Whatever is Pure Archives
 I Lift My Eyes Christian Books |
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Big Book of Holiday and Bible Celebrations: 30 Ready-to-Use Bible Lessons for 6 to 12
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The Case for Christmas By Lee Strobel You never know who may start asking life-changing questions this Christmas. Here's a great way to share the gospel---and the true reason for the season! The Case for Christ author and journalist Strobel investigates the facts behind Luke 2:8--18 and asks: Was it all a hoax---or truly the pivotal event of human history? 112 pages, softcover from Zondervan. |
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A Heart That Dances: Satisfy Your Desire for Intimacy with God
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Can Martha Have A Mary Christmas?: Untangling Expectations and Truly Experiencing Jesus
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Whatever is Pure - Christmas 2003
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
I had a birthday party, most everybody came.
They danced and ate and had a ball
But no one spoke My name.
They gave each other presents, as nice as they could be.
People came from far and near, But no one mentioned Me.
The stores were filled with shoppers,
The restaurants crowded out,
But no one seemed to really know what the party was about.
They talked about a reindeer. I think Rudolph was his name.
Then someone mentioned "Jesus"
And they hung their heads in shame.
You see, it was My birthday. they didn't even know.
That is why from heaven My heart is grieving so.
I came to earth from heaven on that first Christmas day--
Born in a lowly manger From sin to show the way.
I died one day on Calvary, on a cruel Roman cross
To save a world of sinners From a life of awful loss.
When you next have a party, with presents, friends and tree,
Remember Me, your Savior Whose birth has set you free.
-- Jesus
PS: I am coming again soon.
Donald Arey, Sr
Mary's Heart
From the moment of the first angelic word
Mary kept and pondered in her heart all she heard.
Who shaped the humble character of one so young
To receive the promise of GOD's beloved SON,
And be willing to bear the gossip and the scorn
Of those around her, six months before HE was born?
What was in her heart when HE was just a lad
When reminded, gently Joseph's not HIS dad?
I wonder if when HE caused sibling strife to cease
Did she see HIM as the ETERNAL PRINCE of PEACE?
Did her mother-heart swell with loving pride that day
When HE made the sweet wine that "took their breath away"?
Was she there when the FATHER sent the SPIRIT dove?
Did she sense HIS presence and rejoice in HIS love?
Did she follow closely and marvel at HIS fame,
When folks from far and near began to speak HIS name?
What were her thoughts when suddenly HE was taken?
Did HIS trial and crucifixion leave her shaken?
Who taught her such love to impart a faith so strong,
To sustain from HIS birth and whole earthly life long?
Did her heart leap with joy at the words, "HE's not here!
HE's risen!"...all HE said before HE died, now clear!
And when HE arose back to HEAVEN from her sight,
The heart of Mary amazed, in awe of HIS might
As GOD, and EVERLASTING FATHER, she knew HIM!
WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, now her SAVIOUR from sin!
From the moment of the first angelic word,
Mary kept and pondered in her heart all she heard.
May we like Mary reflect on all HE has done,
As we wish "A Blessed CHRISTmas" to everyone!
~December 2003~
Copyright Linda Smith
Against Such Things, There is No Law
I have a new friend, his name is Rick. Rick was born with Cerebral Palsy and a severe Intellectual disability. Rick cannot speak, but can hear and with patience I've learned to understand his communications. the greatest of these communications comes through his smile when he sees me, and his warm hugs.
Rick is, as I am learning, a very inwardly free person. the things that matter most to Rick are people. He is an expert at accepting people as they are and without judgment. He is an expert at putting people at ease, even though I believe he knows how difficult it is for them to see past his disabilities. Rick loves life and has become a teacher to me, he is teaching me to become inwardly free.
IN the beginning of December, Rick began wearing a Santa hat and carrying bells in is pocket that jingle when he walks. Being in public places with Rick has been a bit of challenge for me but one I was learning to overcome, until this. My personal notions of what was acceptable in public were being challenged more, I honestly felt uncomfortable. After walking through the whole shopping mall with him I was glad when we arrived back at his home.
