December 15, 2019

Dear friends,

I am away from home and do not have access to my materials. There will only be a story tonight and tomorrow. Then I should be able to start publishing again,

THE SPIDER AND THE CHRIST CHILD 

by Elizabeth Houghton

He was the littlest spider in all his family. Yet he could run faster
than any of them. He was always playing hide-and-seek. In and out of holes, under tables and chairs. Up the walls he'd race. So fast and
little was he, indeed, that nobody could catch him.

"I shall teach you how to weave," said his mother. "Than perhaps you'll keep out of mischief. Idle hands do no good. You must learn that life is not all play."

Soon the littlest spider was weaving great and beautiful webs. He
covered the high corners of the walls with intricately woven silk webs. He created lovely creations, larger and faster than anyone else could weave them.

"Such beautiful webs!" exclaimed his mother proudly. "God has given you a great gift. I hope someday you will use it to benefit others."

One cold winter day the littlest spider went for a walk alone. He
wandered across the cold hillsides and fields. He traveled far and wide, down bleak Judean roads. He met some people. The man was leading a donkey, on which sat a young and beautiful woman. She was holding an infant close to her heart.

"Joseph," said the mother, "I am tired. May we rest here a while?" The man looked anxiously up and down the road. No one was in sight. "There is a small cave close by," he told her. "There you will be cut off from the wind and cold. Come!"

As they reached the cave they were startled to hear hoofbeats in the
distance. "Herod's soldiers are coming to find our Babe," sobbed the
mother. "They will kill our Little One!" She covered the infant with
her shawl. Hurriedly, they entered the cave.

The littlest spider watched, then stood guard at the entrance. As the soldiers approached, he began to weave a web back and forth, to and fro, across the opening. He worked so swiftly that by the time the soldiers reached the cave a fine and beautiful web completely covered the entrance.

"No use looking in there," one of the soldiers remarked, eyeing the web. "Evidently no one has been in the cave for a long time. The web would have been broken had anyone entered." So they continued hastily on their way. And the Holy Family rested in peace and safety.

When the littlest spider told his mother what he had done she was very pleased. "God gave you the gift to work fast and well. You have used your gift to save the Christ Child."

(Adapted from an old Legend)

December 14, 2019

Matthew 2:11

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child 

with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 

****** 

Candle Light Carol

words and music by John Rutter

performed by Aled Jones

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJR52cv6enc

How do you capture the wind on the water? 

How do you count all the stars in the sky? 

How can you measure the love of a mother, 

or how can you write down a baby's first cry?

Candlelight, angel light, firelight and starglow 

Shine on his cradle till breaking of dawn. 

Gloria, Gloria in excelsis deo!

Angels are singing; the Christ Child is born.

Shepherds and wisemen will kneel and adore him, 

Seraphim round him their vigil will keep; 

Nations proclaim him their Lord and their Savior, 

But Mary will hold him and sing him to sleep.

Candlelight, angel light, firelight and starglow 

Shine on his cradle till breaking of dawn. 

Gloria, Gloria in excelsis deo!

Angels are singing; the Christ Child is born.

Find him at Bethlehem laid in a manger: 

Christ our Redeemer asleep in the hay. 

Godhead incarnate and hope of salvation: 

A child with his mother that first Christmas Day.

Candlelight, angel light, firelight and starglow 

Shine on his cradle till breaking of dawn. 

Gloria, Gloria in excelsis deo!

Angels are singing; the Christ Child is born. 

***** 

Once again, I have spent much of the day traveling, so there is just going to be a song and a story tonight and Tomorrow ~~ Marilee

Gift from the Children: A Christmas Miracle

by: Donna Wallace, Source Unknown

Helen. Dear, sweet, elderly, Helen. Such a beloved lady, and friend to all who knew her.

Helen had belonged to the same church for almost all her adult life. She saw many members come and go, bond and feud, but she had always remained faithful to her beliefs, and she was highly respected, and cherished, among all the other parishioners.

Poor Helen. She wasn't a young spry chicken anymore. She was well into her 90's, and not quite as energetic and bubbly as when she first visited the church so many years ago.

