But while he

 I had some formatting problems today -- Sorry about that

Matt 1:20-21

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

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“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing, but of reflection.”—Winston Churchill

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This is a beautiful, haunting rendition.  I loved it!

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel | BYU Vocal Point

O come, o come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, o Israel

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#3 - Cheesy Potato Soup

1 (28 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

2 cups diced cooked ham

½ cup diced onion

2 stalks celery, chopped

4 cups chicken broth

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

1 - 8 oz package cream cheese, softened

1 - 8 oz package shredded Cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons chopped green onions, or to taste

Combine hash browns, ham, onion, celery, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Place the lid on the slow cooker.  Cook on Low heat until celery is soft, 4 to 5 hours. Mix in cream cheese and Cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted. Cover and cook on Low for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve topped with chopped green onions as a garnish.

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thefrugalgirls.com has some great decorating and craft ideas. Here's a link to their site. Its fun. I want to do the christmas jar candles.

45 Christmas Decorating Ideas for 2024! (Budget Friendly)

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When our children were small we were in the Santa Claus stage of Christmas. We had snowmen, and reindeer, music boxes and nutcrackers, squeaky little animal songs that drove us crazy and that was all good. We always made sure to include nativities and stories about Jesus Christ in our home even in the Santa Claus years. In Psalms we read that “In His (your) presence is fullness of joy." As our children aged, the Santa Claus room was replaced with the baby Jesus room. Beautiful nativities, gorgeous carols, candle light surrounded us. We knew that “In His (your) presence is fullness of joy." Now we are in our Adult Jesus years. We still have our Baby Jesus room, but we know we need ALL of his truths -- the truths of His birth, His life and His atoning sacrifice. “In His (your) presence is fullness of joy." ~~ Marilee

Any suggestions for a title for this that's more fun than Marilee's Night Before?

Marilee's Night Before  

        Thank you for the inspiration Clement C. Moore

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through our house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

Our nativities were placed through house with great care,

And the sweet tunes of Christmas filled the night air.

Our grandchildren were nestled far away in their beds;

While visions of Christmas morning danced in their heads;

No candy, or cookies or presents to wrap

I just sat in my chair and took a quick nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
(Nothing was hidden outside, so what did it matter?)_
I couldn't help myself, away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the skies;

So in through my window jumped cats of all size

Persians and Siamese; Calicos and Manx.

In they jumped without offering one single thanks.

To the top of my piano, to the top of my tree

To the top of my head, they were all over me!

One knocked a book right off of my shelf.

It fell on my lap and it opened itself!

Luke 2 - The words of the story I begin to glance through

Then faster and faster I read with great need.

And my soul on these words began to feed.

Luke 2: 1, 3-19

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.

I held onto the book and my heart filled with joy

To think of Our Savior who came as a boy.