December 4, 2018

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! 

~*~*~*~

RAOK: Write someone a letter

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The Forgotten Carols Homeless
Composer Michael McLean
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mq-n9imiZc

Homeless, Homeless
Like the Christ child was
Homeless, Homeless
But there is hope because
He came down to earth to lead us
He vowed He'd never leave us
Homeless, Homeless
For in His love there is a home

Oh so Homeless, Homeless
Was His humble birth
He was Homeless, Homeless
And still He changed the earth
Nothing kept His heart from giving
Most of His life was living
Homeless, Homeless
He showed it's how we live,
Not where

When His homeless days on earth were done
(When His homeless days were done)
He went home to where we all came from

And He went to prepare
(He went to prepare)
A mansion for us there
(A mansion for us there)

He gave His whole life to lead us
And I know He'll never leave us
Homeless, Homeless
For in His love there is a home

(We are not Homeless, Homeless)
For in His love there is a home
(Like the Christ child was)
[repeat to end]

There is a home.

~*~*~*~

Tomato Basil Soup from Kari Mitchell

Melt 1 to 2 T of butter
Add about 1 c. chopped onions
Caramelize onions in butter-almost burned.  Exact amounts are not important-- its to taste and number of servings
Sauté tomatoes, diced
1 can tomato soup
1 can milk or half and half for more calories
Bunch of basil
Combine all ingredients. Bring to almost a boil--simmer until all flavors blend --30-40 minutes. Serve with cheese, croutons. Salt and Pepper to taste.

This recipe was created by my brother David.  I have used dried basil, but I think it tastes better with fresh basil.

~*~*~*~

Luke 9:58  And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Statistics show that there were over 550,000 people living homeless each day in the US last year.  

Food banks, homeless shelters, and soup kitchens are NOT profitable businesses, most of them depend on donations.  This Christmas consider donating your time or your surplus,  helping those in need.  Every year many tons of clothing are donated to shelters.  About 3/4 of those clothing items are too old, torn, stained or even too moldy to give to anyone.  As we teach our children and ourselves to give, make sure that we are giving new or truly usable items.  If your children or grandchildren are giving toys, don’t give away the broken toys, the ones that are beaten up or abused.  Give them toys which can be treasured.  They might be the only ones those children will ever have.  Used toys, that are in good condition are a great thing.  Remember, they CAN be used, but they need to be USABLE.  Donating food is a good thing, just make sure the food is not past the expiration date.  If you choose to serve at a shelter, realize that many of the people there -- God’s children -- are mentally ill, or suffering from alcohol or drug addiction.  Others are there because their debts became too large to handle, or their marriages were unsafe, or because they were alone and had no reason to go on.  You won’t change the lives of those in the shelter in one visit, or even two, but they will change yours.   Look at the homeless through the Savior’s eyes this year, see the good in His children and do what you can. I live in a small community which has no shelters or soup kitchens, so what can I do?  We have a food bank here.  We have a Sub For Santa Program.  They accept food donations and donation of other items such as toothpaste, shampoo and SOCKS!  The homeless need new SOCKS! ~~ Marilee

~*~*~*~

Deuteronomy 15:11  For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

~*~*~*~

The Homeless Person
Author unknown
extracted from  http://www.heavensinspirations.com/homeless-person.html

The parking lot filled rapidly on Sunday morning as members of the large church congregation filed into church. As usually happens in a church that size, each member had developed a certain comfort zone - a block of space within those four church walls that became theirs after the second or third sitting.

It was as much a part of their church experience as the recliner was to the television at home. Some of the older members had been sitting in the same row on the same side for several decades. A team of oxen could not have moved them to the opposite side of the church.

One morning a stranger stood at the edge of the parking lot near a dumpster. As families parked cars and piled out, they noticed him rummaging through the trash. "Oh no! I don't believe it," whispered a lady to her husband. "That's all we need -- a bunch of homeless people milling around here."

One worried little girl tugged on her dad's sleeve. "But Daddy..."

Daddy was busy sizing up the bearded stranger, whose baggy, outdated trousers and faded flannel shirt had dusted too many park benches.

"Don't stare at him, honey," he whispered, and hurried her inside.

Soft music filled the high-ceiling sanctuary as churchgoers settled into their usual spots. The choir sang an opening chorus, "In His presence there is comfort ... in His presence there is peace...".

Sunlight suddenly flooded the center aisle. The double doors swung open and the homeless man, sloppy and stooped, headed toward the front.

"Oh no, it's him!" somebody muttered.

"What does he think he's doing, anyway?" snapped an incredulous usher.

The stranger set his bagful of dumpster treasures on the very first pew which had been upholstered in an expensive soft teal fabric just three months ago. The music stopped. And before anyone had a chance to react, he ambled up the stairs and stood behind the fine, handcrafted oak podium, where he faced a wide-eyed congregation.

