Thursday, December 18, 2014

SO MANY EMOTIONS!

There has to be some fun times during this holiday season, don't you agree? Memories that we can enjoy and laugh at about years gone by; movies on the television that make us relate to our own families.  Hallmark Channel is the best - at Christmas time, but all year through too.  I can't forget the eggnog either!

Do you know the history behind the Christmas tree?  Our Pastor brought a really good message about them last night.  Two trees - the one in the Garden of Eden, and the cross on the hill where Jesus hung and paid for my sins.

     The custom of the Christmas tree developed in early modern Germany.  It's predecessors can be traced to the 16th and possibly 15th century, in which devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes.  It acquired popularity beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century, at first among the upper classes.
     The tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts, or other foods. In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles which were ultimately replaced by Christmas lights after the advent of electrification. 
     It is frequently traced to the symbolism of trees in pre-Christian winter rites, in particular through the story of Donar's Oak and the popularized story of Saint Boniface and the conversion of the German pagans, in which Saint Boniface cuts down an oak tree that the German pagans worshipped, and replaces it with an evergreen tree, telling them about how its triangular shape reminds humanity of the Trinity and how it points to heaven.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

The flu bug is running rampant in our area.  Many were out of church last night due to the flu.  If possible, it is best to stay away from crowds, take Vitamin C, and of course, wash our hands.  Jim and I are blessed to be able to stay home, and not be subjected to crowds, and I shopped online, not in the malls.

Laundry is calling my name, so I pray you have a good day without the flu bug visiting your house.


KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

9 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing this history with us, its so interesting and meaningful. In half an hour I leave to get my flu shot!

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  2. Thank you for sharing that bit of history. Yep, the crud has been hitting here too...then again, it could be the weather too. I agree, Hallmark is the best, however, with 2 "men" in the house, I don't often get to enjoy that channel, wink. Blessings & Merry Christmas

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  3. ps thanks for another great background link, wink.

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  4. Linda, my hands are a MESS because I've been washing them and sanitizing them so much. They feel like sandpaper. I have to find a pumice of some kind, to try to soften them up. But better sandpaper hands than the flu!!

    We have been watching our favorite Christmas movies. I love this time of year! Stay well!!

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  5. The flu is running rampant here too. Daughter #3 has her whole household down with it. She took the boys to the clinic where they were tested and treated. Little Bryan's fever was dangerously high. We're staying home too, avoiding people.
    I've been watching the movies on Hallmark too, plus some on LIfetime. Hoping they will help keep me in the Christmas spirit.
    You take care and be well.

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  6. I still enjoy the story about how Christmas trees started and why. Thanks for sharing it again.
    Hope y'all can stay away from the Creeping Crud (as I call it). Thankfully, we mostly stay home or go riding or are in the woods this time of year. My husband Steve shot a HUGE buck this season, so, our larder is full.
    Hallmark is a great channel. It's definitely family friendly. BTW, TCM is playing my favorite "Scrooge" tonight at 9:15 PM. The musical one with Albert Finney. Now my Christmas season can officially start. *lol*
    Luv ~:)

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  7. We have a lot of flu in our school district. Trying to wash hands and staying away from coughing children! Stay well!

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  8. Very interesting post!
    The flu is really taking hold around here too. :(

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  9. Oh I love Hallmark movies, but can't see them this year without cable. :( I miss them! Thanks for the history lesson...very interesting.

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