{"id":21431,"date":"2021-12-25T00:01:22","date_gmt":"2021-12-25T08:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/?p=21431"},"modified":"2021-12-23T23:44:34","modified_gmt":"2021-12-24T07:44:34","slug":"the-physical-and-spiritual-symbols-of-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/the-physical-and-spiritual-symbols-of-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"The Physical And Spiritual Symbols Of Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Christmas, its meaning, symbols, adornments, gifts, activities, family involvements and most importantly its LOVE are not the same for everyone. Just as no two snowflakes are identical. No two people, couples, or families experience the self same feelings, emotions, and blessings arising from the celebration of what the world calls Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regardless of personal differences or familial beliefs, faiths, and teachings, there are many aspects of the Christmas celebration that indeed are the same. These fixed \u201cthings\u201dare locked into place as they surround the Christmas Season in an undeniable and historical manner and way. They can all be seen, observed, witnessed, experienced, and enjoyed by any and all people…because…we (all people) have the same Creator and have been conceived in the same manner and method. Always remember that the same God Almighty who created the heavens and the earth was the same spiritual being who created mankind.<\/strong> We all do have and do share some significant similarities,…some special common ground surrounding how and why we all came to this earth. It all happened not as a result of an accident, a random unplanned event, uncontrolled molecular collision, or some sort of an evolved process. Oh no,…it all happened instantaneously because God spoke it all into existence! The Universe, including ourselves, were divinely designed, engineered, and created to live in good health and prosperity on this earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

We and all of the rest of creation were brought forth onto the earth by and through Divine Design! It all happened miraculously at the instant of conception! Throughout the Bible, we\u2019re given examples, stories, and events that show and tell us how all things came about and why God allowed them to occur. Nowhere within the pages of Scripture has there ever been a description that professes that God made any kind or type of things by accident. He always works with committed intention to complete every one of the jobs He starts. He is always \u201cat work\u201d and stays \u201cat work\u201d all the way through the job to total perfection and completion.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

God always left some sort of a monument or marker at the places where great events occurred as reminders to the times, events, and people who were there and who participated in whatever event that took place. God wants any and all of His Markers to stand as testimonies to the people and the events that occurred at these special locations to remind His Creation of their commanded obligation to pass the history on to subsequent generations.<\/span><\/p>\n

With that in mind, permit me to share with you some of the physical and spiritual markers,…some of the reminders to all people of the world what Christmas is all about and what actually happened on that celebrated Day as God humbled Himself and came down from heaven to the earth to live for a short time as a fleshly human person. He was willing to do this just so as to become the final sacrifice as an atonement for all of the sins of all mankind forever and always even unto all eternity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Come with me now as we visit some of these special reminder Symbols of Christmas. Entertainers and broadcasters Bill and Gloria Gaither provide these beautiful words to call our attention to the Symbols of Christmas:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe God of the Universe has<\/span>
\n\u2018moved into the neighborhood!\u2019<\/span>
\nGod is with us! Emmanuel!<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s make sure our children understand each symbol:<\/span>
\nthe star, the lights, the green of new life,<\/span>
\nthe red of blood, the angels, the priceless gifts,<\/span>
\nthe shepherds and sheep,<\/span>
\nthe lowly stable and manger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tell the story with every tree, centerpiece, mantle,<\/span>
\ntradition and with special food.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep the meaning of every gift and every song!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As you experience these coming holidays, keep the true meaning of Christmas alive in your homes and families. Renew old friendships, forgive all your trespassers, and always know that God truly does love you.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. CHRISTMAS COLORS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The traditional Christmas colors–red, green, and white–have been used throughout the ages since Creation to signify the blessed Christmas story:<\/span>
\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Green<\/strong> represents eternal life.<\/span>
\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Red<\/strong> reminds us of the blood that Christ would shed for our sins.<\/span>
\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0White<\/strong> signifies the purity our hearts can find only through His<\/span>
\nforgiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Very often as we view this colorful spectrum of visible Christmas displays, we will see vivid accents of Gold<\/strong> which represents the costly and valuable offering brought to Him by the wise men, or bright Silver<\/strong> that has been refined by the fire,…just as we are refined through our faith and obedience to the Savior.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ancient Christmas carol \u201cThe Holy and the Ivy\u201d beautifully explains these special colors of Christmas through its lyrics. Remember these words as you are decorating your home for the Christmas holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Holly and The Ivy<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The holly and the ivy<\/span>
\nWhen they are both full grown,<\/span>
\nOf all the trees that are in the wood<\/span>
\nThe holly bears the crown.<\/span><\/p>\n

