Christmas has always been my favorite time of year.
I mean, if I could permanently decorate my life with white twinkle lights, I would.
But I love it all: the decorations, the snow, the food, the music, the overly sappy Folgers commercials, the winter wardrobe, even Hallmark movies with their mawkish charm. I love it. all.
But this year, aside from the fact that it’s mid December and we’re still having weather in the 60’s, there’s a different feeling in the air.
I don’t need to tell you about the state of the world right now.
The tragedies in Paris, San Bernadino, and Colorado Springs; everything surrounding ISIS; the negativity spewing between presidential candidates. This year’s Christmas season has been marked by an overwhelming blanket of sadness. Of pain.
So what can we do about it? Aside from pray? It’s easy to slip into a state of hopelessness when we just passively sit back and watch as things deteriorate.
And I’m not talking, let’s go burn bras, or set fire to the local democratic/republican headquarters.
When I was a kid, probably my most favorite tradition was going to the local nursing home with my friends and singing Christmas carols. We’d get all dolled up and Fa La La our hearts out to the old men and women who were alone on Christmas.
Thinking about it now, it feels like just yesterday: The smiles on the faces of those elderly men and women would always warm my heart. I’d leave and be filled with so much joy. True, deep-down-in-your-soul joy.
And reflecting on it, I can now understand why that was my favorite
tradition. Not because we were the greatest singers, or because we would go out to the Cheesecake Factory afterwards, but because we were sharing love. Sharing hope and gentleness to people who needed it most.
The state of our world right now: people are hurting. And if there’s one thing we can do, it is to share love. Share peace. Hope. Remind people what Christmas is really about.
Proverbs 10:12 “Love covers over all wrongs.”
Sure, singing Christmas carols isn’t going to solve the gun crisis, or bring peace to the Middle East. But it will, even if for just 4 ½ minutes, remind people that there is good in the world. That there is love and hope to be found.
Loving one another doesn’t have to be some grand gesture. Or an expensive one at that.
My challenge to you is this: Find some way to give this Christmas. Give love. Give of your time. Give a meal to a family that is sick or recovering from surgery. Give a coat to the homeless shelter. A smile to the cashier at the grocery store. An extra five bucks to the waitress who’s a single mom, trying to make ends meet.
Little things go a long way. And if we all do little things, they’ll add up to big things.
For when we give our hearts away, it opens up more room for God to come in and fill up with His love.
John 15:12 “My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you.”
We have been shown the greatest example of love there is: Jesus on the Cross. So now it is our turn to share that Love – His love – with the world. And maybe, just maybe, we can turn this Christmas around.
100 responses to “Fa La La”
Christmas has changed, when I was a kid I use to be joyceful every christmas, every December and with all these fights, problems, world war, I feel like the essence of Christmas have dissapear. But now I spend christmas with my family showing all my love to them and trying to bring back that spirit. like your post!
Thank you so much! I know, it is easy to get discouraged. But it sounds like you’re spreading love and bringing back the spirit! Woo!! Rock on!! Thanks for stopping by!
You make me evaluate myself. In what ways have I allowed Christmas to become stale? The good news is as good as it has been all these many years, in spite of circumstances. Wonderful and uplifting post, Beauty. Thank you.
Thank you so much Oneta. Your words are always so kind and full of encouragement. You hit the nail on the head: no matter what the circumstances, the good news is always good news. 🙂 thanks for reading! Have a lovely evening!
Thank you for the reminder: “Love covers all wrong.”
Hey Ashley! So true! All wrongs. No matter what. His love is greater:) thanks for stopping by! Hugs to you xox
Bless you and thank you for your kind words and wisdom. Happy holidays!
Thank you so much for this kind comment! I appreciate you taking the time to read:) hugs and love to you! ❤️❤️
Nice post. Pray, love and have faith – a great way to help the world.
Hey Harry! Thanks 🙂 yep that’s the recipe! Prayer, love and faith:) thanks for stopping by this evening! I hope you have a wonderful rest of your night! ☺️
I always knew eating disorders were bad but I never really grasped how devastating they could be. I just watch this CNN report: http://www.cnn.com/videos/living/2015/10/29/rachael-farrokh-anorexic-woman-transformation-orig-vstan.cnn
It made me ache for this lady. You have opened my eyes to it through your blog. Thank you.
