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| "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem.... "The hopes and fears of all the years are still met in Him this night." |
Our first handmade Baker Family
Christmas cards were made in 1990.
Jordan was three years old, and I
was awaiting the arrival of Hannah. I
tried to think of interesting things to do
to celebrate Christmas with our little
family. We made Christmas cards
together at the kitchen table. Jordan
sponge painted each card, and
helped to glue on stars. The card
was simple and the message was
simple. I believe we made about 30
to 40 cards. I had no idea at the time
that this would become a major family
tradition for years to come.
Christmas cards were made in 1990.
Jordan was three years old, and I
was awaiting the arrival of Hannah. I
tried to think of interesting things to do
to celebrate Christmas with our little
family. We made Christmas cards
together at the kitchen table. Jordan
sponge painted each card, and
helped to glue on stars. The card
was simple and the message was
simple. I believe we made about 30
to 40 cards. I had no idea at the time
that this would become a major family
tradition for years to come.
| "What pity He felt for the crowds because their problems were so great, and they didn't know what to do, or where to go for help..." (Matthew 9:36) |
The verse on the front of this card is one of my
favorites. It speaks of Christ’s compassion for
the multitude of lost, hurt, suffering people. He
was grieved as he looked upon their suffering,
and felt great compassion for them, and still
does for us today too.
Each of these cards was done entirely by hand.
Not a very professional job, and certainly time
consuming. The hand represents God's hand
giving to us eternal gifts, with a scripture
reference for each gift. Jordan’s contribution to
the card was gluing on ribbons and gluing the
gifts onto the hand. As the years progressed, I
tried harder to have as much of the card done by
the children as possible.
favorites. It speaks of Christ’s compassion for
the multitude of lost, hurt, suffering people. He
was grieved as he looked upon their suffering,
and felt great compassion for them, and still
does for us today too.
Each of these cards was done entirely by hand.
Not a very professional job, and certainly time
consuming. The hand represents God's hand
giving to us eternal gifts, with a scripture
reference for each gift. Jordan’s contribution to
the card was gluing on ribbons and gluing the
gifts onto the hand. As the years progressed, I
tried harder to have as much of the card done by
the children as possible.
Now Hannah was big enough to “help”. Canaan is on the scene, but only seven months
old. I cut out the green triangles and Jordan and Hannah sat out back at their little picnic
table and painted green on each tree with little bits of sponge.
Once dry, Jordan decorated them with star stickers. This Christmas card also had
handmade envelopes.
The verse on this card is one of my all time favorites. I love the message. The disciples
had listened to Jesus, and had said to each other, “This is a hard saying; who can believe
it?” And it says that many of his followers left him, because they couldn’t understand.
Jesus asked the disciples if they were going to leave him too. Peter answers perfectly
with, “Where are we to go?” They believed and were sure that Jesus was the son of the
living God, so even if the things He said were hard to understand, even if the way was
difficult, what good would it do to go anywhere else? There was no other way. I think of
this often.
old. I cut out the green triangles and Jordan and Hannah sat out back at their little picnic
table and painted green on each tree with little bits of sponge.
Once dry, Jordan decorated them with star stickers. This Christmas card also had
handmade envelopes.
The verse on this card is one of my all time favorites. I love the message. The disciples
had listened to Jesus, and had said to each other, “This is a hard saying; who can believe
it?” And it says that many of his followers left him, because they couldn’t understand.
Jesus asked the disciples if they were going to leave him too. Peter answers perfectly
with, “Where are we to go?” They believed and were sure that Jesus was the son of the
living God, so even if the things He said were hard to understand, even if the way was
difficult, what good would it do to go anywhere else? There was no other way. I think of
this often.
Luke 10:39-42
"She had a sister called Mary,
who sat at the Lord's feet
listening to what He said.
"But Martha was distracted by
all the preparations that had to
be made.
"'Martha, Martha,' the Lord
answered, 'you are worried and
upset about many things, but
only one thing is needed. Mary
has chosen what is better, and
it will not be taken away from
her.'"
"Choose what is better."
"She had a sister called Mary,
who sat at the Lord's feet
listening to what He said.
"But Martha was distracted by
all the preparations that had to
be made.