On my way home that night I stopped by to visit my kid's at their Mom's house. When I arrived there my seven-year-old son was wearing a Santa cap and had a bell hanging around his neck. When I inquired about it his Mom told me that he wouldn't take them off and insisted on wearing them everywhere they went. When I arrived home that night I felt that this required some contemplation on my part. So I began to think.
Neither my friend Rick nor my son are rebellious people, neither are they exhibitionist types in need of attention. This draws me to only one conclusion. Both Rick and my son are people who have a joy in their heart that they feel about the coming of Christmas, wearing the hat and carrying the bells is their simple outward expression of this wonderful inward joy. Paul writes in the book of Galatians "God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient... there is no law against behaving in any of these ways." This experience has made me ask myself if there are no laws, why do I make them? Thank you Rick and Timothy for leading me closer to the heart of God.
Bob - Alberta Canada
Blessings of Christmas - For More Christmas inspiration including poetry, scripture, stories, quotes, devotionals and resources for churches and families.
Christmas 2003, Survey
We asked the following questions and received the following answers:
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
3. Share briefly the most significant Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
Some of the answers we received are poignant, others full of humour, we do hope you are blessed.
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
When the doctor phoned and said I would get an early Christmas gift...the tests were in... We were finally pregnant... after 4 plus years. and we got to tell everyone on Christmas Eve!!
If you want a more material moment... A princess dress when I was six...it was a great twirl dress and it had many layers... I will be probably wearing a rendition of this in the new kingdom with more layers and sparkles though...lol
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
A quilted scene of a Scottish Christmas!
3. Share briefly the most significant Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
One Christmas Eve we did a live skit with a live donkey. I wanted the ultimate of surprise, especially for the children.. the story was titled "Get the Donkey Out of the Church". We walked the donkey around... listened to it whine (that would be hee haw in donkey language ) (did I mention loudly) all the way through dinner...and drove it all the way home, late Christmas Eve.
Then we worried that he'd create his own manger aroma while at the altar..... Our Scottish minister, dressed in his kilt pushed the donkey into the church., down the center isle to the spotlight. He was good with the stubborn ones..
Christmas Eve was about the donkey, all day long, and then giving him the star role (he sure earned it)...I was glad to get rid of the donkey and get back to the real meaning of Christmas and the simplicity of Christ.
Though it was a cute memory for the children. I worried the whole time he was tied up to our carport that he'd run away with a beam and the carport in tow... Once that cute miniature donkey was gone I could see Jesus in Christmas, and the stubbornness in me to push this through! It was a Christmas memory full of repentance.
with fitly timing and the right price.
and the one who was willing to pay the price for me loved me through
Lauri - BC Canada
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
..Cannot remember the last time I received a Christmas gift that wasn't a candle or box of chocolates
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
Best gift I gave was a CD sung by the band of some friends of mine who had lost contact with the person I sent the CD too. In Alaska!
3. Share briefly The most significant Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
Christmas to me has always been a bittersweet time as my family always fights etc. I spend my Christmas at work, and the afternoon with my kids alone and bored. Last year I watched Ben Hur and was touched by the rain at the foot of the cross it reminded me of the love and sacrifice and was beautiful.
M - Australia
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
Hubby & I were in SF CA from summer 61 to 63 where he was assigned to the 6th Army flight detachment as an Army pilot. Christmas 62 was during the Cuban crisis and hubby was sent the week of Thanksgiving to fly staff on the east coast. Remember this was before the age of cell phones and e-mail. I knew little about his mission and did not know when he would return. He arrived back in SF on Christmas Eve in time for Christmas with me.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
This would have to be Christmas of 61 when I was released from the hospital a couple days before Christmas. I had been there since Dec. 2 where I had undergone two surgeries for cancer at the age of 24. I hope my hubby considered my return home following more than 3 weeks in the hospital a gift!
3. Share briefly The most significant Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
This would be two years ago following 9/11. We have only one child, a son age 37 who is married with two little boys, age 4 & 6. Since the oldest was born hubby and I have spend Christmas Eve and Christmas with them in Clarksville TN, near Ft. Campbell. Two years ago we had an early supper and attended their church Christmas Eve candlelight service where the Lord's Supper was served to each family group. The turnout was enormous with many young military families present. The music was beautiful and the service ended with the entire congregation, each holding a candle, singing the Hallelujah Chorus.