The holly bears a blossom<\/span>
\nAs white as lily flower;<\/span>
\nAnd Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ<\/span>
\nTo be our sweet Savior.<\/span><\/p>\n

The holly bears a berry<\/span>
\nAs red as any blood;<\/span>
\nAnd Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ<\/span>
\nTo do poor sinners good.<\/span><\/p>\n

The holly bears a prickle<\/span>
\nAs sharp as any thorn;<\/span>
\nAnd Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ<\/span>
\nOn Christmas Day in the morn.<\/span><\/p>\n

The holly bears a bark<\/span>
\nAs bitter as any gall;<\/span>
\nAnd Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ<\/span>
\nFor to redeem us all.<\/span><\/p>\n

The holly and the ivy,<\/span>
\nnow both are full well grown,<\/span>
\nOf all the trees that are in the wood<\/span>
\nThe holly bears the crown.<\/span><\/p>\n

O the rising of the sun<\/span>
\nAnd the running of the deer<\/span>
\nThe playing of the merry organ<\/span>
\nSweet singing of the choir.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2. THE CHRISTMAS TREE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Christmas Tree, regardless how simple or elaborate it may be, stands as a timeless testament to all men and women and to all boys and girls that Christmas means,…a special time to join together and rejoice to God,…giving thanks for all that is joyful and holy about the celebration of Jesus Christ\u2019s birth.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Evergreen Tree symbolizes the eternal life Christ was born to give us.\u2028The branches of this tree bear reminders of the beauty, joy, and hope of this season. Lights illuminate even the darkest corners of all the surroundings with sweet light and brightness. The top–the focal point– glows with a reminder of the guiding star and angelic choir that announced His arrival to this earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cO Christmas Tree\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,<\/span>
\nHow lovely are your branches!<\/span>
\nIn beauty green will always grow<\/span>
\nThrough summer sun and winter snow.<\/span>
\nO Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,<\/span>
\nHow lovely are your branches!<\/span><\/p>\n

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,<\/span>
\nYou are the tree most loved!<\/span>
\nHow often you give us delight<\/span>
\nIn brightly shinning Christmas light!<\/span>
\nO Christmas tree, O Christmas tree<\/span>
\nYou are the tree most loved!<\/span><\/p>\n

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,<\/span>
\nYour beauty green will teach me<\/span>
\nThat hope and love will ever be<\/span>
\nThe way to joy and peace for me.<\/span>
\nO Christmas tree, O Christmas tree,<\/span>
\nYour beauty green will teach me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

3. THE NATIVITY<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Within the boundaries of our Christian Judeo founded and established nation, in most homes, public buildings, or other venues in and around the areas people inhabit, the central focal point of this Christmas Season is a multi figured statue depicting The Birth of Jesus Christ, The Nativity. Who has not been moved a little closer to the Story by seeing that manger at the center of the Nativity scene holding, cradling,…The Savior of the world? Who hasn\u2019t lingered at the sight of His mother seated in the hay by His side with the carpenter, worshipping the baby King whom they would raise? Who hasn\u2019t imagined the initial terror–then the unmitigated joy–of the shepherds when the angels burst onto their quiet hillside with trumpets and songs announcing the birth of the Messiah? And the wise men bringing lavish and valuable gifts, traveling mile after uncomfortable mile just to see the infant for themselves and to expressly worship His arrival on the earth? Every marker, every reminder of this incredible story brings its reality closer and closer to us. This is not a manufactured or contrived legend that men have conjured up or spun and embellished over the centuries since it occurred. Oh no,…This is real. This recorded event actually happened and was witnessed and recorded through the written word.<\/span><\/p>\n

Somehow this scene–whether on a Christmas card displayed as a reminder at home, or reenacted by human beings in formal or informal presentation–always touches us more deeply than simply imagining it in our minds.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Nativity<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Away in a Manger<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

