Restoring Christmas

[outdeep]

When people leave the Assembly, one thing I often hear them say is, "for the first time in xx years, we're going to have a Christmas tree" or "I'm going to send out Christmas cards this year."

It shows that deep down that several never really believed the "no Christmas" rules, but tolerated them because that is what the Assembly stood for.

I remember one of the first Christmas after we left in 1990.  Our church found out that had no Christmas decorations, took up a collection and came caroling at our door to present us with a box full of ornaments.  It was one of the most touching gestures I had ever experienced.

So, for some who had recently left the Assembly, this will be their first Christmas.  I want to dedicate this thread to serious suggestions as to how to establish Christmas traditions late in life.

o  What are some Christmas traditions in your home?
o  How have you used the time to reestablish connections with previously neglected family members?
o  How have you managed to keep Christ central?
o  What are some of your favorite Christmas memories?

Thanks.

[al Hartman]

Beginning with our first Christmas away from the assembly, we began to reach out to those who protect & serve us on Christmas day, when most of them would prefer to be home with their families as we are.  It has taken this form:

During the week before Christmas, Cathy and any family members who care to join her prepare baked treats:  a half dozen or so kinds of cookies, almond bark, pecan logs, fudge, & the inevitable rice krispies squares.  On Christmas eve, i arrange them on large trays and cover them with saran or shrink wrap.  A card with a Christmas message accompanies each tray.

On Christmas morning, before we do anything else, we all bundle up & deliver these trays: one to the local police station, one to the firehouse, and one to the nearest emergency room.  It was a big deal to our children (now to our grandchildren) to be the one to carry in & hand over the tray at each location.  The firefighters, police officers, nurses, orderlies & doctors are always surprised & grateful to be remembered in such a way.  (At the hospital, i try to assure that there's a tray for the small crew in the supply/distribution department, too, as they are isolated & prretty much unremembered in their basement domain.)

Only after that is all done do we return home for breakfast and to begin our other activities.  Our kids are all grown & moved out, and two have children of their own, but whenever possible, they still show up to join us in this giving.

We also prepare similar, but smaller, trays for our nearest neighbors.

Thanks, Dave, for this opportunity to share.  God bless us all in our celebrations of our Savior's birth,

al Hartman

[d3z]

I've been doing some thinking about Christmas and the assemblies.  I think the assembly attitude on Christmas brings out some interesting things about how the assemblies treated many things.

• The foundation of their point is true.  Most Christmas traditions aren't specifically Christian.
• What happened then, was the it not being a biblical thing automatically translates it into being evil.

It seems the purpose in the attitude on Christmas is as good grounds to separate assembliites from other Christians and other people.  The JW's do exactly the same thing, except they extend it a bit further.  The reject birthday celebrations too.  There are two examples in the Bible of birthday celebrations, one of which is very bad, and the other is not so good.

These kinds of things make for good separation rules to use.  We might as well eliminate pictures on the wall, lest they be images, and we worship them.  Chocolate isn't in the Bible, so it must be forbidden.  And, we want to try and do everything in groups of 153 (John 21:11).

[Mark Kisla]

Christmas provided a great opportunity for me to reconnect with my family after leaving the assembly in 1985.
Growing up, my Uncles , Aunts and cousins would meet Christmas eve at my parents house, it was always a great time that has blessed me with many happy memories. I thank God that I now can do the same for my family.

[Recovering Saint]

I remember a disagreement would happen every Christmas because rather than being sensitive to my unsaved family I put the Assembly first and alienated my family.

So much for the love of Christ. The one time to show the love of Christ and I couldn't because some narrow minded interpretation of an overly legalistic system.

The Apostle Paul said he became all things to all people so that he might win some. We were so weird and yet we thought we were so spiritual.

My mother saw through it but I couldn't. What a shame to think we ate up all that garbage. I am sure Jesus is very sad for all those still in who are trying to prove they accept others and still don't know the love of Christ at Christmas. They swallow a camel and strain a nat.

[Mark Kisla]

I remember a disagreement would happen every Christmas because rather than being sensitive to my unsaved family I put the Assembly first and alienated my family.

So much for the love of Christ. The one time to show the love of Christ and I couldn't because some narrow minded interpretation of an overly legalistic system.

The Apostle Paul said he became all things to all people so that he might win some. We were so weird and yet we thought we were so spiritual.

My mother saw through it but I couldn't. What a shame to think we ate up all that garbage. I am sure Jesus is very sad for all those still in who are trying to prove they accept others and still don't know the love of Christ at Christmas. They swallow a camel and strain a nat.

I made that same elitist stand for 9 years and missed out on so much.
I still grieve when I think back on the dissappointment in my Fathers voice when I called to tell him I would not be home for Christmas, but I can rejoice at my Dads immediate forgiveness of me when I apologized for being a jackass for so many years.Four months later my Dad received Christ on his death bed.
Funny thing is , I learned and experienced more about love and forgiveness from my parents than I ever did from the "heavenly vision".

