Christmas decorations are going up all over the neighborhood now. The Cullen Family always puts on a spectacular display with lights, moving objects, and sound. Today I walked by a little after noon and took a few pictures. The display was not completely set up yet. I happened to notice the nativity set, but there seems to be a problem with the wise man and his camel. They appear to be down.
I couldn't help but wonder what happened here. A roaming neighborhood dog? A child? I didn't notice much wind, but we did have some rain this week. Curious minds want to know how this happened.
Here's another daytime view of the set-up.
This display changes every year as the family adds more to it. Here's how it looked in 2010 when I made this video.
Here is a more professional version from 2009 produced by the Cullen family who created this display.
Things are arranged a bit differently this year, and I anticipate seeing how it all comes together. Stay tuned.
On my way to the mailbox yesterday I saw a neighbor getting his Christmas yard display up.
I guess the holiday is all about snowmen and Santa for many today. I like these displays from past years, like the one below, that capture more of what Christmas means to me.
The Prince of Peace Belongs Not Just in Our Yards
This nativity decoration is simple and to the point. Peace in our hearts comes only when the Prince of Peace lives in our hearts and rules there.
May you know his peace as you go through all the activities related to this season.
Among all the inflatable Santas reindeer and snowmen, some in my neighborhood still remember why we have Christmas and their yard decorations show that Christmas spirit. Jesus came into the world to make peace with God possible. That peace was expensive and he gave his life that we might have it and be able to know God. It is only when we know and trust God we can have that peace.
A Neighborhood Nativity Scene
Jesus "is the image of the invisible God....For in him all the fulness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." Colossians 1: 15, 19-20.
The babe in the manger lay in the shadow of the cross.
Real Christmas Carols Tell the True Story
When I think of Christmas, I can't imagine it without the Christmas carols that tell the Christmas story in music but I can't decide which is the best version of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" to share with you here. I want the words to be understood. So I put them both here. I like the first one, by the Norman Luboff Choir best, but it's a medley of related carols and doesn't include all the verses. The second video is sung by Susan Boyle with a choir in the background. She makes all the verses of the old carol understandable. So take your choice or listen to both to prepare your spirit for Christmas.
Some of this music is available for download at Amazon. I have included another favorite album that contains this song for which there were no videos on You Tube. The links will take you to the album listings so you can see and sample what's on the albums. I like the Robert Shaw Chorale'sA Festival of Carols, which includes most of the traditional carols which capture the true meaning of Christmas. You heard a sample from the Songs of Christmas album by the Norman Luboff Choir in the video. Susan Boyle mixes a few secular Christmas songs into her album Home for Christmas, which was featured in the video above.
The Neighbors Have Begun Outdoor Christmas Decorating
I haven't been near Vine Street yet since Thanksgiving, but here in my neighborhood, the Christmas decorations are beginning to go up. Work has begun on the extravaganza down the street from me on Sandbar.
Right across the street from that house, the display is also starting to go up. Looks like there's a bit of competition from Mother Nature on the decor, though.
Too Bad the Flowering Trees Only Bloom in Spring
It's a shame the Bradford Pear trees don't shed their flower petals at this time of year. Then what falls from the trees would look like snow.
Central Coast Snow on Atascadero Parking Lot
Petals from the Bradford Pear Tree In Spring
Are You Ready to Decorate?
Are you decorating the exterior of your home for the holidays? If you haven't started yet, Amazon can deliver what you need fast. I'm a prime member and usually get free two-day shipping. Some of these companies offer free shipping even if you aren't a prime member.
