And when we find Him, will we be prepared as were the wise men of old to provide gifts from our many treasures? They presented gold, frankincense and myrrh. These are not the gifts Jesus asks of us. From the treasure of our hearts Jesus asks that we give of ourselves. Thomas S. Monson

~*~*~*~

A Soldier’s King
written by John Barlow Jarvis and Kenny Horton
performed by Donny Osmond
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja-7nRKLrsM

No one seemed to notice
The man beside the road
He was just a ragged soldier
Out there in the cold
But he seemed to have a purpose
Only known to him
As he walked along the streets that night
Through the town of Bethlehem

In his head he held a memory
Of all the wars he'd known
In his hand he clutched a medal
For the bravery he'd shown
And the weight of every battle
He carried in his heart
But his eyes were clear and searching
For a manger in the dark

Chorus:
Some are born to greatness
Some are born to fall
Some are bound to be forgotten
Like they never lived at all
But we're all born to know Him
And stand before His light
Like the soldier who found his king tonight

He had marched for politicians
Served under their command
And he fought for all the causes
That he did not understand
But it was something deep inside him now
That led him on his way
With a single star to guide him
To where the baby lay

(Chorus)

He stood before the Son of God
Come to pay our debt
He smiled up at the soldier
That the world would soon forget
So he held out his medal
And said this for you I bring
There he swore allegiance
To the newborn baby king

~*~*~*~

Games

Candy Cane Relay

extracted from 10 Fun Candy Cane Game Ideas {Candy Cane Olympics} - Play Party Plan

The basic idea of this game is a team relay where you’ll be walking and passing candy canes (like a relay baton) to see who can finish first.

Give each player a candy cane and give the first person (Player 1) on each team a second candy cane. That person should hook the candy cane on the bottom of the candy cane they’re already holding.

When you say go, the first person should walk across the room to their teammates on the other side. When they get there, they need to transfer the hooked candy cane from their candy cane to the other person’s candy cane, without touching it with their other hand.

That person then go to the other side again, transfers their candy cane to the next person. Continue until all teammates have completed their legs. Teams with four people will have each person walk one leg of the relay, teams with three people will have player 1 walk two (they’ll walk the final leg).

*

Pass The Antlers

Buy an antlers head band from the store.

Played like the traditional game of Hot Potato, pass the antlers have guests gather in a circle and pass a pair of antlers around as music plays.

When each player receives the antlers, she must put them on her head, then take them back off and pass them to the next player. Any player caught wearing the antlers when the music stops is out of the game. Play continues until one player remains.

~*~*~*~

Pretzel Bars

2 cups finely crushed pretzels
2/3 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
2 pkg. (3.9 oz. each) Chocolate Instant Pudding
2 cups cold milk
1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter, divided
1-3/4 cups thawed Cool whip, divided
2 bananas, sliced
24 miniature pretzel twists

Heat oven to 350°F. Mix pretzel crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and butter; press onto bottom of 13x9-inch pan. Bake 10 min.; cool completely. Meanwhile, beat dry pudding mixes, milk and 3/4 cup peanut butter in medium bowl with whisk until well blended. Stir in 3/4 cup whipped topping. Spread 3/4 cup peanut butter mixture over crust; top with bananas and remaining pudding mixture. Whisk remaining peanut butter and half of the remaining whipped topping in separate medium bowl until well blended. Stir in remaining topping; spread over dessert. Refrigerate 2 hours. Top with whole pretzels just before serving.

~*~*~*~

I saw a meme recently which said, “Loving a military man is not hard. The distance is hard, the worry is hard, the sacrifices are hard. But loving him … that’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done.” Every year, I do a blog honoring those serving in the military and their families.

Nineteen years of fighting this war against terrorism has left our military forces and their families accustomed to being apart on days that are supposed to make us feel together. Christmas is a big one. In 2019, a study was done that showed 15% of military families struggle to feed their families.

There are “Adopt a Military Family” programs across the country.

There are Angel trees for military members.

The Full Circle Home program gives deployed servicemen a chance to send a gift box to their wives back home. Gift boxes contain pampering items, such as lotions, bubble baths and spa socks. They also feature a handwritten note from the serviceman.

Donate to the ASYMCA Operation Holiday Joy program and 100% of your donation goes to food and toys this holiday season and you can designate your donation to a specific program.

