Candy Cane Tradition

In the late 1800's a candy maker in Indiana wanted to express the meaning of Christmas through a symbol made of candy. He came up with the idea of bending one of his white candy sticks into the shape of a Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols of Christ's love and sacrifice through the Candy Cane. First, he used a plain white peppermint stick. The color white symbolizes the purity and sinless nature of Jesus. Next, he added three small stripes to symbolize the pain inflicted upon Jesus before His death on the cross. There are three of them to represent the Holy Trinity. He added a bold stripe to represent the blood Jesus shed for mankind. When looked at with the crook on top, it looks like a shepherd's staff because Jesus is the shepherd of man. If you turn it upside down, it becomes the letter J symbolizing the first letter in Jesus' name. The candy maker made these candy canes for Christmas, so everyone would remember what Christmas is all about.

When giving candy canes to your children this Christmas, use the moment to explain to them what it represents. As they eat it, remind them of how much God loves them.

The use of Holly to Decorate for Christmas

Holly had been an integral part of early English folklore. It easily made the transition with its sharply pointed leaves symbolizing the crown-of-thorns and the red berries symbolizing the drops of Christ's blood. The tradition of hanging a holly wreath on the door at Christmas began during the 17th Century and signified a home that celebrated the birth of Christ.

As you see holly this holiday see, please remember that it not only signifies Christmas and the joy of the birth of Christ, but also reminds us of the gift of the shedding of his blood. Every drop of his blood that was shed had purpose. Recognize its value and receive his precious gift available to you this Christmas.

Why Poinsettias at Christmas

Poinsettias are native to Mexico. They were named after America's first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett. He brought the plants to America in 1828. The Mexicans in the eighteenth century thought the plants were symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem. Thus the Poinsettia became associated with the Christmas season. The actual flower of the poinsettia is small and yellow. But surrounding the flower are large, bright red leaves, often mistaken for petals.

As you see poinsettias decorating our homes and businesses this year, remember that they stand for the birth of Christ and the message of salvation. The most precious gift.

Origins -Christmas Traditions

CHRISTMAS TREE TRADITION

The Christmas Tree originated in Germany in the 16th century. It was common for the Germanic people to decorate fir trees, both inside and out, with roses, apples were hung to represent the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden. By the 17th Century Christmas markets were held to sell not only the trees but also decorations. Originally limited to either white or red decorations to symbolize Innocence and Knowledge. It is believed that Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, was the first to light a Christmas tree with candles. While coming home one dark winter's night near Christmas, he was struck with the beauty of the starlight shining through the branches of a small fir tree outside his home. He duplicated the starlight by using candles attached to the branches of his indoor Christmas tree. The Christmas tree was not widely used in Britain until the 19th century. It was brought to America by the Pennsylvania Germans in the 1820's.

As we explore the origins of our Christmas traditions, let us remember that Christ is the center of all of them. The literal meaning of Christmas is to celebrate Christ. Let us remember to truly celebrate him, this holiday season.

Measuring Spiritual Growth

The Lord challenged me recently to measure my spiritual growth. He asked me,"Do you trust me?". My answer was certainly Lord. He said "then why are you not at peace?." (Ouch!). Then he said, "Are you thankful?" I replied of course I am Lord, you have done so much for me. He answered, "Then why are you not filled with joy?" (Ouch, ouch!). Then he asked, "Do you love me?" I answered you know I love you Lord. He replied, "Are you obeying me in ALL things?" (Ouch again!).

It is a good thing to periodically take a spiritual inventory. You might be surprised at what you find. But don't stop there. When you recognize areas that you are struggling in, ask God to help you overcome. The best tool that you have to strengthen you during your struggles is the Word of God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the Word will teach you, guide you, give you reassurance, remind you of things God has already done for you, and strengthen you to resist temptation.

Just a bit of Food For Thought

Waiting on God

12 Steps to Waiting on God

Waiting on God is not a passive waste of time where you do nothing. As the farmer waits for his crop to mature, he still has a lot of work that he is doing in preparation for the coming harvest.

The same is true for those who successfully wait on God.

1. Seek God's Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

2. Spend time in the Word - This renews your strength (Isaiah 40:31)

3. Keep you Joy (Nehemiah 8:10) - make it a point to enjoy your life while you are waiting.

4. Stay expectant: Something Good is going to happen to me today! (John 10:10)

5. Believe- Do not doubt (James 1:6-8)

6. Use promises in the Word to keep your faith strong (2 Corinthians 1:18-22)

7. Do not give up - stay persistent (James 1:1-4)

8. Continue to dilgently seek God (Hebrews 11:6)

9. Look to grow (James 1:4 and Hebrews 6:1-3)

10. Stay focused on Jesus (Hebrews 2:2)

11. Give thanks - for what God has already done for you-- and give thanks in faith for what He is about to do. (Hebrews 12:28)

12. Be prepared and willing to get out of the boat (Matthew 14:22-33)

Just a bit of Food for Thought

Thankfulness

Many of us are aware that we should be thankful for all God has done for us. But how many of us truly practice a thankful lifestyle or work to cultivate a thankful heart. Thankfulness does not come naturally. Our flesh is naturally self centered, selfish and concerned about what it does not have.

Take this test. Tonight, before going to sleep, review your day and write down every time that you complained, worried, or spoke negatively today. Each time you did this you were being ungrateful for what God has already done in your life. Think about it. Many of us have made a lifestyle of complaining, worrying and being negative. Make an effort to change this in your life starting today. Each time you realize you are complaining, worrying or saying something negative, search your mind for a positive thought instead.
Just a bit of Food for Thought