What would it have mattered if Christ had been born in Bethlehem. if He had not fulfilled the mission God had for him? He must go the way of the Cross that He might arise with a mighty resurrection.
~Percy F Rockwood
It's been over a month since I've blogged. I was so thankful when Melanie told me last week she had a post ready if I needed it. (If you haven't read it, do. She has a great gift idea that could be adapted to Christmas, too.) Writing deadlines, a wonderful visit from my parents and Christmas decorating kept me busy. I'm so eager to get back to posting and to visit all your blogs, too.
Today, I thought I would take you on a journey of my trees.
From where I sit in our office/family room, I can see the grandchildren's snowman tree. Fiber optic and filled with white snowflakes, blue snowmen teardrop ornaments, foam snowmen made by the grands and chocolate marshmallow treats for when they visit. Blue snowflake throws are folded on the backs of the chairs and on Pawpaw's desk a snowman plays Winter Wonderland on a decorated miniature piano.
After a quick kiss under the mistletoe, we're in Gingerbread Land. The tree glows and the gingerbread lights twinkle. We can choose a snack from the cookie jar or a drink from gingerbread glasses gifted from a friend. From teapots to tea towels gingerbread children have taken over my kitchen
On the dining room table tall ruby candle goblets flicker. A wreath hangs on the open china hutch door that showcases my cardinal tea pot set and other winter cardinal dishes. No tree in here (although the fresh poinsettia might count!) -- but cardinals sit regally, waiting for snow.
The silver bathroom tree is dressed in antique pink and light green, while in our bedroom the heart tree reminds us of the 37 years we've been together. And...the wall art suggests, "Let's meet under the mistletoe and have a Merry Christmas."
These trees are all festive and we enjoy them. But when I enter the french doors into the living room I am enveloped by the Reason for this season -- the birth of our Lord. Blown glass ornaments hang from the tree, nativity sets grace tables and hearth and music boxes play carols. Under the tree lays a children's book, "The Story of Christmas," waiting for our grandchildren.
You see, the season is about God's gift -- the gift of His Son. It's easy to focus on the birth of a sweet Baby, yet the story doesn't stop there. For I cannot think of God's gift without out thinking of the grown man -- Jesus -- and of His acceptance of His Father's will. This gracious, sacrificial gift from our God would not have accomplished it's purpose without Jesus' willingness to die for our sins.
This tree is the largest -- signifying the importance trees played in the life of Christ. He was laid in a wooden manger, assisted His earthly father in the carpenter shop, and preached from a wooden boat. Then, doing the will of the One who sent Him to earth, was crucified on a wooden cross. Crucified for my sins and yours. My heart rejoices in this truth.
This morning I paused beside the tree to trace Jesus' life as illustrated in the tree decorations -- the angel's announcement to Mary, His birth, the visit from the Shepherds and presentation of gifts from the wise men. And then my eyes fell on the cross where Christ's story could have come to the end. But it didn't! He's alive and I am His daughter -- a daughter of the King of Kings! Because He lives I can celebrate His birth. In the glow of tree lights I bowed my head in worship, singing softly, "Oh come let us adore Him--Christ the Lord!"
Do you have a recipe, craft or sewing project, a blog post sure to encourage us, or other sheltering idea you’d like to share? Link up and enjoy the ideas. I like keeping the rules simple:
Megan Carver from First Comes Love won the giveaway from last week. Megan is praying for the servant heart of Mary this week. How many of you will join her?
This week's giveaway is Touching Wonder by John Blase and Storytime Stickers: The First Christmas. I think you will love the book and you can shelter your child or one you know with the sticker book.
~Percy F Rockwood
It's been over a month since I've blogged. I was so thankful when Melanie told me last week she had a post ready if I needed it. (If you haven't read it, do. She has a great gift idea that could be adapted to Christmas, too.) Writing deadlines, a wonderful visit from my parents and Christmas decorating kept me busy. I'm so eager to get back to posting and to visit all your blogs, too.
Today, I thought I would take you on a journey of my trees.
From where I sit in our office/family room, I can see the grandchildren's snowman tree. Fiber optic and filled with white snowflakes, blue snowmen teardrop ornaments, foam snowmen made by the grands and chocolate marshmallow treats for when they visit. Blue snowflake throws are folded on the backs of the chairs and on Pawpaw's desk a snowman plays Winter Wonderland on a decorated miniature piano.
After a quick kiss under the mistletoe, we're in Gingerbread Land. The tree glows and the gingerbread lights twinkle. We can choose a snack from the cookie jar or a drink from gingerbread glasses gifted from a friend. From teapots to tea towels gingerbread children have taken over my kitchen
On the dining room table tall ruby candle goblets flicker. A wreath hangs on the open china hutch door that showcases my cardinal tea pot set and other winter cardinal dishes. No tree in here (although the fresh poinsettia might count!) -- but cardinals sit regally, waiting for snow.
The silver bathroom tree is dressed in antique pink and light green, while in our bedroom the heart tree reminds us of the 37 years we've been together. And...the wall art suggests, "Let's meet under the mistletoe and have a Merry Christmas."