Christmas 1998 was not destined to be a very kind year to Helen. She had suffered many losses. She lost her beloved husband six years before, but this year she seemed to have lost it all. After her dear husband passed away, she had moved in with her daughter, Becky, and her young granddaughter, Jennifer. They saved her from the loneliness she would surely have visited without their love. They grew closer every day, and each new day, life brought them more to be grateful and appreciative of. They knew they were blessed, and always remembered their blessings in prayer.

Jennifer was only two years old when Helen first came to live with them. Cute as a button, rambunctious, outgoing, and always joyful and singing. She made a house a home. Becky and Helen used to kid how it took the two of them to even half keep up with the whirlwind they nicknamed "Sunshine". Jennifer was curious as a cat, and filled the day with endless questions - some deep, some comical, and each one needing answers! Her mother, and her grandma were careful never to carelessly brush her questions aside, or grow impatient. They answered each and every one, if not with wisdom, then at least with unbridled love. Jennifer grew into a brilliant young lady, and everyone predicted a bright and sunny future for the special little girl.

Life is funny. Predictions sometimes don't come to pass. Future's sometimes only last today.

One night, driving home from the store, Becky and Jennifer were hit, head on, by a drunk driver. It was a mistake. A horrid mistake. If it weren't for a flat tire, they would have been home long before the intoxicated man drove down their street. Nobody can predict the future. Their shiny future ended that night. Their dreams, and plans and goals scattered among the broken glass, and the shredded steel. They were gone - forever. Once again, Helen was alone.

The sorrow and remorse that lived in Helen's heart surely should have killed her, she thought. The agony of losing those closest to her, the loneliness of being all alone, in a house as quiet as a tomb, and the emptiness of having nothing more to live for were more than she could bear.

Every Sunday she continued to go faithfully to her church, pray to her God, and she was always polite, but oh so sad. She had changed - withered, deflated, crumbled. She seemed to hardly be able to put one foot in front of the other. Her joyous laughter was seldom heard, her excitement and zest for life was simply no longer a part of who she was. She was no longer inflated - just completely deflated - flat. Zombie-like instead of lifelike. Just waiting for her turn to go be with her loved ones.

Naturally, all the other parishioners saw the change. They felt her sadness, and loneliness. She had always been such a pillar of strength, a friend in need, someone who could be counted on when the rest of the world had checked out. She was always there, in every way, for everyone. But now, she wasn't there at all, and nobody seemed to know how to comfort and help her.

But everyone saw. And everyone knew - from the oldest members, to the toddlers. They all saw the change, and the grief, and the pain.

Months passed. It was now December, and the holiday season was proving to be harder than Helen imagined it would be - and lonelier. She still went about living, kept up appearances, prayed, and was kind to everyone she met. Yet she felt like she was melting - dissolving - dying, slowly inside. She wondered if she would see Christmas this year, or go to spend it with those that went before her - the ones she loved.

Then, the second Sunday of December, the Sunday School Teacher came to her with a special request. Would she be kind enough to help with trimming the tree that stood in the middle of the children's classroom? Each child had handmade a special ornament, to place on the tree, and they needed assistance, and adult supervision. Helen tried to gracefully decline, but the teacher smiled, and said that the children had requested that she be the assistant this year. It was important to them for some reason, the teacher whispered.

The night of the special event, Helen was present. She was dressed as immaculate as always, and wore the best smile she could muster. The sight of the young children was bittersweet. The laughter and playfulness were refreshing, but they also held memories of her dear, granddaughter, Jennifer, who had passed away just four short months before. For the first time in months though, you could occasionally see her eyes shining, through a veil of tears. She decided she was happy that the children had thought to invite her, and thankful that she had decided to come join in the merriment. She felt more alive than she had since that dreadful day in August 1998.

Most of the ornaments had already been placed on the tree when an excited, almost giddy group of children came to her and took her by the hand. They led her to an ornate, red velvet chair that the teacher must have pushed into the center of the room, and they begged for her to sit down. Curious, and a little apprehensive, Helen obeyed, goodheartedly. You could see a tiny smile light up the corner of her mouth as she wondered what the little gremlins were up to.

