Reflecting Christmas is Live

Merry Christmas Eve, 

We are so excited to announce that Reflecting Christmas is Live and available in Amazon.  List Price is $4.99 for those that purchase we hope you will enjoy. Just click the link below.

Remember Reflecting Christmas can happen more than just a few months each year and that you can make a difference in this world. Thanks again for all your prayers and support as we were working to put this project together.  

Just click here to be directed to the amazon page.

Blessings and thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.

Reflecting Christmas: The Christmas Story

We are excited to announce that the final version will be released sometime today, 12.24.15. For now though, here is the chapter entitled, The Christmas Story.This is the Last Chapter we will be posting before "Reflecting Christmas" is released. 

We pray that your Christmas will be Merry and Bright and that the coming year will bring great tidings of Joy. Thank you for your prayers and support during this process. Our prayer for this project has always been that you, our readers and followers, would find this eBook informative and encouraging. Blessings in Christ.

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 The Birth of Jesus Christ is, of course, the real reason we remember the Christmas season and encompasses every aspect that has been placed forth as a “Reflection of Christmas.” His life for many has been, and still is, the foundation of their faith and gives them the courage to keep going. The world we live in today has lost sight of this aspect of Christmas in too many ways to count. Each day there is something else that can potentially distract us from remembering the true symbol of Christmas, the true purpose of our lives.  While many will disagree, as believers we cannot stand by and let this story fade away. 

PHOTO CREDIT: www.davetieche.com

 We tend to get so wrapped up in the details of the holiday season that we forget to stop and reflect upon why it is so important for us to understand the true meaning of Christmas. Remembering the birth of Jesus Christ as a foundational aspect of our faith is the most important aspect of “Reflecting Christmas” because it is what living in faith is all about, being an example of love to others and bringing the light back into this broken world.  

 The only way the world as we know it will see the healing it so desperately needs is through coming to and knowing Christ.  It isn’t going to happen overnight by any means, but it can start with each of us.  Each one of us can have our own unique way of Reflecting Christmas. It doesn't have to be the most amazing thing in the world; all it takes is a commitment to grow in God. As we grow in Him, He will use that growth to influence others.  The Biblical Christmas Story includes so many fantastic elements to remind us to live our lives as a reflection of Christmas and encourage us when we doubt our ability to do so. 

PHOTO CREDIT: survivingchurch.org

 Think about the Shepherds that were watching their flocks in the night that were visited by a herald of angels who sang beautiful songs of worship.  Think about the Star of Bethlehem that led the three kings a few years later so that they could give their gifts of Christmas. Even though it’s not as biblical as you might think, remember the little drummer boy who drummed a special song for the Savior of the world. 

 Each of these elements of Christ’s birth can influence us today. The shepherds, simple and strong, can remind us that humility is a form of wisdom. The angels, beautiful and glorious, can remind us to offer praises to our king. The star, bright and colorful, can remind us that God will always direct our path. The little drummer boy, small and seemingly insignificant, can remind us that there is something each of us can offer the world in spite of where we’ve come from.  So you see, there is so much about reflecting the Christmas spirit each day that we can apply to our lives.  

PHOTO CREDIT: Marchiano Ministries

 There is so much that you can offer this world. Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to go forth and do so. Embrace a symbol of Christmas with every day you are given and begin to bring healing to this broken world.  It won’t be easy, but I promise there will always be hands above that will guide you each step of the journey. As you embark on this journey, refer often to the biblical account of Jesus’ birth and remember the lessons you’ve learned about Reflecting Christmas in your life.

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The Birth of Jesus Christ

Luke 2:1-20 ESV

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.  And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Blessings in Christ and thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.

Reflecting Christmas; The Lights of Christmas

The Lights of Christmas is a very special chapter of this eBook. So special I wanted to wait until our daughters 3rd birthday to share it with you all, because it was her birth that brought the Light of Christmas back into my heart. It suits her very well as The Lights of Christmas have been one of her favorite things this year :-).

