What's in a Tree?

Today I am reflecting on the reason for the season, the true meaning of Christmas. This probably has to do with my dad's sermon yesterday, or maybe it's just because I feel the need to see past the material aspect but whatever the reason, I'm contemplating.

My dad was saying yesterday that one of the messages of Christmas is to "Fear Not," this is clearly true for it was said 3 times in the story of the birth of Jesus. First it was said to Mary, then to Joseph and then even more importantly to the Shepherds who represent the common folk- like us.We should not fear, for Christ is near(Ok, yes, I agree that was a bit corny, but it's true.)

This message leads into another which is that Christ came for us, to free us of our sin. He came to this earth to die. He was born to die a horrible death, nailed to a tree, and He knew it and did it willingly because He knew it was not in vain. He went through every imaginable pain just so that we might live forever-how amazing and incredibly unselfish is that!? So then the second message of Christmas is to give, willingly.

Also I was thinking about all the symbolism that is shown in our Christmas traditions.

• Think about the Christmas tree, what does that symbolize? Well, as I mentioned before, Jesus was nailed to a tree, and also being an evergreen could it could definitely symbolize the everlasting life he gave us by dying.

• The Candy Cane, how is that symbolic? Well, it's stripes are reminiscent of the stripes which Jesus bore on his back from the beating he received before his crucifixion, the white signifying His purity and the red His blood. It's crooked top is reminiscent of a shepherds staff used to take up the lost sheep. All together this small piece of candy basically reminds us that He washed away the sin of all men. (Read more about this here)
  

• The Candle represents the star which led the Wise Men to Bethlehem. (more here)
  

• Gift Giving represents gifts given to Jesus by the Wise Men and also the Gift God gave us through His Son.

So Christmas isn't only about receiving gifts or about making sure the tree is just right or about the food, or the cookies and cakes, or Santa it's about remembering why we're alive, remembering who gave us life and more second chances than we deserve. And even though we may often discard these symbols as tradition they are still there to represent the fact that He came to this earth expressly to save us from sin. He took the persecution, the pain, the death, all so we wouldn't have to. He loves us that much- no matter our beliefs, no matter what we've done, He loves us, and that's the Reason for the Season.

Wow, that got long, but with that all in mind today, I wish you a Very Merry Christmas!

Love,
Hadassah

Work of Grace

I have been saving the picture for a special occasion, because I really enjoy it's symbolization. Today I have posted it because I need a work of grace. My brother has informed me that it took 26hrs to move the pictures from my external drive to his spare computer, and after such a tedious process, is not sure the pictures all transfered correctly and are viewable. I'm doing my best to stay calm and collected about it, but it is my life as a photographer that we're speaking of-literally ALL of my pictures from the past 3yrs are on there not to mention even older family photos. SO ANYWAY, I just ask you to please stand in agreement and prayer that I'll get them all in tact.


Thanks,

Hadassah

"Pass the Cheer"

Not really been keeping up too well with the blogs lately, sorry for that. I will continue to post what new photos I have, and hopefully I'll not run out of the ones that are already on my computer while awaiting a fixed external drive. I am still shooting tho, so when I get the drive back I'll have a ton to add to it. I've also been doing my best to catch up on my studies, which is another reason for less posting and also less commenting. So if you're not getting many comments from me, you know it's not because I've stopped visiting, only because I glance and go.

Anyway, enjoy a Starbucks capture and "Pass the Cheer" ;)

Let it Snow

We have about 5 or 6 inches of snow here, they're saying we'll get 2-4 more inches tomorrow night, and yes, I'm in love with it ALL. I was thinking yesterday that if you gave me snow, a blanket, proper snow clothes and a camera I'd be set for life. But then I thought about the beach and I was like, wait, I'd want that too.. SO anyway, moral of the story, I love living in Chicago where I can have both.

Now for my real post- hehe :)

I think that I've taken to naming my pictures with titles of songs. I think because I love music and because there are so many great songs out there to sing, to talk about, to name pictures after, to be inspiration. Am I saying that I think it's possible for music/songs/lyrics to inspire photography? Definitely! And really until now, I haven't really thought about it like this, but I've done it often. Like last year, I was listening to Madonna when I was shooting the snow.. and Snow Patrol, and Melanie C.. It seems so weird that I remember that. I also remember driving on the slushy highway in a rental PT cruiser listening to George Clinton and the Funkadelics, and Maroon 5 two yrs ago while wrapping presents(tho that one is a bit of a blurry memory, all I know is that "Sunday Morning" reminds me of Christmas break). And also a shot I've taken to back my theory- Through the Glass, a song by Stone Sour and now title of my latest photo on Deux. The lyrics played through my head while framing this shot. My memories and inspirations are constantly triggered by music. Pretty cool, I think.

Please be sure to be checking out La Vie Par Mes Yeux Deux - plenty of new posts there- and also 'Tis the Season!

Happy, happy, joy, joy!

While the emotion of the last post was very sad, I happy to say the emotion today is overwhelmingly pleasing. Actually, I think I'm a little TOO happy.. but oh well..

Today one of my pictures is featured on 'Tis the Season, the holiday photoblog put together by Justin Gaynor (who as most of you know is one of my favorite photographers). I was totally ecstatic when I received his request to be a part (Thanks, Justin!) I'm not only overjoyed by participating but also honored to be a part of something that so many other talented photographers have and will contribute to. So, go over and check it out, and be sure to check back everyday for a different awesome photographer's feature.

Ah! what an awesome way to start the day!!! lol