The disheveled stranger spoke haltingly at first, in a low, clear voice. Unbuttoning and removing his top layer of clothing, he described Jesus, and the love He has for all people.

"Jesus possesses a sensitivity and love that far surpasses what any of us deserves."

Stepping out of the baggy old trousers, the stranger went on to describe a forgiveness that is available to each and every one of us...without strings attached.

"Unconditionally He loves us. Unconditionally He gave His very life for us. Unconditionally and forever, we can have the peace and assurance that no matter who we are, where we've come from, or how badly we may have mistreated others or ourselves, there is hope."

"In Jesus, there is always hope."

"You see, my friends, it is never too late to change," the man continued.

"He is the Author of change, and the Provider of forgiveness. He came to bring new meaning to 'life'."

Men and women squirmed as reality hit them like an electrical current. The stranger tugged at his knotted gray beard, and removed it.

"I'm here to tell you that we are loved with a love far beyond human understanding, a love that enables us to accept and love others in return." Then tenderly he added, "Let's pray together."

That wise pastor - under the guise of a homeless "nobody" - did not preach a sermon that day, but every person left with plenty to think about.

~*~*~*~

Somehow, not only for Christmas,

But all the long year through, 

The joy that you give to others, 

Is the joy that comes back to you.

And the more you spend in blessing, 

The poor and lonely and sad, 

The more of your heart's possessing, 

Returns to you glad. 

John Greenleaf Whittier

December 3, 2018

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens

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RAOK: Let the person behind you at the checkout go ahead of you.

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Sidewalk Prophets - Hope Is Born This Night
video slide show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4-WB8xZkJU


"Hope Was Born This Night"

Tonight I can see a star shine
And its splendor fills up the sky
It's the same that appeared and the wise men revered
When hope was born this night

Out upon the snowy fields
There's a silent peace that heals
And it echoes the grace of our Savior's embrace
Because hope was born this night

Glory to God in the highest
Peace on Earth, good will to all men
Let all of the world sing the chorus of joy
Because hope was born this night

I can hear the Christmas bells ring
As softly as a church choir sings
It's the song used to praise the ancient of days
When hope was born this night

There are angels in this place
And my heart resounds with the praise
Like a shepherd so scared, I'll rejoice and declare
That hope was born this night

Glory to God in the highest
Peace on Earth, good will to all men
Let all of the world sing the chorus of joy
Because hope was born this night

Gloria, Gloria
Gloria, Gloria
Oh Gloria

Gloria, Gloria
Oh Gloria
Gloria, Gloria

Glory to God in the highest
Peace on Earth, good will to all men
Let all the world sing the chorus of joy
Because hope was born this night

Glory to God in the highest
Peace on Earth, good will to all men
Let all the world sing the chorus of joy
Because hope was born this night

I know hope was born this night
Because Christ was born this night

~*~*~*~

Decorating idea:
Keep a Camera handy and snap family and friends as they enter, or pose near the tree. Post pictures on a bulletin board that is covered with pretty gift-wrap. 

~*~*~*~

Peach  Cobbler Dump Cake

2 - 16 oz cans peaches
1 - 18 oz. box yellow cake mix
2/3 c. cold butter
½ t. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Empty 1 can of peach into each of two 8" square cake pans.  Divide cake mix in half and sprinkle into each pan. Press firmly. Shred 1/3 c. butter evenly over each pan.  Sprinkle 1/4 r. cinnamon over top of each cake.  Bake for 40 minutes or until done.  Serve while still warm with ice cream.

~*~*~*~

There was a woman at the pool this morning.  She looked like she got dressed in the dark, forgot how to use a brush and didn't even have shoes on -- only socks!  Well, from what I understand, 6:30 came really early this morning.  She got out of bed, stumbled over to her dresser and grabbed a pair of pants without looking at them.  Then she went to the closet and grabbed a shirt (in the dark), put on her swimming suit, pants and coat and headed to the pool.  After water walking for about an hour and a half, she got out, went to the dressing room and opened her bag only to find that the shirt she grabbed was bright florescent orange and the pants were pink.  Her socks didn't match, and her shoes had holes in them. She had an appointment with the Physical Therapist and had to go.  There was no time to go home and change.    She  had to go to the store after that, and got some pretty strange stares.  She could have been laughed at, or mocked, but instead she had doors opened for her and people smiled and said hello. It is very easy to judge others, to look down on them because of what they do or what they wear or the color of their skin.  The people this morning didn't do that.  They treated her with kindness.  The Savior loves all of His children.  We need to make a special effort not to judge others at any time, but especially not at Christmas.  I'm sure that you've figured out by now that I was that lady.  This Christmas, let us love one another. ~~ Marilee

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Samuel 16:7  But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

