December 03, 2013

What Christmas Means to Me - Janis Cox



The creche figures, made from various woods, were created by my husband.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14, NIV). 
As we approach this Christmas season I remember back to Dec. 31, 2003 - our first Christmas Eve service in a new small country church.

The minister that night spoke about the Incarnation - the descent from Heaven of God.

Being a new Christian I really didn't know what that meant.

That night for the first time I heard the words "Immanuel" meaning God with us or as Max Lucado says, "God with skin on".

I remember my minister explaining the meaning of Immanuel.

Immanu - With us
El - Elohim or God 

I remember he said that God came to earth in the form of a baby. God became human, one of us.

The idea that Jesus, Whom I had accepted as my Saviour, became human to live and dwell among us finally sunk in that night.

We were no longer alone on this earth as God came to be with us again just as He had been in the Garden at the very beginning. He came to walk with us, eat with us and teach us.

Christmas time is very special to me since that evening.

Christmas is not about baubles, bangles or bows.
Christmas is not about families, friends or foes. 
Christmas is not about Santa, snowmen or stockings.
Christmas is not about games, goodies, or giftings.

Christmas is God coming to earth in human form.
Christmas is about God's love for us.
Christmas is about God wanting a relationship with us.
Christmas is about hope, peace, joy and love.
Janis Cox 2013

The Advent Season is upon us. How are you remembering what Christmas is all about?

That special evening years ago my minister put humanity into the Incarnation for me. Jesus became more real and continues to lead me every day.

On Sunday in our church in Arizona, we sang Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down) by Robbie Seay Band.

Enjoy the HOPE that comes from the first week of Advent.





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Janis Cox

Janis Cox - Author and Illustrator
Janis, a retired school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. A writer since 2003, Janis co-ordinates a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer. She is also a contributor to a group blog called Family and Faith Matters.

Janis is the author of the award winning children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, published by Word Alive Press. She is the author and watercolour illustrator. For more information visit Janis on her website He Cares for You. She is a member of The Word Guild and Inscribe Writers Fellowship.
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10 comments:

  1. Marcia Janson8:28 am GMT-7

    Janis, I'm listening to the worship song you linked - love it! As I lay in bed a couple of hours ago contemplating this new day, I was thinking about some of the things you mention here.

    Once in awhile it hits me - God came down to live as a human being - really? He let us humiliate and murder him - seriously? And now we have Jesus, God's Son, living in us - huh? At best, we catch little glimpses of what that means because it's so astonishing and wonderful.

    You've warmed my heart today - thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Janis Cox12:55 pm GMT-7

    Yes yes Marcia. That is what is so wonderful. What God has done for us.
    Many blessings,
    Janis www.janiscox.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gabby2:08 pm GMT-7

    Yes, Christmas matters and it's so important to focus on the reality of what Christ did for us on the cross at Christmas, when He came to us as a baby. Love this. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kristen 2:16 pm GMT-7

    Hi Janis -- thanks so much for sharing this and linking to Lyrical Tuesdays. I loved reading about your personal experience with this song -- it makes it that much more meaningful. Blessings!

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  5. Tracy Krauss4:15 pm GMT-7

    I heard a stat once that said something like this: 70% of people who come to Christ do so before the age of 20. (Not sure where I heard it or how accurate it is...) Anyway, I am so encouraged by your story - that people do come to Christ in adulthood, not just as kids or teens.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Janis Cox8:49 pm GMT-7

    Thanks Gabby, Kristen and Tracy,
    I actually think my faith is more powerful coming at this age. Although I had a "head knowledge" of God, I did not have a "heart knowledge".
    Until I asked I did not receive. And I think that is the key to connecting with God - ASK.
    Blessings,
    Janis www.janiscox.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. martha6812:29 pm GMT-7

    janis, i enjoyed your post. i wrote about your topic (it was a rerun) this week in one of my Christmas posts. i think it was the wednesday, the day after lyrical tues.

    was the poem you quoted in your post a song or just a poem? just curious:)

    have a blessed christmas:)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Janis Cox3:49 pm GMT-7

    Hi Martha,
    The poem I quoted - I wrote - It is just a poem. Would you like to put it to music?
    Blessings,
    Janis www.janiscox.com

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  9. Connie Mae Inglis8:31 am GMT-7

    Thanks for this Janis. I always enjoy hearing different people's stories about Christmas. It's my favourite season of the year.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Janis Cox11:49 am GMT-7

    Thanks Connie for your comments.
    I love Christmas too.
    Blessings,
    Janis www.janiscox.com

    ReplyDelete

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