…..\u201cBe near me, Lord Jesus<\/span>
\nI ask Thee to stay<\/span>
\nClose by me forever<\/span>
\nAnd love me I pray\u201d\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

4. THE STAR\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

We Three Kings<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cO star of wonder, star of light<\/span>
\nStar with royal beauty bright<\/span>
\nWestward leading, still proceeding<\/span>
\nGuide us with thy perfect light.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

On that first Christmas night, the huge dark sky spanned across the great country-side for as far as could be seen in any direction. The brilliant star studded heavens had to have been lit up to a breathtakingly beautiful sight. The view–the millions upon millions of stars–must have truly been a sight to behold. Father and Creator God does indeed reveal Himself through the panorama of the night time heavens and galaxies.<\/strong> Yet one star guided the journey of the wise men from the Far East. Just one single, brilliant, star. These wise men,…these scholars,…knew the difference between this one star and all the others that dotted the sky. This star was all that they needed to guide their journey of discovery,…to lead them to the newborn Savior of the World.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Whenever you place a beautiful shinning star on the treetop, or suspend it high on the rooftop, it becomes a gleaming witness to the astronomical mystery that guided some of the wisest men alive on a journey of faith.<\/span>\u00a0You see, it was not their individual intellect alone that persuaded them to travel in the dark. Rather it was The Light–His Light–that led them,…that led their every step,…reminding them that this special birth was much more than just any other birth. This baby King was the One the world had been patiently waiting for!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The star is the one Christmas decoration that we know, beyond any reasonable doubt, was hung by the hands of the Creator of the Universe for the arrival of His one and only Son.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

5. THE LIGHTS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

John 1 : 4-5 NKJV:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

(4) \u201cIn Him was life, and the life was the light of men.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

(5) And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did<\/span><\/strong>
\nnot comprehend it .\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Candles, twinkling lights, shining displays both indoors and out…lights of every kind and color cast their mesmerizing beauty throughout the season, transforming the appearance of our homes, our neighborhoods, our streets and churches, and our places of businesses for a few glorious weeks every year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Parents gather all of their kids in the family car to take in the beautiful Christmas lights in our community\u2019s surrounding neighborhoods. Or they sit in a darkened room just staring into the dancing flames–snapping and crackling–of the wood fire,…corralled in the fireplace. Or they just gaze in wonder at the lights on the tree reaching out to us with their silent glow. Or have been drawn in as Christmas Eve candles, one by one, multiply their light, suddenly dispelling the darkness. The bright and welcoming lights of this season seem to emanate warmth, hospitality, joy, and peace.<\/span>
\nThese lovely colors draw not only our eyes but also our hearts, somehow softening all of us.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, it is not really the lights that soften us, but rather, all that they represent: the Light of heaven, once untouchable and invisible, now suddenly flooding into our dark world and completely transforming it with perfect, eternal love. His life here on earth was a true beacon for all of our darkened understanding. His stories and parables shed light, wisdom, and knowledge on concepts none of us could have comprehended on our own. His presence still illuminates even the darkest reaches of our hearts creating beauty and change there.<\/span><\/p>\n

All of \u201cthat\u201d is the miracle of Christmas–a miracle well worth celebrating. When we light our candles and other decorative lights which illuminate our homes and neighborhoods, we corporately celebrate the Christ child, the man He became, and His Holy Spirit, all of whom still to this day illuminate our every step.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA Christmas candle is a lovely thing;<\/span>
\nIt makes no noise at all, but softly gives itself away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eva Logue<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

6. THE SONG<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Creator God made us in such a way that very often our worship simply erupts and bursts into song. It is the language of the angels, who spread the Good News to the hillsides and their occupants on that night of His birth. And this miracle virgin birth has kept the world singing every since.<\/span>\u00a0There just may be no more moving expression of worship than songs that help us celebrate the otherwise inexpressible things we hold so close to our hearts during this Advent season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Music–whether spiritual or just plain fun–always makes the human heart react whether it wants to or not. So I exhort you to sing your way through the Holidays! Always keep the music playing–what ever sets your heart and mind on the joy and irreplaceable memories of this most wonderful time of year.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