Hi Eric, yes, they are devastating in every sense of the word. And not just for the sufferer by for the loved ones too. I’ll check out that video. Thanks for sharing. And thank you for your readership and support, Eric. Blessings to you.
Such a beautiful sentiment…and a great post. 🙂
Thanks T:) let’s spread the love ❤️❤️❤️ thanks for stopping by! Have a great night
Reblogged this on A Joyful Process and commented:
Because the world needs more love…not hate, at Christmas.
Thanks for sharing this, T! Blessings and love to you and yours!
The same for you!
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Aw love this so much❤️
Thanks Jillissa! Love YOU so much! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great night!
How wondefully optimistic.
Thanks friend:) I appreciate your comment! I like to believe that there really is hope to be found:) hugs! Glad you stopped by!
very nice. Looks like the two of us were synced a little on our posts. Thanks ! You know I always enjoy your posts.
Hey Mike! Thanks so much:) there’s a lot of love to go around! Thanks for stopping by! I really appreciate your readership and friendship 🙂 post buddies! Have a great night!
I couldn’t agree with you more. This Christmas is different from any we have ever had. I feel 2016 is going to be a tester for those of us who call ourselves Christian. Maranatha!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Hi Darlene! I totally agree. It is a time for us to really share our hope in Him and share that love. the world needs it now more than ever. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs!
Thanks so much for this wonderful post, a marvelous reminder that “love is always in season,” particularly during this holiday season.
Thanks also for the “Likes” on Dr. J’s Apothecary Shoppe. The two most recent ones were especially meaningful for me. I appreciate your support and encouragement.
Hi Dr. J! Thank you so much for this kind affirmation. You’re so right, love is always always in season! No problem. I look forward to reading more from you. 🙂 thanks for stopping by! Have a great night!
Well said!!!
Thank you so much! I’m glad this struck a chord with you:) thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend! Love and hugs! Xoxo
Wonderful!
Thanks Apinder:) I’m glad you liked it! Hugs! Thanks for stopping by!
good words, you are talented?how about you start write a book to publish? remember you are talented sho why not?
Oh my goodness that’s so kind of you to say!! Wow thank you, Cahya! I would love to publish a book. It’s definitely a dream of mine. Thanks for stopping by and for giving such wonderful encouragement. Hugs!
I don’t know why my eyes are gathering those tears. But I know I guess. Thanks for sharing this love with us too.
Thank you so much Afua ❤️❤️❤️ your words mean so much. Thank you:) much love and joy to you this Christmas! Glad you stopped by!
Welcome beauty
❤️☺️❤️
Christmas is definitely a time of reflection for me. This is the first time I’ll be spending it away from my parents…so I’m sure I’ll be doing a lot of inner reflection and I’ll feel more “grown up” this year than ever.
Ps. how old are you?
Hi Floey! Yeah, that would definitely spark some reflective time for me too. I hope that your Christmas is filled with peace and love and joy. Feeling “grown up” is a pretty great feeling. I hope you feel empowered:) thanks for stopping by! (And I’m in my mid 20s ❤️)
What a beautiful post! Great suggestions for us all at Christmas! Bravo!
Thanks Joe! I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!
We are going on our first mission trip to Nicaragua for Christmas, leaving tomorrow morning and I’ve been sharing with everyone! We will be delivering new Christmas gifts to 600 children who have never received anything new for Christmas. We are blessed and excited and focusing on Christ! Please keep us in your prayers and love the post and idea…..more of Him, less of us! Merry Christmas!
Oh my gosh how awesome! That sounds like such an incredible experience. What a selfless gift to give this Christmas:) I will absolutely pray for you guys! Have a wonderful time. I’m sure it will be life changing! Hugs and safe travels!
We can’t wait truly an answered prayer, God is so amazing! Thanks 🙂
You’re so welcome ❤️
I love love this post. Sometimes people forget why we celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ is the reason we have this holiday. Remembering that can make it easier to remember to spread love and joy, after all that is what God is all about. 🙂
It might not be much but Christmas time for me is when I clear our the closets to donate any and all good condition items, donate a new gift to any of the many toy drives around, and of course keep an open door policy to my home for anyone who wishes to visit.
Merry Christmas!
