Jesus' Birth Date: A Lesson in Faith

This is a tricky subject to tackle because there's a good chance I might offend someone or shatter some childhood memory. That's not my intent and I'm sorry if I do, but here it goes…

Jesus was not born on December 25th. In fact, he probably wasn't even born in the Winter at all.

Take a deep breath, I'm not trashing Christmas or Jesus. Hang with me.

According to all the historical evidence and all this big heady Bible scholar stuff that I paid way too much money to study in college, Jesus was likely born in the late Spring or early Summer.

Then why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th?

Many years ago a bunch of smart church men (maybe some women were involved but if so, history forgot them a lot time ago) sat around and decided that they would set aside December 25th as the day to celebrate the Christ Mass, eventually Christmas. This was the feast day to celebrate the Christ child.

Why this date was chosen is debated. Some believe it was chosen based on some early church figure's guesses on when Jesus would have been conceived and then plus nine months. Others say it was chosen so it would coincide with Pagan festivals at the time allowing Christians to celebrate without drawing much attention to themselves.

But if December 25th isn't Jesus' Birthday, when is it?

We don't know.

Christmas provides a perfect opportunity to begin teaching your children the three most important words for anyone who professes a life of faith: I don't know. 

I strongly encourage any parent who wants to raise their children in the Christian faith to learn to make the phrase "I don't know" a part of your daily vocabulary. I don't know allows for children to ask questions and seek out answers. It helps them to think critically of how and why they believe something and prepares them for the day when they ask a hard question and there is no answer.

So, instead of insisting that Christmas be Jesus' exact birth date, practice admitting that we don't know all the answers.

I don't know exactly when Jesus was born, no one does, but we as a people of faith have chosen to celebrate on this day so that Christians around the world can all celebrate the birth of their Savior together.

Have you ever had a question of faith answered with "I don't know'? I'd love to hear about that experience.

Book Review: The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas

Today is the feast day for Saint Nicholas patron saint of children, fishermen, and merchants (among others). On this special feast day I would like to present to you one of my favorite books for this Christmastime.

The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas by William J. Bennett is an excellent collection of information, legend and fact, of Nicholas and how he became a central figure in many Christmas traditions. Bennett provides the most commonly accepted story of the miracles of St. Nicholas, including the legend of the first stockings, as well as a brief history of how this saint was transformed into the chubby man in red. Bennett's book provides a great way to explore the historical Saint Nicholas as well as to help children come to an understanding of the Santa Claus tradition.

Personally, I think this can also be a great teaching tool to help children see the connections between the secular Santa traditions and Christian values. I don't know that the author had any intention of making such a connection, but I found great value there. I'd recommend this as a book to read with older children as they begin to think critically about the Santa tradition.

One of our Christmas traditions that was inspired by the story of Saint Nicholas's generosity is for Santa to give those chocolate coins in each of our stockings. It reminds us of Nicholas's charity and that we should follow in his example and help those in need, without seeking acknowledgement.

~~I purchased this book on my own and have not been compensated for this review.~~

Does your family include Saint Nicholas in your holiday celebrations?

Adventures in Advent: The First Decoration

I love the Christmas season and everything that comes with it! Christmas is easily my favorite holiday and the advent season has captured my heart since I was little. This Advent, I'd like to share some of our family traditions with you and why we've chosen to do things our way. Maybe it'll help inspire some Christmas spirit in your home.

The first and most important tradition for me is that the nativity scene is the first decoration to go up for the season (and the last to come down). It's so easy in today's world for our focus during this Advent time to be swayed to the hustle and bustle of buying gifts and baking cookies that I feel it's incredibly important to start the season off right.

The set pictured above was recently handed down to me from my grandmother. This set is older than I am and has intense sentimental value.  I remember helping my grandmother set it up each year and the magical connection that held. I look forward to the day when Alex is old enough (and his hands steady enough) that he can help open each box, name each figure, and decide where each person and animal should go.

It's such a simple thing, but setting up a nativity scene, even if it's just a picture or child's drawing of one can really help to keep your focus on the right things during this holiday season. Every year, millions of people worldwide come together to celebrate the birth of a tiny baby who would fulfill years of prophecy and reconcile a broken creation to its Creator. It's such an amazing story, one that I hope never loses it's power over me or my children.

Have a blessed day and feel free to comment below with one of your Christmas traditions!

A Mother's Ponderings

This Christmas is my first Christmas as a mother and I am struck by the story of Mary even more so than ever before. I have always been drawn to the simple story of the mother of God and her incredible faith, yet this year I'm struck by the awesome majesty her once plain life would hold.

