Anointedtoday.blogspot.com: From the Asphy Family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

We want to take the time to let my followers know that we do appreciate you. We are thankful for another year. Be safe this holiday and everyday.

Be blessed as well.

Just to See You Smile:

***Intentional ***

1. Poinsettias

Did you know that the shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves resemble the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus, the red-colored leaves represent the blood of Christ shed for the world, and the white leaves represent His purity. That is according to michiganumc.org. Also today I saw a blue Poinsettia. That was my first time and it was beautiful.

I mentioned once before that my husband bought me a Poinsettia Flower one Christmas. To my amazement that Poinsettia lasted for 12 years.

Note:

Remember to be grateful and thankful for what you have rather than dwelling on what you do not have.

2. Living History

Did you know that you can say that you are living History? You lived through a Pandemic. The Caronavirus which was one of the worst Pandemics in history.

3. Prayer

Philippians 4:19, But my God shall supply all my need according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ. Have you ever been to busy to pray? Since God is available 24 hours a day do you choose to take time throughout the day to pray? Are you so busy that prayer is considered later rather than first? I can admit I have been guilty of this. You have a choice to stay busy or to stop and take time to pray.

4. When was Christ Born?

Although we celebrate Christmas on December 25^th according to the Gregorian Calendar Christ was born on October 4, BCE (Before common era) according to antipas.net. They also noted that Christ was born 4BCE in the Jewish year 3758.

5. Christmas During the Pandemic

When I look back at Christmas during the Pandemic, I recall people were still shopping, but there was more of an online presence. The millennials were already taking advantage of online shopping. Now today I have gone into some retail stores and it is almost like a ghost store. There are not a lot of people shopping, although Walmart and Meijer stay quite busy.

6. Mindful- Washing Hands

Be mindful and wash your hands more this than usual for at least 20 seconds. I recall before the pandemic a woman standing in a long line watched me in a public restroom. She made sure to let me know that even though I washed my hands, I did not wash my hands for 20 seconds. During this Christmas season you want to be especially vigilant in washing the hands because of germs.

7. Clean and Disinfect

Clean and disinfect more than usual. The Coronavirus is still around and can last on certain surfaces. I love the Clorox and Lysol wipes. At the beginning of the Pandemic they were sold out and difficult to find. Now they have slowly came back into the market. They are simple and easy to use. I usually keep the wipes with me. You never know when you might need to use them.

8. Do You Have a Christmas Tree?

Do you have a Christmas Tree this year? For thousands of years pagans and Christians would decorate their homes during the winter with tree branches, as a symbol of spring that was just around the corner. Housebeautiful.com further adds that in Christianity, the Christmas tree represents Christ’s birth and resurrection.

9. Christmas in Egypt

Are you aware that Christmas is celebrated around the world, but differently in various countries. For Example In Egypt about 15% of people are Christians and Christmas is celebrated on January 7^th as opposed to the American traditional Christmas on December 25th according to whychirstmas.com. They further add that their Christmas services normally start about 10:30 pm and can last at some services until 4 am following going home to eat foods with meat, eggs, butter, and a popular course of Fata (a lamb soup which contains bread, rice, garlic and boiled lamb meat.)

10. My Christmas in Georgia

I can just imagine Christmas in different parts of the world would be an interesting experience. I recall going to Georgia one Christmas. When I left Michigan it was cold, icy, and snowing. I do not like cold weather. As we traveled further south the skys started looking clear and I could feel the warmth in the air. It was such a good feeling. When we reached Georgia the temperatures were in the 50 and 60’s. It felt so good. It was different not seeing any snow. It was different to be able to shed my winter clothing and only wear a light jacket. It just felt good. My first Christmas in the south. I will always treasure that.

11. Christmas Facts

Christmas trees were banned by President Teddy Roosevelt in the White House in 1901 because of concerns about the environmental effects, but his sons decorated a small tree cut on the White House grounds and hid it in a closet until Christmas morning. This is talked about at icebreakerideas.com. Who would have thought this?

12. Guatemala

Cleanliness really is next to Godliness in Guatemala. Locals believe that the devil and other evil spirits live in the dark, dirty corners of your home. Wanderlustmagazine.com talks about this. They further added that they spend the week before Christmas sweeping up, collecting rubbish and then piling everything in a huge heap outside; Then an effigy of the devil is placed on top and the whole thing is set on fire, calling it La Quema del Diablo, the “Burning of the Devil.” This is interesting how different people around the world celebrate Christmas.

Source:

About Poinsettias, Our Christmas Flower

Why do we have Christmas trees?

Christmas in Egypt

74 Fun Christmas Facts You Didn’t Know

The 12 Weirdest Christmas Traditions

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