To celebrate the heart of Christmas is to forget ourselves in the service of others.  Henry C. Link 

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1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

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COUNTRY SOUP
1/2 c. split green peas
1/2 c. barley
1/2 c. lentils
1/2 c. raw rice
2 tbsp. parsley
2 tbsp. onion flakes
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. lemon pepper
2 tbsp. beef bouillon
1/4 c. alphabet noodles

Use dried ingredients and seasonings. Layer peas, barley, lentils, and rice in 1 quart jar. Layer the parsley, onion flakes, salt, lemon pepper and beef bouillon just around the edges. Put the alphabet noodles just around the edges. Fill the remaining part of the jar with twist macaroni. Give as a gift with instructions to add 3 quarts of water, 2 stalks of chopped celery, 2 slices carrots, 1 cup shredded cabbage, 2 cups of tomatoes and simmer until vegetables are tender. You can add a nice touch by placing a piece of fabric over the cover and securing it with a ribbon or yarn.

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I am almost to the point where I can think again.  I can’t type, but I CAN think (almost).  It is hard to believe that Christmas is less than a week away.  I did NOT write the following recipe for joy, but if you follow the instructions, you can serve it to others.  I kep saying this, but hopefully tomorrow things will be back to normal ~~ Marilee

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Recipe For Christmas Joy

1/2 cup Hugs
4 tsp. Kisses
4 Cups Love
1 Cup Special Holiday Cheer
1/2 Cup Peace On Earth 3 tsp. Christmas Spirits
2 Cups Goodwill Toward Man
1 Sping Of Mistletoe
1 Medium-Size Bag Of Christmas Snowflakes (The Regular Kind Won't Do !!

Mix hugs, kisses, smiles, and love until consistent. Blend in holiday cheer, peace on earth, Christmas spirits and good will toward men. Use the mixture to fill, warm heart, where it can be stored for a lifetime. (it never goes bad!) Serve as desired under mistletoe, sprinkle liberally with special Christmas snowflakes. It is especially good when accompanied by Christmas Carols and family get-togethers. Serve to one and all.

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Mary’s Dream
I had a dream, Joseph, I don't understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son. I think that was what it was all about. The people had been preparing for it for about six weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They'd gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren't for our Son.
They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and stacked them under a tree. Yes, a tree, Joseph, right in their house. They'd decorated the tree also. The branches were full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. There was a figure on the top of the tree. It looked like an angel might look. Oh, it was beautiful.
Everyone was laughing and happy. They were all excited about the gifts. They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our Son. I don't think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn't it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone's birthday if they don't know Him?
I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration He would have been intruding. Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone so full of cheer, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus -not to be wanted at His own birthday celebration.
I'm glad it was only a dream. How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real.

~ Another special Christmas Message from your friends at Bethany Farms Box 311, Carrllton, IL 62016 Copyright © 1986 Bethany Farms.

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." (Anges M. Pharo)

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Matthew 1:21   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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When Love Crossed Over
words and music by Rita Baloche
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f0OxpjDCMQ


One glorious night when love crossed over
And cast aside both crown and throne
To live beside the common man
As was foretold.  The promised one.

And there he lay in humble straw
As angels sing goodwill to all
A gift from God to reconcile all men to Him
This perfect child.

Behold this day a Savior’s born
And in whose faith this world has longed
Conceived in faith, Received with love
Come kneel beside this child of God
Come kneel beside this child of God

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Easy Christmas Cookies

4 cups miniature marshmallows
1∕3 cup margarine
3 1∕2 cups crisp rice cereal
1 1∕3 cups candy covered plain chocolate candies (or peanut chocolate)
Melt together marshmallows and margarine in heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth.  Pour over combined cereal and candies; toss until lightly coated. Shape into 1 ½ inch balls.  Place on waxed paper.  Makes about 3 dozen.
http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/easy-christmas-cookies-4127

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Dear friends, I am not feeling well, so will forego my commentary today.  Keep serving ~~ Marilee

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Manger Song (Modified)

Frederick M Lynk

Young mary the mother

gazed fondly at Him,

and softly touched

the manger’s rim

Joseph sat musing 

on a bundle of hay,

the shepherds played sweetly

a small harp lay.

