Looking for a special, handcrafted gift this holiday? Come shop at Sozo Trading Co. in Avondale for items like this set of 4 handblown glasses made in Uganda from recycled glass. Each purchase benefits the ministry of Sozo Children by helping provide housing, healthcare, education and counseling for children rescued from abuse, abandonment and trafficking. The set of four pictured here is $24.00. The upscale thrift store is located at 4 41st Street South or you can also purchase the item online at www.sozotrading.org. Click here for more Christmas gift ideas.
When our families come to the Christmas season, we are met with many things to do. Our lives tend to immediately get busy and hurried amid all the presents, parties, and other things that make this season so loved. But before we get lost in the craziness of the season, let’s look back to the purpose of this holiday.
The Gospel of John begins with a great picture of Christmas. He paints Jesus (whom he calls the Word) being the Creator, Sustainer, and Giver of life. He shows us a great and powerful God and says, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1: 14a ESV). The holy God of the universe stepped down into our pain and world to redeem us from it. He came from His home in Glory to make a way through His own suffering and death to bring us to Glory and to restore fellowship with us.
This Redeemer, however, did not come on the scene as many would expect. The lightning did not flash, the earth did not shake, and the angels did not belt out a joyful noise. No, the God of the universe came as a baby, and He was “wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger, because there was no room in the inn” (Luke 2:7b ESV). God comes on the scene and is given no kingly treatment. The God of the universe should have at least been given a room in the inn, but instead, He is born in an animal food trough. Jesus Christ comes to redeem His people, and everyone seems to miss it. John writes in John 1:9-11 ESV, “The true light which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own and His own people did not receive Him.” He came to bring light into the darkness of our world, and we missed Him.
This Christmas during all our trees, gifts, families, Christmas parties, and dinners, will our family miss Jesus? It is very easy during the busy holiday season for us to forget what is important. Jesus wants a relationship with you and your family this Christmas season. He wants to spend some time with you this Christmas. Will you be like the wise men and shepherds and seek Him, or will your family miss Jesus this Christmas?
Experience the Christmas story come to life at local live nativities in and around Birmingham!
The Baptist Church at McAdory presents for the 7th year their Live Nativity Story on December 16-18 from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. in the wooded area directly behind the church located in McCalla.
Scenes from The Live Nativity Story presented by The Baptist Church at McAdory December 16-18. The Church is located at 4954 Eastern Valley Road, McCalla, 35111.
A combination of tractor and open wagons provide a “hay-ride” and narrative exploring the life of Jesus. The event makes use of live costumed characters, outdoor sets and lighting to tell the story of Jesus. All are welcome to come and experience the Gospel story reenacted by church members and other volunteers. Learn more at www.bcam.info.
Each Advent season Briarwood Presbyterian Church hosts a Walk Through Nativity. Hundreds of Briarwood members come together to depict the birth and life of our Lord in 14 biblical scenes with narrated drama using live actors and animals (including a camel!) Won’t you plan on joining us this year? Come anytime between 6:45 p.m.- 8:45 p.m. on December 7-9 and take an easy, 1/4-mile stroll that is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Admission is free, but the message is priceless! The church is located at 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, 35243. Learn more at www.briarwood.org/nativity.
During my childhood, my mother fought but she could never truly win the battle against addiction and depression. Nor could my father, as he struggled with mental illness and addiction. I attended seven different schools before the 4th grade, often packing one suitcase and leaving everything else behind.
Melody arrived at Big Oak Ranch and found a place to call home.
My mother always had a new job, and I didn’t understand why. During those seven years my mom was sober, my biological sister and I were often latchkey kids. My mother couldn’t afford daycare so she would drop us off at the library and tell us to stay quiet, read and not bother the librarians. Because of this, I became an avid reader, often reading fictional stories about children who grew up in boarding schools… At nine years old, I realized my home was not a good place to live anymore. My mom was in and out of psychiatric treatment facilities. But I held on to hope for a place like those I read about. I remember the day I prayed for Big Oak Ranch – praying a simple prayer: ‘Dear God, I want a new place to live. One where I can have a mom and a dad. I want to have a house with a trampoline, and horses, and a swimming pool. I don’t ever want to have to change schools again.’ That same day, my biological mom told me that she had found a new home for me.
Melody Weldon Patton and her husband Matt live near Destin, Fla.
On the day my mother took me to Big Oak Ranch, I was amazed as I watched my prayer materialize in front of me. As we drove under the arches I saw the horses, the swimming pool, the lake, and the home with a trampoline! God answered my prayer with Big Oak Ranch. My houseparents, Steven and Christy Gum, showed me nothing but patience, kindness, and grace. I remember my understanding of love transforming as my housemom didn’t wrongly punish or humiliate me when I disobeyed. Rather, she showed me truth wrapped in incredible grace, and in doing so, introduced me to the Gospel. The support of my Big Oak Family and a fantastic education at Westbrook Christian School led me to receive a full ride to Jacksonville State University. After graduating from undergrad, I went on to receive my Master’s in Clinical Nutrition at UAB. The influence and love of my houseparents, the teachers at Westbrook, Mary Graham, and the entire staff at Big Oak are all a huge part of the person I get to be every day for the people around me. And because of that, I am forever grateful.
