DHD: Six Christmas Blessings

by Chris Doyle | Dec 23, 2016

Greetings!

Here is my final Christmas edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen for the year. I’ve decided to offer Christmas blessings to six different groups of people. May God bestow His favor to all this time of year.

1. Blessing for children

This should be a happy time for all children. The usual excitement every Christmas morning is known for seeing kids beaming while opening presents. Why else is the simile “like a kid on Christmas” used so often?

May all children be filled with joy this Christmas. Though they share a universal joy when opening presents, may they come to understand Who is the greatest gift of all.

2. Blessing for foster children

I single out the many foster children who may not have the usual comforts other children will have Christmas Day.

May the multitude of children in foster care experience a unique blessing this Christmas. Though they find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings with people they don’t know, may you O Lord provide comfort and joy that could only come from You. And may they all find their forever home.

3. Blessing for the grieving

For those who are struggling over the loss of a loved one, I offer this blessing to you.

May the God of comfort and peace fill the emptiness in your heart. While others around you are joyful, may you find healing in this time of grief. Be reminded of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow as he grieved the loss of both his wife and son, writing these last two verses to “I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day.”

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep.
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep!
The wrong shall fail, The right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men!”

4. Blessing for pastors

God bless all pastors and church leaders. May they have time of refreshment and joy with their families. May He use them to help all they lead to understand Who Jesus is as the head of the Church. Give them words of wisdom and conviction, of mercy and grace. And through the messages they share this Christmas season bring a greater understanding of the Christ child who came to save people from their sins.

5. Blessing for government leaders

God bless our leaders He appointed, all of them. May we show them respect and honor, not because of who these government leaders are, but Who placed them in such positions. May they submit to God’s authority as we submit to theirs. May God’s will be done through them. May they lead as Jesus led with righteousness and compassion. And may they honor God in the decisions they make.

6. Blessing for parents

God bless parents who provide for their children a special time this year. May they be filled with joy in these days that will go fast in their children’s lives. Let there be time of rest and refreshment, of love and support for their children.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

DHD: Six Christmas Traditions

by Chris Doyle | Dec 16, 2016

Greetings!

I’m still in the Christmas spirit! I hope you are too!

This week’s DHD focuses on six popular symbols, facts or traditions affiliated with Christmas. Think about it. There are endless elements that are involved with Christmas. It literally is the most elaborate holiday of the year, and there’s so many enjoyable entities. And I’m a fan of them all – at least most of them, if not all (Egg nog, yuck!).

I can’t mention all Christmas customs, but here’s six significant ones.

1. Candy Canes

Legend has it that an Indiana candy maker in the 19^th century invented the candy cane to be used as a Christian witnessing tool. The white represented Mother Mary’s virginity. The red stripes reference the blood of Christ, and of course, if you turn the candy cane upside down, it looked like a “J” to represent the name of Jesus.

Well, unfortunately there’s some holes in the story. For one, nobody can come up with the name of the candy maker, just that he was from Indiana. Also there is discrepancy on the time frame because another report claims the candy cane did not get its shape of a cane until the 20^th century, and the reason for making it look like a cane was so that it could hook onto Christmas tree limbs.

I say, so what? Whether the candy cane intentionally was made to share the Gospel or not, one can still use it to refer to the greatest message given to mankind. If Paul can use an altar of an unknown God to share with the people of Athens about the true God who made the world and everything in it (Acts 17:23-24), God through the Holy Spirit could make Himself known to someone hearing the Gospel message through the use of a piece of candy.

2. Nativity Sets

Saint Francis of Assisi is credited to be the first one to create a nativity scene in 1223, and it was a live version. He was inspired to create a nativity scene after visiting the Holy Land and exploring Jesus’ birthplace.

I think Nativity Sets are fascinating. It’s one of the symbolic images everyone in the Christian faith, including Evangelicals and Catholics, reveres and enjoys.

There is some controversy involving Wise Men being represented in Nativity Scenes, because history depicts they were not at the birth of Jesus, but there’s much clarity lacking with these men from the East who studied the stars. I suppose it’s a common Nativity acceptance because the Bible, specifically the Gospel according to Matthew, mentions the Wise Men as part of the Christmas story.

But whether it’s accurate or not, what we should consider when looking at a Nativity Scene, as it represents the Christmas story, is both highly educated men from far away and lowly shepherds in fields nearby had the opportunity to worship the Christ child. And we, along with many others around the world, regardless of race, status, culture or other societal descriptions, have the opportunity to worship Him today.

