Matt 11:28

 Matthew 11:28

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Out of the silence, Music

Out of the darkness, Light

Out of uncertainty, Promise

Love was born that night

Where love is born, it is Christmas.

This song talks about Christ's entire life and mission beginning with his birth.  It advises us to remember Him at Christmas.  Go to the “Welcome to ChristmasTracksBumps7!" Expand it.  There is a transcript button at the bottom which you can push that will show the lyrics.

Remember Him at Christmas - YouTube

The shepherd knelt.  The wise men saw the sign.

And heaven whispered softly, "This child is mine.”

…

He is the gift the Father gave to light our hearts and guide our way

Easy Pita Bread

2 ¼ c. flour

1 c. warm water

1 t. instant yeast

1 t. sugar

½ t. fine sea salt

Add water, yeast, sugar and salt to a large mixing bowl.  Whisk to combine, then set aside until frothy.  

Add the flour and mix until dough forms. Knead the dough several times inside the bowl until you can form a rough ball – it will be sticky.  Cover the bowl.  Place the bowl in a warm place and let rise until doubled. 

 Preheat the oven to 475 degrees for at least 30 minutes before  you bake the bread.

 Flour your work surface.  Divide the dough into 6 pieces.  Roll each portion into a ball, lightly dust with flour underneath and on top.  Cover with dishtowel and let rest for 10 minutes.  Using your fingers, press each dough ball into 6 inch circles on parchment paper.  Cover with dishtowel and let rest 10 to 15 minutes.  If you have a pizza stone, place it into the bottom rack of your oven. If you do not have one, turn a baking sheet upside down and place it onto the bottom rack of your oven. Transfer the pita circles on their parchment paper to the oven.  (I can fit 3 at a time on my stone) Bake until puffed with some golden spots, 5 to 6 minutes.

Faith in Christ begins with the desire to believe in something more than we can see.  It is not wishful thinking or merely a pipedream.  We need snow desperately in our area.  I looked out the window this morning and wished it would snow!   Do I expect it to happen?  No.  It would be nice, but it’s not going to happen today and all of the wishing in the world won’t change that.  A pipedream is something which is totally disconnected from reality.  In Hebrews 11:1 we read that faith is ‘the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’  Verse 6 says we must believe in God and diligently seek him.  We can increase our faith daily and find peace at Christmas by believing and stating each day with prayer.  ~~ Marilee

Emmanuel

There is a legend of an African boy called Emmanuel, who was always asking questions. One day he asked the question, “What language does God speak?” No one could answer him. He traveled all over his country to find the answer but did not get a satisfactory answer. Eventually he set out for distant lands to find the answer. For a long time he had no success. At last he came one night to a village called Bethlehem and as there was no room in the local inn, he went outside the village in search of a shelter for the night. He came to a cave and found that it too was occupied by a couple and a child. He was about to turn away when the young mother spoke, ‘Welcome Emmanuel, we’ve been waiting for you.” The boy was amazed that the woman knew his name. He was even more amazed when she went on to say, “For a long time you have been searching the world over to find out what language God speaks. Well, now your journey is over. Tonight you can see with your own eyes what language God speaks. He speaks the language of love, that is expressed in sharing, understanding, mercy and total acceptance.”  

"WHEN SHEPHERDS CAME"

By Ellen Decker

When the Shepherds came to Bethlehem

So many years ago,

They didn't come for Santa Claus

Or Christmas trees aglow.

They didn't come for candy canes,

Or Chestnuts on the Fire,

They came to see the Holy Child

As told them by the Choir.

The Angel said to them, "Fear not,

For on this Holy Day.

God has sent His Son to Earth

Just as the Prophets say."

Isaiah spoke of a king to come

Who would live to save us all,

The humble Shepherds were the First

To see the Baby small.

This Christmas Eve, let's you and I

Renew our love for God,

And vow to keep him in our hearts

And share His love abroad.