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18. BEHOLD: The Re-arranger
There are certain things required, in many people’s minds, to build the perfect Christmas. From the tree to the gifts to the food to the company, every piece fits just so to create beloved traditions and memories. To make it all fit, couches get pushed back. Coat racks get cleared off the rack. Space is…
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17. BEHOLD: The Surprise
Shh, it’s a surprise. That’s what we say when we pick out unexpected gifts and tell others about them before Christmas day. On Christmas morning, we want our loved ones to open their gifts and light up with delight over the surprises inside. We make goodies for friends and randomly bring cookies to work, just…
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16. BEHOLD: The Light of the World
These photos are from Longwood Gardens (visit if ever you get the chance!) The Christmas display at Longwood is gorgeous. At night, it’s mind-blowing. There are lights everywhere. Half a million light strands, actually. As you walk around, the whole property is dark. Acres and acres of pitch black. There are no street lamps to…
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15. BEHOLD: The Calm
Crazy days. Crazy illnesses, crazy injuries. Crazy times with students. Crazy plans to keep up with. Crazy lots to get done. Crazy excitement ahead. Everything is crazy these days. Has anyone else hit that point yet? Regardless of the careful planning ahead, Christmas always seem to come with craziness. It must have during the first…
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14. BEHOLD: The One Worthy
You better be good, for goodness’ sake. You’ll get coal in your stocking if you aren’t nice this year. You’d better make this Christmas one to remember, or you could ruin it for everyone. Be worthy: it’s what Christmas is all about. Except…at Christmas we remember Christ coming. The only one of whom we can…
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13. BEHOLD: The Author and Editor
Oh, the stories that come with Christmas! Tales of wild festivities, hilarious memories, and sentimental moments. At Christmas we also face stories we’d rather not; disappointing and painful memories are often whispering in the background. One story we also hear tells of Christ’s coming to earth to save us. This is the greatest story, and…
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12. BEHOLD: His Sacrifice
Little babies are one of the most precious blessings to behold in this world. We look on them with awe and wonder –their little hands and feet. Their tiny personalities. The miracle of new life in so small and fragile a package. When Christ became a baby, new life was not born. He had long…
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11. BEHOLD: The Brave
Isn’t it silly which things require bravery? Saying “no” to a friend’s Christmas invitation seems scary because they might be offended. Choosing that particular gift can be frightening because it may not be what they wanted and it will hurt to see it rejected. Telling a co-worker about the Christmas Eve service carries risks. These…
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10. BEHOLD: The Adorner
Why do we decorate at Christmas time? Jesus was born in a manger, and yet many of us to celebrate his birth deck out our whole houses. It takes years to accumulate complete sets of decorations –from expensive pieces to enough simple lights to cover the trees, banisters, and yard. For some, it takes almost…
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9. BEHOLD: Our Treasurer
People tend to count often in December. Fastidious budgeters often check their bank accounts multiple times a day during December. Others tally what’s left in their wallets. Some people take the time to count their blessings. I know I’ve also counted the hours in the day and the tasks left to complete. December is a month…