3. December 25

So many tales are told about the origin of December 25 being Christmas Day. Many claim it merged with pagan holidays of ancient Rome. Actually, Christmas was not celebrated at all until the fourth century by order of Emperor Constantine.

Think about it, though. None of the early Christians had observances for honoring the birth of Jesus. Rather, it was His death and resurrection that the ordinances of baptism and Lord’s Supper (or communion) reflect.

Please don’t misunderstand. I’m all for celebrating Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. And logically, we can’t celebrate His resurrection if Jesus were never born. Which brings us back to why December 25 is the chosen day for celebrating Christmas.

Maybe it did have a pagan origin. Maybe Jesus was actually born another time of the year. I’m fine with how Christmas is observed, and as Christianity Today’s Elesha Coffman referenced in an article she wrote in 2008 on why Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25, “As a theologian observed in 320, ‘We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because of him who made it.’”

4. Christmas Carols

I love Christmas music! Love. It.

I made a comment about week ago on Facebook that I think this is the richest time to listen to Christmas music. There are those who can listen to Christmas music all year long, which is fine. But the time after Thanksgiving through Christmas Day, even until New Year’s Day is like the “March Madness” for Christmas music.

But how did Christmas Carols originate? “Carol” is just another term for song or hymn, but Christmas Carols have been sung since the earliest Christmas celebrations of the fourth century.

St. Francis of Assisi also had a big influence in singing Christmas Carols during 13^th century Europe. But songs that would be recognized today did not appear on the scene until the 16^th century. Carols such as “Good Christian Men Rejoice” and “Good King Wenceslas” are two of the earliest that would be familiar to contemporary ears.

An interesting fact is Christmas Carols were not sung in church services until after the Reformation, with much influence credited to Martin Luther, who was a major advocate for celebrating Christmas.

Many of the popular Christmas Carols were written in the 19^th century, such as “Joy to the World,” “The First Noel,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and my favorite “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” written by John Wesley.

5. Christmas Trees

This is another tradition that has historic affiliation with pagan rituals. Romans decorated their homes with evergreen trees in the winter time. Early on, there were condemning accusations by Christian leaders to other Christians participating in having a tree in their house.

Eventually, the rebuking subsided by the Middle Ages, and Christians once again found a way to share the Gospel through an original heathen practice. Early Christian missionaries would say how the Incarnation (the Son of God becoming man) declared Christ’s lordship over all creation, even evergreen trees, and just like people could be converted, so could pagan rituals.

As mentioned, Martin Luther was a big fan of Christmas, including Christmas trees. It was said he enjoyed decorating his tree with candles.

Baptist Press featured a story this week about the 16^th century leaders of the Protestant Reformation disagreeing on celebrating Christmas. I found this piece to be quite fascinating, and my appreciation for Luther grew even more after reading it.

6. Santa Claus

The stories involving Santa Claus are many. I won’t get into them. Instead, I will refer you to a great piece by Ted Olson of Christianity Today. It is titled “The Real Saint Nicholas.” By the way there are other Christmas stories linked to this one that share other fascinating Christmas facts.

So the person who is said to be the original Santa Claus is real, but the common descriptions of Santa Claus don’t materialize until much later. The story known as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Clement Moore is attributed to coming up with what Santa looks like and having a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.

Of course, there’s also the debate of how to discuss Santa Claus to children, of whether he is real or not. Each household is different, and my perspective is have a respect for those who may not view the same as you do. There’s much greater fish to fry.

However, what I would encourage is holding a higher regard for celebrating Jesus. He is the reason for the season.

All other traditions have innocent intentions and can be fun to observe, but they all pale in comparison, especially when we fully grasp that the Son of God came to earth to fulfill a promise and pay a ransom only He could pay on our behalf. There is nothing greater to celebrate.

Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth

DHD: Six ‘Underrated’ Characters of Popular Christmas Shows

by Chris Doyle | Dec 9, 2016

Greetings!

I’m in a Christmas mood, so I thought I would offer a special holiday edition of Doyle’s Half Dozen. The topic this week is Six “Underrated” Characters of Popular Christmas Shows.

The criteria involves both television specials and movies, animated and real life. These are characters who were the scene stealers. The show wouldn’t be as entertaining without them. They are a pivotal part of the plot (how’s that for alliteration, Mr. Hobbs?).

These are just from my perspective and of the Christmas shows that I enjoy the most. Of course, it’s not an exhaustive list (half dozen, remember?), so I am certain I may overlook somebody. But I welcome all feedback.

So in no definite order, here’s my six “underrated” Christmas show characters.

