tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3169198036331537019.post8930150629093298123..comments2023-10-08T04:14:21.332-05:00Comments on Raising Godly Arrows...Only Slightly Bent(s): Getting ready for Christmas & familyKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15627382896990217786noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3169198036331537019.post-41497899006816226292013-11-20T15:28:35.380-06:002013-11-20T15:28:35.380-06:00The kind of things needed to keep the focus of thi...The kind of things needed to keep the focus of this season on the reason for the season are the same things we need to be doing year-round to be growing our relationship with Jesus. So long as we have the right focus going in, the right focus can continue; if not, it can still be done but it's much more difficult.<br /><br />As to the co-opting of "pagan" traditions and symbols, I like that Christianity has done that. To me, it is parallel to what happens to us: We pagan sinners come to Christ and are sanctified and made holy. Why not do the same to unholy symbols?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17578862711736813162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3169198036331537019.post-9002196990211996622013-11-20T10:59:00.496-06:002013-11-20T10:59:00.496-06:00We are pairing down Christmas gifts and stockings....We are pairing down Christmas gifts and stockings. No plastic crap that will go in the garbage in 3 days. We are also following the book "Jesse Tree Advent" it's a daily devotional for kids and parents with an ornament (bought, or printed and colored) that go on the tree each day to symbolize that day's reading. I think if you focus kids on giving to others and coming up with fun ways to do it, there is no reason to give up the music, decor and smells. Mari Bryant- Markshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05871804237840954565noreply@blogger.com