Category: Christmas

What Bliss is This: The Charlie Brown Christmas Challenge

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Written 12/11/11; revied 12/16/23

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7)

WHAT BLISS IS THIS?

Every Christmas, seasonal charisma arouses that magical popery of jollity and goodwill. Amidst the hurrying and scurrying, many people tap into a higher ‘cheer gear’ once December dawns, knowing the most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner. Snowflakes emerge on coke cans, polar bears dance in dreams, sounds of silver bells fill the air, popular television channels kick off countdowns, and old friendships reconnect as the surrounding world decks itself with adornment. As days grow colder, the warmth of binding bonds contribute to what is often associated as good tidings. But what exactly is a good tiding? And how do we adequately answer this if we possess topical bliss, plastic like some of our materialistic ambitions?

Whatever the case, losing sight on what drives our ebullience during Christmas is far too easy given our focus can be lost in holiday hustle and bustle. I know for me, I can’t encounter peace without intentionally entering into (or choosing) joy first; hence, why I will see the Prince of Peace whenever I need a stir not even a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha can buy and align to God through spontaneous worship, stillness, declaring the truth of His Word, even random acts of kindness depending on the situation.

Bottom line: By applying the right heart/mindsets in light of Christmas, we can discover some rejuvenating truths that augment season’s joy and boost boldness heading into a new year.

THE WAY FROM THE MANGER

For believers, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, salvation’s inception, and the adoption to sonship (Galatians 4:4-5, ESV). It is a time to commemorate God’s ultimate gift, who would become the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the divine pathway, which begun in a Bethlehem stable and ended at a cross at Calvary, the tomb, and the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2, ESV). From the beginning, God foresaw the incarnation as the bridge to a new covenant relationship with His children; however, He knew the blueprints would require His son bearing flesh and humanity’s sin as part of the process of redeeming them. Thus, the purest celebration of Christmas is an honoring tribute to the greatest act of selfless love with “good tidings of great joy” the proper response as recipients of grace.

Bottom line: What is the right response exactly? To share the good news, mirroring God’s love to all men (1 John 4:9-11, ESV).

GOOD GRIEF! THE CHARLIE BROWN CHALLENGE

How well have we kept the manger and cross integrated into our execution of goodwill? As some of us have seen, cultural bents often reduces them to spontaneous acts of short-lived compassion. So how do we righteously respond to such subtle sucking of holy verve?

Let’s think about Charlie Brown for just a minute. For all the verbal abuse Charlie Brown endured in “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, he had the right approach in his search for the true meaning of Christmas. As the show progresses, Charlie Brown becomes increasingly convinced commercialism ruins Christmas. Yet, before he figures out what Christmas is all about, he has to first realize what it isn’t about: Money, Santa Clause, self-centered wanting, etc. Eventually, the light bulb ignites for Charlie Brown as he realizes commercialism isn’t the only issue congesting Christmas spirit but rather religion overriding opportunities in which goodness can manifest.

Bottom line: Dare to pray for the Charlie Brown’s of the world adrift on a sea of holiday motions, who accomplish much goodness by way of action, yet remain numb to the broad significance of those actions. The unsung hero in Charlie Brown Christmas saw past the capped perspectives of his peers: Christmas isn’t about being filled or finding meaning through what’s temporary, but sharing what’s everlasting with one another.

That said, the Charlie Brown Challenge is simple – that we may be unified as a people who know why they give of themselves. May commercialism and customs not overcome us to the point our ‘love barometer’ stops working. May our donations and offerings accompany our compassion and stem more from heart than wallet. And may we, with boldness and without hindrance (Acts 28:31, ESV), “proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns, for this is why [we were made]” (Luke 4:42-44, ESV) and accordingly, how we should celebrate Christmas.

Cover graphic creds: Wallpaper Cave

3 Underrated Life Lessons from ‘Elf’

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Originally written 12/25/15; revised 12/11/23

Every Christmas, I somehow, some way find myself taking in another round of ‘Elf‘. After all, you leave your TV on long enough during December, it’s bound to happen. Although the movie isn’t exactly my cup of tea, I’d be a cotton-headed ninny muggins if I said there weren’t any truths tucked within the movie’s many memorable moments.

Thus, in the spirit of modern day parables, here are three life lessons inspired by Elf quotes worth eating up this holiday season…

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  1. Jovie: “It IS a crappy cup of coffee.”Buddy: “No, it’s the world’s BEST cup of coffee.”

