Dreaming of White Chocolate!How will you spend your festive season? Start early with your plans for Christmas and make the season special.by Grace FoxExpand your heart
It happened every year at this time when our kids were still living at home. We'd pull our fake tree from its box, assemble it branch by branch, and prop it in its stand. Next, we'd untangle several strands of teeny coloured lights and plug them into a nearby socket. That's when the fun began.
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“Hey, Dad, nothing's happening,” one of the kids would call. “Why won't the lights turn on?”
Dad came to the rescue. “A bulb has burned out,” he'd say. “We'll have to figure out which one's at fault and replace it.”
And so the search began. One by one, the tiny twinklers were tested for signs of life until the culprit was found and replaced. The entire string lit up that instant. Amazing the power of one burned-out bulb over the other ninety-and-nine working mini-lights. Even more amazing is that the culprit always seemed to be the last one tested.
I love the twinkling Christmas lights on our tree. I find them pleasing to the eye and soothing to the soul, especially when darkness falls. Their sparkle reminds me of another Christmas light – the true Light that shines in the darkness, the Light that burns brightly through eternity – Jesus Christ. In John 8:12 He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
As the holiday season approaches, curl up on your couch and take time to enjoy the glittering lights on your tree. And as you do, reflect on the real reason for the season – Jesus, the true Light of the world, has come! When problems perplex and make you feel as though you're wandering in the dark, you can call on Him for wisdom and strength. True to His name, He'll light your way.
May this Christmas season be the best yet, my friend, as Jesus sheds the light of His love into your life.
Expand your mind
Want to read a great book of Christmas reflections? Try Rhonda Rhea's I'm Dreaming of Some White Chocolate (Revell). Rhonda's delightful sense of humour and practical tips for surviving the busy season will refresh your holiday spirit. Available at Christian bookstores nationwide.
Are you looking for a good family movie to watch during the Christmas break? Try The Ultimate Gift, starring James Garner. Be sure to have your tissue handy!
Extend your influence
This is my favourite cider recipe. The aroma fills our home and makes it smell oh-so-good! Invite a new friend or family from your church over for a fun evening and serve this with a plateful of Christmas goodies.
Hot Mulled Cider
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 teaspoon whole cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
Dash ground nutmeg
3 inches stick cinnamon (or dash ground cinnamon)
2 quarts apple cider
Orange wedges
Combine ingredients in slow cooker and simmer for 3-4 hours. Remove spices and serve in festive mugs. Sip and savour!
Merry Christmas to one and all!
Grace Fox lives in Abbotsford, B.C. She and her husband are the Canadian directors for International Messengers and she speaks at women's events worldwide. She's the author of four books: 10-Minute Time Outs for Momsand 10-Minute Time Outs for Busy Women, and 10-Minute Time Outs for You & Your Kids, andMoving From Fear to Freedom: A Woman's Guide to Peace in Every Situation. Her website is: http://www.gracefox.com/.
Originally published on Grace Fox’s website, November 2007.
Used with permission. Copyright © 2007 Christianity.ca.