Dana Black | Spread the Christmas Joy

The Afterglow

December 26th. It’s a day that often gets overlooked, and for good reason. It’s the day after.

After all the flurry of preparations, of presents, of travel, of family and friends and food. And I know some of you (maybe even a lot of you) are breathing a sigh of relief today, on this day after Christmas. You did it! Holiday achieved.

Or maybe, if you’re like some of my best friends, you’re gearing up for the next round(s) of celebrations, because your family is ginormous, or you’ve got a parent who often works on Christmas, so you have the festivities later.

Wherever you find yourself today, though, I invite you to stop for a minute and look around. Do you feel that warmth? The quiet peace floating around? No? You might have to search for it a bit, because it sometimes gets lost in the aftermath. But it’s there, tucked under the surface of this day. I like to call it the Afterglow. It’s like when you get up and there aren’t any lights on except for the Christmas tree, and as you blink through your sleep-fogged eyes, there’s this golden glimmer filling the room. It’s subtle and unassuming, much like I think it was that first Christmas, and the day that followed it.

After the shepherds left Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus to go spread the news, Mary took time to look for the Afterglow. It’s one of my favorite verses in the Bible:

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” 

-Luke 2:19 (NIV)

I know this is a hard season for a lot of people. We seem to find a lot of heartache around this time of year, and having lost both of my grandfathers in different Decembers, I’m not immune to the sadness that can creep into Christmas.

But Mary had the right idea, and I’d encourage us all to follow her wise example. Find the treasures that you can glean from this season (and if there weren’t any, take today to create one if you can!), and ponder them in your heart. The Lord gives good gifts to His children—none better than the gift of His own Son—and that is the best reason to rejoice in the Afterglow as this Christmas quietly slips into the rest of winter. Don’t let it pass unnoticed.

Dana Black has a passion for finding beauty in the small random bits of the day, and a particular affinity for writing stories that mix the conventional with the fantastic. She makes her home in the wonderland of the Pacific Northwest, where you can often find her photographing her surroundings, reading, baking, and putting birds on things.

Dana would love to connect with you on Twitter and Instagram (@MissDanaBlack).

Laura V. HIlton | Spread the Christmas Joy

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

James 1:17 (NIV)

Have you ever wanted or needed something so bad, that it is all you can think about? In CHRISTMAS MITTENS, Gracia needs a donation of fifty Christmas trees for the senior center she works at. The center receives some government funding, but not enough. They rely heavily on donations and fundraisers.

Gracia is tired of the same-old boring fundraising ideas that the center has done for years. And it seems the town is tired of them, too. Last year’s bake sale was a total flop. The idea of Christmas trees as a fundraiser seemed so fresh, so innovative, so inspired! The tree sale, paired with a Christmas craft fair where the seniors sell their crafts, should be perfect.

Except no one wants to donate trees… and she’s down to her last call to ask for help. And she’s ready to beg.

When God seems to say no, how do you handle it?

Sometimes it’s hard to let go of our wants and desires to hand it over to God for Him to manage as He will. But it usually is so much better when we do let go and let God. He knows how it should be handled so much better than we do and He is able to answer prayers above and beyond our wildest dreams. He can exceed our expectations and make our dreams come true.

Because God is not interested in adequate. God is not going to be content with “good enough.” The somewhat cynical phrase, “Close enough for government work!” has never crossed His lips . . . or His mind.

God gives “good” gifts. Gifts that keep on giving throughout the year, long after the wrappings and ribbons and wreaths have been reconciled to storage until the following year.

God gives “perfect” gifts. Gifts that are perfect for the individual, perfect for the occasion, and perfect for the purposes to which He has called us.

God’s gifts are never going to migrate to the back of one’s closet, or to the nearest thrift store. They continually grow, and expand. When used appropriately, one can always find some new way of putting God’s gifts to use.

God’s gifts are never going to wear out, rust, break down or fall apart. God’s gifts never come with any warning labels, age-appropriate stickers, or 1-800 numbers “in case of failure.”

And God’s gifts never come with a “shelf life.”

In this season of miracles, is there something you’re hanging on to that should be turned over to the Lord? Let’s start by handing it over to Him, and then waiting in anticipation for the answer.

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Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as the Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Birdhouse. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press’ Quilts of Love series. Laura is contracted for another three book Amish series set in the Jamesport area, with the first book, The Amish Firefighter, planned for April 2016.

