Christmas cards are one of my favorite parts of the season, and I enjoy working on them early and taking my time. I love to add handwritten notes when I have something to say and often include a picture of the family or the kiddos. These were a few of the 100 attempts for last year's card:
I like to send the cards out the last day of November, so that ours is one of the first to greet our friends with good cheer. In other words, I like to kick off the party!
As much as I enjoy choosing the cards for friends and family and signing our names and greeting, there is one part each year that's a bit solemn: when I have a name to cross off the list. Then my Christmas card time becomes a time of prayer for family that is still here and grieving.
And maybe that's why I most love Christmas: it is a reminder that while joy and sorrow mingle together here, there is a Someday when we can put aside our sorrows forever. Because the Word became Flesh -- and changed everything.
"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people . . ." (Luke 2:10).
"No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 22:4-5).
Soli Deo Gloria!! Let's start celebrating!
For more good tidings, visit Internet Cafe Devotions.
23 comments:
I was just thinking about Christmas cards, myself! Very cute!
Christmas season is my favorite time of year too. The photos are adorable.
first of all, i am absolutely stealing your Christmas card idea. seriously...don't be surprised when you see the copycat pictures up on my blog later this month. i've been looking for something to do and i LOVE yours!
i love Christmas....and we have been working so hard to instill in our children that it's more than the material gifts that they receive. it IS a time for remembering....remembering God's greatest gift to us, remembering our family, remembering our friends, and remembering all of our blessings.
If you run out of cards to write I am very happy to share my list.....LOL.
I hated Christmas as it was when my husband said he was leaving....and for years I tried various ways of getting through the day.....then I gave up and slept through it. Then a friend explained why she makes a mega deal......and I mean a mega deal of Christmas.....it was when her Husband died...and she is not a believer as far as I know and I was so challenged. Now Nov is here and I have a lovely new white tree I bought in the Jan sales and I have just purchased red baubles for it...and a whole year has gone past and I still have not worked out how to do the Avery labels for the Christmas cards.....oh life is sad.....not!
I just love those photos! I chuckled at the 2nd one because the children are holding up the word "JOY" and little girl is crying lol! Soooo cute!
Happy WFW and God bless you sweetie.
What wonderful photos for Christmas cards. Thanks for putting Christmas in my mind, now I'll be singing Christmas Carols all day long. Have a wonderful week!
Wonderful thoughts about the joy and sorrow of Christmas cards. I was just thinking about this the other day...who we wouldn't be able to share our Christmas cards and well wishes with this year. However, He will wipe away our every tear, and we will see them again someday. Thank you Lord that your coming here changed EVERYTHING!
Adorable cards. We did something like that a few years ago, but I had to spell "NOEL" since I had four in the picture.
I loved the verse you shared!
Our family has been celebrating Advent for a few years now...and I LOVE that it contrasts the HOPE and JOY of the baby Jesus...with the remembrance of the sadness and sinfulness too! God is so good. Praise Him for His Wonderful Gift!
Amen! Soli Deo Gloria!! What a day to look forward to. And Advent is such a wonderful time to bring the family together daily, reminding them to focus on Christ.
By the way, my vote would be for #1, although I realize it was for last year's card. That pic is priceless!! :-)
You've given me a great idea for our Christmas cards.
I know what you mean about the bittersweetness.
You do not have to explain you love of Christmas to me...I am already listening to Christmas songs while I work around my house. The song Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas has a line in it that reminds me of how you feel about taking someone off the list.
"Through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow."
Such a fun post.
Well, I'm glad you got such a joyful shot in the end! We really are blessed because of Him! Thanks for stopping by and leaving such nice words. God bless :)
THIS is just crazy!! I have to tell you, YOU are not alone...I have addressed the envelopes already...it IS a sickness, but I TOO love Christmas! The other funny thing is that for YEARS I've sent pics of my three (2 girls and 1 boy) in a squeeze kiss...and it does take 100's to get the right one!
I too have a bit of melancholy as so many of our aunts and uncles are aging...but to know we'll meet again is a promise that we cling to!
AWESOME! LOVE the JOY!
LOL, maybe I should join you in your early card kick-off... I'm feeling rather organized this year!
I like those graphic letters. Did you order them online? Nice B & W pics of your kids!!!
(((Hugs)))
Very encouraging Bible verses and oh, I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to being home in HEAVEN! But until then, I praise God for the ways He is using me here.
AND may I say, I love the idea of the photo with the JOY spelled out - too cute and perfect for photo activities for grandparents and their grandchildren. Thanks for such a cute idea. :)
Mmmm. Nowhere near ready. Still, if I start now, they might go in the mail before New Year's.
Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year! Hi! I'm visiting your place from The Watered Soul, and I'm delighted to be here. I think I may just go scouting for Christmas cards this weekend! The photos of your little ones are too cute!
I happen to like the picture in the middle the best!!
I send out cards on New Years day. And this year, I decided to send out Thanksgiving cards and write a personal note of thanks to all those who I hold dear.
~a
Oh, seriously. That's just about the cutest picture and what a GREAT idea! Might need to steal that one...I'm also nuts about our cards...I love doing them. I'm completely with you on that! :)
Natalie at Mommy on Fire
http://www.mommyonfire.com
Even though it's a bit of a cliche, I still love it...
JESUS is the reason for the season!
He mixed joy and sorrow...
His death - gave life.
GOD BLESS!
(p.s. You do know, don't you, that you're putting this holiday procrastinator to shame?!)
very sweet shot! I'm just getting my cards read now too!
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