-Melody Weldon Patton
If you have a Miracle that you would be willing to share, please email [email protected]. Subject Line: Miracle Moments or call 205-408-7150.
The Christmas season brings excitement! Holiday traditions include festive decorations, gifts, great food, time with family and friends, and exhausted shoppers. And let’s not forget the “dirty Santa” parties. Have you considered what gifts you will give this year? Here are three meaningful gifts you can give this December that could provide you with a lifetime of fond reflections. As a bonus, they do not require you to shop online or navigate crowded stores searching for special deals.
1. Love. Display love and gratitude to your spouse and children. Write them a note expressing your love and admiration and emphasize at least one thing you admire about them. Find ways to incorporate more smiles and joy in your home. Husbands, this would be a good time to scratch some items off your “honey do” list. And wives, surprise your husband with his favorite meal.
2. Kindness. Show that you care and help your spouse complete a chore or two. Express your appreciation for what they do for you and your family. Ensure your children know you care about them even when they have a rough day or a bad attitude. Your consistent love and encouragement can make a difference.
3. Yourself. Decide how you will be available to others. Be creative. Turn off the electronic devices and clear the dust from the board games and puzzles. Read a story and have the little ones act out the characters. Go for a walk or plan a camping trip. Teach your children how to do something new. Invite them to ride with you when you run an errand.
As you celebrate with family and friends, keep in mind those who are lonely or have recently experienced difficulties and extend assistance to them. God gave the greatest gift to the world, a baby “…born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). His entry did not consist of wearing a name-brand onesie or birth at the finest hospital. Jesus came humbly. Mary “…wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). Take a mental inventory of what you have, then freely give it to your family and others. Often the best gifts are enjoyable and leave treasured memories. Have fun as you wrap the gift of love, kindness, and yourself this December.
-Vanessa Jones
Vice President & Co-founder of Biblical Marriage Institute
Moving can be tough but I’ve discovered it also can be a time of discovering treasures. As I sorted through some books, I found an index card tucked away. On it my dad had handwritten a prayer- just for me. A prayer I needed to read- again. I’d date it back about 20 years. My three sons were preschoolers, and I was in the very first years of publishing Birmingham Christian Family. It was a “busy” time. As we enter what can be the “busyness” of the Christmas holidays, I thought it may be prayer you would want to pray as well.
Prayer for my daughter Laurie- a “busy” person
“Lord, I have much to do, and it all seems important.
Help me set priorities so I don’t feel overwhelmed in the pace and pressure.
Give me wisdom and energy to accomplish what’s necessary…without wasting time and energy.
Help me make the best use of my day… remembering that time is a precious gift from You and… that You love me.”
Thank you Daddy!
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
Jingle All the Way Reader Give-A-Ways Continue! The fun started in November and continues with 2 More Weeks of Great Give-A-Ways all valued at $250 or more! Click here to learn more.
Struggling with what to buy for your friend or family member that loves the outdoors? The staff at Mark’s Outdoors is ready to help! Here’s a look at items on their Top Ten List, specially priced for the Christmas season.
Find all these great gifts and more at Mark’s Outdoors in Vestavia. As always, the staff is ready to help you make the most of God’s great outdoors.
Filson Briefcase – $250
Shimano Curado DC Reel – $250
Casio G-Shock Watches starting at $100
Costa Sunglassed starting at $180
Benchmade Mini Griptilian Knife $90
Fenix Flashlight – $70
Filson toiletries bag – $45
Waterproof Blanket – $35
Knife sharpener – $20
Marks Gift Card – Unlimited!
As a thank you to the readers of Birmingham Christian Family, Mark’s Outdoors invites you to clip or screen shot this article and bring it into the store for $10 off of a purchase of $20 or more. Valid December 1-31, 2022. Limit one per customer, one time use only.
Take a day (or a few!) with your family this year and explore some of the best Christmas events in Birmingham. Here’s a list of family Christmas events that you don’t want to miss.
1. The City Of Hoover Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: November 29, 2022
Time: 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
With performances by the Hoover City Schools Band and Choir and an appearance by Santa himself on a firetruck, this free event will be a showstopper for you and your family. Standing at over 40 feet tall, the Hoover Christmas tree lighting signals the beginning of the holiday season and can be seen and enjoyed throughout the season by passersby on Highway 31. Parking is available at Hoover Public Library and treats will be served inside City Hall, www.hooveral.org.