Marge USA
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
The Best Gift I ever received for Christmas would have to be a set of books from our son, the title of them isn't significant it was the thought behind them. You see I collect dinner bells, I have quite a few.. so when our son I think he was 7 or 8 at the time got me the books for Christmas, I opened them, thanked him.. and than he pipes up "Well I was going to get you a bell for Christmas, but you have to many LOL ROFL... twas the cutest....
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
The Best Gift I ever Gave for Christmas would have to have been the year we sent Myke and Jaime to see their father for Christmas without their knowing anything about it. I drove them into the city to stay with friends overnight cause their plane left the next morning. they thought we were going into do some last minute shopping, Tricky part was I had to transport their new winter jackets without them seeing them.. So I stuffed them in garbage bags and said they were our blankets and pillows... the kids were sitting on the couch at hubby's cousins place and I threw them the bags, and said open them up.. so they did, Winter Jackets they were puzzled, I said Merry Christmas your going to need them in Calgary... they were so surprised..
3. Share briefly the most significant Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
The Christmas we spent up North would stick out in my mind when we were able to share with the kids the true meaning of Christmas. We didn't have much and were only able to give them socks and slippers and a new pair of P.J's.. they were so thankful and have never forgotten, and still say that was the best Christmas ever... We strung popcorn, and sang carols and just spent time together with the Lord.
Jeanie BC Canada
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
A pair of slippers, hand knit by the mother of a family who invited me into their home to spend Christmas with them in Northern Ontario. the gift of their love and hospitality will stay with me forever. They were a missionary family and had very little but were truly generous.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
Perhaps it wasn't the best gift, but I still get a giggle every time I think of it. I was around 11 and had no money at all for gifts. So I went around the house and gathered up items that were in storage. One brother got one bookend, the other brother, its match. I found a green and purple scarf in my drawer one day and wrapped it up and gave it to my mother, who later told me she put it in MY drawer as she couldn't stand it.
3. Share briefly a significant Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
I was in missions, in Hawaii, in 1983. While it sounds like a tropical paradise, I was thousands of miles from home and it was pouring rain, flooding major roads, etc, and I was stranded about 90 minutes from any major town. I missed the snow, I missed my family, I missed my culture, I hadn't seen my family, outside of flying home for a funeral, in over a year. My mother entrusted a relative who was visiting Hawaii to buy my gift for me, and as this relative didn't know me very well, she picked something out that was totally 'not me'. I remember sitting on the floor of a dorm, sitting beside a pathetic branch from a palm tree we had strung up with popcorn and paper chains and bawling like a baby when I opened my one gift under the tree, feeling so homesick. But I choked back the tears and those of us who were left behind, who didn't have the funds to go home for Christmas joined together for a simple Christmas dinner. After dinner we gathered in a small living room and gave Jesus gifts, one sang a song, others recited a poem, two girls performed a creative dance, and there were writings, and there was even a painting was done by one person. I understood, maybe for the first time, Christmas was about JESUS. And I felt loved.
As a side note, I put the dress that was given me in a clothing exchange room we had that we nicknamed "the Boutique", people traveling to other climates or needing clothes could visit the room and grab clothes they might need. I came back a few weeks later after a short outreach and found a lady wearing the dress. She had no idea of course, where it came from, but in conversation over lunch, she glowingly shared with me how much she loved the gift God had given her, how it was the perfect colour for her, even the right length and fit her wonderfully, and she could tell it was brand new and never worn. God went to a lot of trouble to pick out the perfect gift for her and blessed me in the process.
Katherine Alberta Canada
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
Two children born December 13th, 1968 and 1971.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
Myself.
