Christmas Day celebration

MY BEST EVER CHRISTMAS GIFT

(December 12, 2023) Maureen McQuillan shares her testimony of her ‘special’ Christmas Day miracle gift…

Christmas Day is that special traditional time when we give thanks to our heavenly Father for the priceless gift of His Son Jesus who would become our Saviour.

For Robert and me, it’s also a very special day of thanking God for the gift of our precious daughter, Wendy, as she was born on Christmas Day. Indeed I give thanks to Father God not just at Christmas but many times during the year for Wendy – who when younger always reminded me, ‘Two pressies, Mummy; Christmas and my birthday, not together, but separately.’

I particularly give God thanks when out-of-the-blue I hear on TV news a latest remembrance of the horrible results of a particular dangerous tablet common back in the 60s. Why?

(more…)

CREATING CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is e1.png

(December 16, 2021) Erica Grace, ex-missionary to South America, challenges us to ensure our children have happy Christmas memories…

What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘Christmas?’

  • Most children say: Food!
  • Most men too!
  • Most mothers say: Work!  

Good memories are…

Vivid
Why is food so memorable? Food is of special significance because the sense of smell is intricately linked with memory, more so than any other sense, just one whiff can evoke memories. 

Good memories are intricately connected to good food. Our brain sorts through our memories associating happy events with good food and celebrations. The emotional association of events and food leaves an indelible print, much more accentuated during our childhood. Childhood memories have a longer lasting imprint, especially in association with special days like birthdays and Christmas.

(more…)

CHRISTMASTIME MYTHS

(November 16, 2021) Dr Robert McQuillan responds to this query about Christmas

Dear Dr Robert
It’s me, Mitch… again. As mentioned before, I appreciate the help you’ve given me. Here’s something else – A couple of people have been pointing out things to me about Christmastime next month… that it’s unbiblical to celebrate as no one knows the date of Jesus’ birth… that Christians believe more in Santa Claus than they do about Jesus. What can I say to them? Mitch.

Dear Mitch

Yes it’s true that no one really knows the exact date of Christ’s birth, when Mary gave birth to the babe who would grow up able to understand all our feelings, problems, temptation and such… and become our Saviour. And, yes, the Bible encourages us to celebrate Easter, our salvation through Jesus and communion rather that Christmas.

So let’s cut to the chase here… we who know Jesus as Saviour should be grateful, but how can we really celebrate his incarnation, like the shepherd and magi did? Well, a very long time ago it was decided by ‘church powers’ to name December 25 as Christ’s ‘birthday’ and the day to be universally celebrated. The reality is that the date doesn’t really matter… Jesus willingly came for our benefit, to become our Saviour and we should rejoice over this (and not merely celebrating ‘Santa Claus fun time’ with our children)!

(more…)