Believe...
- That Jesus Christ was born to show us how to live.
- That Christmas is the season to celebrate his birth, NOT to buy or get the most.
- In the goodness of people, generosity abounds even amidst the greed of the season.
- In the beauty of the Earth, especially when it's covered in snow. It slows things down, sends people home and reminds us to stay inside enjoying the warmth of family.
- That people who write xmas don't know they're hurting my heart by doing so.
- That I am blessed beyond belief and filled with joy to be celebrating another Christmas.
- That even amongst the hustle and bustle of shopping, baking, parties, cards, gifts and wrapping that the driving desire behind it all is to give of oneself and to make others happy.
- That Santa is part of the magic of childhood, but is NOT the focus of Christmas.
- That getting my shopping done early will leave more time to really focus and enjoy the reason for the season.
- In the music, that teaches lessons and reminds us of Christ's truth.
O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
'Till He appeared and the soul felt His worth
The thrill of hope,
The weary world rejoices
For yonder brings a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
Oh, hear the angel's voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night,
Oh night divine
**Thoughts??**
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
'Till He appeared and the soul felt His worth
The thrill of hope,
The weary world rejoices
For yonder brings a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
Oh, hear the angel's voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night,
Oh night divine
**Thoughts??**
29 comments:
I love this... we scaled down our decorated because we are leaving... the only necessities were the tree, the nativities and the two "believe" decorations I have. I love that word and the reminder it gives. Oh, and the kids said they needed that advent calendars.
When I saw you had song lyrics our of the corner of my eye my first thought was "will it be Oh Holy Night?" Looks like we are on the same page today.
This is my FAVORITE Christmas song. I especially love the jazz version (I know you hate Jazz, but it really is a beautiful rendition) from Studio 60 last year by some NOLA musicians.
I also hate when people abbreviate Christmas. HELLO.
I too hope we can enjoy the true meaning of Christmas instead of all the toys, I really hope we can get Lulu to understand.
That is one of my FAVORITE words of the season. Great thoughts, like Amie we scaled down our decorations this year...I am in dejunk mode due to selling our house in a few short months.
I too LOVE this song, especially the version that Melanie had on the cd she sent out last year (can't remember who was singing it).
Beautiful post.
I am finishing up all shopping & decorating- which really isn't that much just x's six kids- tomorrow. Just so that I can get into this mode & concentrate on bringing His spirit into my life & that of my families more.
For some reason, this year it just doesn't seem like Christmas can be so close, even the snow- I am just out of sorts, in some kind of time warp I can't get out of.
I love the idea of scaling down the decorations.
Also, this is my favorite Christmas song. Every year an older brother in my ward growing up sang it solo around Christmas time. I love the memory of it- he was such a sweet man.
Jesus truly is the "reason for the season". Hope yours is a good one. :)
oh jill- you hit it right on.
xmas hurts my heart to no end, too.
and "o holy night" is my fave hymn of the season, too.
our Homily at Mass today was focused on the doing of the season, but not the TO DO list. It had a few solid messages and I should post about it b/c it was a fantastic message that made me not only think but it made me tear up too
Oh how I love that song. Truly inspirational I believe. I love this post. Thanks for the redirection your Sunday Thoughts always bring me. ! You could compile them in a book someday. Sunday Thoughts by Jill Stuart. What a gift for your posterity.
Amazing post...wish I was feeling soo optimistic....I am not. Any how...i just wanted to share that I have had this little sign...made out of wood and twisted little hanger in my car for about 8 years...I just love it. It is a very magical word. I had it in the Mercedes all this time, but now that I am in the truck...I miss it...alot. Thanks for making me believe and remember that this truly is one of my most favorite words.
Oh Holy Night is my favorite song! I always get teary anytime I sing it.
I love how empowering and calming a simpe word: believe, can be!
Lovely sentiments, Jill, and I concur with them all. I think my favourite part of our Sunday services is the Creed. It just chokes me up sometimes to say the words. Sometimes I get such a lump in my throat that nothing comes out!
I was pleased with myself today that I bought the first Christmas present so far, and it was a handmade bag and purse made by a lady at church, who is donating the money to church pastors in Uganda. What a thrill to have something totally handmade and to know that ALL the money is going to a good cause. The bag and purse will go to my husband's step-sister.
I love 'O Holy Night' but am pants at trying to sing it! Haven't got the lungs for it!
I like how the "believe" sign prompted those thoughts. I'll look at those signs differently now.