A group, of five girls and four boys, sat in front of her splendid chair, smiling up at her with eyes moist with tears of happiness, and mouths trying not to prematurely babble the secret they were about to share with her. In the middle of the group sat a magnificent gold, gift-wrapped box addressed to: "Our Grandma, with Love."

Eight year old Christine stood before Helen, tears overflowing, smiling from ear to ear, eyes dancing at the speed of light. Christine had always been special to Helen, for she had been Jennifer's best friend ever since she could remember. They had spent much time together over the years, and they had grown close. She placed the box in Helen's tiny lap and the whole group rose in unison, and began to sing just for an amazed and delighted Helen, who seemed to be crying and laughing and praying all at the same time! With pride in their eyes, and love in their voices, and their notes sometimes off-key, they musically told her the reason that she was there. It was easy, yet touching to see that the children had written the words, and the song just for her. A gift to be cherished. Wonderful memories to last forevermore.

Each of the nine small children either had no grandmother any longer, or had never even known theirs. This was a very special celebration and union - a new family meeting, and bonding, and growing and loving - and sharing a very special Christmas. One by one, they unpacked the special ornament they made, and proudly showed her their surprise. Each ornament was addressed, "To my special Grandma, with Love - on our First Christmas". Every ornament was unique, special, splendid, and every one was a miracle beyond belief, to a heart so desperately in pain.

Once again, proving that predictions, don't always come true.....Xmas 1998 wasn't unkind to Helen whatsoever. No, Christmas 1998, was a new beginning, a brand new start, and nine new reasons to celebrate many more Christmas's to come. The next two weeks Helen became a human dynamo! She baked, she decorated, she sang and filled her house with so much cheer until at last it warmed up again, and became a home. She invited her nine special grandkids over and celebrated a Christmas as only a very special, wonderful grandma knows how to do, filled to the brim with magical memories that only the nine most special grandchildren on earth could ever have provided.

You see, dear sweet Helen wasn't the only one in need that Christmas. She wasn't the only lonely soul who felt the emptiness and a void which needed filling. The children in their infinite wisdom saw her need, and in filling her need, they filled their own. There is no love as pure and unpretentious as a child's love, no mind as wise and true as a child’s mind can be when given the opportunity to flourish and grow. Every single child is a miracle you can mold and design. Parents have the power, the opportunity, and the responsibility to teach their children love and compassion, peace and kindness. The future is in the hand's of our children, but our children are first placed in our loving arms, and under our tender guidance. Teach them love. Teach them the true meaning of Christmas. Not only one day in 365 days, but 365 days each and every year. Each new day providing an opportunity to celebrate, and rejoice, and give the gift of love. The gift of abundance that only grows, with no chance of diminishing in time.

Christmas is magical. You can see it, feel it, smell it, hear it, taste it. Christmas is a blessed event, that makes believers out of the staunchest cynics at times. It's wishes being granted - dreams coming true. But most of all, it has to live, all year long, deep within your heart. Christmas isn't for a day - it's all year long. Christmas is a lifetime affair. Merry Christmas to all....today, tomorrow, and forevermore.

December 13, 2019

John 6:20

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. 

******* 

"The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas." WC Jones 

******* 

Tip: Put out a bowl of pinecones. Spray with non-stick spray, and then sprinkle with sugar. It will look like snow.
Bonus tip: Simmer a small pot of apple juice or two cups of water and a cut up apple on the stove. Add a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. Your home will smell like an apple pie baking.

*******

Be Born in Me

performed by Francisca Battistelli

Everything inside me cries for order

Everything inside me wants to hide

Is this shadow an angel or a warrior?

If God is pleased with me, why am I so terrified?

Someone tell me I am only dreaming

Somehow help me see with Heaven's eyes

And before my head agrees, my heart is on its knees

Holy is He. Blessed am I.

Be born in me, be born in me

Trembling heart, somehow I believe that You chose me

I'll hold you in the beginning, You will hold me in the end

Every moment in the middle, make my heart your Bethlehem

Be born in me

All this time we've waited for the promise

All this time You've waited for my arms

Did You wrap yourself inside the unexpected

So we might know that Love would go that far?

