Guest Author Mukkove Johnson - Virtual Birthday Party- Oct. 17-20.. Join Us

Welcome to the Birthday Party....

Redeeming the Sights of Christmas

By Mukkove Johnson

Christmas is a wonderful time of year for many families, a time of year that is just around the corner, too. The season is filled with memories, sights and sounds, some we cherish, some we would rather not deal with.

When my first child was born we announced to the family that we would not be doing Santa Claus. Some accepted this quietly, while others thought we were depriving our children. I longed to find a way to teach my children what Christmas meant to me, celebrating the birth of my Savior. How could I do that when everything around me says it about making a list of what I want and getting it?

There is no realistic way to keep my children from seeing all of the decorations and commercialism of the Christmas season. I decided to redeem the sights of Christmas. Let’s go back to Santa. No doubt you’ve noticed he is everywhere in December. Our cultures message is “Make your list, be good and Santa will bring you what you want.” I redeemed the image of Santa by teaching my children about St. Nicholas, a devout, generous, Christian man that lived in Turkey hundreds of years ago. When we see Santa, we think of St. Nicholas and remember to be as generous with our possessions and the love of God as we can. Redeemed.

For me personally I realized I needed to redeem ornaments and all the other beautiful decorations. I noticed that when I looked at them I was discontent. I would have an overwhelming longing to have the “perfectly” decorated tree and a peaceful, inspiringly decorated home. I still want those things, but they can never become what Christmas is about. I have to be able to celebrate my Savior no matter which, if any, decorations I have. To redeem the ornaments I first voice thankfulness for being able to enjoy their beauty right where they are. I thank God for the blessings of a warm home – I do live in Alaska, a warm home is a big deal! In my book I explain how seeing the ornaments can remind us to show people Jesus. If I am jealous and disgruntled about decorations no one is seeing Jesus in me. However if I radiate gratefulness for all God has done and will continue to do for me people will see Jesus.

I pray that this Christmas season you will look at the sights of the season with new eyes. Take what the culture means for commercialism and find a way for it to remind you about Jesus, loving others and being thankful.

Happy, Happy Birthday!           Happy, Happy Birthday!

Christmas is About Jesus is 2! The party continues with interviews, gifts and articles @ Kove's Cove, Elaine Littau, Little Life Lessons, Working Writers and Bloggers, Eliza Earsman boooks, and Facebook

Gifts - What's a birthday party without gifts! Here's how to get yours:
For the printable coloring pages and ornaments to match the devotions email me @ mukkove@kovescove.com with "gifts" in the subject line. I'll get them to your inbox.

I'm giving away one Christmas is About Jesus gift set. Gift set includes 1 paperback, 1 matching journal, and 1 printed and strung set of ornaments. You can enter as many times as you like.  

Enter by commenting between October 17 and 20 on any of my co-hosts blogs for the birthday party: Elaine Littau, Little Life Lessons, Working Writers and Bloggers, and Eliza Earsman boooks. Leave a comment on this blog, Christmas is About Jesus or my website, Kove's Cove. Like Mukkove Johnson - Christian Author on Facebook & Christmas is About Jesus on Facebook. And finally sign up for Encouragement from Kove's Cove.

Many ways to enter. I hope you enjoy the party and take home something worth keeping as well!

Mukkove Johnson lives in Alaska with her high school sweetheart and their children. She enjoys learning new things, planning, creating and writing. Her first book Christmas is About Jesus: An Advent Devotional is available on her site, at Tate publishing, and most online retailers. Connect with Mukkove by visiting her website, www.KovesCove.com, following her blogs, Kove’s Blog and Thoughts for Authors, or on Facebook.