A Christmas Hodgepodgie Hodgepodge

This is our Christmas Hodgepodge post.

Next week, I will be celebrating in the Bahamas with our son and his family as we eagerly anticipate our grandson and theWestern Michigan Broncos playing in the Popeye's Bahamas Bowl on Christmas Eve.

There will be few family traditions for us this year, but we do look forward to sharing

this beautiful story of our Lord's birth together on a beach somewhere.

Traditions are only what we make them, and memories are also what we make them and this year will be full of memory making events.

So join the other bloggers and Joyce 

for

Wednesday Hodgepodge 

1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem?

 

 It has got to be the alarm going off at 4:45 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  Woe is me!

2.  Each year Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse...done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. You can read more about this year's selection here. Your thoughts? If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year? 

No doubt Chancellor Merkel has done some great things for her countrymen, but allowing millions and millions of unvetted immigrants into her country as hopeful workers to boost the German economy is a very risky thing to do.  Her plan is not to create a multicultural society but to make it mandatory to speak German, etc.  I find this rather far-fetched with this particular group of immigrants.  To me, this is not basis enough for this honor, therefore, she would not be my first choice.  That being said, I frankly do not know of anyone I would declare as Person of the Year.

3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so share it's history and how you display the pieces.

I do have a simple nativity that I am using as a centerpiece on my table that I have had for several years, but has no significant history.  I often use it on the foyer table, but am doing less decorating this year, so made it very simple.

4.  Do you make an extra effort to give back in some way during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year?

I am embarrassed to say that I do not do enough giving back or encouraging this time of year.

5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why?

It would be my daughter and daughter-in-law because they are fairly easy to please and are grateful for whatever I give them.

6. What's the last delicious thing you ate?

Hubby brought me a slice of Italian Cream cake from an office party today.  It was delicious!

7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is________________.

Through music and sharing the joy of Christmas with family and friends.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I happen to think we have one of the most beautiful churches around and thought I would share with you some of the tasteful decorations and Christmas symbols in our sanctuary.

 An overall view of the sanctuary from the balcony.

Poinsettia tree

Advent wreath and candles

Nativity on a side table

Large nativity in the foyer

Stained glass window depicting the Christ Child

For unto us a child is born

unto us a son is given.

And His name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, 

The Mighty God,

The Everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas to you and your family and may you (re)discover the joy that a life in Christ brings.