Be born in me, be born in me

Trembling heart, somehow I believe that You chose me

I'll hold you in the beginning, You will hold me in the end

Every moment in the middle, make my heart your Bethlehem

Be born in me

I am not brave

I'll never be

The only thing my heart can offer is a vacancy

I'm just a girl

Nothing more

But I am willing, I am Yours

Be born in me, be born in me

I'll hold you in the beginning, You will hold me in the end

Every moment in the middle, make my heart your Bethlehem

Be born in me 

******* 

Faith in Jesus Christ can help us to not be afraid. After rowing 3 – 4 miles out to sea, Jesus’s disciples were frightened when they saw someone walking towards them on the rough waters. In fact, they were terrified. Jesus spoke to them saying, “it is I, don’t be afraid.” What does this have to do with me and my walk? Well, yesterday, I had a dentists appointment. That doesn’t sound like much, does it? The truth is, I’m afraid of dentists—terribly afraid. I had to have a cavity filled. That meant I would have to open my mouth, and let the dentist put a drill in it and chisel on my tooth! Horrors!! The dentist prescribed 2 pills for me to get from the pharmacy. I took one an hour before the appointment, and took the other with me. I was going to try hard to not need it. I had it all planned out, I wouldn’t take the other pill and would be just fine. Wrong. Not only did I need the second pill, I had to have gas, too! Sometimes there are things in this life which seem insurmountable. I came home yesterday afternoon and slept until this morning. That’s why no blog yesterday. I’m still very much a work in progress, but I’m going to develop more faith. I went to the dentist’s office today, parked in the parking lot and didn’t feel sick at my stomach. that’s progress, right? And just as those disciples conquered their fear, so will I ~~ Marilee

******** 

Untitled Lell Farley

Mary knew ere long she'd be ready.

Her back and legs were tired and weary.

The evening seemed lonely, dark and dreary.

And Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.....

In the stable by Mary were the lamb and the cow,

Her pains were steady, much harder, now.

The straw was soft and very clean,

But she barely noticed as the pains came, No relief in between.

And Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.....

The babe was soft and cuddly and warm,

How could anyone show Him harm?

With reverence she held the Child to her breast,

Enjoying the miracle, the moment of rest.

And Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.....

Through the years she watched as He grew,

Always learning from the things He knew.

What a special man He had become,

Continually helping everyone.

And Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.....

Fear filled her soul as she heard the crowd shout!

They didn't know what they were screaming about!

Why - when He'd done nothing but good ?

Must He hang on the cross as a criminal would?

And Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.....

Despair overtook her as she leaned toward John,

Her Son, Christ the Savior, was really gone.

Her grief was unbearable, her Babe, was dead.

There was little control o're the tears she now shed.

And Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.....

The sacrifices of others have not been a few,

Because someone cared about each of you.

To make them worthwhile begin today,

Live a Christ like life with no more delay.

And like Mary - Keep all these things and ponder them in your heart.…

December 11, 2019

John 1:4

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

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

Some gifts you can give this Christmas are beyond monetary value: Mend a quarrel, dismiss suspicion, tell someone, "I love you." Give something away--anonymously. Forgive someone who has treated you wrong. Turn away wrath with a soft answer. Visit someone in a nursing home. Apologize if you were wrong. Be especially kind to someone with whom you work. Give as God gave to you in Christ, without obligation, or announcement, or reservation, or hypocrisy.
- Charles Swindoll

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

Tip: Turn the lights off and eat by candlelight and Christmas lights. For some extra dazzle, take a clear string of lights and wrap it around the centerpiece on the table. Make sure you unplug it when you're finished.
Bonus tip: Replace a few light bulbs in your lamps with colored bulbs. Red lends a cheery glow, while blue or green is very mellow.