These trees are all festive and we enjoy them. But when I enter the french doors into the living room I am enveloped by the Reason for this season -- the birth of our Lord. Blown glass ornaments hang from the tree, nativity sets grace tables and hearth and music boxes play carols. Under the tree lays a children's book, "The Story of Christmas," waiting for our grandchildren.
You see, the season is about God's gift -- the gift of His Son. It's easy to focus on the birth of a sweet Baby, yet the story doesn't stop there. For I cannot think of God's gift without out thinking of the grown man -- Jesus -- and of His acceptance of His Father's will. This gracious, sacrificial gift from our God would not have accomplished it's purpose without Jesus' willingness to die for our sins.
This tree is the largest -- signifying the importance trees played in the life of Christ. He was laid in a wooden manger, assisted His earthly father in the carpenter shop, and preached from a wooden boat. Then, doing the will of the One who sent Him to earth, was crucified on a wooden cross. Crucified for my sins and yours. My heart rejoices in this truth.
This morning I paused beside the tree to trace Jesus' life as illustrated in the tree decorations -- the angel's announcement to Mary, His birth, the visit from the Shepherds and presentation of gifts from the wise men. And then my eyes fell on the cross where Christ's story could have come to the end. But it didn't! He's alive and I am His daughter -- a daughter of the King of Kings! Because He lives I can celebrate His birth. In the glow of tree lights I bowed my head in worship, singing softly, "Oh come let us adore Him--Christ the Lord!"
Sharing the Shelter Linky and Giveaway
The giveaway is open to all my readers -- just leave a comment.
Do you have a recipe, craft or sewing project, a blog post sure to encourage us, or other sheltering idea you’d like to share? Link up and enjoy the ideas. I like keeping the rules simple:
- Grab my button or leave a text link-back
- Visit the two blogs before yours
- Shelter someone!
Megan Carver from First Comes Love won the giveaway from last week. Megan is praying for the servant heart of Mary this week. How many of you will join her?
This week's giveaway is Touching Wonder by John Blase and Storytime Stickers: The First Christmas. I think you will love the book and you can shelter your child or one you know with the sticker book.
Linked to:
27 comments:
Oh, Pamela! Your house sounds like a virtual "Wonderland" (with your living room being "ONE-derland")!
Thanks for describing your rooms & themes. I can just "see" them.
Your trees are glorious and how right that the BIG tree is the important one about the birth of Jesus.
How lovely to have all those trees...and of course we know the most important one!
What a sweet giveaway. I hope you'll stop by and visit me again tomorrow and enter my giveaway. I think you'll like it! Your trees are all beautiful and your post is so well written. Happy Holidays!
Enjoyed reading :)
Pamela---thank you! I needed a little bit of Christmas inspiration--I will be back.
I have to agree too--I needed that inspiration to prepare for this Christmas Season. I love how you pulled together all of the tree references that pertained to Jesus throughout His life. :)
What a beautiful home ~ It all sounds just wonderful. :-)
Thanks for sharing your lovely home.
I would love to pop over for a cup of tea and see all your trees and hear your thoughts as you sit by those trees.
Fondly,
Glenda
Your trees are wonderful! Glad to see you back, I've missed you and I was wondering of something was wrong :) You have been busy.
What a wonderful way to focus on the reason for the season. Linked up one of my posts.
Pamela, Thank you for inspiring me and your lovely home. Thank you for visiting my blog!!
Your house sounds like a cozy place to visit --- love all your themed tree ideas -- especially the "big" one.
Wow--you have some beautiful decorations! You are making great memories for your family. And meaningful ones too. Blessings to you, Pamela.
I especially loved reading about your living room, and the big tree there. All about Jesus, that's what it is all about -- Jesus, and His love for us.
Everything about your site is beautiful. Everything.
God bless you!
shelter someone...love that....you talk about your faith so beautifully....
How wonderful.. I can imagine how festive your home is with all the wonderful trees... I am so glad I found your beautiful blog.. I am going to follow along. I hope you will stop by and visit with me and follow along too. Your love for Jesus is evident.. I love that.. Blessings!
Pamela...how wonderful your house must be in this Christmas season. Beautiful post...Blessings
What a beautiful home...I enjoyed reading about your special trees. Oh, yes, Come let us adore Him!
Hi Pamela, your pictures are so pretty; you are very energetic to already have so many trees up! We don't have our "one" tree up yet, but we did bring the decorations in from the garage yesterday.
Good for you for getting so much accomplished in your writing. I haven't been on my blog very much either.
Thank you so much for stopping by to see me the other day, I appreciate you!
Kathy M.
Beautifully written post my friend! Thank you for sharing! Have a blessed week! ;-)
Beautiful ornaments Pam! To tell the lovliest story, thanks a lot for sharing. Have a super blessed day!
Love
Sounds beautiful, Pam! Thanks so much for your generosity, and many Christmas blessings to you and your family!
Thanks so much for the linkup!! Maybe you'd like to come over to mine today at WholeHearted Home Wednesdays :-) and share a post or two. I am always blessed when I stop by your blog.
What beautiful and meaningful decorations.
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