1. The Narrators of the Rankin/Bass Animated Christmas TV Specials

Right off the bat, I throw a curve ball (a mixed baseball metaphor). This is a troop of characters, but they serve a similar purpose in all of the favorite Christmas shows children began watching in the mid ‘60s and continue doing so today.

From Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer to Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Frosty the Snowman and beyond, all of these holiday favorites that were produced by Rankin/Bass Productions wouldn’t happen without a storyteller or a narrator beginning the show. And they all were voiced by celebrity actors of yesteryear.

Burl Ives played the snowman who told the story of Rudolph. Legendary screen star Fred Astaire gave us the history of Kris Kringle in Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Jimmy Durante kept us glued while we watched Frosty.

And there were others – Andy Griffith, Red Skelton, Greer Garson, Roger Miller and so on. You can’t have a story without a storyteller, and these actually told our favorites at Christmas time.

2. Max, the Grinch’s dog

I felt sorry for Max. That Grinch definitely was a mean one, and nobody put up with his heart being two sizes too small than poor ol’ Max.

His wooden antlers were too heavy. He didn’t get to ride in the sleigh. Max even had to pull it all by himself with the Grinch cracking the whip on him.

But in the end, Cindy Loo Who offered him a piece of the roast beast, and all seem well.

3. Randy, the younger brother in A Christmas Story

There’s plenty of nominees from this holiday favorite. Flick getting his tongue stuck on the frozen flag pole, the “Old Man” and his leg lamp, even adult Ralphie doing the voiceover throughout the film is a prime candidate.

However, Randy’s laugh sticks out for me. It’s a perfect little brother laugh. Plus, the poor kid looks miserable after his mom makes him wear all that winter gear; he can’t even put his arms to his sides, and when he falls down in the snow when Scut Farkus terrorizes the gang, Randy’s garb doesn’t allow him to get back up.

He’s a perfect complement for the frequent funny film found often on TNT at Christmas time.

4. Fred Gailey, Miracle on 34^th Street

The name may not come immediately to mind. Fred Gailey is the attorney neighbor who offers Kris Kringle to be his roommate in this classic favorite.

The story has fascinating twists, and it’s fun to watch how Kris passes the many tests to prove he is the real Santa Claus, but the plot takes an even higher stake when he goes on to a highly publicized trial, and Fred is there to represent Kris, pulling off an unbelievable victory.

5. Clarence, It’s a Wonderful Life

Everybody loves George Bailey, and rightfully so. But when George is faced with the possibility of committing suicide, who is there to save him, in a rather unorthodox fashion?

Clarence is a welcoming sight at this point of the story. It’s a rather dark, stressful scenario that George experiences as he faces criminal charges and financial ruin. Clarence adds some comic relief while helping George understand how wonderful his life is. And it’s Clarence who provides the best line, written in the Tom Sawyer book that George finds among the pile of money, “No man is a failure who has friends.”

6. Linus

I conclude with the one who appears in the best scene of the best Christmas show ever. Linus is priceless. He may be Charlie Brown’s sidekick, but as the one who delivers the ultimate answer to Charlie Brown’s plea of wanting somebody to tell him what Christmas is all about, Linus is a superhero.

A Charlie Brown Christmas debuted 51 years ago, and even in a time of political correctness and discrediting Christianity, I am thankful this simple animated tale continues to be a light in the darkness, with Linus delivering the Good News.

DHD: Chip & Joanna Gaines, Abortion rate falls, Boasting blogs, 34th Christmas, Lyle Garlow, DHD is 2

by Chris Doyle | Dec 2, 2016

Greetings,

I’m tired but in a good mood. I guess it’s the time of year – that should be enough to explain me.

Here’s my take on six timely topics known as Doyle’s Half Dozen.

1. Gaineses gain while confused liberal media loses

I know very little about Chip and Joanna Gaines. I think my first awareness of them happened about a year ago. A friend on Facebook posted a photo posing with them at a ballgame with a caption, “Guess who I ran into?” I had no clue who they were, but after reading comments underneath the photo, I could tell they apparently were a big deal.

Since then, I learned they do a show on HGTV about remodeling homes. There was a time when I watched such shows, but Karen’s been busy lately.

This week, however, I know a lot more about the Gaineses (yes, I spelled it correctly! And this is a good time to bring this up before you do your Christmas cards. Do NOT use an apostrophe when trying to emphasize the plural form of a noun. If your last name ends with “s,” use “es” to refer to your family. If you think it’s too weird to spell it that way, then sign your card “from the XXXXXs family.”).

