It’s that time of year again which means Collin (now 19 and a freshman in college) is deciding where baby Jesus should be placed in the nativity scene.
This year, the Christ Child is getting a birds eye view of the nativity!
Here is a look back at past years: Baby Jesus Through The Years
Friends:
One thing that is critically important to a growing, healthy church?
Coffee.
That’s right, coffee. And I mean GOOD coffee. God’s house demands it.
My friends, the time has come for us all to stand up and be delivered from coffee that is so revolting, just thinking about it makes you throw up in your mouth a little.
My opponent will say her coffee is good, but what you’ll get is 4 more years of the same really nasty, torturous church coffee that people drink only because they simply have to.
I will veto any pork barrel Maxwell House.
I will prove that Chock Full ‘o Nuts is neither heavenly or full of nuts.
I will prove that Folgers is nothing more than a coffee imitator.
And I will finally put an end to people stealing bad church coffee to use at home as paint thinner.
My brothers and sisters, I will bring real change to the Coffee Ministry.
Can I get a witness???
Looks like I’ve settled into my ANNUAL blog post schedule. Sigh. Well, it’s been a busy year. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
It’s time for our 7th annual Where’s Baby Jesus? — a Christmas tradition at our house. Here are links to some past years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013.
We have quite a doozie for you this year. Collin has gone to new heights, placing the Savior high above the manger scene as Jesus sits calmly in the wreath above.
Everyone else finally got off Facebook long enough to find their places and they don’t seem to even notice the swaddling clothed infant is missing from his bed. Perhaps they overdid the egg nog? Hey, wake up guys!!!
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
Wow, it’s December 21st already! Well, you know what it’s time for….yes…..time for our 6th annual Where’s Baby Jesus? — an annual tradition at our house. Here are links to past years: 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
So this year, Collin decided it was time for Baby Jesus to ride donkey back again just like he did in 2008.
Notice this year how the Christ Child and his furry friend (we call him Ashton) have stopped for a little siesta and are just chillin’. Some Wise Guy says, “Hey, let’s get a picture!” and they both look right into the camera. Ah…..Christmastime…….
Merry Christmas All!!!
I’m reading a book that’s main focus is about a “hole” in the Gospel. The author’s main point is that the Gospel of Christ is more than just believing, it’s also about living it out through tangible expressions of our faith.
I had a bit of an epiphany recently. I was walking around totally engulfed in myself when suddenly a question popped into my head. It was actually kind of simple yet profound. The question was: “What have I done today that isn’t about ME?” Ouch, right?
That question hasn’t left me. The more I think about it, the more simple it becomes. And I wonder what 2012 might be like if we asked ourselves this every day and had an answer other than “wow, not much”. Could this take us a small step away from our self absorbed mentality and move us toward intentionally and tangibly acting out God’s love like He intends us to do?
Jesus tells a story about a rich man who isn’t willing to forsake everything for Him. That’s a little bit hard to relate to, the idea of forsaking EVERYthing. It really makes you wonder what kind of disciple am I really willing to be. But what if we start by just forsaking SOMEthing? What if we asked ourselves “what did I do today that wasn’t about me?” so often that it really got ingrained into who we are and we see what God does with it? Then, I think we get closer to the Gospel overflowing from our head and our heart to our hands and our feet.
The Ausbury family will be looking for ways we can really act out our faith this year both individually and together as a family. We’re setting up a bulletin board so we can routinely see what this looks like.
An interesting point made in the book I’m reading refers to Matthew 25 where Jesus gives a glimpse at the final judgement where the goats and sheep are divided. The author’s point is not about making sure you are a believer so that you fall into the right group (the sheep), he points out that if you look further into Matthew 25 you’ll see that the goats and sheep are separated based not on their confession of Christ, but on how they acted out their faith to the poor, the sick, etc. I never saw this verse that way, but I think it’s a good point.
I wrote a 2012 version of Matthew 25:35-36 to consider:
For I was hungry while you enjoy all you can eat buffets.
I was a stranger and you went out of your way to avoid me.
I was thirsty while you actually threw away bottles of water.
I needed clothes while you have 3 of the same turtleneck.
I was sick and you acted like I had it coming.
I was in prison and you said I was getting what I deserved.
Anyone up for giving more than you’ve ever given in 2012? I hope to be blogging about these things this year.
It’s time for the 4th annual Where’s Baby Jesus annual tradition at our house. Here are links to the last three years: 2008, 2009 and 2010 (amazing to see how Collin has grown the last 4 years!)
So this year, Collin didn’t hesitate to let Baby Jesus take a camel carriage ride all by himself. As you can see from this picture, Baby Jesus looks quite content and like he’s digging this ride! The camel has that look on his face that says, “Uh huh, that’s right…Son of God right here!”
As I blogged in 2008 and 2009, it’s that time of year again at our house. Time for the annual Christmas tradition of Collin placing Baby Jesus in our nativity scene.
It is no secret that our Baby Jesus is not afraid of heights. Last year He was hoisted on Joseph’s shoulders. Not to be outdone by last year’s placement, in 2010 Baby Jesus is perched high atop the shoulders of our festive flute player.
I wonder if Baby Jesus will ever make it to the manger?
Updated: October 12, 2010. Third item deleted below.
I’m beginning a “For One Day” list. I would love to see your additions in the comments below.
Remember now, this is just for one day.
FOR ONE DAY…
Last year was our first year to blog about the annual “Where’s Baby Jesus?” Christmas ritual which happened this week at the Ausbury house. Collin has outdone himself this year as Baby Jesus gets to ride on Joseph’s shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
Ok, I know it’s cheesy to blog song lyrics, but the lyrics from Daniel Amos’ “The Pool” have meant a lot to me over the years. So, there.
The Pool
The pool is very deep and cool
and nothing here is hard to do
Nothing that should trouble youShrouded forms that start and sigh
As they pass this wanderer by
Lakes that endlessly outspread
Foamy blanket river bedsI stand
Stand by the water
Knee deep
Deep in the fountain
Now down
I go under
Then rise up
Rise up foreverThe waves that mount and tumble high
I meet the melancholy sky
And all I have I count for loss
There in the clouds one single crossYes, deeply I have slept
And now I rise as one who has gone down
Into the well springs of new life
Down across the milk white sands
I wade out into the sleepy cove
And bathe in the holy stream
Then suddenlyI shatter the level mirror of the lake
Upon an everlasting tide
Into the silent pool I glide
I plunge to wash this black heart clean
And rise a swan upon the wing