Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! Whether you are home or away to celebrate this year, do know that “ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”. Hebrews 13:8
He is the One who is the focus of our thoughts, celebration and hope when we think of Christmas. Without Him, the celebration of Christmas would be empty and meaningless.
The days leading up to the birth of Christ found Joseph and his family traveling “home” to Bethlehem. “Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazereth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David.” Luke 2:4
All the people had to return to their hometowns for a census, which coincided with the time of Jesus’ birth. This actually was the plan of God. That where Joseph came from, and eventually where Jesus came from, mattered in the grand plan. Jesus’ home was a fulfillment of prophecies that foretold He would be born in Bethlehem. The Messiah, Saviour of the people, would be born in Bethlehem. Joseph’s return home was a perfectly orchestrated part of God’s plan.
Home is different things to different people! We may not all have the same memories and experiences from home, but where we come from still matters. Did you know that God planned
every detail of you BEFORE you were born? Psalm 139:13-15 says, “ For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in that secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth.”
What sights and sounds say “home” to you? This year we are excited to have all of our children and grandchildren coming for a 24 hour period of time under our roof together. That is a wonderful blessing as distance and jobs many times keeps that from happening. For our family, the dining room seems to be the favorite place to settle. The table will be stretched out as far as it can go, probably along with extra tables to accomodate all of us now. There won’t be too many spaces left untouched after everyone gets here. But the chaos and chatter will be a blessing to both Dan and me. We look forward to this special time. We love having them all come “home” to the farm where they were born and raised. As long as we are “able”, we hope it will continue.
Food is probably one of the main things most families cherish when they think about going home. Christmas sharing usually includes snacking at some point in the time of celebration. The following recipe was shared with me from Jean Runkle after our Bible Study Fellowship enjoyed it. It seemed like a great idea for our family during our time of presents, games, and relaxing. I can just see many hands grabbing some chips or crackers to go along with this tasty dip. Maybe Dan and I will munch on it too when we sit down to enjoy a great Christmas movie, one of our favorite activities of this season.
Taco Dip
8 oz. cream cheese (room temp.)
16 oz. sour cream
1 pkg. taco seasoning
Mix together and spread in a 11 by 17 pan. Spread the following on top:
Salsa
Finely chopped onions
Shredded lettuce
Black olives
Shredded cheese
Any other toppings your taste likes!!
(Jean brought it in a pretty glass dish and served it with tostado chips. It is also good on crackers.)
Just an added thought as I think about Christmas movies. A few years ago we happened upon the movie, Silent Night. It is told through a young boy’s eyes, based on a true story from World War II. It is filled with courage, restores faith, and offers a lesson in the true spirit and meaning of Christmas.
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