Holiday

When the shepherds came to the manger and told everyone about the supernatural announcement of Christ’s birth, there were two distinct reactions – “Wonder” and “Ponder”.  Those in attendance wondered at what the shepherds said, but Mary pondered what they said in her heart.

So how about you?  Are you a “wonderer” or a “ponderer”? 

Every year, when I flip the calendar to December, I get caught up in making Christmas "perfect".  It causes me to have heightened expectations about how everything should look and taste and be.  Can you relate?

Then check out this article, learn to surrender, and let Christmas...be Christmas.

Whether you are the first one on your block to hang lights or the last-minute decorator hurrying to decorate your tree, nothing is more frustrating than having a section of lights fail to illuminate.  Here are several tips to keep your holidays bright and stress levels low when it comes to holiday lighting.

Before you unwrap the candy cane or sip on that peppermint mocha, you might want to first consider the palette.  Behold, the Christmas album from Lauren Daigle, brings influences from Bourbon Street in old New Orleans to bring a Christmas album that, in many respects, is totally unconventional.  What does Lauren say about the album?

From CCM Magazine!

Chris Tomlin released his first Christmas album in six years - and with a unique approach.  This is a live worship-style Christmas album!

With names like Crowder and Lauren Daigle added to the guest roster, Chris takes us behind the scenes of the album as a whole to show us how such an undertaking as this came about. 

Casting Crowns has released new Christmas music this holiday season. The six-song EP It's Finally Christmas is available now.  With five original songs and one traditional track, Casting Crowns will usher listeners into the Christmas spirit that will take you on a journey of your faith through the filter of holiday music. 
Here's the official lyric video of "Gloria/Angels We Have Heard on High"...

What impact on your finances does Christmas make? You'll be surprised to see!

The talented group of Pentatonix simply amazes with their moving rendition of "Mary Did You Know?"

The beautiful harmonies of this Christmas classic will give your goosebumps goosebumps!

This Christmas, MercyMe strikes up the band to honor the season of love with a brand new yuletide recording, It’s Christmas!  In this exclusive CCM Magazine Christmas conversation, the band’s bassist, Nathan Cochran, shares why Christmas is so important to the men of MercyMe.

From CCM Magazine!

Unique personalities, unusual circumstances, and unexpected issues can turn even the most anticipated holiday gatherings into a time of stress and exhaustion.

This Holiday Season, let’s do more than just “survive.” Let’s purpose to enjoy every single moment. It can done! I know I’m determined to make it happen and I hope these tips will encourage you as well...

MercyMe ("Greater") rings in Christmas by singing about what's on all our minds - "It's Christmastime already"?

Here's a fun twist on the holiday videos we see circulating around the Internet, with the official lyric video of their single, "Christmastime Again".

Has Christmas become drab and routine?  Has it become chaotic, bitter, or even painful?  This year, it can be different!  Don't let this be just another Christmas this year!  Join with Laura Story ("Blessings")  and pledge to make this Christmas not just another Christmas.

Find out what small steps Laura's taking - and you can take - to reclaim the true meaning of Christmas this season!

Lauren Daigle ("How Can It Be", "Come Alive") takes us behind the scenes and in the recording studio as she put together her first Christmas Album.  Behold takes some of Lauren's New Orleans roots and becomes a Cajun-style gumbo blend of holiday tunes.

What if Thanksgiving were the one day in which we over-emphasized what should be on our hearts every day of the year: a heart of gratitude in everything? What if our Thanksgiving prayer really thanked God for everything that has happened in the past year?

Big Daddy Weave lead singer Mike Weaver shares this greeting from his heart to you  this Thanksgiving

Your family members are gathered for a Thanksgiving feast. As you enjoy delicious food and engaging conversation, you look out across the table and think of how thankful you are for this experience. It's all perfect, except for one thing.  It’s not real.

Here are some all-too-common scenarios that can burst the bubble of unrealistic expectations at Thanksgiving – and what you can do if you encounter them...

If your Thanksgiving is getting a little hectic, singer Sara Groves can totally relate and has a sweet solution for you!

This fun family music video will bring a breath of fresh air to your holiday heaviness.  It's a great reminder to take it ALL in stride!

Today, I can see that who I am is not defined as much by what I have, but by the faith that defined my response to what I didn't have...

It can be easy to impress your holiday guests without overdoing it in the kitchen by putting to use these delectable recipes that require little time to prep.

Approach holiday eating from a faith-based intuitive eating perspective, then a season of true abundance and gratitude opens up.  Here are three key points we can keep in mind so we don’t let food overwhelm our focus this Thanksgiving...