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

Christmas Is

lyrics by Mark Harris

performed by Mark and Maddison Harris

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoV8i2xPi1w

video with lyrics

Fireside, winter snow

Lights are on the tree

The world is all aglow again

With all the season brings

And though it comes around we cheer

The meaning of the season sometimes disappears

Oh it’s good to be reminded

Christmas is for girls and boys

Trimming trees and Santa’s toys

For Mom and Dad

Gram and Grandpa too

Christmas is a sacred birth

A chance for hope and peace on earth

Everything that we hold dear and true

Cause most of all

Christmas is the love that lives inside of me and you

Sleepy eyes are open wide

And tiny hearts beat fast

To celebrate the morning just like every Christmas past

We gather close to family

Embracing all that’s been and all that’s yet to be

Oh it’s good to be reminded

Christmas is the candle light

Jingle bells and silent night

Friends from long ago and

friends you’ve made anew

Christmas is a sacred birth

A chance for hope and peace on earth

Everything that we hold dear and true

Cause most of all

Christmas is the love that lives inside of me and you

From where it all began

One night in Bethlehem

It reaches out to all of us

Reminds us once again

Christmas is for everyone

The greatest gift

The Father’s love

Christmas is a sacred birth

A chance for hope and peace on earth

It’s everything that we hold dear and true

Cause most of all

Christmas is the love that lives inside of me and you

Cause most of all

Christmas is the love that lives inside of me and you

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

I found a geat recipe online for a super easy puff pastry treat. Here is the link:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/sweet-savory-cheesy-bacon-wrapped-puff-pastry-twist/

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

Last spring, I went for my annual eye exam. I was really concerned because my eyesight was deteriorating. I didn’t feel safe driving in areas I was not familiar with. I couldn’t read the street signs, and I absolutely would NOT drive after dark. Almost every year, I had to get new glasses, they were always able to give me stronger lenses. This year was different. There were no stronger lenses. I could not drive. I could not read. I could not quilt or crochet. My world became very small. We scheduled cataract surgery this past summer, and I hoped for the best. I did not know what the best WAS. It had been so long since my vision had started deteriorating, that I didn’t realize what I’d lost. Suddenly I could see blades of grass! I could see individual leaves on trees! Ir was amazing. I could see colors! I didn’t realize that my vision had become almost monochromatic. The grass was green! My husband’s eyes were blue – they hadn’t faded. The roses in front of my house were yellow and red – vibrant red. I walked up to total strangers in the store and told them they wearing the most beautiful colors. Everywhere I looked, I saw beauty. Heavenly Father created the most incredible world. What does that have to do with my walk? I read in John today of a man who had been blind since birth, but Jesus restored his sight. I knew what it meant to have my physical sight restored, and thought how accurately the word’s “I once was blind, but now I see” applied to me. This scripture refers to spiritual blindness as well as physical, and I have worked today to find that same joy in my eyes being opened by the spirit ~~ Marilee

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

I found this story years ago, and really enjoyed it, only in the story I read, the little girl lived in Italy rather than France. The story was inspired by a poem written by Thelia Thaxter and was originally published in the book, Good Stories for Great Holidays: Arranged for Story-telling and Reading Aloud, (copyright 1914).

Little Piccola 

In the sunny land of France there lived many years ago a sweet little maid named Piccola. Her father had died when she was a baby, and her mother was very poor and had to work hard all day in the fields for a few sous. Little Piccola had no dolls and toys, and she was often hungry and cold, but she was never sad nor lonely.
What if there were no children for her to play with! What if she did not have fine clothes and beautiful toys! In summer there were always the birds in the forest, and the flowers in the fields and meadows,—the birds sang so sweetly, and the flowers were so bright and pretty!