3. Share briefly a Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
My mother died of Alzheimer's Disease in 1991. She had been a beautiful spirit and a wonderful Christian woman prior to this disease consuming her life. Our minister said such beautiful words about her at the funeral and we all knew she would be in heaven waiting for us if we just had the sense to let the Lord be the basis of our lives. My daughter and my son were both baptized soon after and gave their hearts to the Lord. After years of back-sliding, I returned at this time and rededicated my life as well. This awareness has given me a greater joy and love for the Lord and I strive to keep Him in my heart every day as if it was Christmas.
Sharon USA
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
I do not think I ever did receive a bad gift that I recall. But it seemed I knew which ones were from the heart.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
The best gift I gave for Christmas was when I could give all I could and had nothing to spare afterwards.
3. Share briefly a Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
It was the Christmas i had the measles I was very young and very sick, I just excepted the Lord the previous Easter and I was the only Christian in my family. I prayed Christmas Eve and the next day I was clear as a bell no spots anywhere or did I have any temperature. the funny thing about it all was I had no training in how to pray no discipleship or any thing, I just knew I had to talk to someone and that Someone listened.
Griz, WY USA
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
The best gift I ever received for Christmas was a box of 4 different perfumes from my (then boyfriend) now husband. We had just started seeing each other and I couldn't believe that he really liked me - I couldn't believe that any man would want to be with me - he gave me a lovely little card saying they were beautiful perfumes for a beautiful lady. I was just so moved that he could think that about me - that was Christmas 2000. It wasn't the actual gift that was so precious - even though they were beautiful - it was the card and the thoughts he expressed - that I was special and beautiful. It was the first time in my life - aged 36 at the time that anyone had ever thought that about me.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
The best gift I ever gave for Christmas was an early present to my daughter this year - a trip home to new Zealand - we only moved here this year and she has been wonderful - it has been really difficult for her and she has been great through it all - but I know how homesick she is and how much she misses her friends and our family still there so we gave her the tickets and she goes for 3 weeks straight after Christmas. Just seeing her happiness is worth everything
3. Share briefly a Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
The most significant Christmas for me was the year after I became a Christian (5 years ago) I was asked to do a reading at Church on Christmas eve and I was so scared because I was really struggling with who I was and feeling very unworthy. I also was asked to decorate the church and with some friends we had it all in candlelight. It was so beautiful and that Christmas Eve as everyone was singing Christmas Carols by candlelight I was really aware of all that Jesus did for me. Coming as a helpless baby and going through his life to his death just became so real and I don't know how but somehow my relationship with Jesus became so much more real - so true and intimate from that night on. Somehow I knew that as I stood up to do the reading - Jesus wonderful Counselor - that He was right there with us and would never leave. it's really hard to explain but a night I will never forget.
Moira - Australia
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
It took me a while to think of it. But I guess it would be the Christmas my mom gave me my suitcase with the wheels. It was when I was going to Abbotsford and Calgary a lot. That summer I had been visiting with my mom and I mentioned that it would be cool that have a suit case with the wheels and handle to pull it. After that conversation I thought no more about it. I didn't even put it on a list or tell any one else about it. But that Christmas, the last present I opened was this nice suitcase that was embroidered fabric and had wheels and a handle. I couldn't believe that my mom would remember that and buy it for me. that was really cool.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
This one I didn't have to think about. Hands Down it was last Christmas. When I made my mom and my sister Creative Memories Albums. My mom's was a Thank you for all the things she's taught me or we've done etc etc. and to tell her how much she means to me. My sister's was more to show her that I've loved her through all the years and enjoy the time we have together. It was fun to watch them open them and look through them. the expressions on their face was priceless. I know they both love them. And that made it worth it all.
3. Share briefly a Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
I wasn't sure how to answer this one.... But I would say that last Christmas would be it. I was able to give to my mom and sister something worth more than anything else that I've Ever given. My mom went away for Christmas so I was home by myself. but I had my other family, my church family. I was able to celebrate the birth of Christ. I was able to worship on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And that was wonderful experience for me. My worship team sang on Christmas Day morning. It as wonderful to be in that setting celebrating the birth of Christ and worship our heavenly Father. And I was with my brother's and sister's in Christ so I was never really alone.