The angels stood smiling

 in heaven’s joy,

and humbly adoring

the infant Christ boy.

The ox and the donkey 

forgot the fresh straw,

and knelt down in wonder 

at what they saw.

The walls were shining

like molten gold;

The winds sang gaily,

around the fold.

And gleaming silver 

strewed every star,

and sang a star greeting

from heaven afar

*****

Wonder

Nancy Buckley

There is faint music in the night,

And pale wings fanned by silver flight;

A frosty hill with tender glow

Of countless stars that shine on snow.

A shelter from the winter storm,

A straw-lined manger, safe and warm

And Mary crooning lullabies,

To hush her baby’s sleepy sighs.

Her eyes are rapt under His face,

Unheeded here are time and space;

Her heart filled with blinding joy

For God’s own son, her little Boy!

Extracted from loveliveson.com

"Christ brings a light into this dark world. Just like Christmas brings a light into this dark season.

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Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

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Kaylee Rogers and Killard School Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNO1G9pYf7E

I've heard about this baby boy
Who's come to earth to bring us joy
And I just want to sing this song to you
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
With every breath I'm singing Hallelujah
Hallelujah

A couple came to Bethlehem
Expecting child, they searched the inn
To find a place for You were coming soon
There was no room for them to stay
So in a manger filled with hay
God's only Son was born, oh Hallelujah
Hallelujah

The shepherds left their flocks by night
To see this baby wrapped in light
A host of angels led them all to You
It was just as the angels said
You'll find Him in a manger bed
Immanuel and Savior, Hallelujah
Hallelujah

A star shown bright up in the east
To Bethlehem, the wisemen three
Came many miles and journeyed long for You
And to the place at which You wereTheir frankincense and gold and myrrh
They gave to You and cried out Hallelujah
Hallelujah

I know You came to rescue me
This baby boy would grow to be
A man and one day die for me and you
My sins would drive the nails in You
That rugged cross was my cross, too
Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah

*~*~~*~~~*~~*~

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS-TREE
BY LUCY WHEELOCK
Two little children were sitting by the fire one cold winter's night. All at once they heard a timid knock at the door and one ran to open it.
There, outside in the cold and darkness, stood a child with no shoes upon his feet and clad in thin, ragged garments. He was shivering with cold, and he asked to come in and warm himself.
"Yes, come in," cried both the children. "You shall have our place by the fire. Come in."
They drew the little stranger to their warm seat and shared their supper with him, and gave him their bed, while they slept on a hard bench.
In the night they were awakened by strains of sweet music, and looking out, they saw a band of children in shining garments, approaching the house. They were playing on golden harps and the air was full of melody.
Suddenly the Strange Child stood before them: no longer cold and ragged, but clad in silvery light.
His soft voice said: "I was cold and you took Me in. I was hungry and you fed Me. I was tired and you gave Me your bed. I am the Christ-Child, wandering through the world to bring peace and happiness to all good children. As you have given to Me, so may this tree every year give rich fruit to you."
So saying, He broke a branch from the fir-tree that grew near the door, and He planted it in the ground and disappeared. And the branch grew into a great tree, and every year it bore wonderful fruit for the kind children.

Extracted from:  http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5061/5061-h/5061-h.htm#link2H_4_0005

If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees—alone or with loved ones—give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments.  Howard W Hunter

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Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

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Still, Still, Still
performed by Brethren
lyric video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpRq4i-XMmk
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star it's vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes,
Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.