In the winter when the ground was covered with snow, Piccola helped her mother, and knit long stockings of blue wool.
The snow-birds had to be fed with crumbs, if she could find any, and then, there was Christmas Day. But one year her mother was ill and could not earn any money. Piccola worked hard all the day long, and sold the stockings which she knit, even when her own little bare feet were blue with the cold. As Christmas Day drew near she said to her mother, “I wonder what the good Saint Nicholas will bring me this year. I cannot hang my stocking in the fireplace, but I shall put my wooden shoe on the hearth for him. He will not forget me, I am sure.” “Do not think of it this year, my dear child,” replied her mother. “We must be glad if we have bread enough to eat.”
But Piccola could not believe that the good saint would forget her. On Christmas Eve she put her little wooden patten on the hearth before the fire, and went to sleep to dream of Saint Nicholas.
As the poor mother looked at the little shoe, she thought how unhappy her dear child would be to find it empty in the morning, and wished that she had something, even if it were only a tiny cake, for a Christmas gift. There was nothing in the house but a few sous, and these must be saved to buy bread.
When the morning dawned Piccola awoke and ran to her shoe.
Saint Nicholas had come in the night. He had not forgotten the little child who had thought of him with such faith.
See what he had brought her. It lay in the wooden patten, looking up at her with its two bright eyes, and chirping contentedly as she stroked its soft feathers.
A little swallow, cold and hungry, had flown into the chimney and down to the room, and had crept into the shoe for warmth.
Piccola danced for joy, and clasped the shivering swallow to her breast.
She ran to her mother’s bedside. “Look, look!” she cried. “A Christmas gift, a gift from the good Saint Nicholas!” And she danced again in her little bare feet.
Then she fed and warmed the bird, and cared for it tenderly all winter long; teaching it to take crumbs from her hand and her lips, and to sit on her shoulder while she was working.
In the spring she opened the window for it to fly away, but it lived in the woods near by all summer, and came often in the early morning to sing its sweetest songs at her door.

December 10, 2019

John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

*****

Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most. Ruth Carter Stapleton

*****

TIP: Most candle fires start in the bedroom. If you are using a candle in your bedroom, don’t leave the room until you blow the candle out first. Even if you are just going to the bathroom, blow the candles out. You never know if you’ll get distracted and end up forgetting about the candles in your room. You always want to have someone in the room when a candle is burning.

******

O come, O come, Emmanuel (with lyrics)

translated by John Mason Neale and Henry Sloane Coffin

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4iyJqrPvY

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear 

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer

Our people with Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny

From depths of Hell Thy people save

And give them victory o'er the grave

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

*****

I was cutting quilt blocks this morning when the phone rang. It was 6:37 a.m., and of course, panic set in and I wondered what was wrong. I hurried to the phone, picked it up. It was NOT one of our children. It was a telemarketer. What kind of crazy telemarketer calls at 6:37 in the morning? I thought for a second, debating what to say and quickly said, “Merry Christmas” and hung up. I felt good. It started my interactions with people off positively. As the day has gone on, I’ve thought about what I should do to follow the Savior. I started out ok. I was nice. I smiled. thinking about what kind of important lessons I need to learn. Have you ever noticed that the Savior didn’t let himself get stressed out about things which didn’t get done yesterday? He also didn’t worry about the future. He knew what would happen, but he chose to live completely in the present. He had so much to teach us, such important lessons. He taught them He taught them by living them. He didn’t worry or fret. He didn’t hate the fact that he couldn’t change the background on his blog, or that he might not get all of His decorations out for the upcoming holiday. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, blessed the little children, restored life to the dead. He led the way. So today, I’ve tried to live a day without worrying about things out of my control, feeling at peace and believing that I am following in His path. ~~ Marilee

***** 

During the Christmas holidays the many decorations which adorn the windows and doors of homes are truly things of beauty. Each candle, seen in so many of our windows at this beautiful season of the year, tells an inspiring story.

Many years ago in a tidy little cottage on the edge of a village in Austria, a cobbler and his wife made their home. Their possessions were far from plentiful; but in spite of that, they shared what they had with others. Symbolic of their love and generosity for their fellowman was the lighted candle that they placed in the window of their humble cottage.

Over a number of years war, along with its companions, famine and destruction, fell upon the land. This little village suffered; yet, through it all, the cobbler and his wife suffered less than the others.

The villagers were puzzled about this and talked among themselves. "Surely, there is something special about them," they said. "They are always spared from our misfortune. Let us put a candle in our window and see if that is the mysterious charm."

It so happened that the first night a candle was lighted in the window of every home was Christmas Eve. Before the first rays of the morning sun showed over the horizon, a messenger rode into the village to bring the great news: peace had come to the land. That Christmas Day there was amazement and awe in the hearts of the humble villagers. And, as they thanked God for the blessings of peace, they said to one another, "Let us always remember to light candles on the evening of Christ's birth."