~*~*~*~

"The Invitation" by Bob Perks
"Excuse me sir," the man said softly as he tried to stop a passerby.
But no one would stop to talk with him.
"I'm a stranger here in town. Could you help me find this place?," he said to one kind looking woman.
She passed him by, but stopped and turned around.
"What is it you are looking for?" she asked while keeping her distance.
"I received this invitation for a Christmas day feast. I'm new in town, you see. I don't know where this is."
She took the paper from his hand and then began to laugh.
"Oh, this!" she said and shook her head. "I wouldn't waste my time. It's in a part of town..." she paused for moment and giving the man a quick glance, continued.
"Sir, a man of your quality should not go there."
This man was a well dressed man. Although not wealthy, he gave the appearance of success.
She quickly pointed down the street and told him where to turn. "You'll know you're there when the houses look like run down shacks. Just past that mess, at the farthest end of the road you'll find him."
Just then a friend of hers came walking by. "Is everything okay?" he asked.
"Yes. He got one of old man Hanson's Christmas invitations and he wanted to know how to get there," she said.
"Oh, no! That's a joke." he said.
"Why, sir would you say that? I found it to be a wonderful, kind thing to do. I'm new here in town and I have no one to spend Christmas with this year."
"Well, I'd rather spend it alone then in that house. He passes them out every year and no one ever goes. You'd have to be desperate!" he said laughing and then dropped the invitation on the ground as they walked away.
"I am, I am alone in a town full of strangers for Christmas" replied the man as he reached down to retrieve the paper.
Reading it again out loud:
"Dear friend,
You are cordially invited to a feast. It begins at noon on Christmas Day.
Dress is casual and you are to bring nothing but your kind heart and gentle spirit.
There are no strangers. Just friends I haven't met."
222 Shady Brook Road
Your friend,
Jed Hanson"
The man set out, invitation in hand, to take part in a grand and glorious feast.
He walked past the old shacks the woman spoke about. Within each window were handmade decorations and the warmth and spirit of the day spilled out into the streets with the laughter of the neighborhood children.
There, at the end of the road, was a house not much better than the ones he passed.
He carefully stepped onto the porch and knocked gently on the door. Waiting another minute he tapped on window pane hoping to get someone's attention.
"I must be early. Where is everyone?" he said as he peeked through the window curtains.
Suddenly the door opened wide.
"Yes, my friend you are here for the feast?" the old man asked.
There standing in the doorway was Mr. Jed Hanson. He was dressed in an old carefully patched sweater, faded blue dress pants, white shirt and old neck tie. He motioned for him to enter.
"I'm sorry, I must be early."
"Not at all, my friend. Please come in it is about to begin."
Turning toward the adjacent room he saw a magnificent table laid out before him filled with all kinds of food and festive goodies for the holiday.
"There is so much. How many people attend this feast?"
"You are the first and only one, my friend."
"I can't believe that. With all of this, it is more than I even imagined. Why wouldn't you have hundreds of people here?"
"It is a sad fact. It is all based on their perception of me. I am a simple man, dressed in simple clothes. By today's standards I look poor and unworthy of anyone's attention. My home is old and worn, too. So no one chooses to enter," he said. Then pulling out the chair at the head of the table, he motioned to the man to sit.
"Once you learn the true value of this experience your life changes forever."
"What is the lesson here?"
"Every human being is like this house. Although on the outside we may look tattered and torn, it is what is on the inside that makes the difference. You accepted my invitation even after seeing me. You saw something inside of me that no one else did. Then upon seeing the home in which I reside, you did not turn away."
"I saw you as no different than I. Although your clothing gave the impression of a troubled soul, the spirit of your invitation told me you were sincere. When I saw your house, I thought nothing of it because I was focused on the feast within."
"There, my good friend, is the lesson. Every human being has value. Every situation in life, good or bad, has within it a valuable lesson."
My friend, life is a banquet and God has already given you, "The Invitation."
Won't you join us? "I believe in you!" Bob Perks
Bob@BobPerks.com
Please don't remove my name and contact info!
If you are about to copy this story to share with your friends, please leave my name, email address. It is a copyrighted story and cannot be edited in any manner. Thanks!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Thank you, Bob for giving permission to use your story ~~ Marilee
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

December 2, 2018

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

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RAOK: Hold the door open for people at church, smile and tell them “welcome”.

~*~*~*~

When Love Was Born

One Voice Children’s Choir

Video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FeV9_XExSg&list=PLoOowgBMKI0adb8a1JM95fkCPt4hdogv2

Starlight shines, the night is still

Shepherds watch from a hill

I close my eyes, see the night

When love was born

Perfect child gently waits

A mother bends to kiss God's face

I close my eyes, see the night

When love was born

Angels fill the midnight sky, they sing

Hallelujah, He is Christ, our King

Emmanuel, Emmanuel --

He is the prince of peace,

Alleluia, Allelu

Emmanuel, Prince of peace

Loves come down for you and me

Heaven's gift, the holy spark

To let the way inside our hearts

Bethlehem, through your small door

Came the hope we've waited for

The world was changed forevermore

When love was born

I close my eyes, see the night

When love was born

~*~*~*~

Good Sabbath, everyone.  We keep things simple on Sundays ~~ Marilee

~*~*~*~

James 5:15 - And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

~*~*~*~

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!

