My hubby's grandpa just recently moved closer to us. He is living in an assisted living home, so when he moved in, he downsized A LOT. He took with him only the basic clothing and furniture he needed. This lovely man also happened to have a birthday yesterday, that we were lucky to celebrate with him. But, always the question, what do you get a man that is turning 79 that doesn't NEED anything. Well, since it is the season when we celebrate Christ's birth, I thought along those lines. What can we get for this wonderful man who loves God. I decided to get him a Nativity set for his room; the search began.
I didn't think that it would actually be the search that it turned out to be. I went to SEVEN different stores. After the first three stores, where not a single nativity was hiding amongst the throngs of Santas and snowmen, I went to a store that I KNEW would have sets, and they did. This is a religious book store and they had many, MANY sets to choose from.
I found a great one that I thought reflected Grandpa, but being the bargain shopper that am ( or try to be), I proceeded to look some more and after three more stores of not finding a single nativity set, I became quite sad. I know these stores use to carry them, because I have purchased them there before.
Aisles and aisles of Christmas finery and decoration. I even looked through all the ornaments, in hopes that a nativity ornament would be hidden amongst the glitter and shine, but no; nothing. It's so sad. While I am doing everything I can to help my children remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas, the world is forgetting the reason, or at the very least, choosing not to recognize it.
With five of the other six stores, Christ was no where to be found in any of the Christmas celebration items. Not even a simple "He is the Reason for the Season" sign; nothing.
So, I ask this of myself, am I doing everything, absolutely everything that I can to make sure that my children know that Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas? I know I could do more, and I will. All the "big ( and small) box" stores may have decided to forget why we are celebrating, but my family will not.
So, I send out this plea; remember Him. Remember the gift that God gave to each of us and the sacrifices that were made on our behalf. Teach your children and shout it to the world . . . I believe in Christ and it is that reason that we celebrate CHRISTmas!
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7 And she brought forth her afirstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the binn.
7 And she brought forth her afirstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the binn.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth bpeace, good will toward men.
(Luke 2 : 7, 13-14)
