John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
2025 –Christmas in Bethlehem. The ancient dream: a cold, clear night made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love.” —Lucinda Franks
The Star Still Shines (New Christmas song by Shawna Edwards)
“I love the idea that “The Star Still Shines” over Bethlehem, and over us today. I wrote this song to share my belief that, though the world grows darker, we can find peace and joy and light through our efforts to seek Jesus Christ.” Shawna Edwards
If we seek the light
When peace is hard to find,
He’ll send us silent nights
And touch our ears
So we can hear an angel voice.
This has been a challenging year. Political strife, war, gun violence, acts of terrorism, hatred and economic struggles have made the headlines almost every day. The question becomes “How can we find peace at Christmas time when we are surrounded by despair?” It seems to me that the answer is simple. We find it through practicing the teachings of Jesus Christ –faith, hope and charity. It is doubtful that our actions as individuals will change the world as a whole, but they can and will transform our own “worlds” this Christmas. In Colossians 3:15 we are told to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. We are called to be thankful. Romans 15:13 reads “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Where do we find hope? We find it in the lives of the people around us, in the stories of good people. They’re everywhere. They are people who believe that this life is a gift, that this life is a treasure. They choose to share that belief and bring happiness and joy to others. Look for their stories. Charity is the pure love of Christ. It is treating others with kindness and compassion. It is tolerance. It is making a difference in our communities by lifting those around us– by “seeing” the lonely, invisible people of this world as well as our friends, neighbors and family. It is smiling, opening doors, saying “Hello”, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and praying for those in need which will make this Christmas peaceful. ~~ Marilee
Orange-Chip Cranberry Bread
Yield:2 loaves
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 cup buttermilk
1-1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, optional
2 tablespoons orange juice, optional
In a bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. In another bowl, combine eggs, oil and orange zest; mix well. Add to dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk. Fold in cranberries, chocolate chips and walnuts.
Pour into 2 greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. If glaze is desired, combine confectioners' sugar and orange juice until smooth; drizzle over cooled loaves.
Throughout the years I have had many stories shared by readers. Here’s a memory from Judy which she shared in 2012.
“Several years ago we read the story of Eric’s Last Straw and decided to do that as a family. Our family drew names each morning and did their little acts of service throughout the day. Our son, Samuel, didn’t quite catch on to the idea. He sat at the piano painfully picking out a tune and announced to my daughter that he was doing her piano practice for the day. Another day he tried to do his brother’s homework. Probably the craziest thing that happened though was when he attempted to load the dishwasher for me and poured regular dish soap into the dishwasher. Our kitchen was filled with soap bubbles! Even with some crazy acts of service, it really helped the Christmas spirit in our home. The following year we did it again with a difference. We drew the names in the morning and instead of putting bits of rafia around our nativity, we wrote down each night the acts of service which we thought had been performed for us that day and put them in a jar. Our family became focused on recognizing the good things which were going on in our home and showing gratitude for them. Every day was happier and more peaceful than the day before. On Christmas Eve, we opened our jars and shared their contents. This was truly amazing. We have done it that way ever since.”
A LEGEND
~Author Unknown
There's a beautiful legend
That's never been told
It may have been known
To the Wise Men of old
How three little children
Came early at dawn,
With hearts that were sad,
To where Jesus was born.
One could not see,
One was too lame to play,
While the other, a mute,
Not a word could he say.
Yet, led by His star,
They came there to peep
At the little Lord Jesus
With eyes closed in sleep.
But how could the Christ Child,
So lovely and fair,
Not waken and smile
When He heard their glad prayer
Of hope at His coming,
Of faith in His birth,
Of praise at His bringing
God's peace to the earth?
And, then, as the light
Softly came through the door,
The lad that was lame
Stood upright once more.
The boy that was mute
Started sweetly to sing,
While the child that was blind
Looked with joy on the King!
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