I grew up in church – Sunday School. Vacation Bible School. Friday Night Youth Group. Each played a vital part in my life. They were my introduction to Jesus and to community.
I have such fond memories of participating in the annual children’s Christmas program. The girls all in their very best Christmas dresses and black patent leather shoes. Banana curls! Who can forget those banana curls!!! The boys in dress slacks, their clip on ties, bow ties, vests or jackets. We said our parts and sang our hearts out. And we never forgot a single moment of the preciousness of the night.
In a manger.
Fullness of time.
There were shepherds.
Cattle are lowing.
An angel appeared.
Do not fear.
The baby lay.
He is Christ.
Wrapped in cloths.
Glory to God.
Peace to men.
Mary treasured up.
Followed the star.
Wise men worshiped.
God with us.
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:16)
Today I am sharing what had to be the very first Christmas carol I learned.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDRWBumrDw0&w=420&h=315]
I am joining with these today … Three Word Wed. and Tell His Story and Wed. Prayer Girls and Wordless Wed. and A Little R & R and Wordless Wed. and Winsome Wed. and Wholehearted Wed. and Works For Me and Wedded Wed. and Whimsical Wed. and Imperfect Prose and Wordless Wed. .
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas! It is such a special time as you well noted. Visiting via Wedded Wednesday. Steve at http://www.spousedates.com
Thank you for stopping here. Merry Christmas to you & yours as well!
I do keep wanting to share a Christmas message but just feels a little hard. So enjoyed this as I think too often I allow myself to forget how my family did grow up in a church. It was different…I never felt it was about having a relationship with Him, but there are still fond memories. Like Christmas time. I always loved Christmas at my parents church. There were actually a few Christmas services where I played the piano. Oh this makes me want to sit down and play “Do you hear what I hear.” I just got goosebumps. I think it’s time to play some Christmas music on this piano in this home of mine!! :))) Love you, Joanne. Wishing you and your family and beautiful Christmas.
Beth – Your past Christmases may have been different, but they are a part of who you are today. Our God has woven those into the fabric of your life for His purposes. May you enjoy & be blessed as you sit down to your piano. He loves you so!
Joanne, I grew up in church as well and we always had to participate in Christmas programs and sing songs. I wasn’t always a willing participating in the singing lol but it certainly brings up fond memories now.
Wanda – It is so true that we weren’t always willing to participate š How that brought a smile to my face this morning. May we enjoy the memories of Christmases past as we anticipate all that He yet has for us. Have a blessed Christmas, Wanda!
I didn’t grow up in a church. My dad hated church, so I didn’t discover it until I was an adult. Now I make sure to take my kids, so that way they can make their own choice….
Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!!
Robin – So glad that you take your children to church to enjoy Christmas. May they always be guided to make the wisest choices for their lives. Thank you for stopping here today & may you all have a very Merry Christmas too!!!
Away in a Manger is such a sweet song for little ones to learn, but it has such a deep story within it. Merry Christmas to you and yours! Thanks for sharing at Tales of a Pee Dee Mama.
Hi Joanne! What wonderful memories of Christmas concerts, banana curls and all! My Mom really liked that carol Away in a Manger too. Music a such a powerful way of reminding us of the past, and giving us hope for the future. That’s what Christmas Carol’s do for me!
Have a blessed Christmas and peace-filled New Year!
Ceil
Ceil – I so agree with you that Christmas carols have a way of reminding us of days past while at the same time, looking forward with anticipation. May you & yours have a blessed Christmas!
Lovely! Thanks for sharing. Have a blessed Christmas!
loved this, simple, true
may you be filled with His peace, this Christmas season and always
Love this, Joanne! Merry Christmas!
Nice post Have a Merry Christmas and Best Wishes š
Thanks for sauntering by have a seasonaltastic week š
I have fond memories of our Christmas pageants, too, and will never, ever forget when I finally got to play the part of Mary! š
It’s a joy to watch my own girls now participate in our little church’s Christmas pageants.
Merry Christmas.
It was fun to read that you also participated in Christmas pageants. I would think playing the part of Mary would be a lasting memory for sure! And it is true….it is a joy to see our own children participate in those same joys. And now waiting to watch my two granddaughters do the same one day! Have a most blessed Christmas!
My very favorite Christmas carol and I learned it as a little girl. Thanks, Jo!
I think it is amazing how many of us have learned this one at a young age. Such good memories. Have a blessed Christmas!