December 1, 2018

Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance–a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.  Augusta E. Randel

~*~*~*~

Christmas is a time when we find our way back home, whether in person or in our hearts. It's a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, relive childhood memories, continue cherished traditions, and share hospitality and good will with others. It is a privilege for me to share my love of Jesus Christ with you.

“Our world is full of unrest... people strike out in anger and rage, hatred seems everywhere. It’s “us” whoever “us” is, versus “them.”  Each letter this year will include ideas to help us serve each other, to help move past the “usses” and “thems”.  We must not let the influence of evil overpower the influence of good. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.  Do those words sound  familiar?  I wrote them several years ago” --

It was 2001 to be exact, then I repeated them last year, and find them even more appropriate now.   This past year, we have experienced acts of violence and terrorism against innocents, as well as devastating hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and fires.  We need the peace only Our Savior can bring.  We need love this Christmas.  Mahatma Ghandi told us to be the change we want to see in this world.   Let us begin changing our world with acts of service and kindness.  The National Random Act Of Kindness Day is celebrated on Feb 17 in the US.  This year we, the readers of this blog,  are going to have a National Month of Kindness in December.  There will be Random Act of Kindness suggestions daily.  They are simple easy things, use them, or come up with your own.  Hopefully the more we do, the more positive our surroundings will be, and the more those around us will reach out and touch others. Positivity is contagious!  The gift of peace will enter our lives (and the lives of those around us) as we follow the Master.  

Throughout the month of December, I will be sending easy recipes, and decorating and craft ideas.  Many of these will be linked directly to pinterest, or other similar sites.  With very few exceptions, they are all projects which children can help make.  There will be stories, poems, scriptures and thoughts about Christmas.  This year’s music (found on youtube) represents my favorites from the past 20 years (Can you believe that I’ve been doing this that long?)  There are a few from years long past, so the style of music is a different.  There are  wonderful videos with some of them and they will be marked as video.  Others will be marked as audio recordings or lyric recordings (which have the words included with the video.)  Happy December, my friends ~~ Marilee

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The Touch of The Master's Hand 
by Myra Brooks Welch
extracted from https://allpoetry.com/The-Touch-of-the-Master's-Hand

'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
      Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
      But held it up with a smile.
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
    "Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, a dollar. Then two! Only two?
      Two dollars, and who'll make it three?"

"Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
      Going for three…" But no,
From the room, far back, a grey-haired man
      Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin,
      And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
      As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
      With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said: "What am I bid for the old violin?"
      And he held it up with the bow.
"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
      Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice,
    And going and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,
    "We do not quite understand.
What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply:
    "The touch of the Master's hand."
And many a man with life out of tune,
      And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
      Much like the old violin.

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine,
    A game — and he travels on.
He is "going" once, and "going" twice,
    He's "going" and almost "gone."
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
    Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
    By the touch of the Master's hand.

Myra Welch would say that she heard a speaker address a group of students on the power of God to bring out the best in people. She said she herself became filled with light and that “Touch of the Master’s Hand” was written in 30 minutes!.
The finished poem was sent anonymously to the editor of her local church news bulletin. She felt it was a gift from God and didn’t need her name on it.

~*~*~*~

Random Act of Kindness (hereafter abbreviated as RAOK):  Smile at someone you see on the street or in store.  It’s a simple thing to do, but for someone in need, it can make their day.

~*~*~*~

Craft Idea:
Mason Jar Christmas Tree
https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/tips/g2132/mason-jar-christmas-crafts/?slide=4

~*~*~*~

Matthew 6:11  Give us this day our daily bread.

This December, I want to bake more bread.  I love the smell of baking bread--the way it fills every corner of the house.  I love that moment when you take that crusty, golden loaf from the oven, cool it a little and then gently tip it out of the pan.  I slather the loaf with melted butter, then it’s  “Oh, what a feast!".  Bread is something to savor and share.  Fresh bread never lasts long in our house, even with the kids gone. We gobble it up.

I imagine that Mary made bread, and that Jesus grew up loving it, the same way that my children did.  Bread was very important to him.  He referenced it often.  John 6:51  I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.  In the Lord’s prayer, we read “Give us this day our daily bread.” John 6:35 reads, “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” And in Matthew 26:26 we read ¶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.  

Bread is the symbol, not just of life, but of eternal life.

~*~*~*~

When Joseph Went To Bethlehem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QW0nNB5Px8&list=RD7QW0nNB5Px8&start_radio=1

When Joseph went to Bethlehem
I think he took great care
To place his tools and close his shop
And leave no shavings there.
He urged the donkey forward,
Then, with Mary on its back,
And carried bread and goat cheese
In a little linen sack.