Believing the best isn’t always easy. I know for me, I’d rather ‘get real’ with what’s in front of me than entertain what’s outside of me. Yet, I also know, while honest assessment is certainly a fair practice, when it becomes boxed in by circumstances, opportunities to shine hope into them can be missed.

In the case of Buddy the Elf, his innocent ignorance, though awkward, opens the door for humility…

…not only for the coffee shop to step up to its potential, but for Jovie to believe it could happen.

Accordingly, I can appreciate how Buddy, though delusional, speaks life into what could be, rather than reduce an entire identity to one subpar sip.

Bottom line: While there’s a time to be honest, a time to be transparent, there’s never a time to doubt, even if the best is out of sight, out of mind. ————————————————————————————————————————————————

2. Buddy: “Deb, you have such a pretty face, you should be on a Christmas card.”

Like point #1, showing encouragement isn’t always easy either. Political incorrectness, missing the punch-line, poor delivery mechanics, futile grudges…

…honestly, it’s crazy the excuses we tolerate all for the sake of not looking (or sounding) like a moron.

But with Buddy, not only do you find a model of self-security, but you also see what happens when driven joy and childlike faith collide in a relational context. Despite his lack of filter, Buddy ultimately reminds us it’s better to encourage as a function of determined giving as opposed to convenient action.

Bottom line: If you have something good to say, don’t just say it…give it.————————————————————————————————————————————————

3. Buddy: “SANTA! OH MY GOD! SANTA’S COMING! I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM!”

I’ve often wondered why so many wear their faith like a security blanket, only to ditch it when the ‘heat’ is turned up.

It’s like…we have no problem investing in eternal insurance…but also have no problem catering to indifference whenever the ‘rubber meets the road’.  

But truth is: when we ‘selah’ on simply Jesus and the joy set before us, it makes perfect sense to get excited and share that enthusiasm with those around us; hence, why Buddy’s reaction here is so priceless given it captures the true spirit of Christmas and reminds us how we’re to celebrate God’s past, present, and future faithfulness.

For when we consider the fact Jesus is coming again, to once more redeem humanity from depravity, we ultimately set ourselves up to trust Christ in a way that fuels an eagerness for that coming.

Bottom line: Stand up, be proud…live your faith out loud…

‘…cause seriously…we have the privilege of knowing the King of Kings & Lord of Lords. How freakin’ awesome is that!?!

Graphic cover creds: Giphy

Prepare Him Room: The Innkeeper’s Dilemma

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Written: 12/21/15; edited 12/15/22

I don’t know about you, but…

Granted, it’s 70 freakin’ degrees and our only hope for a white Christmas lies in a water and sodium polyacrylate amalgamation (thanks, El Niño blowtorch).Then again…it’s not like Christmas hinges on what can be tangibly felt…be it an emotion, a moment, or an unfavorable teleconnection with ridging tendencies.

Of course, you know me; I could go on about the Grinch-like weather and other seasonal interferences like a mopey cotton-headed ninny muggins. But I figure:

  1.  Nobody got time for that and… 
  2. There’s way too much goodness worth discussing.

‘Cause while the weather outside is NOT frightful…with certain situations far from delightful…truth is: God has given us a place that is rightful…where all is still well and all is still bright.

But perhaps you’re like many who aren’t feeling so hot right now, fatigued from a difficult year and/or stressed by the perilous times in which we live.If so, then I encourage you: take heart…for you are not (or ever) alone…nor are you hopeless, helpless…or unworthy of receiving the kind of rest and peace this time of year has to offer.

‘Cause when we talk about Christmas, we’re not talking about some annual tradition, a candlelit spectacle, or an excuse to be off work. Rather, we’re talking about an expectant hope made possible by God who has set things right for us (Jeremiah 33:16), who remains true to His promises…all the while giving us a reason to know joy and fear not.

Thus, when we pause to consider what Christmas really means, we ultimately set ourselves up to look up…and experience a joy that merges with a peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

Consider the innkeeper in Luke 2…a character in the birth narrative who gets a bad rap due, in part, to his lack of mention. As a kid, I had this idea that the innkeeper was this snarky, Arab Ken Jeong type who opened the door, glanced at Mary and Joseph, and blared, ‘No room for you’… only to slam the door in their face.

But as I’ve revisited the story in recent years, I’ve come to realize the innkeeper was not only fulfilling his part in the prophecy (Micah 5:2), but was also doing his best to extend joy into Mary and Joseph’s situation through hospitality.

