It seems that most small communities have a Christmas parade and ours is no different. Ten years ago the grandkids were young and we drove the short distance downtown to see the parade. In 2008 it was a particularly chilly morning. The two younger granddaughters bundled up and took their front row seats to wait for the floats and festivities.

Meanwhile, their little brother had been invited to ride on one of the floats. He was one of several “Elf on a Shelf” characters. He loved every minute of the ride. As you can see, he spotted me with the camera very quickly.

This year one of these granddaughters is in college, the other a junior in high school and their little brother will be 6 feet tall. Only photos can preserve the moments and inspire the memories.

Cities and towns across the country light up their downtown areas to celebrate the Christmas season. It is a great time and opportunity to get a few family photos. I intend to just that, a little later in the season.

God sent His Son on Christmas day to save this world. Christ’s birth was announced to shepherds first, then to wise men, and finally to the world. His message of peace, love, and redemption is still being told and souls are still being saved. One day Jesus will return in a cloud to gather His people. The trumpet will sound, the sky will open and the Savior will return. Do you hear what I hear? He’s coming again.

When we pause to think about the true meaning of Christmas, there are probably several things that go through our minds. Christmas is love. Christmas is friends and family as well as the birth of Christ, but what does it all mean? What was the purpose of the birth of Christ? The Bible tells us that mankind was in need of a savior because sin had entered this world through the actions of Adam and Eve. The only one who met the qualifications of the necessary sacrifice was Christ. He came into this world to save us and provide us with the opportunity to spend eternity in His presence.

 

“Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Who knew that God would change the world through a baby boy? (Luke 2:13-14)

I try to get the lights on the house before Thanksgiving, weather permitting, and then turn them on Thanksgiving evening. I try to keep it pretty traditional. There are no flashing lights, synchronized music/light show, or projected images…just lights, red, green, and white. It’s not that I don’t care for all of the other types of displays, I just no longer have the energy or finances to invest in all sorts of animation, lights and sound. I think a simple display of lights has a way of calming the nerves and soothing the soul.

As soon as the Turkey has been consumed and the last football game has been played on Thanksgiving Day, all thoughts turn to Christmas. For children it is the most special time of year. For many adults it is a time of fond memories.

The bear in this image is about 35 years young and the rocking chair is entering it’s seventh decade. They both belong to me. One year my job required that we relocate to Dallas, TX and I would be there by myself for a couple of months, so my wife bought me a roommate. His name is Boomer. Yes, I am an Oklahoma Sooner by birth and education so it was only natural that my personal mascot carry the pride of Oklahoma. The rocking chair was something that Santa left under my tree around 70 years ago. I was probably about two. Several years ago I refinished it and now it sits under the tree again. Our grandkids have all sat in this special piece of furniture. I’ve been waiting all year for this. Have a blessed day.

Throughout history empires have risen only to fall, kingdoms have been established only to be overthrown and nations have ruled only to be replaced by a new order. But there is one kingdom that has always been and will always be. The Bible tells us that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The names of God include “The Alpha & Omega”, “I Am”.  This father of all  creation sent His son to live among us and pay the price for sin, which the Bible says, “The wages of sin is death.” Christ’s journey began in Bethlehem and ended on a hill called Calvary. Those who believe in Him will never die but will live with him forever because He Shall Reign Forever!

During the Christmas season our home, our city, and our church are filled with decorations and ornaments of the season. I enjoy photographing these scenes and vignettes to share with you. In a small way consider this your invitation to celebrate Noel and come see what God has done.

Welcome, welcome, welcome to my ninth annual Christmas Music Marathon. Each year, beginning on the Friday after Thanksgiving, I will post a new image and video celebrating Christmas. The purpose of this marathon is to give you an opportunity to take a few minutes out of your day and focus on the true meaning of the season. You will see and hear some of your favorite classic Christmas melodies and I feel pretty confident that you will be introduced to some new-to-you songs as well. So sit back give a listen and plan on stopping by each day until Christmas. I have been known to extend the celebration until the new year. One tradition within the tradition is the first song in the marathon.

Over the next few weeks all of us will be surfing the net and visiting local retailers looking for gifts for friends and family. At times, it can get pretty hectic. On that first Christmas the focus was on finding a room for the night and paying taxes. After a day of walking through malls and big box stores, pause for a few minutes and take a walk through Bethlehem. Let the celebration begin…Merry Christmas!