On this Christmas Sunday, many Christmas carols and Hymns were sung to our Lord God, because many children were worshipping together with adults. After singing those praise songs, “Charlie Brown and Christmas” was shown.
The main idea of the story is:
“Charlie Brown and his friends decided to have a Christmas tree for their play. Charlie Brown and Linus left for the tree market to get the tree, and chose little tree. They return to the school auditorium with the tree and everybody laughs at Charlie Brown, especially Lucy. Charlie Brown begins to wonder if they really know what Christmas is all about, loudly asking the question in despair. Linus quietly says he can tell them, and walks to center stage to make his point. Linus quotes from Luke 2:8-14.
‘8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Charlie Brown now realizes he does not have to let commercialism ruin his Christmas, and quietly picks up the little tree and walks out of the auditorium. The rest of the gang, having also heard Linus’ recitation, began to realize they were a little too rough on Charlie Brown and have quietly followed him from the auditorium. Linus goes up to the little tree and gently props the drooping branch back to its upright position, ornament and all, and wraps his security blanket around the tree. The kids then start humming the Christmas carol, ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ and give him a rousing ‘Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!’”
After finishing to show the Charlie Brown, Pastor preached the meaning of the symbols of Christmas tree. i) ever green has been used for Christmas tree. The word of ‘ever’ makes Christian to realize ‘everlasting life’ given by the grace of Jesus Christ ii) lights on the tree let Christian to know the Light of Jesus Christ, and all Christians should be the light of the world, iii) the ornaments, a star or an angel, on the top of the tree: Angel is a messenger of the Lord God who announced the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds, and the star guided three wise men to Baby Jesus and presented the gifts, gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death.
As the followers of Jesus Christ, we’d like to meditate what we should do in 2012 to pleasing the Lord Jesus Christ God.
After the church, our annual Christmas pot-luck dinner was held at the home of Lisa and Dave as usual.
Ham and gyoza in the Hiroko’s oven were ready to go.
Christmas cactus
On the Lisa’s kitchen window shelf, Christmas cactus has always been blooming on Christmas season.
Tablecloth and runner for Christmas
Nativity scene and “Merry Christmas” runner for the coffee table
Many had already seen these runners. Hiroko used this for her Christmas greeting on her blog.
Santa Clause, snowmen, Christmas tree, reindeer, etc runner for the kitchen table
Appetizer table
Many dips and cheese for vegetable and crackers as usual. One different dip, instead of artichoke, there was new barbecue chicken dip.
Near and far family members:
Here and there, people was talking, watching TV, showing their presents, etc. The big news of Steven/Amanda’s marriage this coming June was the talk among girls.
Dinner
Tenderloin and Ham
Vegetable – String beans mixed with bacon cream
and cauliflower mixed with butter and milk cream
Rice and baked potato with lots of butter
Dessert table
Cream cheese cake, strawberry cake with whip cream, rice crusot, apple pie
SORRY! Dog
He can’t eat any table food.
Last 10 or more years, there is no change among the people (additional people), and no change for the menu. Many people have no job in Chicago area and have no food to eat on this holiday season.
Thanks for the health in our family
Thanks for foods on the table
Thanks for everyone’s job
It was good to hear Dan-san gave many, many thanks to our Lord God before our dinner.
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