Thursday, December 24, 2020
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Light the World: Sharing Light
A couple of days ago I looked at an illustration of the Nativity and noticed that the shape of the beam of light emanating from the star. As it shone down on the manger in this particular depiction, the light formed the shape of a Christmas tree. I'd never thought of that concept before. Then I noticed in the illustration that the manger formed the base of the tree — the place where we put our gifts.
Maybe that's something that everyone knows, but I just got it. And now I'm sharing it with you.
Monday, December 21, 2020
Light the World: Together Time
Very few students turn on their cameras for class, and how few actually participate in class discussions. Of course it's just like in-person school — they try to hide what they're doing from the teacher and won't volunteer to answer questions.
Of course I see the same thing at work: lots of people on the videoconference, a lot of them with cameras off, and most of them muted.
Tuning out the teacher: it's a transferrable skill!
Sunday, December 20, 2020
Light the World: Looping Luke 2
Today's Light the World prompt suggests that we read a verse of Luke 2 and then pass it off to a friend. I asked a couple of my cartooning buddies to help me tell the story of the Nativity: Summer Bird and Arie Van De Graaff.*
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was the governor of Syria.)
"And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."
"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."
"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people; For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them unto heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."
"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."
(Luke 2:1-20)*As an added bonus, the last panel includes hidden pictures for you to find! Download a printable copy!
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Friday, December 18, 2020
Light the World: Christmas Stories
We had a discussion at the office the other day about what constitutes a Christmas movie. Is it about Christmas? Does it take place at Christmastime? Was it released at Christmas?
It was also pointed out that Die Hard and Home Alone are essentially the same movie — the protagonists are just different ages.
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Light the World: Christmas Dinners
When I was the Webelos leader, we were doing a unit on shopping and budgeting. I took the kids on a field trip to the grocery store and gave them each $5 — with the instruction to "buy stuff that you would want to eat." It had to be wrapped or canned.
The local food bank was right across the street from the grocery store. When we finished shopping, we took the food that we bought and donated it. I explained to the kids that the people who need the food bank aren't any different from you and me. The kinds of food that you like to eat are the kinds of food that they like to eat. I hope it made a difference.
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Light the World: Shining Star
They're not only stars, they're superstars!
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Monday, December 14, 2020
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Light the World: Shop With Care
We have a tradition in our family that on the first Saturday of December we deliver wreaths to widows and shut-ins in our area, we go to a Christmas tree farm and get a tree, and then we get treats at the local bakery. If we have time we go down to the bookstore on the corner and do some gift shopping. We had to make a few adjustments this year — but we made sure to grab a box of donuts before putting up the tree!
Friday, December 11, 2020
Light the World: Treats Times Two
Not only would the wealth ease the financial burdens of fleeing to Egypt and back — and help to sustain them while they were there — but they would also make it easier to render service to those around them.
There was, of course, symbolism to the gifts: divinity, priesthood, healing. There was a practicality to them as well.
Those Wise Men were pretty smart guys!
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Light the World: Light the Family Tree
Fast forward several decades, and my son found himself mucking out stables in exchange for piano lessons. It's not quite the same thing, but the lesson learned was the same.
On a related note, there's a really cool site you should check out. BYU's Family History Technology Lab has created some fun games you can play with your relatives! Log on with your Family Search ID and see what they have. My favorite is the matching game (no, it's not like Mutual for your ancestors). Give it a shot — it's fun!
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Light the World: Words of Love
I remember stumbling across the book in Deseret Book one day. At that time I had given up on cartooning (for a variety of reasons). I picked up Arie's book and noticed that his humor and writing style were similar to mine. His drawing style was somewhat similar to mine. If he could do it, maybe so could I!
It was a moment that gave me hope. It was a step that got me back on the cartooning path. Blame him.
If you aren't acquainted with the Ward Cartoonist, check out his webpage. I also suggest signing up for his weekly Come, Follow Me Activity Page.
*This is NOT a paid commercial endorsement.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Monday, December 7, 2020
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Light the World: Pay it Backward
Or, as Bill and Ted say, "Be excellent to each other!"
UPDATE: I came up with a better caption: