And this shall

Luke 2:12-14

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.

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Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day, remembering its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again. Grace Noll Crowell

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Still, Still, Still (2013) | The Tabernacle Choir

…

Dream, dream, dream

Of the joyous day to come

While guardian angels without number

Watch You as You sweetly slumber

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Meatball Sandwiches

2 packages (12 ounces each) frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs, thawed
2 jars (24 ounces each) marinara sauce
8 hoagie buns, split
8 slices BelGioioso Provolone cheese
Sliced pepperoncini, optional

Place meatballs and sauce in a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until meatballs are heated through.  On each bun bottom, layer cheese, meatballs and, if desired, pepperoncini; replace tops.

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Here is a super easy Christmas candle for kids site.  There’s a very clear video to watch.  Looks like fun to me 🙂  Bing Videos this link redirects you to the site 

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At physical therapy this morning, I talked with my therapist who mentioned that it just doesn’t feel like Christmas this year.  No one seems happy that it’s coming.  He said that last night, as his family knelt for prayers, his son prayed that Heavenly Father would make it snow so that it would feel like Christmas.  He says it doesn’t and he wants it to come.  I’ve watched a little TV this Christmas season and have found many ads proclaiming a joyful Christmas can be found by “buying” their company's particular item.  If you want to make sure your daughter loves you, buy her a certain necklace.   She will cry from joy.  If you want your neighborhood destructive monster to be happy, buy him some new shoes and then help him smash decorations.  In a year that encourages you to buy things that will help you find joy; remember that true joy can’t be purchased by anyone.  No hand-operated drone, remote control car, not even the latest cell phone can begin to fill the spot in our hearts where Jesus belongs.  Pure joy and happiness came into our world with the birth of a baby boy.  Joy was bought and paid for on a cross.  To find joy, see what kind of gifts you can offer Him.  ~~ Marilee

THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE LEGEND

extracted from http://www.holidaydecorations.com/Christmas-Candles.html

During the Christmas holidays the many decorations which adorn the windows and doors of homes are truly things of beauty. Each candle, seen in so many of our windows at this beautiful season of the year, tells an inspiring story.

Many years ago in a tidy little cottage on the edge of a village in Austria, a cobbler and his wife made their home. Their possessions were far from plentiful; but in spite of that, they shared what they had with others. Symbolic of their love and generosity for their fellow man was the lighted candle that they placed in the window of their humble cottage.

Over a number of years war, along with its companions, famine and destruction, fell upon the land. This little village suffered; yet, through it all, the cobbler and his wife suffered less than the others.

The villagers were puzzled about this and talked among themselves. "Surely, there is something special about them," they said. "They are always spared from our misfortune. Let us put a candle in our window and see if that is the mysterious charm."

It so happened that the first night a candle was lighted in the window of every home was Christmas Eve. Before the first rays of the morning sun showed over the horizon, a messenger rode into the village to bring the great news: peace had come to the land.  That Christmas Day there was amazement and awe in the hearts of the humble villagers. And, as they thanked God for the blessings of peace, they said to one another, "Let us always remember to light candles on the evening of Christ's birth."

Many years have passed since this beautiful custom of placing a lighted candle in the window on Christmas Eve occurred. The custom has spread all over the world, sending forth a message of love, hope and cheer.

The Story of the Four Candles

extracted from  http://jsmagic.net/xmashope/

The Four Candles burned slowly.

Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak...

The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit."

Then Peace's flame slowly diminished and went out completely.

The second candle said, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable."

Then Faith's flame slowly diminished and went out completely.

Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer."

"People put me aside and don't understand my importance.

They even forget to love those who are nearest to them."

And waiting no longer, Love went out completely.

Suddenly...

A child entered the room and saw the three candles no longer burning.

The child began to cry,

"Why are you not burning?  You are supposed to stay lit until the end."

Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy,

"Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles."

With shining eyes, the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope go out.

With Hope in your life, no matter how bad things may be,

Peace, Faith and Love may shine brightly once again.