Many years have passed since this beautiful custom of placing a lighted candle in the window on Christmas Eve occurred. The custom has spread all over the world, sending forth a message of love, hope and cheer. During the Christmas holidays the many decorations which adorn the windows and doors of homes are truly things of beauty. Each candle, seen in so many of our windows at this beautiful season of the year, tells an inspiring story.

*****

I have always loved this poem, and hope that you will enjoy it also


I Will Light Candles this Christmas
—by Howard Thurman I will light Candles this Christmas,

Candles of joy despite all the sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn all year long.
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.
Howard Thurman (1899-1981), author, theologian, philosopher, educator, and civil rights leader. In 1944, he helped found the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, one of the first racially integrated churches. He played an active role in many social justice movements. As a theologian and advocate of radical nonviolence, he was a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and others in the Civil Rights Movements.


Extracted from

https://livingthepresentmoment.com/howard-thurman-will-light-candles-christmas/

O Come All Ye Faithful

December 8

Matthew 2:9-10 

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 

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"Love came down at Christmas; love all lovely, love divine; love was born at Christmas, stars and angels gave the sign." -- Christina G. Rossetti

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Tip Gather five to seven candles, preferably all in the same color for more impact. Red, ivory, white, gold and silver are festive holiday colors. Arrange on a fancy platter or large plate.
Bonus tip: Sprinkle Christmas potpourri or pinecones around the edge of the plate. Another option is a layer of sugar to simulate snow.

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Easy Taco Soup from Glenda


2 pounds ground beef, browned and drained
Combine in a dutch oven, or large pot with:
1 package taco seasoning
1 – 16 oz can chili beans, undrained
1 – 15 oz can corn kernels, undrained
1 – 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 --14 ½ oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 – 10 oz can diced tomatoes with chilis
1 4 oz can green chilis chopped
1 envelope ranch dressing


bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream and crushed chips to sprinkle on top

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OH, COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI2c9yptr4U

Oh, come, all ye faithful,

Joyful and triumphant! 

Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold him,

Born the King of angels;

Oh, come, let us adore him;

Oh, come, let us adore him;

Oh, come, let us adore him,

Christ, the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels,

Sing in exultation;

Sing, all ye citizens of heav'n above!

Glory to God, 

Glory in the highest;

Oh, come, let us adore him;

Oh, come, let us adore him;

Oh, come, let us adore him,

Christ, the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet thee,

Born this happy morning;

Jesus, to thee be all glory giv'n.

Son of the Father,

Now in flesh appearing;

Oh, come, let us adore him;

Oh, come, let us adore him;

Oh, come, let us adore him,

Christ, the Lord. 

***** 

As I considered what to today on my journey, I thought of the commandment found in Exodus “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” I thought to myself, wow, that would be easy to do – my parents are both deceased – nothing to it. As the day continued on, however, I thought of my grandchildren. My oldest granddaughter was just 6 months old when mother died, and my father had already been dead for 17 years. How could I honor them in my grandchildren’s eyes and I thought of Christmas memories, how we celebrated. First I wrote down memories of “my” Christmases growing up, and then recorded the few stories I was told by my parents. My father was 10 years old when he received his first Christmas present. His brother Lenard sent it to him. All of Dad’s siblings were so excited! None of them had ever received a present before. By the time my Dad woke up, the older children had already opened his present and broken the toy truck Uncle Lenard sent him. He received his next present 19 years later from my mother after their marriage. He loved picking out and decorating Christmas trees. My mother had memories of fun times with a loving family. There was little money for gifts or surprises, but there were home carved items, and things which grandma made them. Write down a Christmas memory of your parents or grandparents. Share them with your family, Honor their memories ~~ Marilee

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THE RIBBONED GIFT 

By: Betty Drinkwater 1983 

It isn't the ribboned gift that tells us the birthday of the Savior is here but...
It is the warmth we feel in our heart as we lift our fellowman to do our part.


It isn't the ribboned gift that fills the heart with cheer but...
To understand the Master is concerned and near.


It isn't the ribboned gift that touches our hearts with charity but...
The touch of the Master as we understand His gospel in all its simplicity and clarity.