The snow really did make for some nice family time. More to be thankful for.
It hurts my heart too when people write "xmas."
Yes! xmas totally hurts my heart. I love your list, and I believe the same things.
p.s. forgot to mention that this was the purpose of my fast today, that I can focus on what's truly important this holiday season and that my calm and peace will radiate to the rest of my family.
That is my most favortie song of all. I love it. ANd I love that i am not the only one who gets so offended when people say xmas instead of Christmas. Your list was great.
i love that you wrote this post at the beginning of the season, when we all have time to really radiate calm and peace (thanks for the words, michelle.)
this is a great post- i don't think enough about the meaning of christmas- i usually end up in the middle of all the hustle of the holiday and, of course, finals. i really liked michelle's idea of a purpose for fasting for that.
i love that song, too- what a perfect reminder.
I love all the thoughts in your head about the word 'Believe'. They are beautifully put, as you write things so well, I love reading what's on your mind. Thank you for those reminders!
What a beautiful post Jill, my most favorite Christmas song is O Holy Night. I love the part about how the weary world rejoices. Isn't that the truth, don't we feel weary some times and then we think of his worth and what he did for us and we rejoice. I cry every time it plays, especially when Celine sings it! She's not necessarily my favorite singer, but she knows how to sing that one sister! Thank you for your wonderful blog, I love to read it.
Your post has brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart. Thank you for the reminder we can all use this time of year, while stressing about getting the "perfect" Christmas card photo, or making the "perfect" goody plates for neighbors, or getting STUFF for the kids. This was just what I needed to read tonight. Thank you, my friend.
These are wonderful thoughts for today! One of my kids made a comment today that made me realize I need to concentrate a little more on the "Believe" with them than I apparently have been.
I don't like xmas either. I was in charge of a YW activity last week, and we made a Christmas tree for the sister missionaries serving in our ward. I had the girls making ornaments, and I was trying to get them to concentrate on Christ-centered themes, and they said, "Is that like a missionary rule or something?" I kind of wanted to scream.
There is no better Christmas song than O Holy Night! I love, love it. By almost anyone that keeps it traditional. It always gives me chills, especially Josh Groban.
We had out stake nativity last night and it brought so much into perspective. With this baby so close to Christmas, we have scaled down tons. And it feels right.
Great post Jill! I have the same exact sign and love it.
Sounds like we're all in agreement about O Holy Night. I heard it tonight and realized again how much I love Christ-centered Christmas songs and touching they are versus the fruffy songs that come on the radio about Christmas. I don't mind the festive songs, it's just that they don't mean nearly as much.
Your post is a fantastic list of reasons to "believe" this season.
I love that song- and the same phrase stuck out for me when I was listening the other day! Followed by "The thrill of hope." Remember when we went through the Museum in Paris (Clyde? Oh, I can't believe I forgot the name!!) The point is, I was so overwhelmed by the darkness of the art work. The people seemed sick and sad and confused... then the Savior came and offered hope and love and peace... even today, I feel that thrill of hope that He has made all things possible and that by faith in Him I can return to live with our Father in Heaven!
Despite my Scrooge like attitude toward no craft room and all store bought gifts- my weary heart rejoices this wonderful season along with yours!!
What a lovely post. I think we allow ourselves to get overly busy this time of year because we are attempting to stuff the month with all the joy and goodwill we can...when maybe those things should be spread more throughout the year in regular life! December is such a special, love-filled month, though, that we all try to do everything we can to manifest that. It's hard to pick and choose what to do, though.
I loved your beautiful post! Thank you for putting things in perspective. What a good reminder for me. :)
Sounds like I am not alone in my angst when people use that xmas word. That word should be banished!
BELIEVE is one of my favorite words. I have it hanging on my front door this month.
Thanks for posting the words of OH HOLY NIGHT. It was a treat to just read them!
I always feel like I can't look at or acknowledge the word xmas, and just today I read something that says X is the letter or symbol the Greek Orthodox religion uses for Christ. I still don't like the context of "xmas" but at least it's origins sound like it was meant to include Christ in Christmas, not x it out. However, that meaning is probably long lost by most now, so it remains a sad abbreviation.
Wow...this is seriously so great. I love everything you wrote...all so true! Thank you for reminding me!
This was a beautiful reminder, Jill. Thank you...even just for the words of the song at the end. Lovely.
I love O Holy Night, but I have never read the lyrics to myself. Nice emphasis, something to ponder on.
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