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. " 

Luke 2:19

I look at Alex and see such potential. He could cure cancer, or create a truly unified string theory, or write the next great American novel, or fly to Pluto, or be garbageman of the year... No one knows. He could do anything, be anything and I am blessed to have been there from the time that he was as small as a grain of sand and will anxiously watch him grow for as long as the good Lord sees fit. It is so exciting to see what could become of this little ball of unknown...

But Mary knew. Now it's true, she didn't have all the details, but she knew just how magnificent the child in her womb was. 

"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."

Luke 1:32-33

When I was pregnant I started getting rather nervous every time I was in a car. Other drivers just seemed to be incredibly reckless. My road rage was terrible because it felt like every person behind the wheel was completely oblivious to the laws of the road. Behind of all that was the fear that something could happen and my baby could be hurt. That wiggly, then yet-to-be-determined, little life was so precious to me that I would have done anything to keep it safe. And Mary was carrying the Messiah.

Alex might do amazing things, and even if he is as ordinary as ordinary comes, he will always be amazing and precious to me. But Mary's baby was to be the savior of the world. I cannot imagine the immense weight she must have carried knowing that inside her belly was the child of the one true God.

And then to give birth to such a miracle... To hear the first cry of God made flesh. To nurse the savior of the world at your breast. To swaddle up the Messiah and listen to his every coo and whimper as he sleeps. To watch him every day as he learns to roll over and crawl and walk. To hear his first word. To love this child as only a mother can and know that he will serve such a wonderful purpose and have no idea how that purpose would be achieved.

To hear later that he had been arrested. To run to his side and stand powerless and watch as your baby, the child whom you have loved since they were but a speck, is brutally beaten and killed. To wonder where the promises of that angel were now. We know Mary was there but she doesn't sing a song this time.

Did she doubt the angel? Did she doubt God? She had seen her son work miracles beyond description, did she think he would somehow escape? Did she watch in hopeful anticipation thinking that maybe this was the time he'd rise to show his power? Or did she turn away unable to watch her baby suffer through so much?

And then, three days later to hear that he had risen from the grave. Did she fear it was some cruel joke or did she believe right away? When she saw him did she run and grab him and kiss the top of his head? Did she hold him so tight that the disciples had to pry her off of him?  Did she think back to his first night on this earth and the wonderful things she had seen and heard? Did she finally have the answers to things she pondered that night in the stables? 

She was but a simple a child the night that angel appeared to her and told her she would become a mother. She gave birth to the Messiah, the Son of God, the King of Kings, and was there to witness his life every step of the way. She was blessed beyond words but that blessing included suffering that no mother should ever have to bear. The treasure trove of memories in her heart must have been so sweet.

Etsy Update

It's been a busy week as I've been trying to get ready to go back to working full time while also preparing for the Christmas season and upcoming events. Here's a rundown of all that's new in the shop this week:

New Listings:

• Yellow star ornament in the style of the other yarn ornaments, in a traditional bright yellow. (link)
• Hufflepuff Book Scarf perfect for any Harry Potter fan! (link)
• Christmas Tree Soap: A set of five small christmas tree soaps in Vanilla scent. Perfect for holiday parties and guest bathrooms! (link)
• Thumbprint Soap: No rope needed! This soap bar has a small indent on the top to make it more easily held. (link)
• Bath Salts: My last jar of bath salts in stock. These are orange and scented with an invigorating blend. These make a great gift for you or someone else. Read in the description for more information about sea salt soaks. (link)
• Chunky Soap: I love this soap! It has such a unique look. (link)
• Grey Bar: A perfect gift for a man or woman, this simple bar is elegant and useful. (link)
• Sleeping Kitten: A puuurfect addition to any little girl's room or gift for mom-to-be. (link)
• Elephant: Perfect for a jungle nursery, or just to add a little whimsy to your daily routine! (link)
• Dragonfly: Pretty in pink and lovely for any little girl. (link)

Purple and Pink Chunky Soap when held to the light.

Coming Soon:

Keeping it simple this week, ladies and gents: I'm trying to get more of the soap inventory into the Etsy shop, and continuing to work on some knit items. I'm not sure how much will get done, but once I get the new schedule figured out, I'll get back on track.

