The True Christmas Story...

Far be it from me to be a Bible expert- however...I saw things last week.

Some I did recall from the gospel, some not so much.

"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:

His Mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph 

But before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace,he had in mind to divorce her quietly....

But he didn't. He trusted God and kept his girl. 

Mary was obviously thrilled.

Bad news was waiting for them. As you can see this very angry innkeeper 

was just waiting to drop the bad news- "NO ROOMS!"

 But, don't worry, there was still good news to be had....there always is with God.

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, 

praising God and saying, glory to God in the highest, 

and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests. 

The Angel said to them,

Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; 

He is Christ The Lord."   

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Joseph never took his eyes of his boy. How could he? 

His very eyes beheld God Himself.

Then the royals showed up.

They brought "MUUURRRRR and Julian Gold."

As cows, hyped up on sugar cookies and hot chocolate, looked on...

One of them was devastated that her "tiara" kept falling off. 

I didn't have the heart to tell her she was wearing cattle horns.

This was when I began seeing things. Things in the Christmas Story I was not familiar with. 

Things that Matthew, Mark, Luke or John never bothered to mention.

The angel that pretended she was having a baby just like Mary.

Mary stripped off her "hat and dress" so she could go blow out candles on the altar.

and by ON the altar, I mean, ON.

Sheep went rogue and cows in tiny, shiny gold shoes kidnapped The Baby.

"because Baby Jesus needed to go for a walk."

(apparently Baby Jesus also needed to sit on the altar. 

note blown out candle, thank you Mary.)

The Innkeeper- left the Inn multiple times to discuss lunch with mommy 

Only to return with a "doo-rag" made from his belt.

My favorite was... 

One of the kings that left the gift exchange in order to go preach a mini sermon 

or cure the lame or make the blind see. 

I am still not quite sure. I just know he was suddenly transformed into a hybrid of Benny Hinn and the drum major for Baylor. (Baylor joke credit to Amy) 

So, to recap......

there were happy kids....They all wanted a piece of Him.

Cows, kings, angels, sheep and shepherds alike. 

all wanting to be near the baby or worshipping at the altar. 

and this is all that matters, right? 

God, Thank You for the true story of Christmas.

In His Dust,

DCC

Let Us Adore Him...

O Come All Ye Faithful.

It's my favorite Christmas Carol....I keep it on repeat in many different versions- 
it runs the gambit from James Taylor to Bing Crosby to George Strait.

This year I have been thinking about "where and how" am I to "Adore and behold Him."

Having never seen His "hometown" of heaven - we don't realize distance God Himself came to be right here. 
He went a distance we can not possibly fathom.
Even better, God doesn't call us to go remotely near the same distance or even understand it....He just calls us to know that.... 
He.
Came.
Here.

He came here for the faith-full and faith-less, just the same.

I continue to hear myself and others singing these words, like we really mean it...
It sounds like we are begging to adore Him.
However, I am not coming with a choir of angels, (that I am able to  hear.)
I am not coming with all the citizens of Heaven above, (that I am able see.)

So, it seems to me, the best way we can "get to Bethlehem" is simple.... Love God and Love others better.

In this way.....we can truly Behold and Adore Him

“Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can 

and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” ~Luke 2:15

God, Thank You for being Present among our every moment....We adore You.

In His Dust,

DCC

Clay Pot Nativity....

 I was accosted by a Nativity Pot Gang. 

As you can imagine, I was grateful we weren't in a dark alley.
After containing my fear....I took a closer look

And away in those mangers I found...
Joseph to be rather perplexed...(Obviously with good reason.)

His wife appeared to be Phyllis Diller....

and was about to be attacked by a steaming hot glue gun...

The prep work to honor a Baby King looked dangerous. 

Mary had a successful run with Latisse...
(unfortunately, she accidentally shaved her head.)
 

However shortly thereafter, she bought herself a red curly wig and gave birth to twins...
 

What I learned was that while some people make a life-sized Gingerbread house,

 Others put their heart and soul into clay pot nativity scenes.

Shepherds patiently hold dirty little hands....
while burning their fingers, in order to tell the story of Jesus' Birth. 

After it is all done...
As we watch Baby Jesus....He sits in wide-eyed wonder watching us....

"For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the Government shall be upon His Shoulder, and His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ~Isaiah 9:6

God, in all shapes and sizes- we celebrate YOU and Your Coming Here.

In His Dust,

DCC

Butter Potties...

"God, You are our Father.

    We’re the clay and You’re our potter:

    All of us are what You made us." ~Isaiah 64:8  

So Thanksgiving was fantastic....

Mom made created table Martha Stewart herself would have been proud of.

The food was scrumptious, I believe I could even hear Momo herself clapping!

(Happy 90th Bday to Momo by the way) 

The table was complete with a perfectly lovely butter shaped turkey...

 Sometimes, we think that our molding and shaping of things is much better than what The Creator had in mind....and the next thing you know...

when no one is looking....you have a better idea...

A better idea---a new shape for the butter.

 And sometimes, that shape is a potty....or two potties for that matter. 

(Complete with flushing handles, because....duh.)

Make no mistake that, I was thoroughly impressed and amused.

Then upon a little introspection, I began to wonder

where I am trying to "over-carve" or "fix" something God Himself is working on.

  

God, Thank you for your patience with us when try and "help" You. 

In His Dust,
DCC