You see…at this point in the narrative, we often underestimate the contrast between what was being felt versus what was being done.Personally, I believe the innkeeper was being true to his word (i.e. ‘there’s no room in the inn’), based on the time of the day, the time of year…plus you never lie to a pregnant woman who’s dilating on a donkey.

Yet, while it’s very brief in text, what the innkeeper does between the lines in offering his only ‘stable’ option is actually super profound.

‘Cause what he did, in purest essence…was prepare Him room (i.e. He offered the only thing he could offer in the moment, wrapped it with humble honesty…and counted it all joy).So when you think about it…the innkeeper, despite his minor role, captures what Christmas (and joy for that matter) is all about: being intentional in making room for Jesus in the midst of our chaos…and laying our burdens before the Lord so that the voids left behind can be filled with expressions of honor.

I love this short put out a few years back from The Skit Guys…

Per the above, I encourage you, my friends, to consider your Christmas contribution to Jesus this year…whether it be your time, your walls, your fears…and to seal it by preparing Him room in your hearts…all for the sake of saying, ‘Jesus, you are my joy, the answer to life…and the reason for the season.’For when you ready yourself to receive Christ, you repeat the sounding joy by also receiving the continuous outflow of His blessings and grace…which is exactly why God sent His only begotten Son in the first place.

On behalf of Lyssah & I, we want want to wish you a very…

Cover graphic creds: Subsplash

All I Want For Christmas: A Stable Place

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It’s a fascinating scene.

Mary, Joseph, and t-minus baby Jesus…navigating the tumultuous 90-mile terrain of Judea and uncertainty.

From a mangy donkey and chilly temperatures to the pirate, travel caravan, even wild boar potential, no question the journey into deliverance was labor in and of itself – a prime, if not, pinnacle example of near-term discomfort. And we’ve barely gotten to Bethlehem.

Yet, as I reflect more on the nativity story, Chapter 1 of the Incarnation, if you will, I can’t help but ponder some fresh perspectives courtesy of the past four months.

For instance, going back to Luke 1, while much attention was given to Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Zechariah’s silence, and their corporate stiff-arm to tradition, consider Elizabeth’s attitude.

“Now after this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months she secluded herself completely, saying, “This is how the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor on me, to take away my disgrace among men.” ~ Luke 1:24-25

To me, this speaks volumes about Elizabeth, specifically her confidence in God’s plan despite public scorn and her physical limitations. While she could have sulked in sorrow hiding her faith with her visibility, by acknowledging God’s creative miracle, she embraced His sovereignty. Essentially, Elizabeth’s ‘Yes and Amen‘ was a declaration of God’s faithfulness as greater than her high-risk pregnancy – a baton she would pass to Mary as she cultivated the practice.

As Mary sings in v. 47-49…

“My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has looked [with loving care] on the humble state of His maidservant; for behold, from now on all generations will count me blessed and happy and favored by God!” ~ Luke 1:47-49

Again, note how “favor” is a word of overlap for Mary and Elizabeth. Paraphrasing their heartcries, we find Psalm 56:11 and 118:6:

What can man do to remove the blessing God has covered me with? While discouraging words surround me, the Lord’s favor within His faithfulness is encouragement enough. Therefore, I will boast in God’s goodness even though I don’t under the exact purpose behind His plan.

Fast-forward to Luke 2 and we find this theme playing out for Mary and Joseph. Desperate for shelter, a midwife, and rest from their journey, the temptation to fear and fume could have easily broken their wills. Almost a century mile and no room (for what they needed) in the inns? I would have blown a gasket in Joseph’s shoes!

Still, despite the inconveniences and inhumanities, God’s prophecy reigned supreme divinely guiding Mary and Joseph to what they craved all along…

…a stable place.

Were the conditions rough with health hazards to enhance a high-risk pregnancy? Absolutely. But as God had done for months (and would do in the years following during their hiatus into Egypt), He provided what they needed to be delivered. And as word of mouth increased through divine revelations, Mary’s heart delighted all the more. As she had done from Gabriel’s announcement, she stored the precious promises of God in her heart so she could treasure them at their fulfillment. If that’s not a sign of radical trust in God’s provident protection, I don’t know what is.

Bottom line: On paper and in transit, the road from Nazareth to Bethlehem was anything but smooth; however, just like Mary and Joseph, we, too, have the opportunity to keep our eyes on the prize when unexpected storylines emerge.

Even when God’s execution seems far from ideal, His heart always seeks to strengthen and sharpen our awareness to His Immanuel¹ presence.