It isn't the ribboned gift that brings "peace on earth good will to all men" but...
Each man must do his part to cleanse his soul of hate and envy towards his fellowman.


It isn't the ribboned gift that brings the magic of Christmas but....
The beauty of the pure love of Christ known as "Charity" to all men.


It isn't the ribboned gift that brings the touch of the Master, but...
The sacrifice of self to ease the burden or brighten the lives of others.


Could we say it is the ribboned gift that brings to mind the GREATEST GIFT OF ALL
The life of our Savior so willingly and lovingly given for all time?


Though he was "rich" for our sakes,
He became "poor" that through His poverty we can become "rich".


Yes, this is the kind of giving that makes not only a Merry Christmas, but...
Peace on earth, good will to all men!


Bring Me to the Manger
By Anna Tucker
Bring me to the manger
For I desire to go,
Bring me to the manger,
For I desire to know,
The Holy child
So meek and mild,
So spotless and undefiled
Cradled therein,
For dark is this night
And I long e’en for the star
That did guide
The wise men from afar,
To where He lay,
For my soul shall weep and pray
Till I find my way
To Him!
Extracted from: https://www.goodmorningquote.com/christmas-poems/

December 8

John 8:12 

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 

*****

Carol of the Bells (for 12 cellos)

The Piano Guys 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg

Good Sabbath, everyone ~~ Marilee

*****

The Carol that Never was Sung
by Alfred Hassler

The first Christmas Eve, of course, was a very important event. The birthday of the Child called for the biggest celebration the heavenly hosts had ever had. Even the Carols, held in reserve for ages for some really spacial event, would be sung.

The choir was to be one of Heaven's very best, with some exceptionally rich angelic tenors and basses brought in from the glee club to help out. All the stars had been rubbed with a special polish, and one brand-new star added just for the occasion. The Carols were quite puffed up with pride and excitement and they all promised solemnly to be on hand in plenty of time.

On the great night, everything want off fine. The stars shone as they had never shone before; the angel choir outdid itself in songs of joy, and the Carols were a great success. There was only one little flaw, and hardly anyone even noticed it. One of the Carols didn't get there in time.

In fact, it didn't get there at all. It was quite a sweet Carol, the angels singers told each other a little sadly. It had been a pity not to have sung it.

The Carol was very penitent. It had stopped on the way, it explained vaguely. Something had got its attention, and it had stopped, and been late. Questioning by the choirmaster produced little more. The Carol got vaguer and vaguer as the questions became sharper and sharper. Only one thing it seemed sure of.

It would never happen again, the Carol promised. But it did, every year. And finally, when nearly twenty long centuries had gone by with the last Carol still not sung, they brought the situation to the Throne Room. There they explained more in sorrow than in anger, about the Carol that was always late. Then, at a sign, they left, and the last Carol was summoned. The Last Carol was ashamed and frightened and hung its head as it stood in the Throne Room and explained with no more vagueness, why it had been late.

Each year had been something different, it admitted. Sometimes it had been a man in a dungeon. Often it had been men and women whose spirits had fallen low in the face of great obstacles, whose faith in love was almost extinguished and who could not join in the rejoicing over the Child's birthday.

Always, explained the Carol simply, it had seemed important to stop with these for awhile, and somehow it had always meant being late. "But next year began the Carol, but the voice from the Throne interrupted.

"Next year, " said the Voice, "you will do as you have done, next year and for many years to come. For you are the Carol that must be voiceless until all men sing together in a mighty chorus that covers the earth. Only in the hearts of men who have seen the vision," said the voice, "can you hone; the Child, until all men love each other as He loved them. "

"Then," said the Carol wistfully, "must I be silent forever? "Not so, " said the Voice, and the full choir of angels had never sounded so richly majestic. "They flee from it in fear and greed, but with their fear there is a shame, and through their greed shines love. One day they will cast out their fear and let love lead them into the rich habitation I have prepared for them. then, " said the Voice, "all men will join in singing the sweetest carol of all . . . . THE SONG OF UNIVERSAL, BROTHERHOOD. "