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Merry Christmas from The Lincolns
We love Christmas!! What's not to love about this wonderful holiday? We enjoy celebrating Jesus' birthday. From the time our children were very small we always had birthday cake and sang the Happy Birthday song to Jesus. Although we "played" Santa they were very aware that our family celebrated Christmas for one reason only, Baby Jesus' Birth.
 Mary had a Little Lamb
During this time of year the attitudes of people change. People are kinder, more giving during the "Holiday Season" than any other time of the year. It lifts our hearts to hear about so many people being kind to one another. Giving of themselves. We wish that everyone could keep Christmas in their hearts year around!
One thing we enjoy learning about is the traditions of Christmas. Most people know that we exchange gifts because the three Kings, guided by the star, brought precious gifts to Jesus. But what is the significance of the many other Christmas traditions? I've heard a story about the evergreen Christmas tree. But now I can't find it (if anyone out there knows this story or others I would love to hear from you). This candy cane story below is one of my favorites.
Candy Maker Witness
As some of you know, we lived in Iwakuni, Japan at the Marine Corps Air Station from 1996-1999. Living in a foreign country is very different than living in your home country. Although there are lots of stores to shop in, it just wasn't the same, especially at Christmas. The Japanese people do celebrate X-mas. Some of the children believe in Santa. But when Christ is left out of Christmas, what's the purpose of the celebration?
Christmas in Japan
Most Americans take for granted that they live in a "free" country. The events that occurred on 9-11-01 left many Americans wondering about their security. Nothing on this earth is "free", something or someone must always pay the cost for our freedom. We have freedoms and rights that other countries only wish they had. 9-11 was our wake up call. The United States Military has secured our freedoms in the world today and in history. Since we are a Marine Corps family I'm biased, but all branches deserve our thanks, thoughts and prayers. The following story may be a bit exagerated, but then again maybe not. Ask a Marine who has experienced being away from everyone and everything they know and love. It's hard enough at anytime during the year, but being away at Christmas is very hard. For our military searching for our enemies, our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
'Twas the Night before Christmas ~ A Marine Version ~
WHY JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUS
Santa lives at the North Pole ...
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh ...
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year ...
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies ...
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited ...
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.
You have to wait in line to see Santa ...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap ...
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?" ...
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly ...
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO ...
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry" ...
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."
Santa's little helpers make toys ...
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but ...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree ...
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need
to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season. Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus.
Merry CHRISTmas!!!
INDEX of CHRISTMAS PAGES
I found Christmas Graphics at these great sites:
Tree Border Background~Buttons~Snow Globe by
Happy Birthday Jesus~Heavenly Christmas by
Christmas Tree ~ Candy Canes by
Candles by
Music provided by The Music Shoppe
I do not necessarily agree with the banner below!
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