Hi there! Thank you so much for this thoughtful response! You’re so right–the birth of Christ-Jesus coming down to earth to eventually take his place on Calvary. That is the reason. What a beautiful tradition you have there! Giving is such a wonderful way to share the love that WE have been given and the blessings that we have. You go girl:) thanks for stopping by! Hugs!
LOVE THIS
love YOU! Haha thank you so much! I appreciate your feedback! Have a great weekend! Hugs!
A wonderful reminder, thanks!
Thanks so much:) I’m glad this struck a chord with you! Thanks for stopping by! Have a lovely day!
Thanks for the wonderful post! Great reminder that Love, not Stuff, is what everyone needs. I’m enjoying your blog, keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing more!! 🙂
God Bless, Molly (Puredisciple.org)
Hey Molly! Thank you so much:) you’re so right–our culture can get so caught up in the material aspect of Christmas that we can lose sight of what the season is all about! Thanks for stopping by and for your encouraging words! Hugs!
As you shared beautybeyondbones Christmas is all about God’s greatest Gift to Mankind which we can see reflected in Christmas Symbols when viewed in our hearts with His understanding, otherwise they are just ad-ons without meaning and even singing Carol’s won’t touch our heart if our view is limited by the Worldly.
Jesus gave us good advice when we see the evil of the end times happening all around us……
Luke 21:35-36 For as a SNARE shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to Parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof from such turn away
We can see in these Scriptures and in some others what signs we are to look for in the end times which we are now in the first part of, Mathew 24 – Mark 13 – Luke 21- Daniel 9 – 11 and 12 .Jesus tells us it is the Generation who sees these things happening , some of what we are seeing now as the birth pangs, will see Him return. but we do not have to fear because as He tells us below, He is with us.
Isaiah 43:1-3 – Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.”
Christian Love from both of us – Anne.
Hi Anne, thank you so much for this comment! I love the scripture you shared. Isaiah 43 is one of my favorites. How comforting to know that in every river of difficulty, He is always with us and protecting us. Thanks for your thoughtful reflection tonight. Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love to you this Christmas season! Xx
In challenging times for everyone it may be hard to remain an unbiased observer. I agree with you, to not lose hope and to share hope with those that have lost theirs.
Hi there Stuffeyefind! yes, sharing hope and spreading love are so important in challenging times. Especially during the holidays. Thanks for your reflection. Have a wonderful weekend. Love and peace to you, friend 🙂
Well written and well stated. I made a similar request in a post approximately 1 month ago. It is nice to see others looking to reach out and help their “neighbor.”
It was unfair to use the pictures of the pups. They always tug at the heart and bring a wonderful smile to our faces. 🙂
Wishing you and your family all the best this holiday season.
Haha yeah the pups were simply a way to spread a little joy. 🙂 putting the message into practice, if you will haha. Thanks so much for stopping by this morning! You’re right-helping our neighbors is such a wonderful thing to do, especially At this time of year. Have a great weekend!
Very inspiring!
Aww thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it:) have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!
Good stuff as always. Question: My wife refuses to allow colored lights on the tree. Only white lights. Back me up, colored lights are cool too.
Hey Jeremy! Thanks so much for this! Hahaha oh the Christmas lights battle:) colored light are definitely cool too! My personal preference is white, but colored lights are just as festive and beautiful! 🙂 thanks for stopping by!
Hi Jeremy, perhaps my Post on the Symbols of Christmas will help your wife have a different focus about Coloured lights (see link below) Colours were created by God regardless of what others do with them and this is the same as all the Symbols of Christmas. I would be interested in knowing why your wife only wants white lights, I may be able to add them to my Post too.
I’m an Aussie so we spell some words differently like Colours and Saviour they have U in them.
Symbols- https://freedomborn.wordpress.com/2015/12/08/the-wonderful-symbols-of-christmas/
Blessings – Anne.
Amen!!!!
Thanks!! Glad you stopped by! Hugs!
I see you are a very loving person, with a big heart! And the ‘white twinkle lights’ thing made me bust a gut! I seem to have been dragged through the entire range of emotions here! When do my three spirits show up? You’ve certainly infected me with Chrismas spirit! Loved this!!
Aw I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for your affirming remarks! Glad you stopped by! Love and blessings to you and yours
Xmas for me, definitely a period for reflection. So I will analyze where I am and where I want to be in 2016. No matter what, I’ll fight for my dreams! Lovely post! I enjoyed reading! Congrats! 👋👋👋
Yes fight for it! Thanks Lue for your reflection and remarks! Have a wonderful holiday! Hugs and love to you!