"'Martha, Martha,' the Lord
answered, 'you are worried and
upset about many things, but
only one thing is needed. Mary
has chosen what is better, and
it will not be taken away from
her.'"
"Choose what is better."
"Someone missed Christmas long, long ago.
I don't think he meant to -- he didn't even
know.
Preoccupied, busy with dozens of things,
Unaware he could welcome the birth of a king!
Angels were singing just outside the city
But he missed it all, unaware -- what a pity!
He did not intentionally turn him away;
His inn was simply too crowded that day."
(Rev 3:20)
I don't think he meant to -- he didn't even
know.
Preoccupied, busy with dozens of things,
Unaware he could welcome the birth of a king!
Angels were singing just outside the city
But he missed it all, unaware -- what a pity!
He did not intentionally turn him away;
His inn was simply too crowded that day."
(Rev 3:20)
Again, I tried to find a different sort of angle to
the Christmas story, and involve everyone in
the process. This was the first year that I
wrote a poem for the card. It is short, and it
centers on the Innkeeper and how the
greatest moment in history was happening
right under his nose but “his inn was simply
too crowded that day”. Again, the idea that
we are often too busy for what is really
important.
At that time I had also been thinking how
there are so many people who do not
intentionally reject God, they just don’t ever
accept him, kind of like the Innkeeper. I hope
this got across in this short poem.
In this card, Jordan and Hannah drew the
pictures and colored them with crayon and
metallic paints. Before computers and the
technology and supplies we have now, it was
a challenge to figure out how to add color to a
card that was being mass-produced. I had
to also consider the attention span of the
kids.
Jordan was seven years old, Hannah was
three, and Canaan was two. Another first for
this card was the little family “logo” that I
started that year. It was a quick signature
drawing depicting the five of us with a heart.
This image evolved each year, adding pets
and children.
the Christmas story, and involve everyone in
the process. This was the first year that I
wrote a poem for the card. It is short, and it
centers on the Innkeeper and how the
greatest moment in history was happening
right under his nose but “his inn was simply
too crowded that day”. Again, the idea that
we are often too busy for what is really
important.
At that time I had also been thinking how
there are so many people who do not
intentionally reject God, they just don’t ever
accept him, kind of like the Innkeeper. I hope
this got across in this short poem.
In this card, Jordan and Hannah drew the
pictures and colored them with crayon and
metallic paints. Before computers and the
technology and supplies we have now, it was
a challenge to figure out how to add color to a
card that was being mass-produced. I had
to also consider the attention span of the
kids.
Jordan was seven years old, Hannah was
three, and Canaan was two. Another first for
this card was the little family “logo” that I
started that year. It was a quick signature
drawing depicting the five of us with a heart.
This image evolved each year, adding pets
and children.
"'Away in a Manger', 'What Child is This?'
We're told it's the meaning of what Christmas is.
The "Holy infant, so tender and mild'
And granted, our Lord did come as a child...
Came as a child to be a man,
And fulfill all our need through His ultimate plan.
So I'll tell you what Christmas time means to me...
It just wouldn't be Christmas without the Tree."
John 3:17
We're told it's the meaning of what Christmas is.
The "Holy infant, so tender and mild'
And granted, our Lord did come as a child...
Came as a child to be a man,
And fulfill all our need through His ultimate plan.
So I'll tell you what Christmas time means to me...
It just wouldn't be Christmas without the Tree."
John 3:17
All three kids drew for this card. I used something new,
decorative computer paper. The card has a blue and gold theme,
and this paper was used for handmade envelopes as well. I
wrote the poem. The coloring was done in different shades of
blue pencil crayon, and in gold sparkly paint, obviously by the
kids. Each card varied a lot depending on which child colored the
front. The printing on the card was done by Jordan. The flap
bends down to reveal a picture I drew of a silhouette of three
crosses on a hill.
decorative computer paper. The card has a blue and gold theme,
and this paper was used for handmade envelopes as well. I
wrote the poem. The coloring was done in different shades of
blue pencil crayon, and in gold sparkly paint, obviously by the
kids. Each card varied a lot depending on which child colored the
front. The printing on the card was done by Jordan. The flap
bends down to reveal a picture I drew of a silhouette of three
crosses on a hill.