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The Apostle Paul, in Philippians tell us that as followers of Christ, our mindset should be the same as Our Saviors.  What does that mean?  If we are to be followers of Jesus, and think and act like Him, we have to discover what kind of man he was  The answer is simple.  When He was asked which is the most important commandment, His answer was "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second was: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  Jesus was all about love. He was a master teacher who recognized the needs of His pupils and of all others around Him. He taught us to feed the hungry, to give to the poor,  to forgive.  He taught us no t to judge others and to cherish little children--to keep them safe.  Jesus was all about love.   We need to serve without judging, to help those in need and to teach them of the Savior's love.  ~  Marilee 

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Snowman Cookies
He'll melt in your mouth: Microwave canned white frosting on high for 10 seconds. Dunk 24 plain doughnut holes in frosting; allow to set. On half of the holes, squirt on eyes and a mouth with chocolate tube frosting. Stick in a dried papaya triangle for the nose. Make a hat with half an Oreo Mini and a piece of an Oreo Cookie Stick. Place a fruit-leather scarf on top of an undecorated doughnut hole. Top with the face.
Extracted from  https://www.parents.com/recipes/holidays/christmas/12-kid-friendly-christmas-cookies/

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THE LEGEND OF BABOUSCKA*

It was the night the dear Christ-Child came to Bethlehem. In a country far away from Him, an old, old woman named Babouscka sat in her snug little house by her warm fire. The wind was drifting the snow outside and howling down the chimney, but it only made Babouscka's fire burn more brightly.
"How glad I am that I may stay indoors," said Babouscka, holding her hands out to the bright blaze.
But suddenly she heard a loud rap at her door. She opened it and her candle shone on three old men standing outside in the snow. Their beards were as white as the snow, and so long that they reached the ground. Their eyes shone kindly in the light of Babouscka's candle, and their arms were full of precious things—boxes of jewels, and sweet-smelling oils, and ointments.
"We have travelled far, Babouscka," they said, "and we stop to tell you of the Baby Prince born this night in Bethlehem. He comes to rule the world and teach all men to be loving and true. We carry Him gifts. Come with us, Babouscka."
But Babouscka looked at the drifting snow, and then inside at her cozy room and the crackling fire. "It is too late for me to go with you, good sirs," she said, "the weather is too cold." She went inside again and shut the door, and the old men journeyed on to Bethlehem without her. But as Babouscka sat by her fire, rocking, she began to think about the Little Christ-Child, for she loved all babies.
"To-morrow I will go to find Him," she said; "to-morrow, when it is light, and I will carry Him some toys."
So when it was morning Babouscka put on her long cloak and took her staff, and filled her basket with the pretty things a baby would like—gold balls, and wooden toys, and strings of silver cobwebs—and she set out to find the Christ-Child.
But, oh, Babouscka had forgotten to ask the three old men the road to Bethlehem, and they travelled so far through the night that she could not overtake them. Up and down the road she hurried, through woods and fields and towns, saying to whomsoever she met: "I go to find the Christ-Child. Where does He lie? I bring some pretty toys for His sake."
But no one could tell her the way to go, and they all said: "Farther on, Babouscka, farther on." So she travelled on and on and on for years and years—but she never found the little Christ-Child.
They say that old Babouscka is travelling still, looking for Him. When it comes Christmas Eve, and the children are lying fast asleep, Babouscka comes softly through the snowy fields and towns, wrapped in her long cloak and carrying her basket on her arm. With her staff she raps gently at the doors and goes inside and holds her candle close to the little children's faces.
"Is He here?" she asks. "Is the little Christ-Child here?" And then she turns sorrowfully away again, crying: "Farther on, farther on!" But before she leaves she takes a toy from her basket and lays it beside the pillow for a Christmas gift. "For His sake," she says softly, and then hurries on through the years and forever in search of the little Christ-Child.
Extracted from:  http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5061/5061-h/5061-h.htm#link2H_4_0005

Every time a hand reaches out
To help another ... that is Christmas
Every time someone puts anger aside
And strives for understanding,
That is Christmas

Every time people forget their differences
And realize their love for each other,
That is Christmas

******

Matthew 5:16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify you Father which is in heaven

