In the Beginning

John 1:1-4

1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with god and the word was God.

2. The same was in the beginning with God.

3. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made.

4. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.

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When we see shepherds, may we remember to be humble. When we see wise men, may we remember to be generous. When we see the star, may we remember the Light of Christ, which gives life and light to all things. When we see a tiny baby, may we remember to love unconditionally, with tenderness and compassion.– Bonnie L. Oscarson

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Prince of Peace Song

Words and Music by Monica Scott

Prince of Peace Song #LighttheWorld - YouTube

Peace be still, still, still

On this night heaven’s light

Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah

Peace, peace, Prince of peace

Healer of men

Peace again, peace

Peace is here, angles near

Shepherd meek, wise men seek

Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah

Peace, peace, Prince of peace

Healer of men

Peace again, peace

Peace on Earth, Savior’s birth

Heav’nly peace we will keep

Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah

Peace, peace, Prince of peace

Healer of men

Peace again, peace

Prince of peace.

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Years ago, I took a class on restoring photos. I learned a lot about light – how it works, what it is. We, as humans, don’t actually see “light” coming from the sun. We see the reflection of light as it hits objects. The light waves bounce off the object and our eyes see the waves that are in the visual spectrum. Do we actually see the light of the Son? No. We don’t see the light of Christ with our physical eyes. We see the reflection of that light as it is shown in the faces and actions of those around us. Sometimes we get so busy at Christmas time, that we forget to look for or spread the light of Christ. The Savior tells us to love one another. Let’s start with a smile. Take just a second and think of something in your life to be thankful for. It will make you smile. Then pass that smile on to the busy store clerk, the stranger on the street or the FedEx deliverer trying to carry too many packages. You’ll feel better and you’ll brighten someone else’s day. I’m one of the shyest people you will ever meet. In the doctor’s office yesterday, I saw a young mother with a sick baby and a very active toddler. I got my courage up and smiled at her. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but she looked at me and smiled back. I smiled at her son and handed him a book to read. He smiled back. Let us become a source of light to those around us. ~~ Marilee

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Holiday Recipes

Peppermint Triple Chocolate Bundt Cake

from Melinda

https://www.ithinkwecouldbefriends.com/2020/12/01/peppermint-triple-chocolate-bundt-cake/

1-15.25 oz. Devil’s Food Cake Mix (chocolate works, too!)
1-3.4 oz. pkg. Chocolate Instant Pudding
1 c. Sour Cream
4 Eggs
1/2 c. Warm Water
1/3 c. Vegetable Oil
1/4 c. Chocolate Syrup (like Hershey’s Syrup for ice cream topping)
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/4 – 1/2 tsp. Peppermint Extract (depending on how strong you want the peppermint flavor to be!)
1 1/2 c. Andes Peppermint Baking Chips
1 container Cream Cheese frosting of choice
More Andes Peppermint Baking Chips for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Pre-heat oven to 325. Mix all ingredients, except peppermint chips, together in a stand mixer, hand mixer or by hand until well mixed. Add in chips and mix just until evenly dispersed. Pour into well greased Bundt cake pan. Bake for 50-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out slightly coated but not wet. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 20 minutes. Invert onto plate or cake stand. Let cool to touch before frosting (although it tastes best served slightly warm!!).

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The Legend of the Christmas Rose

A young shepherd girl stood near the doorway of the stable. She watched as people came to see the newborn Savior and to give Him gifts. She wanted to enter, to see Him, to honor Him. She had heard the angels sang. But she was poor and felt that she had nothing to offer Him. The Wise Men came with their valuable gifts of myrrh, frankincense and gold and offered them to Baby Jesus. Not realizing the worth of her own soul, and crying softly, she turned away from the stable door. Perhaps there would be wild flowers she could give Him. There was not a single blossom to be found on that cold winter night.

An angel also stood outside the stable door. When he saw her head droop in sorrow, and her tears fall to the ground, he felt compassion in his heart. Gently, he brushed aside the snow by her feet. In the very spot where her tears had fallen, sprang a beautiful cluster of white winter roses with pink tipped petals. He softly whispered into the shepherdess's ear that Christmas roses are far more valuable than any myrrh, frankincense or gold, for they were pure and made of love. The maiden joyfully gathered the flowers and offered them to the Holy Infant. Thus, the Christmas rose came to symbolize hope, love and all that is wonderful in this season.

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For our story today, I would like to share with you Dr. Ralph F. Wilson’s story, “God’s Shepherd.” Dr. Wilson does not allow his stories to be posted on blogs, so here is the link.

"God's Shepherd," a short story about one of the original Bethlehem shepherd boys who meets Jesus later in life.

Just in case that one does not work God's Shepherd — a Christmas Story of the Bethlehem shepherds (joyfulheart.com)