1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
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Just like our story, the original Christmas tales were stories of searching, not so much for the lost, as for the familiar. Mary and Joseph sought in Bethlehem- the home of their familial ancestry- a place to start their own family; the three kings from the East journeyed beneath the sentinel star to find the King of Kings; and the shepherds sought a child in a place most familiar to them: a manger. — Richard Paul Evans
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Christmas Angels
Michael W. Smith
Christmas
angels sing all around us
Spread good tidings over the
earth
Telling of a child in a manger who is born
He is the
King of kings
King
of glory, hope for our nations
Sent to earth to save and
redeem
Prince of peace, behold and adore him
The Son of God
has come to set us free
Celebrate
and sing Hallelujah
Raise the banner, dance and
rejoice
Celebrate the birth of Messiah
He's the King of
King, the Lord of all
Hosanna,
hosanna, hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the
highest
We
sing, joy to the world, the Lord has come
Joy to the world, the
Lord has come
Joy to the world, He is here forever and always
Christmas
angels sing all around us
All creation hears what they say
Bow
before Him, come and behold
The Son of God born on Christmas day
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
RECIPE
Tropical
Orange Crush
makes 1 serving
2/3 cup orange juice
1
ring of pineapple
1 tsp lemon juice
Blend orange juice, pineapple and lemon juice for 30 seconds. Serve over cubes in tall glass.
CRAFT IDEAS
Candy Train
You will need: one 5-pack of gum, a roll of life savers, a rollo, a caramel, a Hershey's kiss, and four red/white peppermint candies. Glue the life savers onto the pack of gum (the flat side). Then glue the rollo on the front of the life savers. Glue a hershey's kiss on top of the life savers - in the front and a caramel on top of life savers in the back. On both sides of the train glue two peppermint wheels. This makes one candy train - great for ornaments.
Airplane Ornament
Make a candy airplane using one stick of flat (Wrigley's) gum, one package of "Smarties", and two life savers. Place the gum (wings) perpendicular on the "Smarties" (plane body). Use a rubberband to loop through one lifesaver (wheel) over the gum, through another lifesaver (wheel) and under the "Smarties."
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TRADITION
Last night’s tornado’s destroyed so much property. So many lives were lost and families torn apart. About 3 hours after I first heard about the tornadoes this morning, I received a call from someone requesting donations on “behalf of the people who lost everything in the storms.” Watch out for spammers. They prey on your kindness, especially on the spirit of Christmas giving. Donations WILL be needed. Make sure you give to a reputable source: American Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services, Episcopal Relief and Development, LDS Humanitarian Services and the Salvation Army are all excellent service groups. If you are aware of other safe organizations to donate to, Please add them in the comments. I’ve had a hard time putting my thoughts together for today’s blog, but finally focused on the giving of gifts. Obviously there will be monetary gifts given this Christmas, but of even more importance are gifts of the heart. This Christmas tell someone you love them. Let go of hurts which have torn you apart. Look for opportunities to serve each day, to do little acts of kindness. I mentioned several years ago that I went into the store planning to let people get ahead of me in line, only to be told to go ahead of someone else. So I was going to absolutely hold the door open for someone else and there were two young men at the doors opening them for everyone. It was miserable, cold and icy outside. I struggled trying to hold my car door open and put the groceries in. A little lady, she must have been in her 80s, came up to me and held the door open. I should have been helping HER, but she served me. She said that I looked like I could use a hand. Everywhere I went that day, people helped me! I learned a valuable lesson: be a grateful receiver as well as a joyful giver. Forgive someone, and turn away from angry words. Give as God gave to us, share our love of His Son, that together we might share His Light and live. Make giving a daily tradition, Marilee
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Is It So Long?
Is it so long ago,
Is it so far away
That
the little Christ child is lost
In the weary world today . . .
That the light of the star is gone
and today we cannot hear
The Heavenly voices sing
As they did, that far-off year?
That the light of the star is gone
And today we cannot hear
The Heavenly voices sing
As they did, that far-off year?
That the light of the star is gone...
No! Fear not, O my soul!
Go to a quiet place, alone, apart!
And kneel and pray
This Christmas Day,
And you will find Him there
Within you heart!
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There’s More to Christmas…
Author Unknown
There’s
more, much more to Christmas
Than candlelight and cheer;
It’s
the spirit of sweet friendship
That brightens all the year;
It’s
thoughtfulness and kindness,
It’s hope reborn again,
For
peace, for understanding,
For goodwill to men!
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Christmas Giving
By Iris W. Bray
Christmas
is for giving
And for showing that we care,
For honouring
the Christ Child
With the loving gifts we share
The
wise men gave of riches;
The shepherds, faith and love.
Each
gift, in its own measure,
Was smiled on from above.
Let
every gift be treasured;
Not always size or price
Determines
the extent of love
And willing sacrifice.
Handsome
gifts with festive trim
Brings smiles of sweet content,
But
modest gifts of humble means
Are ofttimes heaven sent.
Whether
it be large or small
Each gift will share in part
The
message of true Christmas joy
If given from the heart!
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