Approaching the Season…
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!â€
~ Luke 2:13-14 (ESV)
Now you are wondering why I already quote Scripture concerning Christmas. I have to admit, Advent/Christmas is my favorite season of the year. I just couldn’t contain myself any longer…
As most Americans are getting ready for the Thanksgiving weekend (not a holiday that is celebrated in Germany), I am looking forward to Advent. Although I have to wait a little longer this year for the first Sunday in Advent (December 3rd), I am more than ready this year to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. We sometimes get so busy and stressed out over the holidays, that we forget to focus on Him.
I do stress out every single year, because I am ‘in charge’ of cooking Christmas dinner at our house. Since by heart I am still German (and my passport), I like to also cook traditionally German at Christmas. I prepare “Gruenkohl“. Last year, I was in a frenzy, because I didn’t had the time to drive into Phoenix where I can purchase German goods. You see, I can not buy the already prepared kale at the local grocery store. So, without being able to purchase the ingredients already prepared, I had to figure out how I could still put my “traditional Christmas dinner” on the table. So, off I went to the local grocery store in hope I could find frozen kale, or at least something similar (I even got up really early on Christmas Eve to go shopping). Nothing – Nada!!! I was almost in tears – people pushing – me getting grumpy…My last resort was the fresh veggie department. My heart leaped – they.had.fresh.kale – Wahoo!!! But I have never prepared fresh kale. So, as soon as I got home, I dialed my mom’s phone number: ‘Mom – I didn’t get the jarred kale this year – how do I make it from fresh leaves?’ ‘Clean it, blanche it and than it will be just like the jarred one’…Simple – but a lot of work, believe me!
So, this year, I will make sure that I will drive into Phoenix and get the prepared stuff! And this year – I refuse to get all stressed out and rather prepare my heart for His Glorious Coming…
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” ~ Luke 2:7 (ESV)
How do you make room for Him this season? What is your ‘secret’ to stay focused on Him?
Dear Heavenly Father. Help us this season to focus on You and Your love for us. Lord, help us to show the world what the true meaning of Christmas is. We are trusting in Your mercy. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen
We give just one gift to each of our children, and we make a big deal about whose birthday it really is… a birthday cake always shows up on our table, and we enjoy a rousing chorus of “happy birthday” to Jesus. My kids love it.
Iris,
I am so excited for Christmas as well. I am going to post about Christmas on Friday as well…. I love your story about the kale. I am going to go see what this German dish looks like. I loved your story… I can relate… I cook for everyone here.
I laughed sharing your bit of the holiday it and felt warm to be part of your holiday. Be blessed my friend. Lynn
I’m with you! We’ve been playing Christmas CD’s in our mini-van for 2 weeks now! While people are killing each other over Playstations, I’m determined to have a God-honoring holiday full of peace, giving, and joy (and yummy food:))
lol I’m one of those people who would never put down the tree if I didn’t have to..
we do perogies, cabbage rolls, sausage… happy birthday Jesus…
I start everythign Christmas after Halloween is over, as our thanksgiving is in October… I’d do it sooner, but I think everyone things I’m crazy as it is… hheee
we do gifts early with the children, so the day is focused on Jesus. I also try and keep things very “christian” as far as we dont’ do santa clause, but sinterklaas; and we do that Dec. 6th (dutch).. their uncle dresses up and they know it’s him, and they love it, but it’s a separate event as far as christmas goes.
I just love Christmas, the whole thing about Jesus being born at this time of year makes my spirit soar. I like to make Christmas cookies with my children, sometimes we take some to the old folks home, other times we decorate our xmas tree with them. We also give our gifts to each other and dh and I read special Christmas stories with them too. I make sure they know what the real meaning of xmas is.
This is my first Christmas “on my own”. This was always my mother’s holiday and she often went all out to every extreme. Now it’s up to me to build the traditions I want for my children, sans my parents. On one hand, I am excited at the prospect. On the other? I’m scared of doing it “right”.
Stress? Who? Me? Nah!! I’ve got Jesus on my side!!
I just bought a flowering kale (and winter pansies) for my porch flower pot–I assume they’re in the same plant family! (I didn’t know Germans prepare fresh kale the way you do.) I love Advent, and I love Christmas. AND I love Jesus. Pretty soon, I can go all out with preparations. After turkey tomorrow… :~)