Some Holiday Family Fun

Yesterday my family and I went to see the Nutcracker at the University of Lincoln Lied Center. For a Christmas gift, we bought tickets for my parents so that they could join us for the experience. It was a really wonderful experience that all of us were able to enjoy. My son enjoyed the first half, especially the fight between the the Nutcracker, the two soldiers and the Rat King and his minions. My daughter, who is in ballet, loved it all.

I love watching the performing arts, listening to classical music, going to an art museum, etc. Part of the reason why I enjoy such things is because of the amount of time I have invested myself in them. All through middle school and until the end of my sophomore year in high school, I played the trumpet in band. I loved playing in the orchestra/concert band and even did jazz band for a year. That was very different and a real thrill! But, I did not enjoy marching band.

Not only was I in band, but I took numerous art classes. In fact, I took at least one semester of art every year from 8th grade until I graduated from college. I have dabbled in several different medias (types of art), from ceramics to pencil, to colored pencil, to Conté Crayons, to paint ( many types), to pen and ink, etc. In fact, some of the only medias that I have not done are metal, stone, an glass blowing.

And, on top of all of this, I have been in several plays, not counting the Christmas plays that I have been in over the years. My German class (first year in College) put on a play (auf Deutsch, naturlich... in German, of course...) that my parents attended. I was a stage hand of the play "To Kill a Mockingbird" and played several 'minor roles' in the play "Mother Courage (and all of Her Children)." It was a lot of hard work and took a lot of time to practice and get things correct. But, it was all worth it in the end.

I really enjoyed the dancing, though I have to admit, I was often focusing a lot more on the music. The music was done by Nebraska Symphony Orchestra, and I simply loved it. Because of the time I spent in band, I can really appreciate all of the hard work that they put into it. To me, the music not only had exceptional tone quality, but seemed to seamlessly blend from one point to another. Even though I really did enjoy watching the performers do the ballet, I just seemed to be drawn much more to the music.

The other thing that I was really drawn to was all of the art work. I seemed to be especially intrigued by the creation of the 'palace' background during the second scene. They did a stupendous job with all of the stage art work, in my opinion. However, my eyes felt especially drawn in to the background work during the 'palace scene' because of how well it has been done. Although it was clearly a scene painted onto a canvas surface, my eyes still were drawn into it. The people who created it did a very good job with their one point perspective. And, they also added some reflective/sparkly items to the backdrop, so as to give it the illusion of sparkling jewels. This detail just added to the depth and enjoyment of the ballet overall.

As I soaked up as much of the experience as I could, I was often reminded of my experiences while studying German at Centre College. Part of the uniqueness of 'the Centre Experience' is there emphasis on experiencing many different things. In fact, each year full-time students have to attend 12 convocations, which range from concerts, special movies (because of their emphasis on cross-cultural experiences), various lectures, etc. There are so many different options that this is not hard to do. I have to admit, I miss attending such things that enrich one culturally. I will take what I can get.

What was more special about this situation was that I was enjoying it with my family. Both my wife and I really enjoy going to concerts, plays, etc., as well as my parents. It's a way that we can experience other times and other cultures. At least, get a 'snap shot' through their artifacts, art, music, etc. It's something that my wife and I are trying to cultivate in our children. Since my children's interests vary quite a bit, this can sometimes be a challenge. But, it is something that we try to do, to cultivate a love for learning about other people and cultures. This can of love of learning has helped me to grow as a person, and as a Christian.

How has it helped me to grow as a Christian? Several ways. First of all, it has helped me to appreciate and the historical and cultural influences/context of when Scripture was written. Each part of the Bible was written by a specific person, addressing specific historical and cultural situations, with a given language. And, not only was each person writing to a specific audience, but each person had their own unique way of writing. Understanding all of this helps one to understand what the original message was to what kind of audience and how they would have probably received it. That, in turn, informs us how we can apply these historical and spiritual truths to our lives.

Another way all of this has enriched me is how I prayerfully try to interact with others. In learning about the history of others, I have gained a better appreciation to the importance of know an individual or a group's historical background. There are reasons why people have done different things. Many different and significant (though not always obvious) influences have led up to different actions and decisions. Understanding this has helped me on numerous occasions with guiding me with how I deal with certain people. And, it's not always easy to do. But, it is still very important.

During this Advent Season, I hope that all of you are take time to make special memories with you family and friends. It can be very challenging at times. But, the hard work will pay dividends in the future. And, if you can learn more culturally through art, music, etc., all the better. At least, that what I believe.

Some Musings

This evening I took our two kids out to do some crafts, meet Santa, and watch a living Nativity. But, since it was getting colder, they had school in the morning, and we still had to eat supper, so we left early. Interestingly enough, both kids were disappointed that we didn't see the whole thing. So, I agreed to put on a video about the birth of Jesus after we go some supper.