Marnie BC Canada
The first question was a "no brainer"...I came up with the answer without giving a thought. The greatest gift of all was wrapped in "swaddling clothes." Hey, I should write a poem about that...heh, heh...okay, so I already wrote one.
The answer to the second question, I had to mull over a bit, but I think I have a satisfactory answer. You see, I'm ashamed to say, but naturally, I think I am a selfish person. The LORD is working on that however, I'm sure. I really agonize over gifts I give...is it the right color, will she/he like it, be able to use it, or enjoy it? then, there is the matter of price! I like to shop for bargains and really have a problem with the cost of things sometimes. When I thought back over all the CHRISTmas, birthday, graduation, baby shower, bridal shower, wedding gifts I've given, not one of them really was a truly great gift, in my opinion. A lot of times, many of the above occasions seem to overlap and it seems like all I'm doing is shopping for things or writing checks to give away.
There was, however, one incident that stands out over all the rest of "things" I've given. One day this past summer, I come out of the grocery store, put my groceries into the trunk of my car, returned my shopping cart, and was just about to back out of the parking space, when a young lady appeared at the passenger side window. I rolled the window down and she gave me a "hard luck" story about being out of town, out of money, out of gas, no food, etc ...would I be able to give her some money for some gas to get home (somewhere in Florida, I believe) or money for food? I said..."no, I won't give you money, but, I will go with you into the grocery store and buy some food for you and your traveling companions." She seemed almost startled at first, but did accompany me into the store and we shopped for some nourishing food and bottled water to meet their immediate need. I really don't remember the details the rest of her "story", but then I did end up giving her some money with instructions to buy some gasoline. I also gave her a gospel tract and told her I would be praying for her safe travel home. She hugged me and said she was overwhelmed by my kindness. I really suspected that she was making up the whole story, but hoped I had somehow made an impact upon her life in that small way and gave to her "the gift" that would point her to the SAVIOR.
I think, after I "grew up", I always really wanted to have CHRIST in CHRISTMAS and Easter where HE belongs. I never told my kids about "Santa Claus" and the "Easter Bunny". Something my brother-in-law said, I never forgot...not quite his exact words but "if you tell your kids there's a Santa and an Easter Bunny, and JESUS CHRIST...some day they find out there is no Santa, no Easter Bunny, will they wonder, too, about JESUS CHRIST?" Hubby and I have always tried to stress, in our family that HE truly is "the reason for the season".
Linda, SC USA
You can a poem written by Linda for this Christmas Season on the upper half of this page.
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
The cozy blanket from my in-laws, it may not have been what was thought to be the "ideal gift", but it has carried me through many traumatic events (it was with me and my Dad when he died and it was in the hospital with me when my son was born) and has been a great source of comfort.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
Well, it was not "one gift" so much as the year I purchased presents for all of my family with MY OWN money - I was never so proud as when I was able to translate my hard work into thoughtfulness for all those that I loved.
3. Share briefly a Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
My (first) father-in-law was hurt very badly in an accident on the 23rd of December (1989/90) and was in hospital for one month with severe burns - his funeral was held on the 25th of January (on a bitterly cold Alberta winter day). The following Christmas was, of course, extremely different for my (then) husband and his family (as well as the weather being almost tropical for that time of year, what with golfers out on Christmas day). The changes in my life (as well as those around me) over the course of the year made me realize "The reason for the season" should be forefront in everyone's mind and I do not go through the holidays without thanking God for the very fact of another day with those that I love surrounding me.
Jamie also included the following tidbit that landed in her email:
I recently heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable and hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she and the kids finally made it to the elevator. She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, buy that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, etc. Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way in and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot." From the back of the car, everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry, we already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.
Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing...in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be. Jamie - BC Canada
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
This is a hard question cos the best gifts I got for my birthday that I remember most. But I would say it depends on the time but books have been a big hit and even the jigsaw I got last year in the shape of a cat.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
This too is hard cos the best gift I gave was a birthday gift for mum I made her a special photo album but for Christmas, Mum says she doesn't know what she would do with out the pick-up-stick I gave her so I guess that's on of the best gifts.