Apparently, a couple of media sources are trying to make a big stink about Chip and Joanna’s church, especially their pastor who preached a sermon awhile back about homosexuality and holds to the Biblical teaching of marriage being between a man and a woman.

I did a news search on Chip and Joanna and got almost 250,000 results. More often than not, you can tell which way a news story leans on an issue by reading its headline. One header that caught my attention was on Denny Burk’s blog, “Chip and Joanna Gaines Must Be Stopped.” I’ve referenced Burk before, and I appreciate his take on this issue with the Gaineses.

Also, check out Ryan Smith’s blog, “Christian McCarthyism: Chip & Joanna Gaines.” His conclusion is a good one, saying he believes the Gaineses “do not want to cause unjust scrutiny based on a culture war in which they never took up arms.”

As of now, I think there are more positive results from this than negative ones. I do feel badly for Chip and Joanna receiving attention because of this media exploit.

People are beginning to understand that Christians can be friends with those who disagree with their views, while also holding firm to Biblical teachings on marriage and homosexuality. One of the best responses came from the satirical Babylon Bee:

“’We’re not saying people can’t be Christians,’ a Seattle woman said in a Facebook comment. ‘This is a free country, after all. But when Christians decide to actually have Christian beliefs about things—I’m sorry, that’s just too far.’”

Even those who support the lifestyle of practicing homosexuals have defended the Gaineses. I have even read that the media sources that stirred up this mess are being accused of discrimination.

I am curious to see if this is still news this time next week.

2. Life on the rise

I just read “The Weekly,” an email newsletter put out by the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, which reported the abortion rate in America is on the decline. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the total number of abortions has decreased 20 percent from 2004 to 2013 (the latest year to be reported at this time).

It is understood that our country is becoming more understanding of the sanctity of life. More and more people are coming to the realization of human life existing in the womb, though there is still powerful pushback from those who adamantly want the practice of abortion to prevail under the disguise of “reproductive rights.”

The newsletter reports, “While the number of innocent deaths caused by abortion remains unacceptable, the overall trend-line is encouraging. The long-term decline in the rate of abortion, says Michael New (National Review), is ‘perhaps the best evidence of the success we have had in enacting protective laws, shifting public opinion, and building a culture of life in the United States.’”

3. Boasting blogs

I am thrilled you are reading “Doyle’s Half Dozen.” I hope you also consider reading other blogs on WordSlingers, as we feature many quality bloggers on the site. Two that were published this week pertain to practical involvement with the local church.

Stephanie Boone, one of our newest bloggers, wrote “Four Reminders for Worship Team Members.” Stephanie points out how those who lead corporate worship through music should be genuine worshippers. I also appreciate her connection of leading worship with the art of hospitality, as well as her challenge to make relationship with God the highest priority.

We feature another Ryan Smith blog this week. Check out “The First Three Ways to Serve Your Church.” This is quite enlightening, as far as how church members should act upon their commitment to a local body of believers. As Smith wrote, “Our churches will be strengthened as our members see service not as a role on Sunday morning, but as a lifestyle lived daily.”

4. Powerful Christmas perspective for the grieving

I have one more blog to boast. My friend and co-worker Hannah Hanzel wrote an amazing piece this week, “The 34^th Christmas.”

Hannah has been blessed with a depth of spiritual maturity. It’s understandable, as a graphic designer, for her to have such a talent in creativity, but this young lady seems to apply her creativeness to her desire to grow in her relationship with Christ, in her study of the Bible and in her compassion for people.

“The 34^th Christmas” reads like a Max Lucado commentary. If you or someone you know needs some encouragement this time of year, especially someone who may be grieving over the loss of a loved one, suggest to them this simple piece to read.

5. The loss of a great Oklahoma Baptist leader

I attended the funeral of Lyle Garlow who served 35 years at the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, mostly in the role of associate executive director. He retired in the early ’90s, but Garlow’s influence remains at the BGCO through those he mentored.

Many spoke of his leadership and his ability to plan and prepare. I have only known him personally after he retired and have been a big fan of his and his family, especially his wife, Willa Ruth.

I wrote about Dr. Garlow in next week’s Baptist Messenger and how his passing on Thanksgiving evening will become a memorable blessing for his family during future Thanksgiving seasons. May God bless Willa Ruth and her family during this time of grief.

6. DHD is two years old!

On Dec. 1, 2014 I wrote my first Doyle’s Half Dozen. I am blessed to be able to share my silly thoughts over these past 24 months. Check out my very first DHD here.