Holidays Archives - Diana Derringer

Heart of the Matter

December 22, 2025 Diana Derringer Comments 4 comments

Most of the time, we want people to get to the heart of the matter. Quit beating around the bush. Stop wasting our time. Cut to the chase.

The heart of the matter refers to what is most important.

It is the:

Main point
Central issue
Primary problem

We require our physical hearts to live and function. Likewise, we focus on the heart of the matter to be most effective.

To deal with a situation, we must address it.

Dillydallying does no good. If a problem exists, work on it. If people do a good job, tell them. Concentrate on what matters most.

The cross is the heart of the matter in Christmas.

We love to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Yet, our music, gifts, and decorations mean nothing if we forget why Jesus came. We must look beyond the manger to the cross.

The Savior of the world came into our world to save us from our sins.

The Christmas message finds fulfillment at Easter. Jesus:

Lived a sinless life
Gave his life for our sins
Rose from the grave in victory over sin and death

Will you give your life to the one who loves you that much?

“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11 ESV).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

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Filled to the Brim

December 15, 2025 Diana Derringer Comments 14 comments

This time of year, our lives become filled to the brim. That can be both good and bad.

Filled to the brim means completely full.

We have no room left for anything else. Our cups run over.

Christmas often results in:

Activities that crowd every minute
More food than we can possibly eat
Music, lights, and decorations that leave us in awe

All that overflow results in emotional highs and lows.

We love time with friends and family. Yet, we need quiet moments too.
The food tastes wonderful. But overeating leaves us sluggish and makes our tummies hurt.
Sights and sounds lift our spirits. However, they eventually leave us exhausted.

Filled to the brim also means totally satisfied.

We frequently search for satisfaction in things and activities. Yet, they always fall short.

True satisfaction comes only through a relationship with Jesus.

Jesus:

Came to earth as a baby
Lived a perfect life
Gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins
Rose from the grave in victory over sin and death
Offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who accept Him as Savior and Lord

That, my friend, is a filled-to-the-brim life.

And that is what Christmas is all about.

“Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim” (John 2:7 NIV).

Thanks to Tracy Crump for the suggestion.

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Flip the Script

December 23, 2024 Diana Derringer Comments 2 comments

God flipped the script with Jesus’ birth. Rather than an expected warrior king, the Messiah arrived as a helpless baby.

To flip the script means a drastic change.

The tables turn. Circumstances or positions reverse.

Little-known sports teams win tournaments.
Political unknowns win elections.
Weak students outperform strong scholars.

Flip the script sometimes means to lie.

People change their stories to fit their circumstances. They tell one person one story but another person something else. What they say depends on:

What benefits them
What they think the other person wants to hear

When God flips the script, His word proves true.

The written Word, the Bible, prophesies of the Living Word, Jesus. Although God in flesh did not meet human expectations, Jesus fulfilled God’s perfect plan.

God offers an everlasting life change to all people.

Jesus, the Christ of Christmas, came to replace:

Despair with hope
Unrest with peace
Sorrow with joy
Hate with love

Will you allow God to flip the script for you?

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12 NIV).

Thanks to Bobbie Smith Bryant for the suggestion.

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Wouldn’t be Caught Dead in It

December 16, 2024 Diana Derringer Comments 4 comments

When we see an ugly Christmas sweater, we might say we wouldn’t be caught dead in it. However, cute puppies can wear whatever they want, including ugly sweaters, and still look cute.

Wouldn’t be caught dead in it refers to at least two possibilities.

Clothing
Places

We don’t always agree on clothing choices.

Styles come and go. However, some of us choose to wear what we like regardless of the latest trend. That includes our favorite Christmas sweaters, shirts, or jackets.

Likewise, we may love places other people would never go.

That holds true for:

Expensive versus inexpensive stores
Gourmet versus fast food restaurants
Resorts versus camping trips
High priced versus third world countries

Many of us wouldn’t be caught dead in Jesus’ circumstances on earth.

The creator of the world:

Was born to a poor family
Slept in a feeding trough
Received little respect from the high and mighty
Died on a criminal’s cross
Was buried in a borrowed tomb

Yet, Jesus offers the world an eternal home in heaven.

Jesus walked out of that borrowed tomb, victorious over sin and death. If we follow Jesus, we share that victory. Because of His humble life on earth, we can look forward to the glory of heaven

“She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them” (Luke 2:7 NIV).

Thanks to Joy S. Taylor for the suggestion. Image by Christiana from Pixabay.

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In the Wings

December 9, 2024 Diana Derringer Comments 4 comments

Before little angels appear in Christmas performances, they wait in the wings. They stay off stage, ready to make their entrance.

In the wings means ready to do something.

Resources, people or other, remain available to help. They prepare to act at a moment’s notice. However, they linger in the background until needed.

The expression has an acting origin.

According to The Free Dictionary, “In a theatre, the wings are the hidden areas to the left and right of a stage, where the actors wait before going on to the stage.”

People may remain in the wings for several reasons.

In addition to general help, they may wait to:

Replace someone.
Make information public.
Offer special services.

At Christmas, we remember that Jesus waited in the wings before coming to earth.

He remained ready to appear, God’s light to the world. Yet, He waited for the right:

Time
Place
Plan

May we follow Jesus’ example by responding:

When God calls
Where God leads
According to God’s purpose

Whether we wait in the wings or step out to follow, we receive what we need under God’s wings,

“When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son” (Galatians 4:4 NIV).

Thanks to Cathy Chinn for the suggestion Photo by Ksenia Chernaya with Pexels.

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Kiss of Death

March 25, 2024 Diana Derringer Comments 0 Comment

A kiss of death means something that causes failure or ruin.