7. THE JOURNEY<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

We Three Kings<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u201cBearing gifts, we travel afar…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In the Ancient Days days preceding the the birth of Christ and without the aid of maps, travel guides, and GPS, we know that three wise men fully knowledgeable in the Holy Scriptures and their prophesies packed up their belongings and gifts and headed west to find and worship the newborn King. A special star, The Star of Bethlehem, was to be their guide that marked their destination. Of course, their destination was the baby Jesus!<\/span>\u00a0And truthfully so should ours be the same. Finding Jesus for us today means not only reveling in His love, but lavishing that love on those around us, whether they live near or very far from our homes. We uproot our lives and those of our children to gather together at this celebratory time of year just so that we can be together,…be next to one another. We gather either at Grandmother\u2019s or Grandfather\u2019s house, at our children\u2019s homes, or simply bring everyone back to the place where the original home-fire is always burning. We always know and joyfully understand that Christmas will not be the same without all the family getting together and worshipping at this miraculous time of year.<\/span><\/p>\n

The truth is that so many happy and wonderful memories are made when we set aside our everyday routine and go out of our way to share Christmas with all of our loved ones, bringing gifts from afar…(or even from just a few blocks away), finding a way to worship Him together with the people He has given us as company on this journey through life.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

8. THE WARMTH<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Winter Wonderland<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cLater on, we\u2019ll conspire as we dream by the fire…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Around much of this world, Christmas happens during the coldest or at least the chilliest time of the year. And although it most probably never snowed in Bethlehem on that special night of Jesus\u2019 birth, or any other day of that month,…many people are just like you and me, they really enjoy and are drawn to crackling log fires, steaming hot cider, hot chocolate or coffee, and fresh hot soup to warm themselves after a time spent outdoors in the cold weather. Such are the perfect conditions for huddling or snuggling together with people we love. And for finding warmth and refuge from the winter weather. In some cultures of the world, a traditional hardwood Yule Log is chosen and burned for hours to provide maximum long term warmth during the hours leading up to Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n

One must be ever on-guard against the temptation to get side-tracked from the true intention and meaning of the Christmas celebration. The culprits causing such derailments are shopping lists, human desires or demands, events and programs, or any other kind of distractions taking our time and attention away from the celebration of the birth of Christ and all that His birth encompasses. Keeping warm together, particularly around a snapping popping fire, offers us all a chance to just \u201cbe ourselves\u201d and to reflect upon a Savior who came to the earth to bring peace to His people. Sharing a hot meal, a good cup of coffee, a perfectly toasted marshmallow, or precious stories and memories around the fireplace brings blessings and joy to all of those in attendance. These customs or special family occurrences make perfect kindling for deepening our ties with one another and the One who eagerly waits for us to rest at His feet.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If we can picture our Savior as the \u201cInviting Fire\u201d that beckons us to rest, fills us with His warmth, burns away all that is not important, and prepares us to go out into the cold world. When we keep this personal relationship with our Lord and grow closer to Him, Christmas becomes far less stressful and more deeply fulfilling than we could have ever imagined.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

9. THE SNOW<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThough your sins be like scarlet,<\/span>
\nthey shall be as white as snow.\u201d<\/span>
\nIsaiah 1 : 18 NIV<\/span><\/p>\n

Not everyone gets to experience a white Christmas. However, if you have been so fortunate as to have experienced such a beautiful scene, I know from personal experience that you have had your breath taken away by the stark whiteness as it covers all of the earth in a sparkling blanket. The snow covering forgives all blemishes in the total landscape and it softens the ground and its tree lines. Snowflakes–unique from each other just as are human beings with our one-of-kind DNA–all band together to seemingly engulf the world in angel wings.<\/span><\/p>\n

This gift of a fresh covering is a vivid image of the life we can experience through a personal relationship with the Son of God, Emanuel. His coming to the earth in a flurry of wonder and surprise, changed everything about the world as we know it. Though not always comfortable or predictable, a winter snow is a profound picture of the contrast found in our world before Christ–and after. He makes our weather-worn hearts as pure and beautiful as they were created to be. And the best and most beautiful part to His presence is that He does not depart us when the season of the year is over!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