[BeckyW]

I made that same elitist stand for 9 years and missed out on so much.
I still grieve when I think back on the dissappointment in my Fathers voice when I called to tell him I would not be home for Christmas, but I can rejoice at my Dads immediate forgiveness of me when I apologized for being a jackass for so many years.Four months later my Dad received Christ on his death bed.
Funny thing is , I learned and experienced more about love and forgiveness from my parents than I ever did from the "heavenly vision".

Mark and all,
This caught my attention.  What good news that you know that your dad is with the Lord, and that you were able to ask his forgiveness before he died.  We made similar 'stands' with our families, thinking we were honoring the Lord.  They handled it gracefully, and with a sense of humor, for the most part.  One person said she thought we were "all wet", but still invited us over every year.   Another wrapped Christmas gifts for our kids in the comics and said Happy Solstice (tongue in her cheek).  We were not rejected by our families for our weird ways.  Our parents, too, always kept their doors open to us, loved us no matter what as best they could, and I am so thankful.  Especially now, when it turns out they were right all along.  
So far,  
We have taken part in Operation Christmas Child, read some of Dickens Christmas Carol out loud, are opening an advent calendar and reading a children's book about one, going to Christmas events at our new church, sending out lots of cards, and enjoying lots of music.  And we bought Charlie's Brown Christmas special so we can watch it lots of times and make up for the years our kids missed it.
 
This is our first year out, so it gives me great pleasure to say it:
Merry Christmas, everyone!

Becky

[editor]

I just have to smile when I read these posts!

I saw an ex-assembly woman sing a solo in the Christmas play at her church last night.  She totally stole the show, and absolutely shone with talent.  She is a powerful, awesome singer, and no one knew it for the ten years she was in the Assembly.

Today, when I told her how great her singing was, she smiled and said,  "I just thanked the Lord.  I'm back!"

All that wasted talent, but now she is back doing the thing she loves, and doing it really well at that!

Merry Christmas

Brent

[Joe Sperling]

Wow. Reading this thread brought back all of the wonderful Christmas memories I have about the Assembly. I remember that first year in the Brother's house when we all decorated the tree and toasted one another with apple cider, singing Christmas Carols and wrapping all of the presents we had purchased for one another. Later, Brother George came bounding in, dressed all in red and white with a big white beard on, shouting "Ho Ho Ho!!" as he passed out presents from a big overflowing red bag he had draped over his shoulder. Hey Kiddies!!" he cried, "Santy Claus is here!!" Then the kids sat on his lap and told him what they wanted for Christmas. And he told them Christmas stories. The only thing he said that confused the kids a bit was that he had flying "LB's(elbies)" instead of reindeer. Instead of "Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and Vixen" he said "On Miller, On Maddux, On Haymin and Irons!!", but besides that the rest of the story was pretty much the same.  Afterwards, we all sat down for a long game of poker, George supplying the huge Cuban cigars we puffed, while we downed large quantities of



Sorry to interrupt. My name is Dr. Millicent Shear. I am Mr. Sperling's Psychiatrist here at the hospital. He has somehow broken free from his restraints once again and headed directly to the computer as he always does. I'm not sure why Mr. Sperling seems to speak incessantly about the "Assembly" and what happened there, but it is a problem we are working on and trying desperately to resolve. We will attempt to keep him from interrupting on this thread once again. It seems if we get him back into a three piece suit, put a doily on his head and sing him a few hymns, he seems to be just fine. So, once again, sorry for the interruption, and may you once again return to your beautiful holiday memories.

sincerely, Millicent

[Scott McCumber]

Actually, my parents have a picture of GG unwrapping presents the Tuscola saints gave him during a visit once. There is even a small decorated tree in the background. Of course this was circa 1972 and the folks said that was about the last Christmas celebrated with "pagan symbols" in the Midwest. At least publicly.

Scott

[Mark C.]

MERRY CHRISTMAS

  I must also share my GG Christmas story that probably was right around 1974 or so.
  We in the Valley occupied the old house that I grew up in and turned it into a Brothers house.  Each year GG and those at his house chose a Christmas project where they visited some poverty stricken folks and our house definitely fit the bill.
   They showed up at the front door and GG led them in a rousing song of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".  Doug Large, who was socially challenged, came running out onto the porch and told them to, "go away---we don't have any money", in an attempt at jest, to which GG gave Doug a swift kick to the ankles!  No kidding!!!---I am not joking at all!  
   After that we were all a bit embarassed, but we invited them in and they brought  food and gifts; I still have the W.E Vine Greek dictionary that GG gave me with an inscription in the cover.  Dave Hahn remarked to GG that "now Mark has two of them".  I later talked to Dave and Doug about proper etiquette in such situations, but I don't think my three pointed message was understood  .
   Betty gave us recipes (before the Green Drink days) that were actually used for decades by us in the many houses that I lived in.  Some of the titles of these, "Grand Canyon Goulash", "Nassi Goreng" (or something like that,  We called it Nasty grunge, but it actually was quite good.) "Jenny Coops" (hamburger, cottage cheese, zucchini).  They were all caseroles, and I'm sure that they will bring back fond memories of hearty meals from my old Valley friends .  I also remember going out to Jack-in-the- Box after the meetings because we were hungry in an hour after eating some of these high carb. meals!
   The point here is that back at the beginning I don't think GG was so gung ho anti-Christmas, but he seemed to retain his same ol' immature self throughout his Assembly years, as evidenced in the Doug Large shin kicking incident!
Betty, and the others from his house, did display a good example of loving Christian expression that somehow got lost as the years went on.
   Some will think this is a tale, like Little Georgie and the Giant Hand, but I lie not and speak the truth here!  Steve Fortescue was at that house at that time and I call on him to please back me up on this.
                                              God Bless,  Mark C.

