All that Glitters at Christmas

What makes Christmas bright? For many of us, attention is drawn to all the flashy luster that is part of this special season of the year. Possibly the most shining example of shimmering sheen in the season of Christmas are the lights. Starting in November and lasting through January, Christmas lights appear all over the place. In our neighborhood there are scintillating displays that glitter like tiny beacons after the all-too-soon setting of the sun brings darkness to our community. Beyond our subdivision, many other homes portray their love for the season using twinkling displays, moving lights, or even characters that sway as they burst with bright light. A few homes entertain passers-by with glitzy themes. Other residences show their value for quantity, teetering on the edge of gaudiness (a destination at which some have fully arrived). A few humble dwellings shine out with unbelievable extravagance. The glow of lights set out with great effort brings a welcome moment of joy and celebration for all.

Beyond the lights of the facade, many homes are filled on the inside with glittering, shimmering decor. Snowmen, snowflakes, skaters and icicles announce that the time is winter.  Candy canes, M&M’s and other mouth watering displays draw out the sweet tooth in us. Evergreen trees smothered with decor and tinsel share a hope that springtime will come again to break the cold and darkness. Displays of faith announce the real or historic reason we call this season Christmas.

The season draws out an expression of hope among merchants who fill stores with wares and line shelves with glittering trinkets which they hope we will buy. It is said that one out of every five merchandise purchases is made within thirty days before Christmas and produces three trillion dollars in sales on main street, mall row, byways stores and internet surfside displays.

Where did this all get started? Tradition tells us it was three kings who traveled the silk road from the east and brought the original glittering gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But many in our secular world argue it was Santa Claus who dropped the original gold trinkets down chimneys into the stockings of the poor.  You can choose, but remember: One shiny gift brings only a quick flash of glitter, but a gift given with the love of Christ displays abiding light from within.

By some readings, both the Kings and Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) gave a one-time present. But when you look at the real Kings, and the genuine heart of the real St. Nicholas, you discover they each gave their gifts out of a heart seeking to please God. This Christmas, will you give presents that carry the glitters and glimmers of this world in order to impress, or will you give the gifts prayed over and driven by the love of Christ in order to embrace our world in an unbelievable way on that first Christmas morning?

NOT NOW! It’s too soon for Christmas!

Many books have a presence in the cyber world on Amazon.com. My books are in the company of those of 5,000,000 other authors! The problem with being an author in the United States is that people are reading less and less. I learned while in Israel that per capita more books are printed in Israel than any other country in the world. I need to get my book translated to Hebrew!

I have written books to be read. It takes work to write a book. Although at times the material for the book pops out, and goes on the page easily, it is not in presentable format. Sarah can tell you from proofing my books when I write the tenses I use get all messed up, so what was written needs improvement. The author of a book goes through the book seven or more times to make sure what was written is accurate, to correct spelling and punctuation errors, and to remedy other issues.

I write books because there are things I desire to share, and things that need to be shared. I want people to understand the world of Biblical times. I desire to open doors for people to understand the Jewishness of the New Testament. I want the world to see the reality and truthfulness of scripture. It takes hard work to write a book, and harder work to market a book.

Because Christmas is now only two months away, it is time to recommend my book Advent Journeys to those who are reading this blog. Advent Journeys is enjoyable to read, for yourself or as a gift for you to give. In the pages of this book Sarah and I have worked to bring out the real meaning of Christmas.

Each week during the Christmas season, Advent Journeys invites people to walk with men and women of the Christmas story. The first week, readers will join Zechariah in the Temple. The second week, the reader will walk alongside Joseph and Mary as they journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. On the third week, a shepherd shares what life is like in the fields. During the fourth week, the reader will journey with the Magi from Persia to Bethlehem. The fifth week contains Joseph’s journals from the day he leaves Bethlehem until the time he settles with his family back in Nazareth. The fifth week is shared to help people get ready for the New Year. The book includes a bonus Chanukah week, written through the experiences of a Maccabee. Each day’s presentation includes a short journal and three or four thought ideas and questions.

The books, especially (at this time of year) Advent Journeys, are great reads. Advent Journeys can actually bring someone (if read) a better Christmas.