I have been a bit behind this holiday season. It always happens when Thanksgiving falls so late in November. I have just finished baking my cookies which I normally have done by December 15th. I wrapped gifts this morning and put them under my tree, again at least a week later than normal. I realize that I need to do something different this year since Christmas looks different to me.
I am very much a traditionalist. I have to use the same dishes for Christmas meals, bake certain cookies in honor of my sweet grandma and hide a pickle ornament on our Christmas tree for Lexie to find even though she is now 25 and no longer looks for it. I also have to watch classic holiday movies in my comfy holiday pants all day long one day during the season. This year I looked at those movies differently. I took the classic lines from each movie and found a Bible verse to emphasis the meaning. I would like to tell you about a few.
I don’t think we can ever celebrate the holiday without watching, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. In the movie Zuzu Bailey ( a small girl) says to her father, “Look Daddy. Teacher says, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” I love being surrounded by God’s angels and to feel their protection. When the angels went to the shepherd to announce Jesus birth in the Bible the shepherds felt comfort and hope.
Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
In the same movie George Bailey said, “Dear Father in heaven, I’m not a praying man, but if you are up there and you can hear me, show me the way….show me the way.” He was was broken and needed God. He was humbly and innocently asking for help.
Psalm 25:9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
Another classic is “Miracle of 34th Street when a man (named Kris Kringle) fills in for a drunken Santa and says that he is the real Santa people question his mental health. In the movie Kris Kringle says “Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind…and that’s what’s been changing. That’s why I’m glad I’m here, maybe I can do something about it.” I look at Jesus and my faith the same way. It’s a frame of mind trusting and knowing Jesus is always there. We are here to spread the Good News.
Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is always on my holiday list too. I watch the cartoon as well as the film version. In it the movie the narrator says, “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” Oh he is so right. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It’s not about the presents in any way. It is truly about His presence coming upon us. So many focus on finding the right gift when we have all already received His gift which trumps all others.
Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
I can’t count how many years I have watched “Home Alone” but my favorite line is towards the end of the movie when Kevin says, “Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back.” How petty can life get when we focus on small things and let our emotions get a head of us at the holidays. We are stressed so we pick fights and have overly sensitive emotions. Kevin recognizes that a week home alone without his family isn’t a very good life. This is the same without our church community or family. We need to always be grateful no matter our feelings or emotions.
Psalm 9:1-2 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

This is what the Lord says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
17 I appointed watchmen over you and said,
‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’
But you said, ‘We will not listen.’
18 Therefore hear, you nations;
you who are witnesses,
observe what will happen to them.
I am so blessed to have God bless me with my ministry so others can share a gratitude heart and God’s Word at the most opportune time. My love this holiday season-LoLo
This is an amazing Christmas post full of goodies! And zero calories too!
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