"Tis the season to be busy,
It's enough to make you dizzy!
Presents, planning, parties, plays,
Enough to fill 300 days!
Craft-creating, costume making,
Cards to send and cookies baking;
Keep the balls all in the air
So everybody knows you care...
This isn't what the angels meant
By 'peace on earth, good will to men'...
So let the balls fall where they will,
For I must listen, and be still...
"Be still and know that I am God."
It's enough to make you dizzy!
Presents, planning, parties, plays,
Enough to fill 300 days!
Craft-creating, costume making,
Cards to send and cookies baking;
Keep the balls all in the air
So everybody knows you care...
This isn't what the angels meant
By 'peace on earth, good will to men'...
So let the balls fall where they will,
For I must listen, and be still...
"Be still and know that I am God."
This year, I was busier than ever,
and really struck with the theme of
busy-ness at Christmas time. This
is still one of my favorite poems I’
ve written, and echoes the same
theme of stilling ourselves to focus
on God.
When thinking about a new card,
another thing I think about is trying
to use some medium or element
that we haven’t used before. This
year we used wrapping paper to
cut out the Christmas ornament
balls, of which there were
hundreds. The inside of the card
used flannel for the blanket, straw
for the manger, paint for the face,
shredded yarn for the hair, and
sparkle paint. The front was
copied, with Hannah’s drawn
hands, and Jordan’s printing. The
inside was all hand printed with
silver pen, as at that time I hadn’t
yet figured out a good way to print
on a dark colored background.
The blue is wrapping paper. All the
kids helped to glue pieces, as
there were a lot of parts to glue in
this card. Glue sticks were not
overly common yet, and as you can
see on the table, bottles of glue
were used.
As you can see in the picture, Art
does indeed participate in the
cards each year. He didn't so
much in the beginning, but soon
began insisting on being a part of it
every year. Besides helping to
assemble the card, he also helps
to develop ideas, and ways of
designing the card. He is often the
one missing spark of inspiration
that gets me going or puts it all
together.
and really struck with the theme of
busy-ness at Christmas time. This
is still one of my favorite poems I’
ve written, and echoes the same
theme of stilling ourselves to focus
on God.
When thinking about a new card,
another thing I think about is trying
to use some medium or element
that we haven’t used before. This
year we used wrapping paper to
cut out the Christmas ornament
balls, of which there were
hundreds. The inside of the card
used flannel for the blanket, straw
for the manger, paint for the face,
shredded yarn for the hair, and
sparkle paint. The front was
copied, with Hannah’s drawn
hands, and Jordan’s printing. The
inside was all hand printed with
silver pen, as at that time I hadn’t
yet figured out a good way to print
on a dark colored background.
The blue is wrapping paper. All the
kids helped to glue pieces, as
there were a lot of parts to glue in
this card. Glue sticks were not
overly common yet, and as you can
see on the table, bottles of glue
were used.
As you can see in the picture, Art
does indeed participate in the
cards each year. He didn't so
much in the beginning, but soon
began insisting on being a part of it
every year. Besides helping to
assemble the card, he also helps
to develop ideas, and ways of
designing the card. He is often the
one missing spark of inspiration
that gets me going or puts it all
together.
"Was there a snowman ever built
Who didn't , one day, have to melt?
Or those who packed and tossed the
snow up
Who didn't, one day, have to grow up?
Those we meet and love and know,
Where we live and stay and go
Are here today, and gone tomorrow,
Joy and laughter, pain and sorrow.
All the world is shifting sand...
We search for rocks on which to stand
Hebrews 13:8
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday,
today, and forever!"
Who didn't , one day, have to melt?
Or those who packed and tossed the
snow up
Who didn't, one day, have to grow up?
Those we meet and love and know,
Where we live and stay and go
Are here today, and gone tomorrow,
Joy and laughter, pain and sorrow.
All the world is shifting sand...
We search for rocks on which to stand
Hebrews 13:8
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday,
today, and forever!"