She has self-published a Christmas novella, Christmas Mittens.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer and blogs for Putting on the New and Seriously Write.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
Visit my blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

Christmas Mittens Blurb 

Gracia Dykstra enjoys her job at the Senior Center, especially at Christmas time. The seniors have an annual craft shop. Desperate to raise funds Gracia asks for donations of Christmas trees to sell in order to raise much-needed funds, but Christmas tree donations are scarce. Jake Trivett has quit his job in California to come home and help his dad. A friendship with Gracia, who he’s always admired, intrigues him. Gracia’s heart flutters with more than Christmas spirit when Jake, an old flame, whose father runs a struggling tree farm answers the phone. Will Gracia receive more than Christmas trees this year?

Purchase: Christmas Mittens

Sarah Baughman | Spread the Christmas Joy

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Christmas Light

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shone.

~Isaiah 9:2 (ESV)

Many people can conjure an image of an old-fashioned Christmas tree, with candles clipped onto branches and the flames burning brightly, unhindered by any protective glass or lantern. At some point, though, some people began to use small lanterns, as a means of improving safety and of creating a variety in the light and colors emanating from the trees. My husband’s great-aunt, Wilhelmina (or Mimi), gave one to us a few years before her death.

It had belonged to her for years, and I can imagine the glow it cast when a candle was lit within it. The different-colored panels, with the variety of embossed designs, would have made a very pretty picture. Now, the panels are shrunken or missing entirely, and we do not light anymore candles in it.

Maybe this Christmas, some of us are feeling a bit like this old lantern. Damaged. Worn. Aged. Sometimes circumstances bring us to this point sooner than we would have expected. Perhaps we don’t feel old, but we did something or something happened to us that brings us to a place of darkness. Of a heightened awareness of our imperfections. Of a longing for things to be better.

Remember, though, that the Christ of Christmas did not come to a world restored or even ready for Him. His mother and adoptive father nearly split over his conception. He was born in less-than-ideal circumstances. The local ruler wanted him dead. Only shepherds, just slightly better than Gentiles because of their tending sheep and working on the Sabbath, came to celebrate His birth. The only gifts brought to this Baby King were from foreigners.

And His light shines all the brighter for our brokenness. We, the people walking in darkness, are witnesses to His light, we are those on whom He has shone.

Sarah grew up in Ohio, but now she, her husband, and their four children live in Texas. Her debut novel, Penelope’s Hope was released in October and she is planning to publish the second installment of the series later this winter. Sarah loves connecting with readers; feel free to check out her blog at http://sarahebaughman.blogspot.com/

 
Penelope's Hope

Penelope is a woman with few options. Ashbridge is a man with too many options—just not the one he wants. When they meet one another through a mutual connection, will they be able to find that God’s option for them far exceeds any hope they had for themselves?

Jill Penrod | Spread the Christmas Joy

I belong to a very small church, and we don’t own a building. For years we’ve met on Sunday afternoons in another church. Recently we started to look for a place of our own, and God sent us something none of us expected. He looked at the list of what we wanted in a new worship space and tossed the list out the window. Instead, He sent us to an urban ministry that feeds the homeless, and he said, There. You worship there, in the center of what I’m doing. You worship with the broken, the lost, the poor, the marginalized. That’s your new home. Go there.

This isn’t a Christmas memory yet. It’s a Christmas future. We begin our journey downtown to worship on December 24th, Christmas Eve. Although we’re excited about the move, we have no idea what to expect. To be honest, we are not naturally equipped for this. We are a white, middle-class church. No people of color. No elderly shut-ins. Nobody struggling with homelessness or severe mental illness or generational poverty. There is no reason we should worship in a homeless kitchen and expect to see fruit. It’s ridiculous.

But God is saying Go. You are the people I wish to greet my children as they walk through the doors to meet me. You, who know you don’t belong where you’re going—I will give you the love and humility required to see my children and hug them close and speak into their lives as I speak to their hearts. You know nothing about this, but you will do fine because I said to go.

We’re moving during the season of Advent, when the focus is on what God has done—a child in a manger—and what he will do next—a king coming through the clouds. I’ve been thinking about our move through the lens of Advent, the lens focusing on future glory and past revelations, and I realize that in the Christmas story, my church is the shepherds sent from the fields to greet the new infant king.

The shepherds of Jesus’ day were not mighty men. They were low in the ranks of society. Nobody would ask shepherds to be the welcoming committee for a king. Nobody would expect a host of angels to visit shepherds. But God chose them, and they went. They didn’t argue. They didn’t shuffle their feet. They knew their status, so they knew this was something out of the ordinary, something contrary to the ways of the world. The angels sent them to see the miraculous, to see God’s new work, to see his glory, and they went. Nobody had ever asked shepherds to greet a king before, and likely it would never happen again, and who misses an opportunity like that?

I am a shepherd these days. God is saying Come, Jill, and witness my glory. Come see something new I am doing. Come and greet my children, who are living in the barns because in this world there is no room for them in the inn. Come and worship with them. Bow your head with them. Bend your knee with them. The angels call to a group of unlikely, frightened, complacent souls out on the fields, and we walk through the dark streets, no gifts to bring, not sure of the destination, not sure of our reception, not sure how to greet the king and his family. But we go.

I don’t know what God will do with a bunch of spoiled, white, middle-class citizens in the center of urban ministry. But I think the shepherds give us a hint. We will worship. That is all we’re asked to do, wherever He puts us. Worship and invite others to join in. That’s what Advent and Christmas is about. We look back to the first worship of King Jesus. We look back at his life and his death and his victory. Then we look forward and boldly worship while waiting, and we invite others to follow. Simply stretch out a hand and say Worship with me. Come see what the Lord has done. Come see what he plans to do next.

Next year, this will be a Christmas memory. Right now, it’s an invitation to be a shepherd and humbly go where God wishes me to go, and I extend it to you. When he invites us to wander new streets to see his glory, may we drop everything and go and invite others to see it, too. Great things are being done. The Kingdom grows every day. Let’s look for it and delight in it and humbly, excitedly watch it grow.

Jill Penrod is a Christian novelist of nearly thirty books in multiple genres. She writes inspirational romance/drama for teens and adults as well as Christian historical fantasy and sweet romance. Check out her books at www.JillPenrod.com or https://www.facebook.com/jillpenrodnovels/ or her sporadic blogging at https://willowtreeharbor.wordpress.com/. A mom of four grown and nearly-grown kids, she teaches her youngest at home and does pottery in her spare time. Usually she can be found at the computer writing books with a clingy Chihuahua in her lap.

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In Sugar Rush, senior Holly MacGuire is the new kid in school with newly-divorced parents and a new chronic illness. She wants to stay in bed until it’s time for college, but God has different ideas. She’s needed here, especially by baseball star Jason Birch, who’s having a rough year of his own.

Drifting Home finds Brenda Van der Haas called home by her wealthy parents for senior year, two years after they abandoned her. Struggling to forgive, Brenda reluctantly tries to build a new life, rebuilding old friendships and even finding a new one with the mysterious guy who lives down the beach. If she lets go of her bitterness, God has a lot of life and love ahead for her.

With no plans for her future, new graduate Susan Van der Haas takes a nanny job while she waits for God to send her a plan in Low Visibility. She has no idea her wards’ angry older brother will slam into her life and whisk her into a strange world of danger and conspiracy. But God can speak into chaos if she’ll listen.

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Sarah Penner | Spread the Christmas Joy

--> I have many wonderful memories of Christmas, but my favorite happened just a few years ago. Our family had fractured and split over some major issues and we were waiting and praying for reconciliation. Two Christmases felt half-lived while we were in the middle of this waiting. We were there and went through the motions but the shadow of sadness and uncertainty tainted what should have been a joyful celebration. Yet, we rested in Him. We held firm to this truth… though it wasn’t always easy.

“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” 

~Psalm 62:8

The next year our whole family came together to celebrate Christmas. Even now the thought of that Christmas brings tears to my eyes and my heart feels near to bursting. There was a renewal of mind, heart and faith that Christmas. Smiles were bigger, eyes brighter, prayers deeper and the focus on family was so much stronger.

I am reminded over and over when we celebrate Christmas that God is faithful. We often don’t know His plans. We don’t always like the way He orchestrates, but He is no less orchestrating. He is still in control.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” 

~ Jeremiah 29:11

Hope. One of my favorite Christmas words. For what is Christmas all about, if not hope?

May your Christmas be filled with hope!

I am a child of God who has been richly blessed with a beautiful family! I am a full-time wife and mother, while also being a writer and summer storm freak!

Blog: https://sudryandspecific.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sarah_Penner

My offering to you, dear reader, is the chance to win a wonderful ‘Citrus Fresh’ Young Living essential oil! 

- Sarah

Ralene Burke | Spread the Christmas Joy

“Mommy, is it going to snow?”

I looked down at my 3-year-old girl, those big brown eyes shining with hope. I gave her a sad smile and shook my head. “No, sweetie. It’s not supposed to snow while we’re here. It’s too warm.”

We were visiting my in-laws over Christmas, a long vacation before our move from Kansas to Hawaii. There wouldn’t be any snow for Christmas—or any other time—for at least 3 years. And here we were, in Kentucky in December, with no hope of snow for Christmas.

“But, Mommy, it’s Christmas Eve. It has to snow!”

I couldn’t help but agree even as my own eyes filled with tears. I had wanted this last Christmas on the mainland to be extra special. I sent another prayer up to God, asking for peace in our circumstances and to remember that the real reason for Christmas had nothing to do with snow.

Without another thought, I went about the rest of the day, reveling in the time with family and other Christmas plans.

