Advent day 7
Light the 7th Candle.

In 1987, I proposed to my husband that I wanted to start celebrating Christmas. This was smack in the face of our position to not celebrate holidays. Period.
The previous decision really caused a huge rift in our families.

Jim told me that I had to do it in such a way that it totally focused upon Jesus, and not Santa Claus. I’m not sure he believed that I could do so. I had been given a ‘vision’ from God, and I’m remembering that first Christmas.

First – the colors. Why Red and Green?
Red – the blood of Jesus that was shed for us
Green – the new life that we receive when we embrace his gift.

But, what about the other colors?
we started with Red and Green – and then added the other colors for our children:
Yellow – for the glory that shines from Christ’s face.
Blue – for the water that washes us clean
Purple – for the royalty of God, and that in Christ we are priests and kings.

At one time, we created bracelets that were witnessing tools, with colored beads that stood for the way of salvation.

Eventually, The Wordless Book showed up in our churches, and because of this part of the story of Christ, we embraced it.

Here’s the Pinterest Post for how to make a wordless book.

Wearing something, like the bracelet above, reminds me of the path to heaven.
I confess, there are many times that I forget that I am focusing, or at least, I desire to focus upon, the path to Christ – likeness. I want to be like Christ.

The colors remind me of my God and Savior.
but they also remind me of when we started taking 25 days to talk about Jesus with our Children.

We did our first Advent with the paper ring garland. If we were going to participate in Christmas, it was Jesus all the way. (though, to be honest, stockings have to do with Santa, not Jesus – not sure how I’ve missed that for so many years!)

2016 edit – this year, I am painting ornaments – and I have chosen to put the colors of Christmas on them.  This one is not complete, but it shows how I have incorporated the colors of Christmas.

Thank you Lord, for all the colors that you created.
Thank you, Lord, for giving Noah the rainbow, the symbol of your promise, there will be an end to trials, storms, and waiting!
Thank you, Lord, for giving us our five children, and helping us to teach them about Christ.
Please, Lord, help our children with children to pass on the truths of God’s word to their children.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

More Advent Devotions

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

• Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
• Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

• Naomi’s Heart Ministries
• Obed’s House Ministries
• The son of a friend will be interning with CRU – previously known as Campus Crusades for Christ. If you’d like to support someone I can vouch for in this area, please consider going to Matthew Plant’s donation page.