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PHOTO CREDIT; www.christianity.about.com

Christmas lights are an important symbol of Christmas and they have been used for a good number of years to reflect the “Spirit of Christmas.” If we take a step back into history, the tradition of lighting something in celebration of the season of Christmas has been used for longer than most can remember. In the beginning, those that took part in this celebration actually used Candles to share the light Christmas offers.They would even place the candles directly on their Christmas tree. 
While there has not been a specific reason as to why people throughout history have done this, I tend to think it was done as a reflection of the Light that came into the world that dark and starry night.14 In Max Lucado’s Movie “The Christmas Candle” we see the impact that the light of Christmas Candle actually had back then. For years the character in the story have depended on the light of a Christmas candle to give them hope, It is only when we come to the end of this timely story that they see where there hope should be.
Before we get side tracked through lets bring ourselves back to the Lights of Christmas. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the idea of hanging electric lights became the more popular tradition. While candles are still used, the light bulb has taken on the more prominent role. Here in the United States, the tradition of using Christmas lights started happening more than using candles in the 1960’s.15 Since that time, the use of Christmas lights has become a very influential symbol of Christmas for many Christian believers. It reminds us all of that special Light that came into the world to outshine the darkness (John 8:12 NIV).

PHOTO CREDIT: Marchiano Ministries 

While Christmas lights are a symbol of Christ to many Christians, they also serve as a reminder to us. They remind us that we can be a light for others as well. There is a very interesting story about Christmas lights and while I cannot verify this story, it goes something like this: There once was a man who thoroughly enjoyed Christmas lights. He enjoyed them so much that he left them up year round way longer that most everyone else. One day one of his closest friends challenged him to find a reason leave them up all year. As this man sought to take on this challenge he was lead to a particular passage in the gospel of Matthew. The man thought about this passage for some time and soon found his reason. He would keep the lights up all year long because of his faith in God. Here is the passage he read: Matthew 5:14-16 ESV.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

He felt that this passage encouraged him to be a light in a dark world for all to see. He kept the colors pretty neutral, but the meaning was still there. While many asked questions, he didn’t take them down until the following New Year. This one simple act while unorthodox, began to make others think about what he was doing and why. In response to this, just as the characters in “The Christmas Candle” did after seeing the Reverend lead with his example, the people in the neighborhood around this man began to do other things throughout their community to bring a little more light into a darkened world.

PHOTO CREDIT: www.pinterest.com

We too, can be a light to those around us and it doesn’t take a special “Christmas Candle” or the hanging of some Christmas lights to do so. We can do small things. Remember, it is often the smaller things can make a bigger difference. We are all created with our own unique personality. You may be a writer at heart, as I am, a great musician, eloquent speaker, an amazing people person, or even wield a servant's heart. All these things and more can bring the Light of Christmas into the darkness of this world. As you look around at the Christmas lights this year remember that darkness is everywhere, and that we can reflect the spirit of Christmas as a light that shines into the darkness. Don’t ever forget that you are God’s Unique Creation and you can make a difference (Colossians 1:16 ESV).

PHOTO CREDIT: www.pinterest.com

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.

Reflecting Christmas: The Poinsettia

Today is 12/12/15 and believe it or not it's a National Holiday. What Holiday you may ask? Well, it is National Poinsettia Day. So, there is no better day than today for me to share this next chapter from our upcoming eBook "Reflecting Christmas." This is probably one of the more significant chapters and I really enjoyed what I learned as I wrote and researched this section.  

Please feel free to share your thoughts, remember the 5 people who give the most feedback will get a free digital copy of this eBook once it's released. We will only be releasing two more chapters here and I think you will be excited to read them. The rest will be available once "Reflecting Christmas" is published.

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 The Poinsettia is a very special flower to many during the Christmas season. They are used for decoration in churches, hotels, businesses and many other places. The question, though, is why?  At first glance there doesn’t seem to be anything special about them.  Some say that when they bloom, the combination of the red and green leaves create what looks like a star, but how does that connect with the holiday season? 

Photo Credit: www.theblaze.com

Well, many in the Christian faith believe that these leaves that form the shape of a star are symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem, which led the Wise Men to the new born Savior. Others would say that the red leaves symbolize the blood that would be spilled during the resurrection of that same Savior.17 The only question left to be asked in this case would be, “What about the pink, the yellow or even the white poinsettias?” All are important colors and need to be remembered, but I just want to highlight the red ones for now.

Photo Credit: whychristmas.com

 There is an interesting legend that has found its way into the history of the Christmas Poinsettia, about a young child who was on her way to a special church service on Christmas Eve. She wanted nothing more than to give the baby Jesus a gift.  Because of this, her heart was filled with sadness instead of joy. A young boy then tells the young girl that even the most humble gift given in love would be acceptable in His eyes. In response to this, the young girl spots some pretty green blossoms on the side of the road, picks them up and turns them into a bouquet. 