Featured Treasuries:

• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTEyMjE4Njd8OTkxMjQ3NTE1/extremely-red
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI0MTY4NTV8OTk5NTEzMzk2/everythings-coming-up-roses
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI5MDA0NjJ8OTk5NTg1MTU1/he-endured-the-cross-for-us
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Njc1MTl8MTAxMzM5NzMxNg/blue-hippos-are-cool
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI0MTY4NTV8MTAxMTU0MTAxNw/gold-rush
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzY1NDkxNnwxMDEyNDY0NTA1/colorful-holiday-gifts
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI0MTY4NTV8MTAxNjEzNTA3NQ/out-of-the-blue
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Njk4ODM1NXwxMDIyMzc0OTc4/purple-haze
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODA4ODI5OXwxMDIxMDA0MDYx/a-thanksgiving-to-treasure
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTc0MTI5NDh8MTAyNjQwNTIwNg/orange-and-red
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODg5MjUxNnwxMDI4NjAwNjQy/rub-a-dub-dub-best-of-etsy-soap
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTcwNDA3MTZ8MTAyOTk3MzUxNg/would-you-have-thought-that-we-are-all
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzAxMzAzN3wxMDI1ODU5MTM3/fade-to-black

Made Treasuries:

• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA2MDg5ODZ8MTAxMTIzNzUxMw/winter-plaid
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA2MDg5ODZ8MTAzMDU2NjE4MA/bazinga

Social Media Links:

I'm practically everywhere now. Follow what you'd like:

~~Casa Campbell Crafts on Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Casa-Campbell-Crafts/144467648913539

~~And follow me on twitter @casacampbell

~~Wanelo: http://www.wanelo.com/CasaCampbell

~~Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/casacampbell/

~~Stumbleupon: http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/amiecampbell86/

~~Plumbdrop: http://www.plumdrop.com/members/CasaCampbell

Just a reminder..

 I may love Christmas, but let us not forget Thanksgiving on the way!

I've seen many gratitude posts on Facebook and Twitter. Let's all take some time to be mindful of our blessings this month!

Etsy Update!

It's been quite the busy week! Here's a rundown of what's going on with the store.

What's New:

• A Purple and White loom-knit scarf! Thick and comfy, these scarves are some of my favorites! (link)
• Extra-long and so cheerful, this nursery yellow scarf was a long time coming. (link)
• Bouncing, beautiful, blue butterflies! Fresh rain scent, and the perfect little pick-me-up. (link)
• Robin: The Joker's Wild Part II Upcycled ornament! This comic features an old school style Joker with guest appearances from Batman, Edward Nigma, Alfred, and Harvey Dent! Can you find them all? (link)
• Book scarves! Hand-knit mini-scarvf bookmarks! Solid in pairs and available in three color combinations. (Green) (Black) (White)

Coming Soon:

• Fleece plush cat toys in geometric shapes.
• A purple fleece cat rope like the orange one already in the shop.
• A navy blue loom-knit scarf in a pattern not seen before!
• iPad and iPhone knit cases!

Featured:

I have been really honored with the number of treasuries my items have been in this week! I really appreciate the positive feedback from my fellow etsians.

• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI0MTY4NTV8OTQzMTE0ODM5/i-see-triangles-everywhere
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTY3MjI5MzR8OTEzNDEwNDc1/if-i-were-red
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTAwOTI0OTB8OTE1NjMyNzMz/colorful-critters
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTgzMjAxMnw4ODk1NzA2MjQ/you-never-know-what-youll-find-outdoors
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI0MTY4NTV8ODk3MjgwOTg4/a-christmas-in-wintry-colours
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI0MTY4NTV8OTIzOTI2MDY1/bambi-the-deer
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzAxMzAzN3w4OTc2Njk3NzM/just-clowning-around
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI0MTY4NTV8OTAzODQzODUy/black-red-and-a-bit-creepy?index=0
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzY1NDkxNnw5MTc4NTk3NTk/seeing-red
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTIzNjM1MDh8OTIzNzkxODU1/kiss-my-echo

Keep an eye on the shop for new items being posted every week. There are plenty of items with free shipping to help you cross off your Christmas list without breaking the bank. And for those who are local, there is free delivery within the Abilene city limits for purchases of $10 or more. I also plan to be at November's Art Walk. 

Etsy Update

Here's your weekly Casa Campbell Crafts update!

I had a great time at Art Walk with my friend Sarah last night. We got to meet a ton of people and made a little money at the same time! I also heard a very interesting spoken-word gospel message that had something to do with an octopus.

Our lovely table, and a hint of Philip sitting against the wall.

