Every good gift

 

James 1:17-18

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

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If we are to have the very best Christmas ever, we must listen for the sound of sandaled feet. We must reach out for the Carpenter’s hand. With every step we take in His footsteps, we abandon a doubt and gain a truth. – Thomas S. Monson

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I had a request for this song, but could not find the specific video they wanted.  This particular video has a montage of pictures of Keith Whitley.  They were looking for a video that showed the old man sitting at a desk writing a letter to God. I like that idea -- a Christmas letter to God.  Who else could answer Santa's prayer?

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The Christmas Letter - Keith Whitley lyrics

I want peace on earth for Christmas

In a world where there's not one hungry child

A day when hope and faith

Conquers fear and hate

All I'm asking for is a little more love

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Barbecued Meatballs and Smokies

12 oz. apricot preserves

1 1/2 c. barbecue sauce

32 oz. frozen meatballs

1 package lil smokies, drained

20 oz. pineapple chunks, drained

Mix preserves and barbecue sauce together in the slow cooker.  Add the meatballs ad smokies and stir well to coat.  Cook on high for 2-3 hours.  Stir in pineapple chunks, cover, and continue cooking on high for 20 minutes.  

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One more day after today.  It’s hard to believe it is nearly here.  Christ’s life was one of service, of love, and of joy. The joy, the happiness we feel are gifts from Him.  I hope that we can all find the opportunity to perform an act of kindness, or of service today – tomorrow, always.  I don’t usually include songs or articles about Santa, because they are so readily available.  Christmas Giving is a poem about gifts, and the importance of giving from the heart. The song and the final poem today (both of which were requested) are about Santa's tie to Jesus.  ~~ Marilee

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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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A Letter To Santa

     Author Unknown

 Dear Santa

 Snowflakes softly falling

 Upon your window play,

 Your blankets snug around you,

 Into sleep you drift away.

 I bend to gently kiss you,

 When I see that on the floor

 There's a letter, neatly written

 I wonder who it's for.

 I quietly unfold it

 Making sure you're still asleep,

 It's a Christmas list for Santa--

 One my heart will always keep.

 It started just as always

 With the toys seen on TV,

 A new watch for your father

 And a winter coat for me.

 But as my eyes read on

 I could see that deep inside

 There were many things you wished for

 That your loving heart would hide.

 You asked if your friend Molly

 Could have another dad;

 It seems her father hits her

 And it makes you very sad.

 Then you asked dear Santa

 If the neighbors down the street

 Could find a job, that he might have

 Some food, and clothes, and heat.

 You saw a family on the news

 Whose house had blown away;

 "Dear Santa, send them just one thing:

 A place where they can stay."

 "And Santa, those four cookies that

 I left you for a treat,

 Could you take them to the children

 Who have nothing else to eat?"

 "Do you know that little bear I have-

 The one I love so dear?

 I'm leaving it for you to take

 To Africa this year."

 "And as you fly your reindeer

 On this night of Jesus' birth,

 Could your magic bring to everyone

 Goodwill and peace on earth?"

 "There's one last thing before you go--

 So grateful I would be--

 If you'd smile at Baby Jesus

 In the manger by our tree."

 I pulled the letter close to me;

 I felt it melt my heart.

 Those tiny hands had written

 What no other could impart.

 "And a little child shall lead them,"

 Was whispered in my ear

 As I watched you sleep on Christmas Eve

 While Santa Claus was here.