Christmas is a miracle of spirit and
love generated by our relationship with God. Outward holiday trappings
of food, gifts, and décor are meant to convey that spirit and love to others. Sometimes
it seems the greater the extravagance of such displays, the poorer our tokens
of love and spirit become.
Christmas Wishes from Bo and Lynn
Christmas can be a time of great stress,
exacting tolls on goodwill, waistlines, and available lines of credit. By
embracing simplicity, holiday distress can melt away by returning to the first
Christmas message - “Love was born in a stable.”
Joy in the Barn
My husband and I live in Weatherford,
Texas. We share our home with six horses, three dogs, and three cats. My office
is a quick 14-second stroll from the horse stalls, as is our bed.
The Horse Side of Our Barn
Oyster Stew is our traditional dinner on
the night before Christmas, made from a recipe perfected on Christmas Eve many
years ago when the pot of soup scalded while we were out in the dark rescuing a
horse caught in a fence. After knocking down some rails and posts we finally
tucked the mare in safe and sound for the night. We expected to return to a pan
of burnt stew on the stove.
Not only was Christmas Eve dinner not
ruined, the Oyster Stew was more delicious than ever and a new tradition was
born. Every year we scald the oyster stew and remember times past.
The Center of Christmas Dinner - Mincemeat Pie
Homemade Mincemeat Pie, made from a
shredded beef roast, apricots, raisins, apples, and spices, is the centerpiece
of our Christmas Day menu. My husband and I enjoy special favorites of gingerbread
and pumpkin, and there will be carrots for the horses, baked bones for the dogs,
and the delicacy of canned food for the cats.
Love was born in a stable. A cherished
Nativity sculpture is the centerpiece of our Christmas décor. Jesus Christ was
born in a barn among the animals depicted in that sculpture; the donkey, sheep
and cattle. My husband and I are blessed beyond our dreams to share our lives
with our beloved animals.
Less is More
Nothing is special if everything is special. No tasty dish is memorable if overpowered by a mountain of food on the holiday table. No gift inspires true delight if it must compete with innumerable others.
Precious memories are created by
singular events.
“When we recall
Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great
occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness.” ~Bob Hope
Simple Christmas Decorations
Gifts of Christmas
The best gifts of Christmas were given
on a star-lit night over two thousand years ago and are still as fresh as our hearts will allow.
- The Herald Angels still call to those who will listen.
- Silver Bells still peal loud and true.
- All ye faithful are still called to Come, Joyful and Triumphant.
- I still look forward to the coming Holy Night with its brightly shining star.
- Of that Silent Night and Holy Night, we may still read of yon Virgin and Child.
- I still hear Angels on High, sweetly singing their joyous song.
- There is still Joy to the World.
Lynn Baber with her horse. Photo credit Hoofprints Photography, Tucson, AZ
The Gift of Christ was delivered in a
simple stable, of a simple mother, and for a simple purpose. The birth of a
Savior made peace between sinful man and a holy God possible.
Simply put, “ Love was born in a
stable.”
Article written by Lynn Baber, a retired Equestrian professional who raises and grooms her own horses and has her own stables. She is a writer, an animal lover and also has dogs and other pets at her home in Weatherford,
Texas. The above article has been sent to us and was chosen as a guest written article for our website for this year's Christmas Season.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to come.
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