Over the years, I have developed quite the collection of nativity sets. For those unfamiliar with this term, the nativity is the depiction of the birth of Jesus. It is often referred to as the manger. These sets often contain the virgin Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, a donkey, an ox, some shepherds with sheep, wisemen/magi with their accompanying animals, and an angel or a star. These nativity...
I don’t like the term “ugly Christmas sweater.” While, I would certainly agree that most Christmas clothing is incredibly eccentric, attention grabbing, and perhaps a bit on the bright side, I enjoy seeing the different pieces throughout the holiday season. I own quite a few of these modern works of art myself and wear them loudly and proudly (emphasis on loudly). Don’t get me wrong, there is no...
One of my favorite Christmas decorations is an animatronic caroler that sits in the corner of my living room. We found her during a trip to a local antique market last winter. She is wearing a green dress with a red cape and a red hat in the Elizabethan style (think A Christmas Carol). She is holding a candle in her right hand. When you turn the power on she begins to rotate her head to the left...
Last year around this time I conducted a little social experiment. The holiday rush was in full-swing and I was struggling to feel the spirit of the season. I was feeling a spirit caused by the byproducts of the season, but they were on the wrong end of the spectrum. With all of the wonderful goodness that goes along with Christmas and the holiday season there is a fine line between “holly...
For about 20 years now, I’ve wanted the same thing for Christmas. I often feel much like Ralphie, the main character in the Christmas classic, A Christmas Story. In the movie, all Ralphie wants for Christmas is a “Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model, air rifle.” At every turn, poor Ralphie is stymied by the prevailing sentiment that he will “shoot his eye out” should he get one. The...
Tis the season… to debate about when it is appropriate to decorate for Christmas! There is a plethora of opinions, as varied and diverse as the decorations on a family Christmas tree. Some argue that each holiday must be given its own individual time to be properly observed. Each holiday should be observed in its own due season and the next holiday ought not be celebrated until the preceding...
Over the past eight years I have had the privilege of traveling to various parts of the nation of India several times. Each of my journeys to India have taken me to different portions of the country. This has allowed me to experience a wide range of the cultures, foods, and scenery the country has to offer. It is an incredibly diverse country with an amazing cornucopia of traditions...
As is the case for most residents of the thriving metropolis of Seymour, my family must make the trek north to Columbus, Indiana from time to time. While we are huge fans of the local restaurants and retailers here in our hometown, there are occasions when we cannot obtain the products or services we require or desire here locally in Seymour. And, to be completely honest, sometimes we simply need...
The shift in seasons is finally in full swing. Just a few short weeks ago, it was blazing hot here in southern Indiana, with temperatures in the 90’s. Many of us were beginning to wonder if the hot and dry weather of late summer would ever pass. As I made the trek to my frost covered truck the other day, I found myself lamenting the chill in the air. While I love the snow, I’m not looking forward...
My wife and I divide and conquer when it comes to homework help with our children. She assists with all of the math and artistic issues. I assist with languages and composition. For the most part, we have been able to work through any questions that have arisen. Over the last two years, however, my middle school son’s homework has become more nuanced and has required me to engage my brain to a...
Jeremy Myers is the Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church of Seymour, Indiana, where he has served since 2017. He has over 25 years of experience in local church ministry and not-for-profit leadership. He has a passion for helping emerging and existing generations learn to make space for each other and caring for the under-served and marginalized. In 2016, he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Palmer Theological Seminary, with his thesis focusing on developing connections between senior adults and youth in the church. He is a passionate and gifted communicator and is regularly invited to speak at retreats, camps, conferences, and other events. He lives in Seymour, Indiana with his wife Robyn, their two children, Mikayla and JJ, and their Golden Doodle, Evie.
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