Later that evening, the girls and I were snuggled on the couch, watching a Christmas movie with the rest of the family. My husband had run outside to get something from the car. A few minutes later, he comes thumping through the door.

“You okay?” His mom hollered from her spot on the other couch.

“Yeah. You guys have to come see this.”

The girls scrambled off the couch, even as my mother-in-law and I pull ourselves up much slower. Before we could make it to the door, squeals of excitement rang through the house. I rounded the corner and gasped.

A blanket of snow had already covered the ground. And it showed no signs of stopping.

“Mommy, Mommy, can we go out and play?” My 4-year-old daughter asked, jumping up and down.

Play? It was 7:30 at night. Still, as I stared out the window and tears filled my eyes (again), how could I say no? So we bundled up the kids and we all went outside to play. There was a snowball fight and snow angels . . . and even some hot chocolate when we were done.

When all was said and done, we had a good 3 inches of snow on Christmas Day.

God knows the desires of our hearts. He understands the longings inside of us. I wasn’t looking forward to Hawaii. I didn’t want to be so far from my family, I didn’t want to be caged in on an island where I didn’t know anybody, I didn’t want Christmases without snow. While He didn’t change our circumstances, God still sent me a cherished gift. He showed me He heard and understood.

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Whether she’s wielding a fantasy writer’s pen or a freelance editor’s sword, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer’s world. She spins fantastical tales to encourage people to SHINE BEYOND. She has worked for a variety of groups/companies, including Realm Makers, The Christian PEN, Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, and as an editor for a number of freelance clients.

When her head’s not in the publishing world, she is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . .

You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, or at her website.

Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior

Bellanok is a haven for myths and legends . . . until evil discovers a way in. Now the fairy queen, Fauna, must journey from the island realm to the modern world to find the man the Creator appointed to save their kingdom. A man she has been dreaming of her whole life.

Brian is a down-on-his-luck pastor on the verge of giving up on God. He’s tired and frustrated–a failure. No sooner does he make a decision that jeopardizes his career than an unusual blonde woman shows up and tries to convince him he is some kind of savior.

Fauna must open Brian’s eyes to a different reality, and Brian needs to embrace the haven’s secrets. If neither of them succeeds, Bellanok will succumb to evil and the world will lose all trace of innocence.

Purchase: Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior

J.J. Johnson | Spread the Christmas Joy

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It’s Never too Late to Build a Tradition

Sometimes in life God opens doors to meaningful experiences that you hope to never forget. December 2002 was one of those moments for me. I had been dating a young women (who has been lovely wife for eleven and a half years now) for about six months. I knew her family well, which consisted of her mother and two younger sisters. But that year she asked me to spend Christmas with them. I did so without hesitation… Let’s face it- When your 25 and in love you don’t want to miss a moment with that person.

But it was daunting to think about. Here was a family of women who had a very strong tradition for Christmas. And suddenly I- A man (or little kid depending on who speak to) was suddenly coming in and throwing everything off balance.

I didn’t appreciate it at the time. But there was order and meaning, and appreciation for what the season was about. Every year my wife’s mother fixes an incredible dinner. In fact of all the dinners I eat throughout the year this is the one I look forward to most. We eat Crab legs, and Shrimp, and make fun of my youngest sister Janelle (let’s face it- I love these two girls and that’s what they are to me: Sisters) because she is always the last to get her crab cracked and out.

Then (after the dishes have been done) we sit in the living room, read the Christmas Story, marvel at the miracle of our savior, and open gifts. Our gifts are mostly simple. We draw names and do secret Santa’s and keep the price low but the gift meaningful. (Let’s face it- You could buy me a book or a coffee mug and I would be happy for a year.)

It's things like this I want my children to have. Memories that they can look back on and say for the 18 years I was growing up- We did this every year. I want my children to understand a Gift is a Gift (No matter if it is $10 or $50 or $100). I want them to know that price tags are meaningless and all that matters and seeing someone smile.

But that digs at a deeper question: Why do we give…? Well, because he gave to us when “He emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of man.” – Phil. 2:7

I didn’t start building a meaningful Christmas tradition until I was 25. So if you find yourself there today, remember it’s never too late to start.

My wife and her family have taught me that Christmas is about family, love, being loved, and remembering the birth of our savior.

Merry Christmas, and God bless. J.J.

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J.J. Johnson is an author from Edmond Oklahoma who loves to read, write, watch Dr. Who and drink Coffee. He is married to his wife Ashley who is a Chef and together they have two children: Miles (3) and Bennett (1). When he isn’t busy writing or changing diapers he can be found on twitter or Instagram.

Twitter: @jjjohnsonWriter 
Instagram: jjjohnsonwriter
http://www.jjjohnsonwriter.com