I think there at the busy inn
That he was meek and mild
And awed to be the guardian
Of Mary's sacred Child.
Perhaps all through the chilly hours
He smoothed the swaddling bands,
And Jesus felt the quiet strength of
Joseph's gentle hands.

And close beside the manger bed
He dimmed the lantern's light,
And held the little Jesus close upon
That holy night.

~*~*~*~

Easy Artesan Bread Recipe
1 T active dry yeast
1 T sugar
1 T salt (I actually cut the salt back by about half)
2 c warm water 
5 1/2 to 6 cups All-Purpose Flour
cornmeal or flour for dusting cookie sheet
boiling water
I have a Kitchen Aid mixer which I make the dough in, but am including instructions for those who make it by hand.
In a large bowl mix together the yeast, sugar, salt and water. Let this stand until the yeast is dissolved. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time to the liquid and mix thoroughly until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface to knead.
Knead the bread for 5 minutes sprinkling only enough flour to prevent sticking.  Let the dough rest for a few minutes, then knead it for 3 - 5 minutes more. Place the bread in a well greased bowl and turn it over once to grease the top.  Cover with a damp towel and keep warm until the bread doubles in bulk ( about 1 ½ to 2 hours)  
Return the dough to the bowl and turn it over once to grease the top. Cover bowl with a damp towel and keep warm until the dough doubles in bulk, about 1 to 2 hours.
Punch down the dough and briefly knead out any air bubbles. Cut the dough in half and shape 2 round or oval loaves.  Place the loaves on a cookie sheet generously sprinkled with cornmeal. Let the loaves rest for 5 minutes. Lightly slash the tops of the loaves 3 or more times diagonally and brush with cold water.  Slide loaves onto baking stone in a cold oven. Bake at 400°F for 35 to 45 minutes, until the loaves are golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.  Bake to internal temperature of 190 degrees.

I don't think Christmas is necessarily about things.  It's about being good to one another, it's about the Christian ethic, it's about kindness.  Carrie Fisher

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

Luke 2:6-7, 57

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

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

Do You Have Room?
Written by
sung by April Meservy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR7lo9ycKBA

They journeyed far, a weary pair,
They sought for shelter from the cold night air.
Some place where she could lay her head,
Where she could give her Babe a quiet bed.
Was there no room?  No corner there?
In all the town a spot someone could share?
Was there no soul come to their aid?
A stable bare was where the family stayed.

Do you have room for the Savior?
And do you seek Him anew?
Have you a place for the one who lived and died for you?
Are you as humble as a shepherd boy,
Or as wise as men of old?
Would you have come that night?
Would you have sought the light?
Do you have room?

A star arose, a wondrous light
A sign from God this was the Holy Night
And yet so few would go to see
The babe who came to rescue you and me.
This child divine is now a King
The gift of life to all the world He brings
And all mankind, He saves from doom
but on that night for Him there was no room

Do you have room for the Savior?
And do you seek Him anew?
Have you a place for the one who lived and died for you?
Are you as humble as a shepherd bo,
Or as wise as men of old?
Would you have come that night?
Would you have sought the light?
Do you have room?

Will you come tonight?
Will you seek the light?
Do you have room?

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“Another year is over, thank you for allowing me to share with you my love of and faith in Jesus Christ.”  For 21 years I have had the privilege of sharing these messages.  I apologize for the computer problems which prevented me from completing the series.  Today’s message will inclue both a poem (from yesterday) and a story of service.  Additional items will be posted to my blog. 
One final thought, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of the fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou has ordained; “what is man that though art mindful of him?” (Psalms 8:3-4 ) who am I that thou art mindful of me?  As Christmas approaches, each of us should open our hearts to receive once again a witness that Christ was born as the Savior of the world, that He lives, and that because of Him, we will live again.  We should determine in our hearts and minds to listen to the message of the angels, to walk with the shepherds and to join the wise men and seek our Lord.  Remember, “feed my sheep, feed my sheep, feed my sheep ~~ Marilee

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SANTA'S PRAYER
Author Unknown

He knelt beside the manger bed,
A tear was in his eye.
His jolly laugh and manner gone,
As he heard the baby sigh.

Sweet sleeping child, I never meant
To push aside your birth,
To lose you in the tinsel,
Or trade gifts for things of worth.

It seems that long forgotten
Is the star o'er Bethlehem,
Angels voices, shepherds watching,
Cattle lowing, and a lamb.

Unremembered is the rag-wrapped baby,
Born to be a King,
Amid the gifts and stockings
That Santa Claus will bring.

I only meant to spread some hope
To all the sons of earth.
And share the joy in giving
Like the wise men at your birth.

