in my heart. Without the birth of Christ, there would be no reason to celebrate or to be here. Life would be pointless. Even though Christ wasn’t born on December 25th, we still celebrate. I think Christmas can be everyday because we need to remember that He gave us the greatest gift of all. I’m not talking about keeping the Christmas tree up or the lights up all year. I’m talking about how we need to be thankful and celebrate that we can have eternal life because of Christ. That is so much more to celebrate than what we prepare for on December 25th.

I would love to one year celebrate Christmas at Easter. Wouldn’t that be awesome to be able to celebrate the birth and remember how He died for us all at once? I don’t think my family would go for that, but I would like to do that. To me Christmas and Easter are the two most important observances and holidays. The rest I can do without.

One of the things about Christmas and Easter that seems to confuse my mind and that isn’t hard at all is why some choose to celebrate these days. I guess as a Christian I feel that we need to remember these days are about Christ. But then I know many who aren’t Christian and they celebrate the day. Is it just a day for family and gift giving to them or ? I guess I won’t understand that because I come from a different place. Like with Halloween when people that believe that is the day that is for darkness and such and everyone celebrates it. Well our family doesn’t, but many do. I guess its all depends on the condition of the hearts.

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and I hope that Jesus is a part of your Christmas whenever that would be.

ImageI came across someone asking a question about December 25th not being the real birthday of Christ and I liked how a couple people answered her question about where in the Bible does it say to celebrate the Birth of Christ and the date. I copied and pasted a couple of those answers.

1. The Bible does not record the dates of the birth and resurrection, but historians have a pretty good idea.

There was a astronomical event within a 4 year period of the date we state as the beginning of A.D. time (year 0) that would have looked like what was recorded in the Gospels about the star appearing, the one the wise men followed. The birth of Jesus was likely actually in April.
His death coincides with the Jewish Passover observance, so we know that was in early-late spring.

2. We are told to remember what Jesus did in His death and Resurrection; we do this when we meet as a Christian body at the breaking of Bread.

The Bible doesn’t mention that we are to celebrate Christ’s birthday. Interestingly, the only person in the Bible to celebrate their Birthday, was Herod!…Concordingly, ‘Easter’ is not a festival that Christians are told to follow either. Again as with the ‘Birthdays’, funnily enough, only Herod is recorded in the Bible celebrating Easter (Istar).
Having said that, there is nothing, in itself, wrong or sinful in regarding Christmas and Easter with great joy: not marking the day itself, but remembering and rejoicing in the event it commemorates—the miracle of Christ’s birth and resurrection. As Christians we are free to celebrate these occasions if we wish. if we do so for the right reasons.

Christmas Season is Officially Here

Published on by Sandie DLeave a comment

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With Christmas just around the corner, everyone is wanting to get into the Christmas spirit. You will find Christmas goodies and aisles lined with toys and all the things to wet our appetites  Lifetime and Hallmark TV Channels have switched over to continuous feel good Christmas programs that offer messages of hope, love and sharing with one another. Why shouldn’t they, that is what this time of the year is about, right?

ImageLooking back in time, the first Christmas was void of these items. They had no Santa, Frosty the Snowman, red and white striped candy canes and no TV’s to watch programs like Christmas Shoes to help set the mood for Christmas. What is more amazing is that the very first Christmas involved a young couple by the name of Joesph and Mary that had nothing, who gave birth to the most precious child of all in a manger. (Luke 2-4-7)

When I think back to Black Friday, I can’t help but be reminded of how far we have come from the real meaning of Christmas. Christmas isn’t only about showing kindness  helping others and giving, it was about true love. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. God gave us the first gift… The Messiah, born in the manger. Jesus was God’s gift to everyone  not just the deserving. (Colossians 3″11)

On Black Friday, while Jessica and I were standing there and watching the crowds trample others to save a few dollars here and there. It seem’s to me that people have forgotten that love isn’t hurting one another in order to give their child or another person exactly what they wanted. They have also forgotten that Christmas isn’t only about showing love for those we care about, but also for those who are undeserving. We don’t have to know the person to show love and compassion for them.

During this Christmas season, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas… Peace on Earth, Good will toward Men. (John 15:13) Instead of going out and spending all your money on those expensive toys and items that you don’t really need, how about helping others that are less fortunate. How about showing the true meaning of Christmas, and the gift of God’s love, and love others as God first loved you. This Christmas open up your heart. Let God’s love in. Receive the Gift of God’s love – “Jesus Christ.”

FYI- The word “Christmas” occurs nowhere in the Bible. It is an old English word that means “Christ’s Mass” which refers to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, i.e. the Mass. The earliest occurrence of the word on record is 1038 A.D. Christians at this time considered the Mass (Lord’s Supper) to be the most important part of the celebration of Christ’s birth, hence it came to be called Christmas.

Black Friday Madness in St. George, Utah

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Bloomington, Utah Walmart

Click here to view a video of the madness in Bloomington Utah. 

With Christmas is coming around the corner Jessica and I decided to venture out into the mad world of Black Friday. We were only wanting a couple items so we didn’t think it would be that bad. Boy oh Boy were we wrong.