As I look back at my poem on
this card, I recall that this was
the year that it hit me very
hard that my children were
growing up, and would grow
up, and there was nothing I
could do about it. The poem
is about how life is so
changing, and God is the only
rock we have to stand on, the
only unchanging, reliable
thing in a shifting world.
The snowman theme
incorporates cotton, torn
paper, fabric and sparkly
paints, felt and fabric. The
pictures are drawn and
copied by the kids. The last
page had a pocket with our
signature and logo – which
now included our new dog
Charlotte.
this card, I recall that this was
the year that it hit me very
hard that my children were
growing up, and would grow
up, and there was nothing I
could do about it. The poem
is about how life is so
changing, and God is the only
rock we have to stand on, the
only unchanging, reliable
thing in a shifting world.
The snowman theme
incorporates cotton, torn
paper, fabric and sparkly
paints, felt and fabric. The
pictures are drawn and
copied by the kids. The last
page had a pocket with our
signature and logo – which
now included our new dog
Charlotte.
Christmas is a time of hope, most
children seem to know;
“I hope I get,” “I hope for that,” “I hope
that it will snow!
While some get everything they want and
hop and beg for more,
Others merely crave relief from hunger,
pain or war…
We see these children’s faces as hope
flickers in their eyes,
So often unfulfilled, the ember smolders,
sometimes dies…
Yet Christmas is a time of hope -- hope
greater than a “wish”
For unto us was born that day, the
reason hope exists!
So tell the children there’s much more
beyond what eyes can see;
Fan their flames, lift their heads, and
help each one to see
One Christmas night a babe was born to
quench each heart’s desire
So they, and you, and I could have a
hope, a peace, a fire…
Romans 15:13
children seem to know;
“I hope I get,” “I hope for that,” “I hope
that it will snow!
While some get everything they want and
hop and beg for more,
Others merely crave relief from hunger,
pain or war…
We see these children’s faces as hope
flickers in their eyes,
So often unfulfilled, the ember smolders,
sometimes dies…
Yet Christmas is a time of hope -- hope
greater than a “wish”
For unto us was born that day, the
reason hope exists!
So tell the children there’s much more
beyond what eyes can see;
Fan their flames, lift their heads, and
help each one to see
One Christmas night a babe was born to
quench each heart’s desire
So they, and you, and I could have a
hope, a peace, a fire…
Romans 15:13
It is difficult to say which year's card was the most difficult or time-consuming, but this card would
certainly be a contender. The theme of the card was basically hope. We had been on a trip to Haiti that
year as a family, and brought home a lot of thoughts and feelings about that, which are incorporated into
the card.
The card is designed as a fireplace with fabric stockings hanging on the mantle. Each card was unique
as the stockings were all different fabrics and sizes. This card had several pages and so many tiny
parts. This, amazingly, was the first year I had the use of a wonderful tool: a computer! The drawings
are labeled showing which child drew what. Besides the drawings, I incorporated the kids’ picture as a
part of the card this year, using a picture of them all holding candles for one of the pages.
This was also the only year that I included a Christmas “letter”. Generally I don’t like this sort of thing,
but figured I had things I wanted to say. I may do one again someday, but haven’t yet.
certainly be a contender. The theme of the card was basically hope. We had been on a trip to Haiti that
year as a family, and brought home a lot of thoughts and feelings about that, which are incorporated into
the card.
The card is designed as a fireplace with fabric stockings hanging on the mantle. Each card was unique
as the stockings were all different fabrics and sizes. This card had several pages and so many tiny
parts. This, amazingly, was the first year I had the use of a wonderful tool: a computer! The drawings
are labeled showing which child drew what. Besides the drawings, I incorporated the kids’ picture as a
part of the card this year, using a picture of them all holding candles for one of the pages.
This was also the only year that I included a Christmas “letter”. Generally I don’t like this sort of thing,
but figured I had things I wanted to say. I may do one again someday, but haven’t yet.
 |
The theme of each year's card is strongly influenced by what is going on in our lives that year. This was
a time in my life where I was too busy. The story of Mary and Martha has always been a favorite of mine.
I do not see Jesus as scolding Martha. I see Him having compassion on her fretting and busy-ness
and lovingly telling her to relax!
