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Take The Faith Barista Challenge: Unwrapping Jesus — A Celebration of Simplicity

By Bonnie Gray • December 1, 2010 • 15 Comments

No matter how traditional, sentimental or ordinary this Christmas may turn out to be, one thing’s for sure.  Jesus stands apart from the tinsel to bring you a new message this year.  Will you unwrap Him to find what it is?

A couple months ago, my son’s preschool put on a special Halloween concert for the parents.   The kids dressed up in costume and sang an incredible number of songs that I never knew came with so many hand motions.  Before we started, the director offered an interesting comment in her welcome to the audience.  She said that despite what we think about Christmas, Halloween for kids is their favorite holiday of the year.  It’s a chance for them to pretend and be anything they wanted, and have access to all that candy.

Hubby and I threw a bewildered glance at each other.

No. Way.  Isn’t Christmas the best holiday of the year?

Where has Christmas gone?

As we countdown to December 25th, each of us are on a journey to return.

No matter how many Christmases we’ve celebrated, it happens every year.  We look for a star to guide us and messages of Good News to bring us back to a place of joy, peace, and hope again.

We want to find Christ in our hearts again.

It’s the most magical time because God’s Gift makes His way back into our lives too.

Jesus stands behind this Christmas with a special message, just for you.

What will it be?

Sipping Our Holiday Brew

During the holiday season, Starbucks puts out their Christmas Blend, while Peet’s calls their blend of best-coffees-of-the-crop-year their Holiday Blend.

Here at Faith Barista, I’m kicking off a special series of holiday brew:   Unwrapping Jesus — A Celebration of Simplicity.

Every year, I start the season off with a question:  What does Christmas mean to me this year?

I anticipate receiving new inspiration — a fresh take on the Gift of Jesus.

So, I’m making this journey again.

How are you returning to the heart of Christmas?

I’d love to hear how God is inspiring you, too.

Together, we can bring our hearts back to God and have them ready for the new year.

Most days will appear ordinary.  But, if we look deeper, we will find something sparkly in them.  Even one thought will do.

Take The Faith Barista Challenge:  Unwrapping Jesus

If you’re looking to unwrap Jesus in a new way this month, join me and take the Faith Barista Challenge this month.

Keep a lookout for:

*1.   Ways to celebrate Christmas simply.

*2.   Inspiring moments that fill you with God’s love, joy, peace, or hope.

*3.   Encouragement to see Christmas in a new way.

*4.   A Fresh Take on the Gift of Jesus.

Who knows? Maybe you’ll get a special message you didn’t expect.

On second thought, if you take up the journey, I know you will.

It’s official.  Christmas is here.

Let’s embark on this journey to simplicity — and unwrap Jesus together.

What is inspiring you about Christmas today?

faithbaristajamShare Your Findings

Every Thursday, I host a Faith Barista Jam where we all write about different topics of faith.

For the month of December: We’ll be sharing our Unwrapping Jesus discoveries!  So, save your findings and publish them on Thursdays and link up.  If you don’t have a blog, just comment directly.

*Join the Jam Tomorrow! 12/2 Topic: Your Hopes For Christmas*
Publish your first Unwrapping Jesus post tomorrow Thursday. Link up or simply comment at the end of tomorrow’s post.

I am so excited to see what we all open up by Christmas morning.  His gifts always arrives on time. I’ll be praying we all get something special.

Click here to get the skinny on how to join the Faith Barista Jam! See you!

Grab the special Christmas Faith Barista Jam badge, just for December!

FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge

FaithBarista_Christmas_JamBadge

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Welcome to Faith Barista – a blog that serves up shots of faith for everyday life. Posts brewed hot & fresh. Hang out. Swap some stories.

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15 Comments

  • Reply jasonS December 1, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    Good challenge, Bonnie! Right now, what’s inspiring me is all the posts I’m reading from everyone about Christmas. I know it’s December now, but it seems so early. I am excited about it though and all I know God is doing and going to do. Thanks!
    .-= jasonS´s last blog ..You’re an Answer to Prayer =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray December 1, 2010 at 8:48 pm

      All the Christmas sales have started earlier this year. Businesses are looking for money, while we’re on the lookout for inspiration. 🙂

  • Reply Jeri @godsdreamsforme December 1, 2010 at 5:16 pm

    This is awesome! I love that we can shift our focus to Him at any time. Looking forward to the fun. Thank You Bonnie!

    • Reply Jeri @godsdreamsforme December 1, 2010 at 5:19 pm

      It’s the anticipation that’s inspiring me – seeing family, old and new traditions and customs, letting go and moving forward in the new – Woohoo!!!

      • Reply Bonnie Gray December 1, 2010 at 8:48 pm

        It’s true — Anticipation for something out of the ordinary gives this season a special tinge.

  • Reply Kevin Martineau December 1, 2010 at 8:13 pm

    I am looking forward to the journey!
    .-= Kevin Martineau´s last blog ..Do you have a to dont list =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray December 1, 2010 at 8:50 pm

      Company makes everything brighter.

  • Reply allison morrison December 3, 2010 at 4:40 am

    Looking forward to seeing how everyone else is anticipating Jesus this season…
    .-= allison morrison´s last blog ..Unwrapping Christmas =-.

  • Reply The Unmarketing of Joy & Unmasking of Ourselves — Unwrapping Jesus | Faith Barista December 7, 2010 at 12:09 am

    […] been praying this month for Unwrapping Jesus moments, asking to be placed inside the real Christmas Story.  Surrounded by breathtaking […]

  • Reply The Greatest Christmas Dilemma (A Special Advent Giveaway) | Faith Barista December 16, 2010 at 12:12 am

    […] Link up in the Faith Barista Jam found below. Write a post about how you’re unwrapping Jesus (celebrating or discovering Jesus) in the Christmas season and submit the url at the end of […]

  • Reply God-sized Dreams: A Christmas Gift for Your Heart (Guest Post by Holley Gerth) | Faith Barista December 22, 2010 at 12:07 am

    […] Thursday in December, we’ve been swapping our Unwrapping Jesus stories. Click here to learn more and join […]

  • Reply Nora December 22, 2010 at 10:20 am

    Thank you so much for such wonderful and encouraging word! This time of the year I look back so to remember what the Lord did for me to save my life. I look forward for opportunities to give back.

  • Reply Why You Make My Christmas Special | Faith Barista December 25, 2010 at 7:30 pm

    […] you for sharing your days, Unwrapping Jesus together!  You’re amazing gifts to […]

  • Reply Berny January 5, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    I’m a new reader came via Heart to Heart with Holly….I’m enjoying your site just as much!
    You ladies are gifted!! 🙂 Keep writing….I’m totally refreshed by your thoughts and the way
    you include God’s word to sum it all up. God Bless You! Happy New Year!

    Trusting Him, Berny

  • Reply Stephen October 20, 2011 at 6:17 am

    I’ve been putting together plans for Christmas Messages 2011 for my church staff to work on. I came up with several aspects of Unwrapping Jesus from the “stuff” of Christmas. Today, I found and read each of the posts in your series here and they are one for one, the items I came up with. Your insights are a real added encouragement to me as I flesh out the outlines for our Christmas series. Thought you like to know that.

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