Since I had to take Craig to work on Thanksgiving evening and kill some time, we decided to go to the Walmart in Bloomington, Utah. For those who don’t live in Southern Utah, it is normally filled with great people that are willing to help anyone in need. This is a wonderful community. But , and I say BUT strongly, Black Fridays the bad comes out in people.

The normally great people that is filled with love and care for their neighbors and willing to offer a helping hand stopped at the door of the Walmart. The bad evil side could be seen all around. As people were guarding their find and waiting for the clock to strike 8 pm, it was a winner take all approach.

 

 

My first item I was looking for was a Brother Sewing Machine for my daughter Beckiah. She has been wanting one for a long time and there was a sweet deal on them. I went over to the pallet that had what seemed like about 50 of them and waited for the time. The person on the intercom was announcing when it was time and the holders that work for Walmart had watches in hand. The time arrived and so did greed and hate. Once the tape was cut on all the goodies strung throughout the store, it was a mad dash. People were kicking, punching, elbowing and literally throwing themselves on the items so nobody else could take the prize they came for. I never did get the sewing machine that was for under 50 bucks. One the pallet holding them was cut, there was only about 5 sewing machines. They made it look like there was alot of them, but it was a very small amount. Police had to be called in and people had to be treated for their battle wounds.

The next items we wanted was a cell phone for my husband and I wanted the 10 dollar tri-pod for my camera. Jessica had the phone covered and I had the tri-pod. It was like people were guarding their items of choice like they were about to loose their lifeline. There was only about 15 tri-pods and maybe about the same. Jessica was able to get the cell phone after someone tried to take it out of her hands. She just about lost a nail over it and was scratched. I did get my tri-pod. I was a little devious on that one though, lol. I have a piccline in my arm and the big burly guy that had his hands on the pallet of tri-pods helped me get one. He asked why I had an IV in and I told him. He asked me how many tri-pods I needed. There was only one left and this girl had her hands on mine and the guy was between us, and he took it from her and handing it to me. I was thinking SCORE!

Everyone was saying how long the lines were at check out and yeah they were. But Jessica seen one line and the area where our stuff was at was close to the front. She secured a place in line and we were out of there in less than 5 minutes. Everyone else started charging the check out stands behind us.

OH! And I will apologize before I write this paragraph. I wish I would have taken my camera so I could post this on People at Walmart’s website. Most people came dressed warm and how a normal person would dress. But I have to say that some people should think twice about going out in public when they dress like this guy did. I actually felt bad for him. This very heavy gentleman was pushing a cart. He had to have been close to the 600 pound range. He was wearing a tshirt and grey shorts. The thing that got me and Jessica and we were right behind him is the streaks down the middle of his shorts. More than likely this guy wasn’t able to wipe himself or clean himself back there because he couldn’t reach. He walked around with no conscious and it was more than just nasty. I think someone should have told this poor guy that he needed to change or something. Maybe he has become use to it and doesn’t think anything of it, but it was just nasty in our opinion. I wanted to tell him he needed to change his pants, but I didn’t want to embarrass him more.

Some of the things that was running through my brain as we were watching the greed of people  is that they are wanting to get that perfect gift for their loved ones at a good cost. They were willing to almost kill to save a few bucks. But I had to think about what Christ would do. I wasn’t willing to risk my life for a materialistic item. Jesus paid the highest price so I could be saved. He had people trampling Him and doing whatever they could do to get what they wanted. The true meaning of Christmas was NOT found at Walmart or in the electronics department. Is this fiasco and display of greed and hate what people really think Christmas is about? I hope not.

Tomorrows post will be on a much better topic about the Church of Jesus Christ’s Temple Lighting here in St. George Utah. Even though I’m not LDS, they sure did a much better job when it came to the true spirit of Christmas than the feeding frenzy at Walmart.

Happy Thanksgiving and Week Of!

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Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless

First off, I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. I will be covering a few different topics in this blog that pretty much involves things that happen the week of Thanksgiving.

  1. The first thing is the most important thing and that is what I’m thankful for. I could name alot of things I’m not thankful for but there are even more things i am.
  • I love my family even when I get grumpy and go on my venting sprees. Sorry all. It is who I am. I have my imperfect moments like we all do.
  • I’m thankful that I can worship God in a country that lets me have that freedom.
  • I’m thankful for the rain, snow and the bright sunny days.
  • I love to wake up to the birds chirping and singing a new song each morning.
  • I’m thankful for my dogs, bird and fishes.
  • I’m thankful that I have a freedom of speech. Even if others don’t like what I think or say.
  • I’m thankful for the friends that God has put in my life, even if some are for a short time.

2. Thanksgiving should be a time to spend with your families if you choose to do that. It is a national holiday and in my opinion businesses should be closed. But there are some stores that will be open on Thursday and Friday.

ImageIf businesses choose to be open that is because usually there is a demand from the same public that is yelling about them needing to be closed. For example, when I worked at a local grocery store, I volunteered to work on Thanksgiving. They would only be open if they had enough employees volunteered to cover shifts. I usually had no problem.