I wanted just to see some peace
In a world so torn with strife.
I only brought presents and candy,
You gave them eternal life.

Still kneeling there with a tear stained face,
He saw the eyelid lift.
'Twas almost as if he heard these words,
'Dear Santa, I accept your gift.

It was with love and selflessness,
You acted on your plan.
And with every gift, a part of me
Was delivered to the hearts of man.

I may be right now overlooked
By those who are lost or weak
But I'm still here for each of them,
They only have to seek.

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Just Detours
A. Brian Fielder
https://www.inspirationalstories.com/3/340.html

I have a little story I thought I would share with all of you. I recently relocated, bought a house and moved in the first weekend of July.
Since I have been in my new neighborhood, I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of my neighbors who seem to be extremely nice people. For Christmas, I thought I would do something nice for each of the neighbors that I know. I sat down and counted. There were nine neighbors whom I knew by name or spoke with often when I was out in my yard. I also knew which houses they lived in.
I decided to add one more person to my list for a total of ten. This lady that I decided to add lives down the street from me. I meet her every morning walking to work as I drive down the street. She always manages a contagious smile and a hearty wave. I had no idea what her name was and not even sure which house she lived in.
My gift idea was to make small fruit baskets and leave them on each of my neighbor's front porches or door steps the night of Christmas Eve for them to find, either that night or the next morning. I signed the cards: "Happy Holidays from 5104 Northumberland Road."
I saved the friendly lady for last, since I was still not exactly sure where she lived. I finally decided upon a house down about where I met her each morning and felt relatively sure that it was hers.
My neighbors really appreciated the baskets and would tell me as they saw me in the yard or they would call, and a couple even came by to thank me.
This morning on my way to work, I placed my mail in the mailbox and noticed a small note inside. It was addressed simply -- Resident, 5104 Northumberland Road.
I opened the envelope and took out a Thank You card. I opened the card and read the message which really caught me by surprise.
The card said. "Thank you for the lovely fruit basket you left on the porch of Richard Kelly. It was very thoughtful. Richard Kelly passed away on January 19, 1999. He never stopped talking about how nice it was that someone remembered him in his time of illness. He really appreciated it."
I was sincerely stunned. I had no idea who Richard Kelly was or that he had been gravely ill. I had left that nice lady's basket on Mr. Kelly's porch by accident. I wanted to say by mistake, but that would be wrong. I believe that Richard Kelly was meant to have that basket and the Lord knew that he only had less than a month to live. I hate that the nice lady did not get to receive a fruit basket from me this Christmas, but I believe that if she knew what happened, she would have had outcome no other way.
I feel blessed to have helped Richard Kelly's last days be more cheerful. This just further reinforces my belief that there are never any mistakes in life -- just detours, shortcuts, and small excursions along the way.

Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world, stroonger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death, and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem 1900 years ago is the image and brightness of Eternal Love?  Then you can keep Christmas.  And if you keep it for a day, why not always?  Henry Van Dyke (1852 - 1933)

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1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

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The Quiet Of Christmas Morning (Bach 147 - composed by Johann Sebastian Bach)
Performed by Moody Blues (inspired by Bach)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f10H6dUe4k
video with still pictures of animals

In the quiet of Christmas morning
In the peace of Christmas dawn
The child that is the future
Will see the earth reborn
When we take our Christmas journey
In the steps that went before
With hands across the water
In the peace forever more
In the quiet of Christmas morning
In the peace of Christmas dawn
The child that is the future
Will see the earth reborn

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Easy Fudge Sauce
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vanilla
In a medium saucepan, combine the cream and corn syrup; bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and whisk in the chocolate until melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla. Let cool.  Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 month.  Can be given as a gift along with carton of ice cream, or by itself.