On Thursday, my brother and I helped Grandma make Christmas puddings. On Friday, I went back to her place so we could make shortbread and ANZAC biscuits together. Tomorrow (Monday) I’ll be taking a heaped plate of them around to a family who I’ve been promising to visit.
I love Christmas, especially the songs as they remind me about the feelings of Christmas (well, the right songs do, anyway). I’m picky with my song choices because I’m from Down Under. Snow carols are out, as it’s usually flaming hot by Christmas Day. 😉
Hahha yeah, “let it snow” doesn’t seem quite appropriate! Haha what beautiful gifts you gave your grandma and loved ones! Sounds like Christmas is in full swing:) thanks for stopping by! Merry Christmas!
Everything you wrote in this blog entry is truly inspiring 🙂 While this Christmas season has been rougher due to all the tragedies, it is important for us as human beings as you implied to remind everyone around us that their is a substantial amount of good in the world 🙂 Helping one another out and caroling are two many great examples 🙂 Traditions like those that you mentioned are always fun and comforting 🙂 Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
Thanks John! You’re right: even though the news may not depict it, there IS good and hope to be found: and it is within all of us. Sometime we just have to take off the filter that the world tries to put on. Thanks for stopping by, and your thigh truck insight, as always:) 🙂 🙂 have a lovely afternoon!
Beautiful blogpost. Christmas has this magical atmosphere and even if our soul is a little bit sad, the Christmas air could heal us.
Thank you so much! I love that: healing Christmas air. You’re so right. Love it. Thanks for sharing this beautiful perspective this morning! Have a wonderful afternoon!
Thanks for this great reminder and encouragement! Jesus is living and spreading His love transcends all and drives out the hatred of this world. God bless you and Merry Christmas😊
Thanks! You are so tight – his love covers all hurt and pain and gives us healing and peace. Thanks for your wonderful reflection this morning! Have a wonderful Sunday!
Amen! And you have a wonderful Sunday as well!!
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Thank you for stopping by and liking my blog post. I enjoyed this post so much. We should all definitely find ways to bring joy to ourselves and others during the Christmas season.
Hi Virginia! Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed the piece. ☺️ thanks for stopping by! Hugs!
Well said! A glimmer of hope DOES go a long, long way! I am a breast cancer survivor and I lived on hope for 2 years of aggressive treatment. Faith, hope, love…beautiful things. Great post.
Hello again friend! Oh my gosh, wow. Praise God that you are a survivor! Your strength and courage are inspiring. Truly. Hope is a powerful thing. But then I don’t need to tell you that ☺️☺️☺️❤️ blessings and love to you xx thanks again for reading!
I LOVE Christmas also. this is such a true post well written and meaningful from the heart!
Thanks Deborah! That means so much:) yay Christmas!!! Glad you stopped by! Have a great night xox
What heart felt words and wisdom.? This holiday season I believe the little extra things bring joy. I recently donated a stack of clothes to the youth shelter and I stuck a dollar in ever pair of pants. I truly believe if we all did something to make someone smile, the world would be full of twinkling lights.
Hi there! Oh thank you so much! What a great thing to do! And I absolutely love that imagery of the twinkling lights. That’s exactly what a smile is: a light to the world. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words!
Reblogged this on thed4rkestrose.
Thanks so much for the reblog!! I really appreciate it😍 hugs and blessings to you xx
Reblogged this on Fit Fish and commented:
A lovely post reminding us to stay focused on the light in times of darkness.
Thank you so much for the reblog Alex! I appreciate it! xox
I agree with this! In 2015 many things have changed since last year. The tragedies have risen, and we must be alert and pray for God to shine in 2016. Like you mentioned, we are the light in this generation! Thank you for sharing; I love your pictures and your posts! Please follow. supernaturalrhema.com Thank you!
Thank you so much Jordy! Yes let’s pray for that
Hi Jordy! Thank you so much. Yes lets pray for that! Hugs:) Merry Christmas!
So beautiful poppys! Follow me back
Thank you so much! I appreciate your support ☺️ hugs to you!
…and run a surplus! 🙂
❤️☺️❤️☺️❤️hugs xx