******

This afternoon, I took my grandson to the store.  He was excited to push the cart for me.  As we approached the store, I saw my first Salvation Army bell ringer of the season.  It was  a mother with 4 children.  The children were singing Christmas songs and were so cute!  I frantically search for money in my purse while calling for my grandson to “stop,” and “come back”.  He eventually did and I handed him a dollar, planning to donate more when we left.  It took a little bit of help, but he got it in the kettle.  While we walked through the store, i explained to my sweet little Lucas what service is.  He was excited to give more when we left.  He ran to where they had been, but they were gone.  Luc was SO disappointed.  I was disappointed too.  We never know when it will be too late to give, so we should take every opportunity we can to do something, anything.  At home, we played with the boy’s nativity set and I told Lucas a service stressed nativity story.  I asked Lucas to tell me the names of the figurines, and every one of them was “Jesus “ - the shepherds, the wisemen and Joseph; even Mary was “Jesus”.  The last piece was “baby Jesus”.  I asked Lucas to repeat the story to me and he picked up the first wiseman and said “serve Jesus”.  Then said the same for each figurine, then picked up the last piece and said, “love Jesus”.  He got that right!  I wish I was a child and could serve through their eyes.

I am still struggling with the computer and am unable to access everything I need.  For today's song please go to YouTube and type in air supply eyes of a child

When you look to the past for life’s long hidden meaning
For the dreams and the plans made in your youth
Does the thrill to achieve match the warm hidden feeling
that lies so still and lives in you

In the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughter
There is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future
For the lessons of life, there is no better teacher
than the look in the eyes of a child.

You’ve found the place to walk the path you’ve chosen,
You’ll never miss the world you’ve left behind
When life gives life, it’s happiness unbroken
When you give love, it’s love you’ll find.

In the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughter,
There is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future,,
For the lessons of life, there is no better teacher
Than the look in the eyes of a child



Why is this song included in a Christmas album?  My answer is that Christ came to this world as an innocent child, just as we all do.  We need to look into their eyes, reach out and help them, protect them from the dark side of this world, just as He would have us.  Several of the videos are audio only while others include beautiful videos.

*****

I hope that I will be able to access my files tomorrow.  Thank you,  Marilee

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.

*****

John 8:12 ... I am the light of the world:  he that followeth  me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

 *****

Attempting to create my blog on my cell phone yesterday was a mission in futility.  I hope that things will be back to normal on Saturday.   Until that time, the blogs will be in an abbreviated format.  Christmas is not about presents, decorations or trees.  It’s about God’s Love.  His love for each of us, and the light which enters our lives and sustains us in our darkest hours.  Last night, I sat at my grandson’s bedside. I read him stories and sang songs.  Many of them were Christmas songs.  I sang Away in a Manger,  Candlelight Carol, and Shine for Me Again:  Star of Bethlehem.  The song tells the story of a young shepherd boy who saw the Savior lying in the manger, a friend and a King.  As he gets older, trials enter his life.  The 3rd verse says :

as I stumble and fall,
I can hear someone call,
do not despair,
your star is still there.

The final verse:
that Christmas night so long ago
has filled my life with light because I know
that He lives now,
as He did then,
a King in Bethlehem,
whose love never ends,
shine for me again, star of Bethlehem
 
My grandson is afraid of the dark.  He is afraid of being alone in the dark.  My daughter bought him a nightlight for his room and he got out of bed many times last night and touched it saying, “light, Poma, light.”  I assured him that the light will always be there in the darkness.  How many of you have children in your lives who are afraid of the dark?  If there is a family crisis center or homeless shelter in your community, buy some flashlights and batteries and donate them.  Explain the power of light to your children, and help them to be a source of light in other’s heart.  The light of Christ will chase away the fear of darkness, for with Him, we are never alone.  All of these songs are on YouTube, but my cell doesn’t show the url —only says YouTube, so I can’t link them.

*****

Easy peanut butter fudge

1 - 10 ounce package peanut butter chips
6 oz. semi sweet chocolate chip
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Place chips in glass bowl.  Heat in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until chips are melted.  Do not process too long, only just until melted.  Stir in can of sweetened condensed milk and stir until well blended.  Pour into buttered 8 by 8 pan and chill for at least an hour.

Due to unexpected computer problems, I am unable to post my blog today.  Hopefully I can post it tomorrow.  Marilee