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My Christmas Miracle
For many of us, one Christmas stands out from all the others, the one when the meaning of the day shone clearest.
Although I did not guess it, my own truest Christmas began on a rainy spring day in the bleakest year of my life. Recently divorced, I was in my 20's, had no job, and was on my way downtown to go the rounds of the employment offices. I had no umbrella, for my old one had fallen apart, and I could not afford another one. I sat down in the streetcar, and there against the seat was a beautiful silk umbrella with a silver handle inlaid with gold and flecks of bright enamel. I had never seen anything so lovely.
I examined the handle and saw a name engraved among the golden scrolls. The usual procedure would have been to turn in the umbrella to the conductor, but on impulse I decided to take it with me and find the owner myself. I got off the streetcar in a downpour and thankfully opened the umbrella to protect myself. Then I searched a telephone book for the name on the umbrella and found it. I called, and a lady answered.
Yes, she said in surprise, that was her umbrella which her parents, now dead, had given her for a birthday present. But, she added, it had been stolen from her locker at school (she was a teacher) more than a year before. She was so excited that I forgot I was looking for a job and went directly to her small house. She took the umbrella, and her eyes filled with tears.
The teacher wanted to give me a reward, but -- though $20 was all I had in the world - - her happiness at retrieving this special possession was such that to have accepted money would have spoiled something. We talked for a while, and I must have given her my address. I don't remember.
The next six months were wretched. I was able to obtain only temporary employment here and there, for a small salary, though this was what they now call the Roaring Twenties. But I put aside 25 or 50 cents when I could afford it for my little girls Christmas presents. (It took me six months to save $8.) My last job ended the day before Christmas, my $30 rent was soon due, and I had $15 to my name -- which Peggy and I would need for food. She was home from her convent boarding school and was excitedly looking forward to her gifts the next day, which I had already purchased. I had bought her a small tree, and we were going to decorate it that night.
The stormy air was full of the sound of Christmas merriment as I walked from the streetcar to my small apartment. Bells rang and children shouted in the bitter dusk of the evening, and windows were lighted and everyone was running and laughing. But there would be no Christmas for me, I knew, no gifts, no remembrance whatsoever. As I struggled through the snowdrifts, I just about reached the lowest point in my life. Unless a miracle happened I would be homeless in January, foodless, jobless. I had prayed steadily for weeks, and there had been no answer but this coldness and darkness, this harsh air, this abandonment. God and men had completely forgotten me. I felt old as death, and as lonely. What was to become of us?
I looked in my mailbox. There were only bills in it, a sheaf of them, and two white envelopes which I was sure contained more bills. I went up three dusty flights of stairs, and I cried, shivering in my thin coat. But I made myself smile so I could greet my little daughter with a pretense of happiness. She opened the door for me and threw herself in my arms, screaming joyously and demanding that we decorate the tree immediately.
Peggy was not yet six years old, and had been alone all day while I worked. She had set our kitchen table for our evening meal, proudly, and put pans out and the three cans of food which would be our dinner. For some reason, when I looked at those pans and cans, I felt broken-hearted. We would have only hamburgers for our Christmas dinner tomorrow, and gelatin. I stood in the cold little kitchen, and misery overwhelmed me. For the first time in my life, I doubted the existence of God and His mercy, and the coldness in my heart was colder than ice.
The doorbell rang, and Peggy ran fleetly to answer it, calling that it must be Santa Claus. Then I heard a man talking heartily to her and went to the door. He was a delivery man, and his arms were full of big parcels, and he was laughing at my child's frenzied joy and her dancing. This is a mistake, I said, but he read the name on the parcels, and they were for me. When he had gone I could only stare at the boxes. Peggy and I sat on the floor and opened them. A huge doll, three times the size of the one I had bought for her. Gloves. Candy. A beautiful leather purse. Incredible! I looked for the name of the sender. It was the teacher, the address simply California, where she had moved.
Our dinner that night was the most delicious I had ever eaten. I could only pray to myself, Thank You, Father. I forgot I had no money for the rent and only $15 in my purse and no job. My child and I ate and laughed together in happiness. Then we decorated the little tree and marveled at it. I put Peggy to bed and set up her gifts around the tree, and a sweet peace flooded me like a benediction. I had some hope again. I could even examine the sheaf of bills without cringing. Then I opened the two white envelopes. One contained a check for $30 from a company I had worked for briefly in the summer. It was, said a note, my Christmas bonus. My rent!
The other envelope was an offer of a permanent position with the government -- to begin in two days after Christmas. I sat with the letter in my hand and the check on the table before me, and I think that was the most joyful moment of my life up to that time.
The church bells began to ring. I hurriedly looked at my child, who was sleeping blissfully, and ran down to the street. Everywhere people were walking to church to celebrate the birth of the Saviour. People smiled at me and I smiled back. The storm had stopped, the sky was pure and glittering with stars.
The Lord is born! Sang the bells to the crystal night and the laughing darkness. Someone began to sing, Come, all ye faithful!
I joined in and sang with the strangers all about me.
I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all.
And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.

Janet Miriam Holland Taylor Caldwell (September 7, 1900 - August 30, 1985) was a prolific American author

This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.  Frank McKibben

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Matt 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

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When I think upon Christmas
Hillsong
Hillsong is “a youth ministry by name, but by identity we are a people who have found hope, salvation, joy, forgiveness and a future in Jesus Christ. Our songs are the overflow of our hearts and a reflection of life in Jesus.”

When I Think Upon Christmas Lyric Video - Hillsong Worship

When I Think Upon Christmas Lyric Video - Hillsong Worship 'When I Think Upon Christmas' from the Hillsong Christmas Album 'The Peace Project: http://hllsng.co/thepeacepro...

