14 sleeps til Christmas Day! Christmas is such a special time as we celebrate the birth of a baby whose life continues to change the world over 2000 years later. We're keeping the "Christ" in Christmas this season... but word of the day isn't helping! Yon? Yon? How do you use the word yon? Nonetheless, we tried. It means "that or those yonder". Sounds simple enough, but not so!
So, back to Christmas. Keeping the Christ in Christmas. One way we can do this is with the traditions we have as a family at Christmas time. So, we put the question out there. How do you as a family keep the Christ in Christmas? We got some great ideas from families around Melbourne. Have a listen on today's podcast!
The Christmas photo.... AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!: One thing that is so fabulous about Christmas is that we sometimes get a chance to see our whole families together. For some, this could be the only time all year that everyone's all in the one place. So, naturally, people want to remember the occasion with a Christmas family photo. Oh no!!! For those who love photos, no problem! But, many people aren't fans of having their photos taken. We need to remember that it's important to our families that we're included in moments like the family photo. So, how can you be involved, without dreading how the photo will turn out? We got some tips from photographer Karen Alsop from Emerald Eye Photography . There are simple things we can do to make sure we look and feel our best and really make it a happy snap! You can hear Karen's ideas on today's podcast.
Debt - is it necessary?: Gavin Martin from Cornerstone Wealth joined us in the studio to talk about debt. We recently received an email from a young couple who put a lot of effort in to live debt free, paying off their home in only a few short years without an excessive income. So, it can be done - living without debt. However, when you're already in so deep that there feels like there's no way out, what can you do? Gavin Martin's got some ideas and you can hear them on today's podcast.
Baby Boys and Celebrations: As we seek to keep the Christ in Christmas we remember Mary. Susie has been reflecting on the history of Mary's life as she relates more to her. Both Susie and Mary, pregnant with baby boys. However, Susie is experiencing support and joy from those around her. Pregnant out of wedlock, Mary no doubt was the object of gossip and rumor and scorn from her own community. She wouldn't have received the words of congratulations like her cousin Elizabeth who had been considered barren, but then was pregnant at the same time as Mary. As we sing the songs like "Joy to the World" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" that mark this most remarkable birth, it's good to reflect on how things might have been for Mary and Joseph.
Hear today's Podcast here .
Where Christmas isn't so joyous: As much as we speak of Christmas as a season of joy, we know that for many people this is a time of grief, hardship, loneliness and struggle. If this is an experience you're going through, remember there is someone out there who cares. You can call the Careline for support on 9583 2273. They will listen to you, pray with you and direct you to a church where you can find ongoing support through this time and into the future.