[sfortescue]

So many things have happened over the years that memory of the old days in the assembly are pretty sketchy.  I don't remember that particular visit by George.

One of the recipes was German Spaghetti.  It was made with knockwurst and cheese sauce with beer and carraway seeds.

Maybe a collection of the old recipes could be put on the Assembly Reflections web site.

[Oscar]

Mark,

I remember that GG visited you guys on Christmas morning.  I didn't remember the kicking incident though.

We called that recipe "Nasty Garange".

Tom

[editor]

MERRY CHRISTMAS

  I must also share my GG Christmas story that probably was right around 1974 or so.
  We in the Valley occupied the old house that I grew up in and turned it into a Brothers house.  Each year GG and those at his house chose a Christmas project where they visited some poverty stricken folks and our house definitely fit the bill.
   They showed up at the front door and GG led them in a rousing song of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".  Doug Large, who was socially challenged, came running out onto the porch and told them to, "go away---we don't have any money", in an attempt at jest, to which GG gave Doug a swift kick to the ankles!  No kidding!!!---I am not joking at all!  
   After that we were all a bit embarassed, but we invited them in and they brought  food and gifts; I still have the W.E Vine Greek dictionary that GG gave me with an inscription in the cover.  Dave Hahn remarked to GG that "now Mark has two of them".  I later talked to Dave and Doug about proper etiquette in such situations, but I don't think my three pointed message was understood  .
   Betty gave us recipes (before the Green Drink days) that were actually used for decades by us in the many houses that I lived in.  Some of the titles of these, "Grand Canyon Goulash", "Nassi Goreng" (or something like that,  We called it Nasty grunge, but it actually was quite good.) "Jenny Coops" (hamburger, cottage cheese, zucchini).  They were all caseroles, and I'm sure that they will bring back fond memories of hearty meals from my old Valley friends .  I also remember going out to Jack-in-the- Box after the meetings because we were hungry in an hour after eating some of these high carb. meals!
   The point here is that back at the beginning I don't think GG was so gung ho anti-Christmas, but he seemed to retain his same ol' immature self throughout his Assembly years, as evidenced in the Doug Large shin kicking incident!
Betty, and the others from his house, did display a good example of loving Christian expression that somehow got lost as the years went on.
   Some will think this is a tale, like Little Georgie and the Giant Hand, but I lie not and speak the truth here!  Steve Fortescue was at that house at that time and I call on him to please back me up on this.
                                              God Bless,  Mark C.

I had "Jenny Coops," on a MTT in San Francisco in 1994.  I guess Betty really thought that was a good recipe.  It wasn't too bad with enough tabasco on it....

Brent

[M2]

Wow! 3 pointed messages go as far back as 1974. I was told that even the apostle Peter gave a 3 pointed message in Acts 2. My husband often would not have 3 points &/or, he would not have a title. Or if he did he failed to mention it before he got into his message. So almost everytime he preached he would be 'faithfully' reminded of his failing. Another thing was preaching for 24.3 minutes when he should have preached for 20 minutes. After a time I would ask him why he just wouldn't comply with them. It's still a mystery to me to this day. Oh yes, the other problem was if he had just preached at the Thursday Bible Study, and then he got up to preach on a Sunday morning. That was not allowed. I know that GG didn't call every week to ask about Claude and his preaching and advice the LBs, so I do not know who told them to do this. Maybe it was the Spirit

I heard some good stories of the healthy food that was served at the worker's conferences in Estes Park. Must have been Nasty Garange. People had to have a junk food fix and go out and buy some chocolate bars and candy and pop (aka soda in Texas) and chips...

Mark, 2 strikes. I guess the kicking incident must have really 'hit' home with you.   We experienced something similar with our neighbor which gave us an 'opportunity' to reach out to them. Now-a-days I wonder who really needs the reaching out to.

Dave S you might be interested in these Operation Christmas Child stories:

Mob scene ensues as Canadian soldiers give Christmas boxes to Afghan families: http://www.canada.com/search/story.aspx?id=c917e820-d035-4cbf-b0e1-7d9e384bbccb
Children line up at Kabul orphanage for Christmas boxes from Canadian soldiers: http://www.canada.com/search/story.aspx?id=99c2e425-0388-446d-8176-6917f474d572