3. Share briefly a Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
I am not sure about this either, I think its possibly at a carols service were we have community singing and thinking of the Birth of Jesus. and thinking about it now it would have been at a broadcast of carols in recent years after the Bali bombing and bush fires and other major disasters and then the peace of Christmas and seeing everyone pulling together to help make Christmas special for the ones in trouble. This makes you realize how special Christmas is and the real meaning of Christmas.
Jenny
Christmas is still brand new for me. I never gave or received any present (Christmas or birthday) until last year so my experience is very little. Actually I am not comfortable with receiving gifts and I usually run in the other direction. My husband is still trying to change that in me but I am still work in progress. I love Christmas but what makes Christmas special for me is not presents. I love Christmas because it is very special time of year and we can show love to anybody and they almost always return it. Why don't people show that side of themselves during rest of year? Maybe because in some ways Christmas can make us feel like children again.
Sarah USA
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
Now to why I wrote-my best gift was from my brother, Mike, when I was a single mom. I had a hard time paying the bills and would use the credit card for everything & got into a lot of debt, and Mike found out I hadn't been able to pay the gas bill for several months and under the tree when everyone left was a check from "Santa Claus" (the Lord) written for my whole bill. That touched me so much. As I was thinking about it-my best gifts came from when I was in my greatest need-groceries from the church and gifts for the kids and I. The gifts for me were so perfect-a beautiful sweater in my favourite colors & hearts on it, which I really liked. Then to boot-a heart pin, which wasn't a cheap one and still wear it on my winter coat to this day-God picked out the gifts because the church was very big & nobody knew the person they were buying for. That was my proof God was not only filling a need, but giving me a perfect gift, that was so me. Yes, my best gifts were when my needs were being met, they meant so much & I look back at them with the knowledge God was taking care of us.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
I think the best gift I've given that I didn't even know it at the time, was in a Christmas card I gave our car mechanic a couple years ago. I wrote a note in the card telling him how much we appreciated him & his honesty & integrity, great work, etc. He looked me in the eye when I saw him and sincerely said how much the personal note meant to him and thanks so much for it over & over again & I realized that maybe nobody ever complimented him before & that apparently he needed the encouragement, for whatever reason.
3. Share briefly a Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
Something that still brings me back with fond memories is the year in the 80's when John, my son, was in the play at church, "I'll be home for Christmas". The son was in the service & his father & he were at odds before he went in. He came home on leave, but the father wouldn't go to church Christmas eve. Then he start thinking back to when he was serving the Lord, got down on his knees-repented and met his family at church & also asked his son for forgiveness, then start serving the Lord again. That helped me through the years, that Johnny will remember some day what it was like being a Christian and come back to his heavenly father.
Barbara, Il, USA
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
When my brother accepted Jesus as his Saviour just shortly before Christmas several years ago. Although he is not the type of person who would be at ease speaking in front of crowd, to my surprise he went forward at church (he got saved at home when the pastor visited), he not only gave his testimony of being saved but also asked anyone who was not saved to come forward to accept Christ.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
It is so hard to let go of the hurt bitterness when someone wounds you deeply, especially when you feel that you did nothing to deserve it. But when I prayed, I felt God's still quiet voice nudging me and felt led to go to person. I asked their forgiveness if I had hurt them in any way. Although this person still does not speak to me, I know I did right,
3. Share briefly a Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
Christmas has become such a unchristian-like holiday in that most of us have forgotten what the true meaning of Christmas is. So one Christmas I decided to not give any gifts to family and friends but instead gave to people who were in need. It was best Christmas I ever had.
Lavelle AL USA
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
Please allow me to quote the words of a song that was given to me many years ago. Barbara Streisand has also recorded this on one of her albums. It's called "The Best Gift"
The best gift
That I ever got
Didn't really weigh a lot
It didn't have a ribbon 'round
And it sometimes made the terrible sound
The best of all it seems to me
It wasn't 'neath the Christmas tree
And yet, I guess I'd have to say
That it made all the other presents twice as gay
The best gift that I've ever known
I'd always wanted most to own
Yet in my dreams of sugar and spice
I never thought it could be so nice
The best gift that I ever get
Was sometimes dry and sometimes wet
Was usually pink but oftentimes red
As it lay so innocently in it's bed
The best gift of the year to me
The one I hold most dear to me
A gift that simply drove me wild
Was a tiny new born child...