When I think upon Christmas words can’t express
How our Father in Heaven has sent us His best
To be born in a manger the King in the hay
And creation will worship His name

For the joy of the world He was born
Bringing peace to us all through the gift of the son
Now the darkest of ages are done for the Savior of heaven has come

When I think upon Jesus, the king of all days
I can’t help but respond with an offering of praise
Like the wise men and shepherds I’ll follow your light
Like the angels I’ll lift Your Name high

For the joy of the world you were born
Bringing peace to us all through the gift of your love
Now the darkest of ages are done For the Savior of heaven has come

For the joy of the world You were born
Bringing peace to us all through the gift of your love
Now the darkest of ages are done for the Savior of heaven has come

Now I look back in reverence to that holy night
for the God of the heavens had us on his mind
Let us sing of His glory, rejoice in His Name
Oh Emmanuel with us always and forever His kingdom will reign

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COBBLER MIX
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. powdered vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon

Combine and blend the ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.

ATTACH THIS TO THE JAR:

"Berry Cobbler"
4 cups fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries or boysenberries)
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 jar Cobbler Mix
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg

Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl mix together 4 cups of assorted fresh berries with 1/4 cup each lemon juice and sugar. Pour this mixture into a 13X9 inch baking dish. In a separate bowl combine Cobbler mix with 1 cup of melted sweet butter, and 1 egg. Mix until everything sticks together. Drop by spoonfuls over the top of the berry mixture. Bake for 35-45 minutes. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving. Serves 8-10.

Source: Cindi Madascy Jar Mix Recipes

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Jews, living at the time of Christ, were instructed to give of their wealth to support the poor and needy.  One day Jesus walked to the temple and sat nearby, watching people make their donations in the coffers of the temple.  Many wealthy people dressed in their finest clothes came and put in a lot of money.  Some did it gladly, others complained.  A poor widow came and put in 2 mites.  Jesus called to His disciples and told them that she had given more than anyone.  She had put in everything.  We have 2 short stories today which are both about gifts of service.  The first is not a Christmas story.  It is the story of a little girl named Hattie, who gave her all.  The second is a story of service by 3 trees to a small bird.  As we serve others, let us remember that what is important is the love in our hearts. ~~ Marilee

One Sunday morning, the pastor of a church went outside to find a group of children who were unable to get in to go to Sunday School because the building was too crowded. One of those children was a six year-old named Hattie. When the pastor saw her, he lifted her up in his arms, put her up on his shoulder, and carried her into the church where he found a place for her to sit in the Sunday School class.
The next morning as he walked to church, the pastor saw Hattie again and stopped to talk to her. He told her that he hoped that some day the church would be able to build a building that was large enough so that there would be room for all the children who wanted to attend.
Two years later, little Hattie died and the pastor was asked to preach the funeral service. After the service, Hattie's mother handed the pastor a small purse containing fifty-seven cents. She told him that Hattie had been saving her pennies to help the church build a new Sunday School building. The pastor took the fifty-seven cents back to his church and told the people about the little girl who had been saving her pennies to help them build a new Sunday School building. The people were so inspired by Hattie's gift, that they gave faithfully until they built a wonderful new building with plenty of room for all of the children who wanted to attend.
I am sure that Jesus would say that Hattie gave more than anyone to build this great church. She gave all that she had.
Note: The story of Hattie Wiatt is taken from on a sermon by Russell H. Conwell delivered December 1, 1912.  The sermon is found on the Temple University site.

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The Legend of The Evergreen Trees

One winter, when the birds were all leaving for southern lands and warmer areas, a little bird broke its wing on the way and was left behind. Soon frost and snow covered the forest and she was cold and hungry. So she asked the trees to help her and let her stay in their branches. However, the trees were not always kind. The birch tree was proud of being beautiful and haughtily replied to the bird's pleas by saying that he could not possibly help him because he had to look after the birds of the forest first. The strong oak tree was reluctant because it was afraid that the bird would have to live there till spring time and would eat up some of its acorns. Even the willow tree that seemed to be gentle otherwise refused to help or even talk to the stranger.
The poor bird was in much distress and tried to fly some more but her wing was still not fit for the purpose. Seeing her struggling like this, the spruce tree asked her why she seemed so downcast. When the bird revealed her miseries, it offered her the thickest, softest and warmest branch to stay on. The bird was really glad to find some help. Inspired by the kindness of the spruce tree, the big and strong pine tree also volunteered to protect the spruce tree and the bird from the North Wind all through the winter. The little juniper tree also piped in to offer its berries to the bird to quench her hunger. So, the bird lived comfortably there and flew away in the springtime, when its wing healed.

The Frost King, who kept close note of the behavior of all trees, strictly instructed the North Wind not to touch even a single leaf of the kind spruce, pine and juniper trees; while he was free to play havoc with the leaves of other trees. The North Wind especially enjoyed plucking the shining, green leaves of the willow, oak and birch trees and leaving them bare for the winter, with nothing to protect them from snow, rain and sleet.

It is for this kindness that the leaves of the spruce, the pine, and the juniper are always green.  They are known as evergreen trees.