Just a Theme Will Do!

 I love working with themes.  Gives focus, a common ground...and all things just look better!

Today, I randomly...or should I say that God was pointing out details to me!?...chose a theme for my Bible Study Christmas Dinner (hummm...I have not selected a theme for this party in the past...but I have probably begun another trend!).  Earlier, I came across a Facebook ad for Oriental Trading for Christmas ornaments of the manger scene...a deal!...at 50 for $11.99.  Then, as I began deleting not nearly enough emails, I just happened to open one that was promoting the theme "Gather at the Manger."  There the brain went!  I purchased that lady's packet at Loving Christ Ministries and ordered 150 ornaments.  Ready I am...or will be! (Now to chat with My Man about building me a little manger centerpiece!)

Another recent theme that developed was for our church's association's women's team as we plan a gathering.  I just happen to love Gingerbread and know it is still popular, so ChatGPT and I played with enjoying the Bread of Life this season and created the one to the right.  If we organize this right, the gifts can be a part of the centerpieces...win-win!  Really already looking forward to this one!

Is this not such a timely reminder:  Jesus is the bread of life.  He truly is the reason for the season.  He is our friend, and we are meant to enjoy that relationship we have with Him.  May the mug or ornament be that visual reminder that each lady needs throughout the upcoming season.

To back up a bit, our fall theme at church is "Falling for Jesus," and we now have new shirts for the ladies who chose to purchase one, and are they not cute?!  Yes, we plan to purposefully use sunflowers, also.  (That is my beautiful daughter on the right, and, yes, we attended the recent Women of Joy in Branson.  Such a tremendous blessing!)

But...I digress!  Back to themes!

For Christmas, we have (finally) decided on two themes and plan to alternate them and to grow those themes each year, rather than completely begin anew.  Year before last when we used the new tree backdrops, we used "He Grew the Trees."  I love this one, for even then, He knew that He would grow the tree upon which He would hang for me...and you.

Now, for this year:

1. Evergreen Faith, Everlasting Love - This is where I started as I began thinking about that backdrop.
2. Then...the song "Angels, We Have Heard on High" - seems like I remember one of the ladies on our team suggesting gold and angels.
3. Maybe "Glory in the Evergreens" - this is one of the ideas that developed from ChatGPT; thereafter, I asked it to create a possible image, so I will share that tomorrow with the ladies at church...and see where we go from there!
4. Light was our big theme for VBS this summer, and we continued it with sun/son for the fall...might we also continue that connection with angels and Christmas lights?  I hope so!

AND...our theme for 2027 Women's Conference:  Stand...and we want to use flamingos.  How cute is that?!  Interestingly, we have already found several items and have begun stockpiling some decorations!

The downside to a good theme, especially one on which you may work for months, you may get tired of it before the actual event arrives, which is not a good thing, for one must have energy and excitement for these events.  For instance, our theme word for last year's conference was bloom...and then we got the word for next year stand.  And...by that time, we had made soooooo many flowers!  But!  Fun we had!  Of course, for when God is there, joy abounds.

Yes, I love a good theme.  I am thinking Jesus does, also...or, at least, a good thematic topi, for He sure focused on several words...as in, a lot!