Unfortunately, mos4 movies about the Birth of Christ are 2 1/2 to 3 hours long. So, I started thinking of other options. I was hoping that one of my personal favorites, "The Drummerboy" was on Netflix. Just my luck, it wasn't. But, I knew that we had the Veggie Tales movie about the real St. Nicholas. So, that is what we watched.

We all have our favorite shows during the holidays. One of mine is "A Christmas Carol." It is a person tradition to warch it at least once each Christmas. Another one (that I have on DVD) is "Jack Frost." To me, it is an entertaining story.

To me, most holiday movies are not every interesting. I prefer to focus on the real reason for Christmas. That is, "...the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14) The original meaning of advent is Latin for "to-come". As Christians, we celebrate the seaaon of Advent as a way for preparing ourselves for Emanuel, "God is with us." For me, Chrismas is just as sacred and important as Easter and Pentecost. For, if Jeses had not came into this world (dully man and fully Divine), then He could not have died for our sins and then raised again for our justification. And, that in turn means that there would not have been Pentacost.

Each of us have our own personal and family traditions. How ever you choose to celebrate, I encourage you to explore the Christian roots. For me, I give gifts toothers because God gave us the gift of eternal life through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Putting up a Chrisrmas tree and decorating it is a fun family tradition, but not one I like to do until After Advent begins. My wife, however, wants to put it up as soon as she can. So, I let her.

Anotjer tradition that my family has is the sending of Christman letters. For those who are not familiar with this custom, I will explain. Since Christmas is near the end of the calender year, many people will summarize the events for them and their family for the past year. I enjoy writing them, and reading about the highlights of the lives of others.

We all have pur favorite traditions. It is my hope that the help you become a more loving andgivong person, as well as draw you closer to Christ. I hope that Advent is a season of 'eager preparation.' Not just for the presants, the candy and cookies, family gatherings, etc. But, also a time preparation for celebrating Christ's birth.

Foreign Memories

This morning has been spent relaxing at home. After wrestling with knee and lower back pain all week, it is a welcomed break. Got some extra rest, and then started going through some magazines that have been piling up. Since I work 12 hour shifts for fouy days straight at a prison, have a wife and two young kids, and teach a Bible Study, I ofen do not have time to just sit and read for fun. This morning is one of those exceptions.

The first magazine that I picked up was from my Alma Mater, Centre College, in Danville, Kentucky. The focus of this fall edition was on the Centre-in-Strasbourg experience. To my surprise, it started 25 years ago, in the fall of 1991. I knew that it was a fairly new program when I took part in it, but had forgotten how young it was.

I had my 'Centre-in-Strasbourg' experience during thw fall of 1993. I was a sophomore at Centre and a German major. Because Strasburg is near the French-German boarder and Kehl, Germany, is about 20 minutes by train, studying there made perfect sense. I do have a lot of mixed feelings about my experiences there. But, it was a good experience overall.

I have always loved traveling. My parents and I visited several distant cousins in Germany and Holland when I was 14. This was not their first trip, just mine. That experience as a teenager really solidified my love for traveling and experiencong other cultures.

While with the Army, I have deployed to Iraq three times and to Qatar once. That is on top of two vacations in Germany (once with my parents and once on my own) and my Strasbourg experience. Though each of those experiences had some difficult times, they were overwhelmingly good.

Because of all of these experiences and a strong desire to learn about other cultures, I have found it easier to interact with those who have a different cultural and ethnic background. This has helped me in many different ways.

It definitely has helped me in better understanding life in general. It has also given me better insight into other people's experiences and a deeper appreciation for the historical context of Scripture. As I read Scripture, I try very hard to understand what the historical context was when it was written, the important linguistical aspects of the original language, as well as the cultures of Ancient Israel, Ancient Roam, etc. All of these things give a much fuller picture of what the original author of the passage was trying to tell the original audience. This, in turn, helps us to better understand the applications for us today.

When we watch the news or meet someone from another country, trying to understand at least some of their culture, history, and how they view things (their ethnical, cultural and religious values) can aid us in seeing a more whole person or event. This understanding does not mean you necessarily agree with them, or even like how they act. But, it means you are taking the time to understand who they are and how they see the world around them.

When we take the time to better understand how others perceive their world, this can help you to better understand your own experiences and how they have shaped you. I have found this to be true on many occasions. In studying German and learning the basics of French, Spanish, biblical Hebrew and Greek, and some Arabic, I have a great appreciation and respect for those who try to learn English. And, I have slowly gleaned the benefits of studying a foreign language, especially with getting a better understanding of my own mother language and how language can influence thought.

In life, we experience many different things. How I experience something may not be how someone else experiences it. If I at least try to understand how others have experienced things, I may earn the respect of them to try to understand my perspective.

During this Advent Season, let us seek to learn and grow. Part of this will include being stretched by 'foreign experiences' be it through travel to another place for the first time, or meeting someone different than ourselves. Are we going to open oursleves up for them?