Hence, the reason why we celebrate this season: To commemorate God’s light within His love and to say ‘thank you’ for relentlessly pursuing us.

As for you, my friends, you may feel hard-pressed on every side, drained on the heels of a long year, or hopeless despite your desire to delight in the Lord…

…however, in the end, He’s still there, a star on the horizon of whatever we’re going through…

…shining light on what ultimately matters amidst the chaos.

Together, we will get there.

Until then, selah…and Merry Christmas!

~ Cameron & Lyssah Fry

Cover photo creds: Pinterest

Footnotes

  1. i.e. “God with us”

3 Underrated Life Lessons from ‘White Christmas’

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One of the most revered holidays classics, ‘White Christmas’ is a timeless, cinematic confection rich in star power, memorable moments, and, of course, incredible choreography.Granted, the plot is forced, trite, and over-reliant on ex-machinas and sing-along potential; however, this doesn’t mean the movie lacks savory dialogue.

Like most Christmas movies, ‘White Christmas’ shrewdly embeds life lessons within its narrative. Yet, while the picture may be more known for its entertainment value, one can find more meaning behind the scenes upon further inspection.

Thus, in the spirit of going behind the curtain, here are three underrated life lessons inspired by ‘White Christmas’.

1. Phil Davis: “My dear partner, when what’s left of you gets around to what’s left to be gotten, what’s left to be gotten won’t be worth getting, whatever it is you’ve got left.”

Bob Wallace: “When I figure out what that means I’ll come up with a crushing reply.”

For those unfamiliar with ‘White Christmas’, your two male protagonists, Phil and Bob, are polar opposites. On one hand, you have Bob who is cautious and cynical; on the other, you have Phil who is audacious and whimsical. With salt and vinegar personalities, it’s not surprising to see the two collide in witty discords at inopportune moments. Yet, while Bob is the more discerning of the two, it’s Phil’s risk-taking gall and persuasion that puts Bob in position to find what he’s looking for. As this clip reveals, when Phil calls out Bob as diffident to companionship, the stage is set for Bob to consider Phil’s words…and, of course, advance the plot.

Bottom line: If the best time is now/if the better judgment involves the riskier road (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6), that doesn’t make it wrong. 

2. Bob Wallace: “So if you’re worried and you can’t sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep.”

I’ve never been a fan of counting sheep. I remember as a little kid, I found the practice obnoxious and futile. Seriously, what could be more obtuse than tallying one of the most naive creatures in existence? However, as an adult, I’ve discovered the antithesis, specifically why counting blessings is one of the most refreshing exercises one can engage.

For while our mental computations (what we need, what we don’t have, etc. ) often lead to discouragement as opposed to thanksgiving, when it comes to what we’ve been divinely given, we have ever reason to remember and relish; hence, why this scene is so powerful. For Bob, counting blessings was not only a catchy jingle, but also a contagious habit contributing to his sunny demeanor and those around him.

Bottom line: If there’s anything worth counting in life, it’s your blessings (Psalm 103:2). 

3. Phil Davis: “I think it’s ridiculous , impossible, and insane!”
Bob Wallace: “Anything else?”
Phil Davis: “Yes, I wish I’d thought of it first.”

When it comes to helping others, we tend to operate within our means. While some tailor their gameplan to bandwidth and what they deem doable, when it comes to a giving heart, the best approach always seeks generosity by going beyond what’s possible. This truth alone is why I love Phil’s reply to Bob’s question here. For starters, you see maturity in Bob’s character for daring to give big. In addition, you note Phil and Bob are more in sync from being united for a special cause. Fittingly the storyline changes as both characters commit their decisions to helping someone else. Had Bob and/or Phil continued being overly concerned with their career pathway, they likely would’ve missed the chance to honor their friend’s legacy.

Bottom line: We only have what we give. So why not outdo each other in doing good (Hebrews 10:24)? Not only will this enliven your other-centeredness, but it will also stretch your capacity to give.

Bonus: Betty Haynes: [singing on the train] “I wanna wash my hands, my face, my hair with snow.”
Phil Davis, Bob Wallace, Betty Haynes, Judy Haynes: [singing] “... And may all your Christmases be white. Merry Christmas!”

As a lover of winter and all things snow, it wouldn’t be right if I left off a quote or two from the movie’s long list of wintry references. Here’s to these lines being prophetic during the next few months in middle Tennessee.

Cover photo creds: Cinematic HD Wallpapers