When it’s Christmas, man is bigger and is better in his part; he is keener for the service that is prompted by the heart. All the petty thoughts seem to vanish for a while, and the true reward he’s seeking is the glory of a smile. Then for others he is toiling and somehow it seems to me that at Christmas he is almost what God wanted him to be. Edgar A. Guest

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RAOK:  If you spill something on the counter , wipe it up.

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Angels We Have Heard on High (Christmas w/ 32 fingers and 8 thumbs) - The Piano Guys
Instrumental with really fun video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n543eKIdbUI

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Luke 2:10-11
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

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BERRY Smoothies
1 c. orange juice
1 c. fresh strawberries
1 c. fresh raspberries
1 c. blueberries
1 handful spinach
3 c. ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process at high speed until smooth.

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We have a special needs grandson.  Over the past 5 years, I have had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with him in his home.  He has also spent a lot of time here.  It has not always been easy.  He can be very aggressive at times and we don’t know how to help him. He’s our grandson, and he is a precious child of God.  We love him very much, I love him very much.   One day I was sitting in the recliner at my daughter’s home, crocheting, and he walked into the room.  I asked him what he wanted and he said, “Hold Luc.”  He climbed onto my lap and laid his head on my shoulder.  He was content just to sit there, to feel loved.  What a joyous memory.  At times he asks me, “Pomma (that’s his name for me) love me?”  “Papa (grandpa) love me?”  The answer is always yes.   This morning I thought to myself that I am a lot like Lucas.  I make mistakes.  Sometimes I break the rules.  Sometimes I’m unsure about myself and where I fit into God’s plan.  Does he still love me as imperfect as I am ?  The answer is “yes.”  Our Savior, Jesus Christ loves each of us.  There are times when I simply want to be with Him, to climb onto His lap and to feel safe and secure, just like Lucas.  Obviously, I can’t do that, but I know that He is always there.  I can go to Him in prayer and feel His comforting support.  I can read the scriptures and draw strength and guidance from them.  He came to earth as a tiny baby in Bethlehem to bring us hope.  He sacrificed his own life to give us life everlasting. This Christmas, let us share His stories, and help others around us to understand His love.  Let us go about doing good. ~~ Marilee

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This internet site has 25 fun projects which can be made with children of all ages.  As you teach your children of Christ, tie in these ornaments.  Help them make them.  Give them for gifts with plates of goodies for neighbors and friends.  Let the children explain what they represent 

http://www.southernmadesimple.com/25-days-of-christ-centered-christmas-crafts-for-kids/

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Shine for me Again: Star of Bethlehem
by Sherri O. Bird

The night was long, we traveled far,
at times I looked but could not see the star.
Yet still it shone
unveiling then the way to Bethlehem.
My heart held fear mid puzzled joy,
for I was only a small shepherd boy.
And on a hillside soft and green,
I heard an angel sing.

I saw the midnight sky aflame
with radiant angels bathed in light, holy light.
Bringing word that Christ was born and beckoning to find him,
go and find him.
A sweeter face I ne’er will see
Than of those loving eyes smiling up at me.
I found a King;
I found a friend that night in Bethlehem.

But life goes on, years beyond one brief night of my youth.
Time clouds my vision of truth, of truth
And tho I stumble and fall I can hear someone call,
"Do not despair, your star is still there."
That Christmas night so long ago has filled my life with light because I know
that he lives now as he did then, a King in Bethlehem,
Whose love never ends. Shine for me again,
Star of Bethlehem.