2. Vulcan Park and Museum’s Holiday Experience
Dates: Beginning December 2
Time: 6 to 8 p.m. nightly
Admission: $6 for ages 13 and up, $4 for ages 5-12, and free for under age 4
There’s no better time to visit this iconic symbol of Birmingham than during the Christmas season. Vulcan Park and Museum will be magically filled with lights, holiday music, special guest appearances and Santa, www.visitvulcan.com.
3.“Holiday In The Hills” Parade
Date: December 11
Time: 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
There’s no better way to get into the Christmas festivity season than by enjoying a city holiday parade. Vestavia Hills’ official holiday parade and celebration will take place from Liberty Park Sports Complex to Alston Meadows, www.business.vestaviahills.org.
4. Sounds of The Season
Date: December 17
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: Ticket prices range from $12-$80 depending on seating
Your family will be in awe with sounds of the season from one of Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s most beloved traditions. The symphony will present Handel’s Messiah with the Hallelujah chorus and solos telling the story of the greatest story ever told, www.alabamasymphony.org.
5. 23rd Annual Chelsea Christmas Parade
Date: December 17
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Christmas season with the City of Chelsea. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and from noon to 3 p.m., you can enjoy splashing with Santa at Melrose Park Splashpad, bounce houses, train rides, photos with Santa and more, www.cityofchelsea.com.
6.Ave Maria Grotto at Christmastime
Date: Selected Dates through December 26
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Admission: $10: Adults, $8: Seniors, $7: Military/Veterans/1st Responders, Ages 13-17: $8, Ages 5-12: $7, and Children under 4: Free
Make plans now for this short, 45-minute drive to Cullman. Christmas lights return to Ave Maria Grotto, and your family is sure to be starstruck while strolling through the paths highlighting the sculptures and artwork of Br. Joseph. The holiday experience is being expanded throughout the grounds on select dates to include live musical performances, food trucks, and horse-drawn wagon rides along a decorated path in the woods. Refreshments available each night, www.avemariagrotto.com.
7. The Birmingham Zoo During the Holidays
Date: Select Nights through January 16
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Ticket prices vary from $8.95 to $23.95 depending on peak nights.
The Birmingham Zoo will come alive with holiday lights and animal and sea life lanterns lighting up the night. Get ready to “glow wild” at the Birmingham Zoo with your family all winter long, www.birminghamzoo.com.
Samford Legacy League’s Christmas Home Tour is set for December 8 and is sure to be a highlight of the holiday season! Five fabulous homes, three in Vestavia Hills and two in Mountain Brook, will be showcased during the 12th annual tour. ARC Realty is once again the Presenting Sponsor for the festive community event, which raises scholarship funds for students with significant financial need and challenging circumstances. To date, the tour has raised over $300,000, helping change the lives of students who have endured obstacles including homelessness, inner city violence, the disability or death of a parent or sibling, foster care, parental job loss, abandonment, parental incarceration and the sacrifices of full-time ministry.
Pictured here is the 2022 Christmas Home Tour Committee. Pictured (left to right): Front: Molly McLain, Mary Margaret Yeilding, Jan Service, Amy Hacker, Julie Taylor, Tricia Naro (chair), Cindy Hardy, Karen Carlisle Back: Pam Wood, Julie Davis, Cindy Bembry, Kristen Comer, Sharon Smith Not pictured: Julie Cundiff, Paula Gossett, Christy McKiernan, Becky Neuberger, Sheila Smith, Julia Vasquez
Christmas Home Tour Chair Tricia Naro is “grateful for the support of our members and the community and appreciates the excitement they have when visiting these beautifully decorated homes.” She and her committee are hard at work planning this year’s tour, which will include a few select pop-up shoppes and holiday refreshments at the Samford President’s Home. Homes will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Guests will select their start time and first home during ticket purchase. Tickets are $35 through November 30 then $40 from December 1-6; advance purchase is required.
The Legacy League is a charitable organization with over 750 members dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students through need-based scholarships. The organization offers meaningful volunteer opportunities, inspirational programs and a friendly, caring community to all who become involved. Learn more about the Christmas Home Tour and the Legacy League at samford.edu/legacyleague. †
A Birthday Place in Pelham has a wide assortment of Gingerbread Houses to choose from that make a great gift as well as a super activity to do with the kids or grandkids over the holidays. House are very affordably priced, starting at just $10 and you have many different themes from which to choose. While you are there, Kathryn and her team are also happy to help you with holiday party supplies including paper goods and balloons- everything you need but the cake. Visit them at 2706C Pelham Parkway, Pelham, AL 35124, 205-637-0010, www.abirthdayplace.com. For more Christmas gift ideas, click here. †
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-Dr. Ben Birdsong 
-Laurie Franklin