I like putting verses or themes in the Christmas cards that aren’t commonly thought of as Christmas
themes, and this card is a prime example. This story is not a Christmas story, but by the words you can
see how it is perfectly suited for Christmas. When are we more “distracted by all the preparations that
had to be made” than at Christmas time?
The drawings were done by Jordan and hand colored with Martin dyes, which are very vibrant. Every
year a photo of the kids goes with the card. When the kids were young, this was often a big ordeal
getting three little ones to sit still and smile, or at least look pleasant for a few minutes.
a time in my life where I was too busy. The story of Mary and Martha has always been a favorite of mine.
I do not see Jesus as scolding Martha. I see Him having compassion on her fretting and busy-ness
and lovingly telling her to relax!
I like putting verses or themes in the Christmas cards that aren’t commonly thought of as Christmas
themes, and this card is a prime example. This story is not a Christmas story, but by the words you can
see how it is perfectly suited for Christmas. When are we more “distracted by all the preparations that
had to be made” than at Christmas time?
The drawings were done by Jordan and hand colored with Martin dyes, which are very vibrant. Every
year a photo of the kids goes with the card. When the kids were young, this was often a big ordeal
getting three little ones to sit still and smile, or at least look pleasant for a few minutes.
"From that time, many of His disciples walked no more
with Him. Then Jesus said unto the Twelve, 'Will ye also
go away?' Then Simon Peter answer Him...
"'Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of
eternal life, and we believe and are sure that Thou art
the Christ, the son of the living God.
"Believe and be sure..."
with Him. Then Jesus said unto the Twelve, 'Will ye also
go away?' Then Simon Peter answer Him...
"'Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of
eternal life, and we believe and are sure that Thou art
the Christ, the son of the living God.
"Believe and be sure..."
The God who made the stars above
Bent down and kissed us with His love.
The One who set the world in motion,
Carved the mountains, filled the ocean,
When all was hopeless for mankind
Decided not to change His mind,
But held us gently in His hand,
And whispered, “Wait… I have a plan!”
And so, one silent night a cry
Pierced the darkness so that I
And whosoever near and far
Might midst the darkness shine like stars
So face the calendar undaunted
Turn the page, for He who wanted
To relieve all of our sorrows,
Is not perplexed by our tomorrows
To He who knows our thoughts and minds
And loved us before there was time,
To He who conquers all our fears
A day is like a thousand years!
To God who made the stars above,
Bent down and kissed us with His love
Long ago that Christmas Day,
Two thousand years are like a day.
"So don't be anxious about tomorrow. God
will take of your tomorrow too. Live one day at
a time." Matthew 6:34
(...different millenium, same God...)
Bent down and kissed us with His love.
The One who set the world in motion,
Carved the mountains, filled the ocean,
When all was hopeless for mankind
Decided not to change His mind,
But held us gently in His hand,
And whispered, “Wait… I have a plan!”
And so, one silent night a cry
Pierced the darkness so that I
And whosoever near and far
Might midst the darkness shine like stars
So face the calendar undaunted
Turn the page, for He who wanted
To relieve all of our sorrows,
Is not perplexed by our tomorrows
To He who knows our thoughts and minds
And loved us before there was time,
To He who conquers all our fears
A day is like a thousand years!
To God who made the stars above,
Bent down and kissed us with His love
Long ago that Christmas Day,
Two thousand years are like a day.
"So don't be anxious about tomorrow. God
will take of your tomorrow too. Live one day at
a time." Matthew 6:34
(...different millenium, same God...)
| The following pages show a summary of our homemade Christmas cards over the past several years. Whether this is your first year receiving our card, or you have been collecting them since 1990, we hope you enjoy looking over the history of the Baker Christmas card. (All poetry and artwork on these pages is copyrighted, and may not be used without permission) |
The theme for this year was what was on
everyone's mind that year -- the millenium. Hannah
came up with the design for this one, of the star
folding in upon itself. The drawings were by Hannah
and Jordan, and the poem was by me. The card
was embellished with white and silver stars and
sparkles.
everyone's mind that year -- the millenium. Hannah
came up with the design for this one, of the star
folding in upon itself. The drawings were by Hannah
and Jordan, and the poem was by me. The card
was embellished with white and silver stars and
sparkles.
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