But there would be no need to be open if the very same customers that were grumbling about us having to work would do their shopping before Thanksgiving. On the average of 1 in 3 customers would tell me each year how sorry they are that I had to work and that the store should be closed. But yet, here in front of me is the customer who decided they forgot something and needed last minute items. It goes back to supply and demand.

This goes for the restaurants that remain open and serve their customers who choose not to cook or have no other place to go. Most of the people that work have families too. Businesses such as Walmart and Kmart are open on Thanksgiving. The reason for that is because they know that customers will shop and someone has to wait on them and to be there to open the store. I know I sound cynical, but it is what it is. If someone is upset or angry that a business is open and making their employees work, then don’t shop there. If people stopped shopping on those days, there would be no need to have people work it.

I had to admire the way Lins Marketplace was with us. That’s the grocery store I worked at for a long time. Everyone has a choice to work or not work on Thanksgiving. They show how much they appreciate their employees in many ways. You will see them open part of the day because the employees are giving their time to serve their community.

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 3.  During the week of Thanksgiving, there is alot of focus on Black Friday. I normally don’t do Black Friday, but there are a couple items I can’t pass up on this year. My grand-kids are only getting one gift (toy) each and one outfit. I want to get them all at the same place. Since I have been very limited health wise this year, I will do it all in one day and in one swoop. But there are things that drive me crazy about this whole Black Friday and shopping on Thursday (Thanksgiving).

The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday. And I understand why businesses offer good deals and it is a time to boost their sales. I dread Black Friday and I don’t look forward to it. If people are doing Black Friday all I ask is that people be considerate of others. This is suppose to be a time of thanksgiving and celebration of the birth of Christ. It’s too bad that it has turned into a commercialism extravaganza. People will gouge each others eyes out for a bargain. It’s a mad dash of craziness and you have to watch out or you will be trampled in the process.

Every year people are hurt, walk over, beaten, slammed and sometimes killed on Black Friday. I  guess I would have to ask myself if that bargain i really worth someone else’s life.?

Question: Why Is Black Friday Called Black Friday?
Answer: Black Friday is the name given to the shopping day after Thanksgiving. It was originally called Black Friday because so many people went out to shop that it caused traffic accidents and sometimes even violence. This was first recorded in 1966 by Earl Apfelbaum, a dealer in rare stamps. In his ad, he said “‘Black Friday’ is the name which the Philadelphia Police Department has given to the Friday following Thanksgiving Day. It is not a term of endearment to them. ‘Black Friday’ officially opens the Christmas shopping season in center city, and it usually brings massive traffic jams and over-crowded sidewalks as the downtown stores are mobbed from opening to closing.” The Police Department coined the phrase to describe the mayhem surrounding the congestion of pedestrian and auto traffic in the Center City downtown area. (Source: The Chicago Tribune, “Black Friday – Why and When?)You can continue reading the history of Black Friday if you follow this link… Black Friday- What Does It Mean?Stores that will be open on Thanksgiving in my area.  You may want to call the stores to verify the hours. My source is from the Huffington Post and Retail Industries website and the companies websites. Not all places may be listed. Just what I could find info on.

  • Wal-Mart: Most stores will be open 24 hours on Thanksgiving.
  • Kmart:  -6 Am-4:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day, Kmart will re-open at 8:00 PM and stay open through 3:00 AM on Black Friday (and then re-open again at 5 AM…
  • Sears: 7 a.m. until noon on Thanksgiving
  • The Gap: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
  • Old Navy: noon to 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
  • McDonald’s locations across the country will also be open on Thanksgiving
  • Golden Corral® has special Thanksgiving and Christmas hours. Hours vary per location.
  • Denny’s is open on Thanksgiving and they have a Thanksgiving meal.
  • Black Bear Diner is open on Thanksgiving
  • Not sure if Chuck A Rama’s is open or not.
  • Cracker Barrel will start serving Turkey Dinners at 11 A.M. They will be open at 6 AM and close at 10 PM.
  • Harmons will be open from 6 AM – 4 PM and the pharmacy will be open from 10 AM-2 PM
  • Lin’s Marketplace will close at 1PM
  • Smith’s will be open until 6 p.m.
  • Albertsons is open from 6am to 5pm
  • Kohls is open, but check the store for the hours. They are going to vary depending on location. Most will not be open until midnight though…
  • Family Dollar is open from 8am-5pm
  • Michaels is open from 4pm-11pm
  • Walgreens Drug Store– They are open Thanksgiving and Christmas
  • Some Chinese restaurants are open on Thanksgiving as well. Call around to see which ones are open.

Places Closed… I may add to this list… 

  • Targets will be closed on Thanksgiving and will reopen on Friday morning… I don’t know the time they open. Shoot, I may have to do some of my shopping there just because…
  • Carlitos Mexican Restaurant in the Albertsons Plaza on Sunset is closed…
  • Banks and there will be no mail delivery

As I did this list, it seems to me that commercialism and making the almighty buck is more important than family. I choose not to go out on Thanksgiving. I will go to my daughters house. And people shouldn’t grumble about businesses being open if they are going to go shopping there. Someone does have to be there to wait on you.