Upon giving this gift to baby Jesus at the nativity, suddenly the green leaves turn red. Legend says this happened because the young girl had given the gift of sincere love.18 Since then, the poinsettia has been given the name 'Flores de Noche Buena', or 'Flowers of the Holy Night',17 thus becoming a living representation of the love that was brought into the world on that cold winter night. The symbolism in this alone is a very powerful reminder of what “Reflecting Christmas” is all about.

Photo Credit: www.pinterest.com

 We are given the opportunity each day to be a living representation of the love that was brought into the world that cold winter night. How and if we decide to do this is based on how we view each day we encounter.  Let us not miss out on this opportunity, but become imitators of God as dearly loved children and live in love (Ephesians 5:1-2 NET). Let us remind ourselves that just as Christ is the living representation of love, we can be as well. 

Each time we see the Christmas Poinsettia, let it instill in our hearts the desire to show love to those around us.  Love is the most powerful attribute a person can ever have the joy of experiencing and we can bring that joy to those around us. All we have to do is imitate Christ as the passage in Ephesians stated. As you begin to search for ways to embrace the Christmas Poinsettia in the year ahead, seek to embrace the joy that loving others can bring you as well.

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.

Reflecting Christmas: The Bells of Christmas

  Bells have always had a special place in my heart as they have often reminded me of the joy the Lord can present us with. Many have said that bells signal the arrival of an event or special occasion. Others have even said that bells are used to ward off evil spirits or to warn of an oncoming attack. They can often be used to gather people together, like in a church. They can be used to help bring the focus of the many to the one, like in a toast.6 For me though, it has always been a reminder that there is still something to place your hope in. 

  Think about it for a moment, how often have you seen bells at weddings, or at a New Year's celebration? When used in weddings or at a celebration of some type, bells usually indicate something new or positive. The ring of a bell can bring joy to a broken heart, peace to a clouded mind, and belief to a doubting soul. Its constant ring can bring calm even in the midst of the darkest storm.

Photo Credit: www.wallpaperswide.com

 There is a film called The Polar Express that highlights this idea. In the beginning of this film we are introduced to a small boy that is very doubtful of the existence of Santa Claus. I know, I know, Santa Claus doesn’t really exist anymore. I’ll get to that a little later. In any case, the boy, cleverly given the name ‘HeroBoy’, continues searching for proof that Santa is real and every time he gets close, he pulls back. As the boy goes to sleep for the night he is awakened by a train, ‘The Polar Express,’ and taken on this incredible  journey that, in the end, restores his belief in Santa Claus. 

Along the way he encounters many different people who help him get to this conclusion. While these different people teach him certain things along this journey, it is only when the ‘bells of Christmas’ ring that he realizes something is missing from his life.  Unlike everyone else on the journey with him, he is the only one who cannot hear the beautiful sound the bell produces.  It is only when he admits he believes that he begins to hear the bell’s ring, thus finding the faith to place his hope in something bigger than himself.

Photo Credit: www.christmas-specials.wikia.com

 It is the same way in our lives.  Many times we search for the answers only to find that we have embraced more doubt (Matthew 14:31 ESV). If all we are filled with is doubt, there isn’t really any point to anything else, is there? The only thing that can keep us from being filled with doubt is to replace it with hope, with faith and with belief.  ‘Reflecting Christmas’ with each day given to us doesn’t have to be the hardest thing we’ve ever done. 

Photo Credit: www.pinterest.com

The ‘bells of Christmas’ can serve as a reminder of that. With each ring that bell tones this holiday season, we can trigger a spirit of hope within our hearts that will radiate to those around us.  In turn, that spirit can bring people together in an entirely new celebration.

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.

Reflecting Christmas; The Christmas Wreath

  Much like the Christmas tree, the tree that is most commonly used to create a Christmas Wreath is the Evergreen. One would think logically that the Christmas Wreath would have a similar meaning, but this assumption is only partially true. In some cultures, the Christmas Wreath represents eternal life. In others it symbolizes perfection and unity, giving us something to strive for. In the Christian faith, however, this wreath is a symbol of Christ’s suffering at the crucifixion.  They believe that it is the representation of the crown of thorns he bore upon the cross. This is what has led many to the idea that the Christmas Wreath symbolizes eternal life, because that is what Jesus gave us when he died upon the cross.⁴

Photo Credit: www.asc-blogs.com 

   As many well know, a Christmas Wreath is usually formed in the shape of a circle, thus giving it no beginning or end. This is a representation of God who is the beginning and the end of all things. (Revelation 1:8 NIV). Everything in all of creation began with Him and it will, indeed, end with Him. I am reminded of that classic Disney movie, The Lion King. Throughout this movie, there is a lot of talk about something called, “The Circle of Life.” In the first film this mainly refers to what the lions eat and how they live, but as the trilogy continues we see something deeper develop; a connection to something more amazing than anything one could ever comprehend. The films reference ’the great kings of the past’ and how we are all connected to them. As believers, we can connect with the Great King of the past, present, and future, who is the one and only God.  