That tiny newborn child, by the way, will be 23 yrs old this month. Not only did our Lord bless me with her then, he continues to bless me with her now. The Holy Spirit of God is working on me through her, and although the changes He wants to make in me are difficult for me, she is daily proof of what He will do in my life if I stop being stubborn and give control to Him. I am humbled and grateful for this precious gift!
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
Well, this year, I'm going to give myself back to Jesus. I'm taking this broken useless pot back to the Master Potter and will ask Him to fix it. To touch it and heal it. To re-mold and re-shape it into a useful vessel for Him. Because for too long now I've tried to do it my way .....I've tried to do it myself; and I have failed time and time again. This year, I give myself back to HIM and OBEY and TRUST and put the FAITH I have always had to the test.
3. Share briefly a Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
This year my Christmas experience came early .......a loving and convicting conversation with my spirit-filled daughter has made be finally "get off the fence" and start living my life for Christ and giving HIM control.
Denise KS USA
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
The best gift I ever received for Christmas was being able to come home from the hospital for Christmas Day last year. Christmas Day has always been special, but I would have felt very badly if I had missed Christmas with my 8 yr old son and even worse if I couldn't have been home for Jesse's first Christmas (he was born dec. 16). I was in the hospital for about 6 weeks beginning Dec. 16th. I got to come home twice and I was blessed to spend Christmas Day and New Years Day with my children and family. The best tangible gift from Santa was the game of Perfection.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
The best gift I ever gave at Christmas was a book and tape to my son John. I knew he liked it and had wanted it so I surprised him with it on Christmas eve. we listened to it together and that made it special.
3. Share briefly a Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
My son John, who is now 8, is my best reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. When he was small and we would read a Christmas story he always wanted to read the Christmas story from the bible as well. He told me constantly about how Christmas was about Jesus and celebrating his birth. Even as he has gotten older he tells me that it isn't about presents..........that's just how we show people that we love them. We have already gotten the best gift of all---Jesus.
Jana
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
The best gift I ever received was my then girlfriend (now wife) saying she would marry me.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
The best I ever gave was inviting a bottle picker and his daughter to our house for Christmas Dinner.
3. Share briefly a Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
When I was in grade 2,we lived in Vancouver. On Christmas Eve we put out cookies and milk for Santa and went to bed. later on I heard a noise and thought it was Santa. I snuck down the hall to see but there was Mom and Dad putting presents under the tree and eating the cookies. I went back to bed and never said a word about what I had seen. I think I knew then that there had to be something or somebody other than Santa Claus to celebrate at Christmas.
Also one year my aunt was dying of cancer and knew it would be her last time with the family all together. She asked me why I was not coming home, I couldn't afford it, she sent me a ticket so we could be together one last time.
Dave AB Canada
1. What was the best gift you ever received for Christmas?
The best gift I received for Christmas was a video-writer. It was something like a computer, only not quite as technical. I loved it because it helped to jump-start my writing career.
2. What was the best gift you ever gave for Christmas?
The best gift I gave for Christmas was several gifts to my family back in 1966. I used up my entire check, which was about $45.00, on my family. I bought presents for my mom and dad, two sisters and a brother. I also bought a Christmas tree for the $10.00 I had left. I was over six feet tall and when the presents were laid out under the tree, they spilled over into the hallway--leading to the staircase upstairs. When my brother came down and saw all of the presents, his happy expression made it all worthwhile. It was a wonderful Christmas and being able to give so much gave me great happiness.
3. Share briefly a Christmas experience that has drawn you closer to Christ or brought you back to the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
The most significant Christmas experience that drew me closer to Christ was when we lived in an old log cabin, didn't have much money and it snowed over two feet of snow. We were snowbound, didn't have a lot but it was one of the happiest Christmas' of all! That Christmas I came to Christ--due to a Billy Graham crusade and found the peace and joy I was so desperately seeking.
Toni
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