Why DO We Call it Christmas, anyway???

It's Christmastime! Buck Denver and his friends are starring in a brand new DVD, "Buck Denver Asks, Why Do We Call it Christmas?" --And you're going to love it!

While most Christmas shows are entertaining, only Phil and his friends can pull off being  “edutaining”.  I know that’s not a real word– so don’t try it on Words With Friends– but I can’t think of a better word to describe this incredibly entertaining and super educational Christmas show.  Phil Vischer explains it beautifully during his intro to the show when he says, “We all know the Christmas Story, but do we really know the story of Christmas?”  

   

As the show begins, we find Buck Denver feeling a little confused about why there are so many holiday traditions tied into celebrating Jesus’ birthday. Why do we drag trees into our homes and decorate them? Where did the tradition of hanging stockings by the fire come from? Why is Santa Claus even a part of Jesus’ birthday, anyway?  With the help of Sunday School Lady and Marcie, Buck sends out invites to all of his friends, hoping they can make it to his cabin in Indiana for a Christmas party.  Along the way, we see that it’s not only Buck who’s a little confused about where all the different Christmas traditions have come from.

You and your kids will truly appreciate how lovingly accurate each of these sometimes tricky questions are handled.  As you’ve come to expect from What’s in the Bible?, this show is witty, heart-warming and just plain fun to watch! And of course, the kids will get a beautiful lesson about the birth of Jesus–the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas! Look for some great new songs mingled together with some of your traditional holiday favorites.

I personally appreciated that kids with sensory integration issues won’t find this DVD overly stimulating, like some popular shows on TV. The songs aren’t obnoxiously loud with a lot of percussion and the movement of the characters is well regulated and not jerky or rapid.  The colors are bright and the story will hold their attention.  For the kiddos who love facts, this DVD is a goldmine!

If your family’s like mine, you probably already have a nice-sized Christmas movie library.  You’ll definitely want to add this DVD to your collection! It’s one that can be enjoyed by the whole family throughout the season!

I'm giving away a copy of, "Buck Denver Asks, Why Do We Call it Christmas?" For a chance to win this DVD, in the comment section below tell me what it is you love the most about Phil Vischer's newest series, "What's in the Bible?" If you haven't seen the series yet... just say that.  Winner will be randomly selected on Friday, November 24. 

Why Do We Call It Christmas? is now available in the WITB online store or in your local Christian bookstore.

I was given a copy of this DVD in order to review it. I have received no other compensations for this blog post. All opinions written here are mine.

The Loss of a Child...When We Can't Explain the WHY.

I'm sitting at my son's tutorial and have just found out that last week one of the dear ladies who works here had to fly back to her daughter's home because while she was supposed to give birth last Friday, she instead found out that the baby had died in utero.  Perfectly formed, no illness.  This baby was called back home to Heaven before ever experiencing this world.

Heartbreak.  It's sometimes--many times-- unexplainable.  Why would God allow such heartbreak in the lives of those He loves?  I wish I knew the answers to those types of questions.  All I know for sure is that His plan is greater than what my mind can comprehend.  All I can do is love those who suffer, and pray for their broken hearts to be mended.  Pray that the Holy Spirit miraculously bestow on them peace and joy even if it seems an impossibility to receive such gifts during the middle of their personal storm.

This story makes me think of the loss that Steven Curtis Chapman's family suffered a few years back.  When their precious five year old daughter was accidentally run over and killed in their own driveway.  The gift that came from that loss was a story of God's healing mercies on this family.  Their personal story and even a beautiful song written and sung by Chapman, continues to be a blessing to so many other families who are in the midst of loss.  Whether it was through illness or accident, the loss of a child must me unimaginable.  Insurmountable--without the healing mercies of our God.

Today I'm praying for all the parents out there who are struggling with the loss of their precious child.  In Steven Curtis Chapman's song, "Heaven is the Face...", he uses lyrics which touch the very heart of all of us.