Photo Credit: www.dailymail.co.uk

  Every moment of our present life is connected to a moment in the past as well as to another in the future. Each one reveals a small part of the masterpiece God is creating within our hearts and throughout history. In the end, these connections will bring unity and perfection to the final chapter of this masterpiece. As we go about each day, we are given opportunities to add our own special strokes to the masterpiece before us. Sometimes the stroke we add can damage the picture being created and another, Jesus, must come along to fix it. Other times the smallest stroke, if made with God’s blessing, will add something beautiful, as He has planned. As you strive to “reflect the spirit of Christmas,” remind yourself that you are indeed part of God’s Masterpiece and that you were created to do the good things he has envisioned for you (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).  

Photo Credit: www.world-wide-art.com

  As the Holiday season continues to make its debut, think about the true meaning behind the symbol of the Christmas Wreath. It symbolizes many things, but in the end it is a really good reminder of God's continuing work in your life. Each moment we experience is another stroke that can be added to God's amazing masterpiece, which is His version of the ‘circle of life.’

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.

Reflecting Christmas: The Christmas Tree

Have you ever wondered why Evergreen trees are traditionally what we see when we think about the Christmas tree?

  Well, many have said that the Evergreen tree is an ancient symbol of life. The reason behind this is that in the depth of winter, they are usually the only trees that are left alive. If left in their natural habitat, evergreens have been known to survive many a harsh winter.  Ancient history dictates that even the Romans, in all their glory, would decorate their homes as a means of celebration during the winter months. 

  By the middle Ages, a legend rose saying that when Christ was born, in the midst of winter, that all the evergreen trees shook off the ice and snow covering them and grew new shoots of green. The idea of the Christmas tree has even been used as a symbol of Christ’s Lordship over creation. Once the Renaissance Era came about, the idea of using an Evergreen tree as a Christmas tree was rumored to be a part of some elaborate plan to get others to see they could actually have Eternal Life.1

PHOTO CREDIT; www.christianity.about.com

  History has an interesting way of putting things in perspective, doesn't it? It makes a person wonder what this concept of using an Evergreen tree as a Christmas tree is really all about.  Many would argue that its only purpose is to bring a certain 'Christmassy' smell during the holiday season or that it only exists to add something else to our already overflowing plates during the holiday season. I would advocate that using the Evergreen tree is more about the representation of life.  

  The Evergreen stands out in the midst of winter as a symbol of strength and health during the winter season. Winter can be one of the best seasons of the year or one of the worst, but through it all, the Evergreen stands strong and full of life. We can 'Reflect' this in our own lives and we can stand strong and full of life in the midst of the darker and colder moments we experience. Embracing this will open many doors for us to 'reflect the spirit of Christmas.'

PHOTO CREDIT; www.asc-blogs.com

   Life is full of its ups and downs; there is no way around it. The key to overcoming them is to embrace a life that is different, a life that stands out, and a life that lives in the world, not of the world (Romans 12:2 NIV). The Evergreen tree gives us a good example of this because it is different, it stands out in the mix of winter weather all over the world, and its growth pattern sets it apart from other trees.

  Even after the Evergreen is cut down from its stump, it remains 'evergreen' for quite some time; hence why we often use them as Christmas trees. When it comes down to it, the symbol of the Christmas tree can remind us to embrace a life that stands out in the midst of the dark and cold world around us. So, next time you see an Evergreen Tree, think about how it can remind us to 'Reflect the Spirit of Christmas' with each day we are given.  

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.

Reflecting Christmas; The Introduction

Greetings Everyone,

Here is the Introduction to Reflecting Christmas, our Christmas E-book. This Project is very close to my heart. It's purpose will be to serve as a reminder of what Reflecting the Spirit of Christmas is all about.

As was previously mentioned, we are posting the rough draft of this project here so you can read it and share your thoughts. Throughout the next few weeks, everything offered will be prayerfully considered and in the end, and with God's help, our hope is that this little eBook will bless many. 

The 5 people who give us the most *useful* feed back will receive a digital copy of the completed eBook as a gift once it is finished. Again, I ask that those who are willing, keep this process in their thoughts and prayers. Thanks in advance for your support on this project.

