For the law

John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

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“The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of the earth – the very thing the whole story has been about.” C. S. Lewis

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Tim McGraw - It Wasn't His Child (CMA Country Christmas 2020)

He was her man and she was his wife

And late one winter night

He knelt by her as she gave birth

But it wasn't his child, it wasn't his child

….

it was God's child

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Crockpot Banana Bread

1/2 c. (1 stick) melted butter
3/4 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 medium bananas, mashed
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 1/2 c. chocolate chips, plus more for topping

Using two 4” to 5” strips of parchment paper, line the bowl of your slow cooker in an “x” formation and spray with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk in mashed bananas. 

In another large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips.

Transfer batter to prepared slow cooker and smooth into an even layer. Top with more chocolate chips and cook on low for 4 hours. Remove from slow cooker and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

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It’s getting so close to Christmas. I watched the news today, and my heart went out to more people suffering from acts of hate and violence. I asked myself once again, “How do we find joy in a season of chaos?” It isn’t easy, but we have to choose joy.  Jesus is the only source of true joy and love. John 17:13 states "And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves." In John 13:11 we read "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full". In Romans 15:13 we read, Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. We may not be able to change our circumstances, but we can choose to change our attitude.  We can fill our homes with joy and love. We have to make a conscious effort. ~~ Marilee

We’re having friends over tomorrow for a Christmas party. I thought this would be a fun project for the kids 

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M & M Poem

As you hold these candies in your hand

And turn them, you will see

The 'M' becomes a 'W',

An 'E', and then a '3'.

They tell the Christmas Story--

I'm sure it's one you know.

It took place in a stable

A long, long time ago.

The 'E' is for the East,

Where the star shone so bright.

The 'M' is for the Manger,

where the Baby Jesus slept at night.

The '3' is for the Wisemen,

Bearing gifts, with which they came.

'W' is for Worship,

Hallelujah! Praise His Name!

So as you eat these candies

Or share them with a friend,

Remember the meaning of Christmas:

It's a love that never ends.

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LIGHT UP YOUR HOLIDAY -

1 Corinthians 13, Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on those I love the most, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband/wife

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust.

But the gift of love will endure.