I love Christmas. I love Jesus and know the value of the incarnation and still love the glitter and sparkle of the season. I think the devil was flying high until Jesus came to rescue us but I also know he shifted his attention to the things that distract us from the truth. Don’t let the devil crash Christmas. Today I revisited a Czech mall. It is 11/22 and it was all aglow with Christmas. I had been warned by library friends that Czechs are not into sparkle so purchased three straw very plain trees for a library display. I’m not sure they got the memo that the sparkle is on! I’ll attach some pictures. It is like the rumor before I arrived in Prague that wearing tennis shoes is a sure sign that I’m American. Are you kidding? Everyone wears tennis shoes. I know that the position of our hearts is what matters to God but have wondered if Santa, trees, cookies, etc are wrong. I don’t think so. The light of the world is Jesus so turn on the lights. I also think candy and halloween is acceptable. It is the position of our hearts but then there is the matter of not causing our brother to stumble. I don’t want to assist the devil in his goal to take Christmas away from the truth. Small changes I have made after my children launched is more nativities than Santas and a white tree with sacred and other decor. Greet your many friends with cards that announce the truth about the meaning of Christmas. Spoil the kids and grandkids. Donate to charities. Look for the people the Lord will send your way for gospel conversations because there will be many mentions of Jesus. Don’t waste money (I’ll leave those suggestions up to you). Include the lonely in your celebrations because we have a good excuse for parties. Defeat the devil by focusing on the truth. Read a chapter in the Gospel of Luke beginning with December one. Advent teaches the littles to think of Jesus. We will get around to finishing the story on Easter but for now, retake the power of the season! I love announcements of good news. Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 1:26-34, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The prince of Peace”. This means everything and demands our best use of December.
Sidewalks are like mosaics in Prague. Shiny mall, straw trees, plus work on the walkways.