10. THE STORY<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Christmas in the Country<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The laughter stops as<\/span>
\nPop picks up the Bible<\/span>
\nIt falls from habit to Luke 2<\/span><\/strong>
\nAnd none of us will ever tire of hearing,<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u201cNow children, here is how God came to you.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThere were in that same country<\/span>
\nshepherds watching<\/span>
\nThe flocks at night upon lonely hill…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And with his well worn voice<\/span>
\nhe tells the story<\/span>
\nOf how God loved us once and loves us still.<\/span><\/p>\n

Believers, real and true Believers, in The Lord Jesus Christ hear the Christmas story over and over every winter. And from the abundance of their hearts (minds) they tell and re-tell it to any and all who would listen. Never stop telling this story because it is the greatest story ever told!<\/strong> The King of kings born in a smelly stable–to a virgin. His new life endangered because of another jealous king, yet spared so He could ultimately sacrifice Himself to save us. Far better than any adventure, love story, or redemptive plot that could ever be born from the human imagination, this is God\u2019s Story– and it will be told for all eternity! It is a living story–still moving us the more we believe it,…still changing us the more deeply we understand it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every time we hear it and every time we tell it, He is glorified.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

11. THE GIFTS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOur gifts and those of the Magi<\/span>
\nDo not hold the same prophetic weight,<\/span>
\nBut both are given in love<\/span>
\nAnd both are good and perfect gifts<\/span>
\ndescended from the Father above.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Calvin Miller<\/span><\/p>\n

The gifts the wise men brought to Jesus carried both practical and prophetic significance. On the practical level the gifts served as a means of financial support for the young family. But their prophetic symbolism still reminds us of what Christ\u2019s coming meant to the world. Gold, a gift for royalty, represented His kingship. Frankincense, the aromatic oil burned in worship ceremonies, represented His priesthood. Myrrh, fragrant oil used to prepare dead bodies for burial, represented the sacrifice He would become for our sin.<\/span><\/p>\n

The gifts we all exchange at Christmas time with our loved ones might run more along the lines of aromatic candles, jewelry, cologne, or perhaps bring thoughtful reminders of significant memories or hopes we share in common. Regardless of how simple or elaborate, practical or luxurious, whether handmade or purchased, gifts are always a tangible reminder that we are valued…known…loved.<\/span><\/p>\n

The act of gift giving deserves thoughtful consideration. We are recipients of Christ\u2019s very best–His very life. Giving out of that blessing shines a sweet new light on our act of giving to others. Rather than a list to be checked off, our gifts are a beautiful, fragrant offering that represents far more than their tangible value!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

12. THE FEAST<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

When Christ knew the time was drawing near to fulfill His mission as our Savior, He gathered His beloved disciples together at the supper table to break bread together with them. After sharing the symbolism of the bread as His body, and the wine as His blood, Jesus urged these men that had travelled so many different roads with Him, \u201cWhenever you do this, do it in remembrance of me.\u201d He knew that for generations to come, this combination of tastes–bread and drink–would always trigger memories of His sacrifice and the Love that motivated it.<\/span><\/p>\n

This beautiful act of internalizing the Story is not entirely unlike the tradition of feasting as we celebrate His birth. Special and favored tastes and combinations remind us of the hope-filled announcement of His miracle birth and the love that came to rescue us.<\/span><\/p>\n

When we feast, it really doesn\u2019t matter what is on the table. What really matters is that we do this,…we feast in remembrance of Him.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

And so now you hopefully understand to a greater degree than ever before how the sights, sounds, colors, and symbols of this blessed Christmas time all inter-relate and inter-connect. It has often been said that Jesus is the reason for the season. This is true because He is. Let us all celebrate this sacred and joyous time of year together with all those people be they family, friends, relatives, or even complete strangers. God is Love and Love is the greatest gift God has given to us.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Now You Know More of What Really Happened………… <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Christmas, its meaning, symbols, adornments, gifts, activities, family involvements and most importantly its LOVE are not the same for everyone. Just as no two snowflakes are identical. No two people, couples, or families experience the self same feelings, emotions, and … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21431","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-special-subjects"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21431","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21431"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21431\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21434,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21431\/revisions\/21434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21431"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davesevern.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}