And the Angel

 Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

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Christmas begins

When the song of angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone

When the Kings and princes are departed

When the shepherds are back with their flocks

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost

To Heal the broken

To feed the hungry

To release the prisoner

To rebuild peace among brothers

To make music for all to hear.

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Another year is done. Thank you for allowing me to share my love of, and faith in Our Savior, Jesus Christ. I've enjoyed revisiting favorite stories, poems, and music from the past 25 years, as well as including new material. Thank you to everyone who contributed recipes and tips. I'm sorry that illness affected the quality of this year's blog, but hope that it has uplifted you. The light of Our Savior fills each day with hope and joy. Bask in His light, share it with others and feel the joy.  Until next year. Merry Christmas ~~ Marilee

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The power and wonder of the nativity story touches all of our hearts, at all ages. Have ever thought about how Mary might have felt that night, how a conversation with Joseph might have gone?

"Look Joseph, he has ten fingers, ten toes. He is beautiful."

I’m sure all mothers feel that way about their child. I look into his eyes, the eyes that will one day look into mine and see my heart. This man child, no, this 'God' child, this long-awaited Messiah, this Emmanuel, this God with us, His tiny little life is entrusted to me.

I look forward to His toddler steps, His first words. His hot breath on my neck, as He goes from active boy to sleeping child. I see drooping bouquets of wildflowers, clenched in His tiny hands. One day His hands will clench again, this time in pain. Will I see that, too?

Every mother wonders what her child will be when they grow up, but I, I know. I know what He is, who He is. I know what He will become. And I wonder will I have the strength to stand and watch it happen? Will I be able to step back and let Him fulfill His destiny?

I don’t want to see this tiny life broken, I don’t want to see my life broken. What have I been called to do? Oh Father, How can I?

He wraps His tiny fingers around mine and I hold on.

"One day I will share him with the world, Joseph, but for now, he is mine. He is mine to hold. Mine to comfort. Mine to love. I will hold on to every moment I have with him and treasure each of them and maybe, just maybe in those dark moments I can pull them out and remember."

I will remember who you are, my son, and why you are here. Someday I will call you Lord and Savior, but today, today I will just hold you close and call you mine.

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Once again, the greatest story of all~

Luke 2:1, 3-19, 40

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

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.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.