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 Have you ever heard someone say, “People need to reflect the Christmas Spirit a little bit more?” I have, many times, and usually it reminds me of the film, “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” In the last few lines of this film, the narrator says something about Mr. Scrooge that I believe speaks to this question. It goes something along the lines of “and Scrooge lived in the Christmas spirit all the days of his life.” 

PHOTO CREDIT; www.thefedorachronicles.com

Throughout this version of a classic tale, the Muppets bring in many different aspects of Scrooge’s past to remind him that living selfishly will have its consequences and that there is still time to change. At first, Mr. Scrooge resists in every possible way, but as he reflects on the choices he has made in life, something begins to change and his eyes start to see the damage they have really caused. After the visit from the three ghosts, though, everything changes and Mr. Scrooge becomes a completely different person. 

  This is a great depiction of the impact our choices can have on others. In this new series of devotional blogs, and eventual eBook, we will embark on a journey to highlight the symbols of Christmas and what they mean. There is something significant about the symbols of Christmas that can teach us what it means to ‘reflect Christmas’ in everyday life. Now, it is not the purpose of this series to tell you to live like it's Christmas every day, instead, it is meant to be used as a tool to guide you as you journey to becoming your own 'reflection' the Spirit of Christmas. 

PHOTO CREDIT: www.roofingandmoreinc.com

  It is easy to say, “If you live as though it is Christmas every day your life will be full of joy and love,” but the fact is, life is full of its ups and downs and we are only human. Living each day as a 'reflection' of the Spirit of Christmas, however, provides us with something more to live by. Doing this will not an easy task by any means; honestly, it will take a lot of hard work and devotion. Take a moment to look at the world around you, there is darkness pushing on all sides of the equation and each day comes with new troubles of its own to overcome (Matthew 6:34).

  As you read this series, the intention is to use the different symbols of Christmas to share with you the difference between living life from your own perspective and living life as a ‘reflection’ of the Spirit of Christmas. There as so many aspects, or symbols, of Christmas that we tend to overlook each year and it's time we all took a moment, or two, to stop and explore a little more about what the Spirit of Christmas is truly about. 

  Now, I am not so callous as to suggest that the words in this series are written in stone or that they are the only way to reflect the Spirit of Christmas, but this is a good place to start at least. My hope for you, as we embark on this journey, is simply that you will find a new way to view the Christmas season and that it will bring great joy to your heart (Proverbs 17:22).

Blessings in Christ, 

M.E.

Reflecting Christmas: The Inspiration

Greetings Everyone,

  I know I said I would post the introduction to our new project next, but after some discussion and pray I felt that posting the Inspiration for this project is the next step in this journey. Just about three years ago, Traci and I we given a blessing, beyond what we could ever fathom. We were given our daughter Leyla. Often referred to as 'L'tle Lovable Leyla,' she has brought Joy to many in her short life and I am really excited about what God will do through her as she lives her life. She reminds us everyday that there is something worth fighting for in this dark world and this project has her name all over it.

  But, before I get to emotional here, I wanted to share with you something I wrote last year that could be considered the first attempt at this project. It is an article I wrote for a Church Newsletter at the church I was working for at this time last year. It is going into the finalized version of "Reflecting Christmas" as part of the opening act, so to speak.

Who can believe it? Christmas is only weeks away and God is ready to move in the lives of many. In years past, Christmas has always been a very busy season leaving really no time for me personally to enjoy what the holiday is all about.

For my family, Christmas was all about family and the celebration of our Savior's birth, Even though we had many Christmas’s with little to nothing my parents always made sure we found the Christmas spirit somehow, usually in the form of The Christmas Tree and the reading of The Christmas Story.

As I began to enter into the ministry in some way or another, that Innocent outlook on Christmas began to take a back seat as I saw suffering, pain and sorrow. I felt it was my duty to do whatever I could to help people see what I saw as a child. In doing so, I became too focused on bringing that idea to others that I lost sight of it in my own heart.

Last year that changed, for the first time since I was a child I began to see that innocent image of Christmas again, this revelation came in the form of my daughter, Leyla. Her birth has forever reminded me of the Joy Christmas brings me. Today, I encourage you to search deep within for what truly does the same for you and to embrace that Christmas Spirit as a Child of God.

“O father, may I find again the dreams of Childhood when thoughts of YOU filled ME with peace and I longed to know YOU more. Give ME a faith that trusts YOU implicitly.”

Well, I hope you enjoyed this 'reflective' Post, next post will be entitled, "Reflecting Christmas; The Introduction" ...

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E