Taking Christ out of Christmas?

Stephen and I are noticing a new trend among many churches over the last several years that is really sad to us: not having church service if Christmas falls on a Sunday.  This happened several years ago and we are noticing it again this year.

What?  Not having church on Christmas?  Have we forgotten what Christmas is about? Our culture tends to think it is about family and gifts, however as born again believers we ought to respect our Lord and Savior by having a service, no matter how inconvenient or how big or small. 

I have often heard believers complain about the secular media taking Christ out of Christmas; specifically by not saying "Merry Christmas."  First, why do we expect non-believers to act as believers and second, are we not doing that same thing by forgoing church services?

As my husband and I are in disbelief at this seemingly growing trend, I can't help but wonder what Jesus thinks. Is He proud of us?  Can we not make room for Him?  Can we not sacrifice whatever it takes to meet with Him as a body of Christ on His day [Sunday] and on the day we celebrate His birth? It makes me sad and frustrated that we expect others to keep Christ in Christmas, yet forgo our "Christ-mass"  by canceling services.  Back in the day it would have been unheard of to not meet at a church on Christmas! Several churches in our area, including big ones have canceled services.  There are some people that never step foot in a church unless it's a holiday.  What if...just what if that might have been the service they gave their life over to the Lord?

As believers we can't be hypocrits.  The world loves to use hypocrisy of believers to not come to Him.  Let's not give them another reason too, and lets be an example to the world what this season is about no matter what personal sacrifices or inconveniences we must make!  Christmas is about Christ; it's not about what wish list we have, what food we'll have for dinner or who is coming over.  Sure, those things are nice and I do believe they can have a place at Christmas and on Christmas day and be a blessing; but I do believe Christ should come first. Lets not leave the "mass" out of Christmas.

I am Thankful, cont.

I had a perfect opportunity to practice more of what I wrote about in my previous post.  As I attended a Christmas party last night I was bombarded with my baby who is in an attachment phase [if that's what you want to call it] and a toddler that needs what feels like my constant attention, yet is very independent and strong willed [but so precious and funny]. So I had a crying baby who didn't want to be put down, a toddler needing to be fed all while wanting to do it herself and being very vocal about that, and myself wanting to enjoy my friends and eat too!

I was really frustrated, but in the midst of my frustration I kept telling myself over and over:

I am thankful I have two children. I am thankful I have been giving these precious kids. 

My facial expressions probably didn't relay that [which I need to work on], but in the midst of not being able to enjoy conversation with friends at first and feeling frustrated, I am again grateful for what I have been given and actively kept reminding myself of these precious gifts. My girls are a large part of my world and a gift beyond measure.  I can't imagine life without them. I have a husband who is such a good father and help. He never complains about rescuing me; changing diapers, feeding the kids, entertaining them or initating helping.  I am constantly reminded what a treasure I have in him as well and have never met anyone like him. He is one of the best papa's!

It's amazing how other people's trials can affect you for the better, if you allow them to.

I am Thankful

As I sit here, I reflect on all that is going on around me.  A college friend lost her full term baby last week, someone else we know has a severely disabled 2 year old who has been in and out of the hospital over the last couple of months-this last bout for over 21 days, college friends of ours lost their 2 year old this summer and we have a young man in our church, only 22 years old, who has battled a severe case of cancer nearly his whole 1.5 year marriage and from what I know will probably join the Lord soon.  

Why does God allow such heartache?  Why such severe pain and trials?  I wish I had some beautifully worded and perfect answer, but I don't. It's as simple as that- I don't know why.

Many tears have been shed by my husband and me as we pray for and think about these situations above.  Even as I sit here and type I can't help but cry. These situations have certainly made me more thankful for what I have.  It's also made me realize life is so short and to TREASURE what I have.

I am thankful that even when my babies wake up in the middle of the night, I get to comfort them.

I am thankful that when naptime is cut short for whatever reason, I have a child waiting for me.

I am thankful when my babies are having a bad day and crying and crying, I have a child.

I am thankful when it's one of those really hard parenting days, that I am a parent.

I am thankful for the time I've had with my girls.

I am thankful for my husband and nearly 10 year marriage.

I am thankful.