It may be:

Actions. Poor attitudes or behaviors often result in the loss of jobs, friendships, or other positions.
Relationships. Associating with troublemakers frequently leaves people in trouble.
Events. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can destroy plans.
Poor timing. Failures frequently occur because people begin too early or too late to accomplish their purposes.

A kiss of death may look good but result in great harm.

Damage often occurs even if intentions appear helpful. A handshake or endorsement from the wrong people kills countless business deals and reputations.

This expression relates to Judas Iscariot’s kiss that betrayed Jesus.

When religious leaders wanted to rid themselves of Jesus, they enlisted Judas, one of Jesus’ followers, for help. Matthew 26:48-49 records it. “The betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him” (NIV). A kiss of death has also been called a Judas kiss.

Not every kiss of death ends in permanent harm.

Although Jesus died on the cross, He arose from the dead on the third day. His death and resurrection conquered sin and death. All who place their faith in Jesus also receive victory over sin and death. That’s the message of Easter. Jesus offers everyone a fresh start, a new beginning.

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6 NIV).

Thanks to Terrie Wilson for the suggestion. Photo by Francesco Alberti on Unsplash

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Work Wonders

December 25, 2023 Diana Derringer Comments 4 comments

This hand-crafted ornament came from a local school’s art fair. I watched the craftsman work wonders with simple pieces of wood.

To work wonders means to create an excellent outcome.

My dad also produced amazing woodwork. I have examples throughout our house. You can find one in my explanation of “Make Do.”

Although successful in his craft, Dad did not make money from it. Instead, he gave away almost everything he created. He defined success as helping others.

After a busy day, rest works wonders for minds and bodies.

Whatever work we do, we need time away from it. Other wonder-working aids include:

Proper nutrition
Regular exercise
Social interaction
Ongoing learning
Daily devotions

All help us be our best selves.

The greatest wonder of history came in the form of a baby.

Jesus left the splendor of heaven to be born to a peasant family.
He left absolute safety for a life of danger.
God in flesh died so we might have life.
He arose from the grave and has prepared a home in heaven for all who follow Him.

That is what Christmas is all about. God who works wonders. Immanuel — God with us.

Merry Christmas!

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:23 NIV).

Thanks to Tracy Crump for the suggestion.

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Cream of the Crop

May 29, 2023 Diana Derringer Comments 14 comments

The men in this group are some of the finest I know. They are the cream of the crop.

All served in the army as members of A Company, 1^st of the 501^st. Many suffer health issues as a result of their service. Not all remain with us.

Cream of the crop means the best.

Just as cream is the richest part of milk and rises to the top, these men rose to the challenge to serve when called. When they gather, they always remember their comrades—their brothers—who returned home in flag-draped boxes plus those who have died since their return home. The men (and women) who went beyond the call of duty are gone but not forgotten.

Those in the cream of the crop challenge us to give our best.

We may not be summoned for military service. Yet, we can serve in some way.

God calls us to make our world a better place.

Memorial Day and always, may the needs around us and the memories of those who gave their all spur us to action.

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:5 NIV).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

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Heart-to-Heart

February 13, 2023 Diana Derringer Comments 4 comments

Most relationships benefit from occasional heart-to-heart talks. When we open our hearts to one another, we learn to appreciate each other more.

Heart-to-heart means open and honest.

It usually refers to conversations where we don’t hide our emotions. Such talks occur between:

Family members
Friends
Coworkers
Neighbors

Honest discussion helps us work through differences of opinion.

The outcome varies. We may:

Agree
Compromise
Agree to disagree

Although such talks don’t always end the way we hope, they usually result in improvement.

Most heart-to-heart talks involve serious subjects.

We don’t just shoot the breeze. Through open discussion, we try to prevent or work through conflicts. Under ideal circumstances, our talks build on already strong relationships.

We celebrate Valentine’s Day with hearts of all kinds:

Candy
Cards
Cakes
Clothing

Why not also include heart-filled conversations? Resolve conflicts. Strengthen bonds. Love with both words and actions.

“I have a lot more things to tell you, but I’d rather not use paper and ink. I hope to be there soon in person and have a heart-to-heart talk. That will be far more satisfying to both you and me” (2 John 1:12-13 MSG).

Thanks to Glenda Britton for the suggestion. Image by u_uf78c121 from Pixabay.

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Not Have a Leg to Stand On

January 2, 2023 Diana Derringer Comments 8 comments

My friend Sharon recently bought a small decorative deer that did not have a leg to stand on. Actually, it had three legs, but the fourth leg was missing.

Sharon was not sure when she could exchange the deer. Creative person that she is, she used her grandchildren’s play dough to make a new leg. She painted the leg, so it would not look like it wore a cast.

Not have a leg to stand on means we have no support for our thoughts, words, or actions.

Not Have a Leg to Stand On--Deer with play dough leg — Play Dough to the Rescue

No facts back up our position. We lack the evidence we need. This applies to:

Personal positions
Courtroom arguments
Scientific studies
Medical trials
Educational research
Political stands

With no leg to stand on, we have no possibility for success. Regardless of our efforts, we end up spinning our wheels. We waste our time.

When that happens, we need to correct the situation.

Like my friend, we alter our circumstances. We may:

Change our stand
Take a new stand

Whatever we do, we want to seek and follow the truth.

We don’t give up. Rather, we find a better way. As my friend did with her deer, we fix what’s broken.

When we don’t have a leg to stand on, remember to look to the one who created us.

Not Have a Leg to Stand On--repaired leg — Ready to Serve Again

We may be broken and disabled, but God can pick up the pieces of our brokenness and make us whole again.

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all” (Isaiah 7:9 NIV).

Thanks to Sharon Berry for the suggestion and photos.

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