What's New:

• Large green cross in vanilla scent. A favorite of craft fairs past. (link)
• A pair of unscented green stars. These are great for holiday party favors! (link)
• A sweet little purple bunny in sweet pea. Makes a great hospital gift for new Mommies! (link)
• Butterfly mini-soaps. These are great for wedding favors, or just to brighten up your bathroom. (link)

I've also decided to offer some of the tuna treat balls that I recently made. These will only be offered for a limited time. (link)

Last but not least, Kuroneko-sama! He's finally finished! (link)

Coming Soon:

• Light purple and white scarf made by loom. This will look similar to the red and pink one in the shop already.
• Painted Christmas/wall ornaments. These letter ornaments are great for Christmas trees, but can also be used in nurseries and offices through out the year!
• Hand-painted wooden puzzles are also on the horizon.

Featured:

• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTY0MDYyNDR8ODU4NjMwMDI0/celebrate
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Njk4ODM1NXw4NjAyNzgyMTg/the-days-of-wine-and-roses
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzAxMzAzN3w4NjI4MDUyNzc/falling-for-fall
  http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTAzMTI3NTl8ODY1ODkwMDEx/welcome-wagon
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjI0MDAzNHw4ODA3MzczMjI/you-are-loved

Keep an eye on the shop for new items being posted every week. There are plenty of items with free shipping to help you cross off your Christmas list without breaking the bank. And for those who are local, there is free delivery within the Abilene city limits for purchases of $10 or more. I also plan to be at November's Art Walk. 

Season of Gratitude

So, found out today that my mom will most likely get to visit for Christmas! This will be the first Christmas we've spent together since I got married... That means the first Christmas since 2005! I'm excited. I love Christmas and this is just going to make it that much better. Now let's start praying for Christmas snow, just not so much as to cancel flights. ;)

Etsy Update

In case you were wondering what was going on in the shop, here's a little update on what's new, coming, and featured!

New:

• The rope toy is posted in the shop. This adorable toy is great for all your feline friends. (link)
• I've posted several pieces of bee soap in various scents. These come gift wrapped! (link)
• I've also posted some smaller soaps such as the soap discs and the yellow crown. (link)
• New juggling bags in a lovely purple pattern are now available. These unique toys are great for teaching motor skills and game play to young children! (link)

Coming:

• I've just finished a beautiful nursery yellow scarf. This scarf is warm and comfortable and sure to brighten up those chilly winter days ahead!
• I'm working on some relaxation pillows for those with trouble sleeping.
• I'm also making some new cat toys, perfect for filling your furry one's stocking this Christmas!
• Be on the look out also for prayer pillows. These unique pillows have a pocket for tucking in your prayers at night. Give your concerns to God to help achieve a good night's sleep!
• New juggling bags are also coming as well as pin cushions for you sewing types.

Featured:

Here are some great treasuries by other etsians featuring yours truly!

• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTY1Mjg1Nzh8ODM5MzY0OTA4/alphabet-soup
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjI0MDAzNHw4NDAxMDM0Nzg/alphabet-soup
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjI0MDAzNHw4MjEyNzI1MTc/alphabet-soup
• http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI0MTY4NTV8ODU2NDQ2OTMw/october-is-a-month-of-glowing-colours

Thanks so much for your support! I look forward to helping you check off your Christmas list!

Thursday Funny!

It's almost the weekend! Enjoy a little humor to brighten your day!

Brought to you by:
http://parenting.failblog.org/2011/10/01/crazy-parenting-fails-fight-lies-with-lies/

All You Need Is Love!

My up-cycled crayon was featured in a new treasury! This crayon makes a great stocking stuffer for any young girl or girl who is young at heart!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTUwNzE3NTB8NzkzMjQ1MDc1/darling-some-love-for-her-and-him

Colors of Christmas Treasury

Hey everyone! One of my Christmas ornaments was featured in the treasury linked below! Thanks to NinjaKittyStudio for adding my green star ornament.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA2MDQ1Mjd8NzUyMjc1OTM3/colors-of-christmas

A Comic Book Christmas!

I just made and posted my first comic book ornament. I had a ton of fun making it and really look forward to making some more. This one's plastic for those with small kids and pets that like the Christmas tree (my cats took out their fair share of delicate ornaments). I plan to make others using other comics and characters including some in glass. Here's the one I just finished made from June 1992's Green Lantern #25:

You can find the etsy listing here.

'Tis the Season!

Ok, maybe not quite yet... but I just made my first batch of Christmas cards! I'm super excited! I hope to have them posted soon, but I'm still missing my camera cords. :( Anywho... I hope you get a chance to see them soon.