The Baptist Digest

Christmas, the Basin and the Bowl

December 2006

About this time of the year my thoughts begin to turn to memories of Christmas’s past. Memories flood in stimulating my senses. The comforting feelings of acceptance, love, and happiness overcome me. I even begin to think that I can smell the freshness of pine needles, the spicy fragrance of cinnamon and apple cider, and the tempting aroma of roasting turkey.

Vivid scenes of colorful decorations abound. The tree adorned with colorful lights, beautifully crafted hanging baubles, tinsel, and a spectacular “tree topper”. On the mantle, garland and a manger scene depicting the birth of Jesus surrounded by wise men, shepherds, angels and animals. Decorating the dining room table are special Christmas candles and a colorful table runner.

Thoughts of singing Christmas Carols, hot chocolate and cold crisp nights are interspersed with sounds of laughter, songs of joy, reverence, and happiness. WOW, I can’t wait for the “season” to begin.

I have always taken for granted and believed that I understood the “reason” for the season. This year however, I have been challenged in a new way to consider the significance of celebrating not only the birth of Jesus but also his life and death.

This year I can’t celebrate his birth without a new appreciation for the depth of his love as he took on human form and joined us as the least of the least to eventually be consumed as the only worthy sacrifice for our sins. I am reminded of his example of servant leadership as I read …

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God, and was going back to God, rose from supper, laid aside His garments; girded Himself with a towel, poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet and wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.  John 13: 3-5

As you approach this Christmas, take a moment to reflect beyond the good memories of the season to the great gift of God on our behalf. Is your basin filled and your towel ready?

God bless you all and thank you for your prayers, kind thoughts and gifts.

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I thought you might like this column I read at baptistdigest.com. "Christmas, the Basin and the Bowl" About this time of the year my thoughts begin to turn to memories of Christmas’s past. Memories flood in stimulating my senses. The comforting feelings of acceptance, love, and happiness overcome me. I even begin to think that I can smell the freshness of pine needles, the spicy fragrance of cinnamon and apple cider, and the tempting aroma of roasting turkey. Vivid scenes of colorful decorations abound. The tree adorned with colorful lights, beautifully crafted hanging baubles, tinsel, and a spectacular “tree topper”. On the mantle, garland and a manger scene depicting the birth of Jesus surrounded by wise men, shepherds, angels and animals. Decorating the dining room table are special Christmas candles and a colorful table runner. You can read the rest here: http://www.baptistdigest.com/archive/column/christmas_the_basin_and_the_bowl/