Trees for Troops

Every family needs a Christmas tree and Tree for Troops, sponsored by the Christmas Spirit Foundation, offers free Christmas trees for military families. Trees are available at 62 bases throughout the United States.
Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/christmas-programs-for-military-families-in-need/#ixzz6gnUBuFzw Another excellent site for ideas is Christmas 2020 (militarybenefits.info)
WE owe our military families SO much. Tell them thank you. Let them know that we appreciate their sacrifice. Their job is not easy, and their choice to join is heroic. Let them know we care.

My walk yesterday was to develop more Christlike patience with others. I do not know if the Christmas dolls I’m making exactly qualify, but they required more patience than I had. After 4 hours of trying unsuccessfully to attach backpacks, I dumped them into a corner and watched a Christmas Special with my husband. This is something I need to continue to work on every day! Today I’m walking the gratitude path. I am going to find the opportunity to thank our soldiers in some way, to thank those who protect liberty and freedom of religion, as well as so many other liberties. If you are aware of any opportunities to serve, please add them in a comment ~~ Marilee

~*~*~*~

Christmas At Sea

Author unknown

The sea is cold, the night is dark... the blowing wind is crisp,
I stare across the ship's huge deck... I did not get my wish.
I wanted so, to be at home... this year on Christmas Eve,
But this will be the year that I... did not get Christmas leave.

I stand and think about my family... gathered by the tree,
I know that one will say my name... and then they'll think of me.
I am not there to share their joy... my country needs me here,
But I am not the only one... who won't get home this year.

I miss my family but I am... on guard for my country,
Protecting those who can have Christmas... is my first duty.
Many men have given all... for us to have that right,
And I feel honored just to sacrifice... a Christmas night.

But still I'm feeling so alone... as many of us are,
As I just stand here on the deck... and watch a Christmas star.
I guess it is a Christmas star... it shines for all it's worth,
And I think back to when a star... foretold His peace on earth.

If only people felt this calm... as on this Christmas Eve,
And not create hostilities... that make their brothers grieve.
Then we could have a peaceful world... as it was meant to be,
But until then we must stand guard... and this night it is me.

Once again my thoughts turn home... my family safe and sound,
Because this ship and other men... are ready to stand ground.
The Navy and the other branches... keep us safe and strong,
So those at home can celebrate... and sing their Christmas song.

But knowing that I must do this... I can't hold back a tear,
Wishing I was home this Christmas... sharing in the cheer.
Seeing all my families faces... lights and Christmas trim,
Now the night is getting darker... as I think of them.

Trying now to fight this feeling... of such loneliness,
Softly speaking to myself... a lonely Christmas wish.
Actually my Christmas wish... is now a Christmas prayer,
Thank you for the men who serve... our country everywhere.

Thank you for our families... who enjoy this Christmas free,
Thank you for the other men... who serve this ship with me.
Thank you for allowing me... to make this sacrifice,
A joyous Christmas for our families... makes it worth the price.

May there be peace within you today.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our
Wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

Extracted from: Sailor's Christmas (goatlocker.org)

A Spirit of Love

 

"Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God." -George F. McDougall

~*~*~*~

I Need a Silent Night

Amy Grant

I Need a Silent Night Amy Grant - YouTube

I've made the same mistake before
Too many malls, too many stores
December traffic, Christmas rush
It breaks me till I push and shove

Children are crying while mothers are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
What can I say?

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night

December comes then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a different place?

Where people stayed home wishing for snow
Watching three channels on their TV
Look at us now rushing around
Trying to buy Christmas peace

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night

What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With peace on earth, good will toward men?

Every shepherd's out in the field
Keeping watch over their clock by night
And the glory of the Lord shone around them
And they were so afraid

And the angels said fear not for behold
I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people
For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night
To end this crazy day with a silent night

~*~*~*~

DECORATING and safety tip

Today’s tips are for real trees.

This may seem like a given, but don’t forget to water your tree. A live Christmas tree drinks 1 quart of water per 1 inch of trunk diameter per day. Most Christmas tree stands will hold about a gallon of water, and they should be refilled daily.

Place a humidifier near the Christmas tree and turn it on each day or night. This will keep the air moist and provide extra freshness.

~*~*~*~

RECIPE

Marshmallow Yummies

2 cups miniature marshmallows

1 package milk chocolate chips

1 T butter

1 c. chunky peanut butter

graham crackers to cover bottom of 8” square pan

Cover bottom of 8” square pan with graham crackers.

Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter for about 1 1/2 minutes in the microwave

Add marshmallows and mix.

Pour into pan and put into fridge for at least 2 hours to set.

~*~*~*~

Reading “The Last Straw” was fun yesterday. My “manger” is a small box, and the “straw” is bits of colored rafia left over from past years. It works. I wouldn’t say that I’m a competitive person, but my children might disagree. I did a good deed yesterday, and happily placed my piece of straw in the manger bed. Looking a that single, lonely piece of straw, I realized that one piece wasn’t enough. I had to have two, and then three. I don’t know how many there are in it this morning, but that baby’s bed is going to be full today! With just Dean and I home, there are no names to be drawn, so I’m extending the good deed doing to anyone anywhere! It’s been hard working around the COVID restrictions to serve others this Christmas. We have been reading the gospels this month and have completed Matthew, Mark and Luke. One of the things I have noticed is how patient the Savior was with His disciples while they were learning to follow Him. I need to be more patient and am going to work on that today. Jesus taught, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Though none of us are perfectly patient, we can all look to the life of Jesus Christ as an example of what we should strive for. ~~ Marilee

~*~*~*~

I have been familiar with this basic story for years and have seen it on many sites.   I decided to change it into a Christmas tale. I don't know the original author’s name.  When things in your life seem almost too much to handle at Christmas time, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the following story.

The Christmas Vase

A Sunday School teacher stood before his class and set some items on the table in front of him.

When the class began, he picked up an empty, but beautifully cut, glass Christmas vase and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the class if the vase was full.

They agreed that it was.

The teacher then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the vase. He shook the vase lightly.

The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

Once again, he asked the students if the vase was full.

They agreed it was.

The teacher next picked up a bag of sand and poured it into the vase.

Of course, the sand filled up the space between everything else.

He asked if the vase was full.

The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The teacher then produced a bottle of water from under the table and poured the entire contents into the vase, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed.

'Now,' said the teacher as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this beautiful Christmas vase represents the amount of time and energy you invest during the month of December. The golf balls are the time you spend and energy you devote to the most important things in your life: your family, your children, your faith in God and Jesus Christ. If the pebbles, the sand and the water were gone and only those things remained, your month would still be joyful. The pebbles are other things that matter; like being a good employee, a good neighbor, and doing good to your fellow man. The sand is all of the extra things you fill the month with like putting up Christmas trees, decorating every inch of available space in your home, baking non-stop and going to parties. The water is the small stuff, the every day worries, the challenge of balancing Christmas presents (making sure that everyone has the same amount of money spent on them and the same number of packages to open), mailing Christmas cards and paying bills. There is so much pressure to have a mythically “perfect Christmas,” regardless of the cost to you and your family.

'If you put the sand and water into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for Christmas. If you spend your time and energy doing the small stuff stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your Christmas happiness.

Spend time with your children.
Spend time with your parents.
Read the scriptures and share the nativity story with your family.

Spend a quiet evening enjoying candlelight and beautiful music.

Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. Remember the reason for the season is the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The rest is just sand and water!

Prince of Peace

 Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, Let us hold close one day, remembering its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again. Grace Noll Crowell

~*~*~*~

Love Grows at Christmastime

Love Grows at Christmastime_-_ One Voice Children's Choir (Lyrics) - YouTube

Writer: Jeannine D Lasky

Snow falls, nature slumbers, Winter's flurry stops new growth

December brings the season, filled with laughter and new hopes
Kindness abounds, good deeds seems to thrive,
Hate is put down while true brotherhood comes alive
Love grows at Christmastime,
When best that's within us is willingly given

When seeds of forgiveness are planted within our hearts
Soft words, spoken freely, fill the air with joyful soundssounds
Warm smiles shared with gladness life the spirits of those worn down
Families comes home strangers makes new friends (2×)
Happiness flows when we reach out with open hands

Hearts heals at Christmastime
When seeds of forgiveness are planted within our hearts
Soft words, spoken freely, fill the air with joyful soundssounds
Warm smiles shared with gladness life the spirits of those worn down
Families comes home strangers makes new friends (2×)
Happiness flows when we reach out with open hands  

~*~*~*~

Recipe

Marbled Mint Candy

½ cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips

12 oz Vanilla Almond Bark or Candy Coating

2/3 cup Crushed Candy Canes

Hershey’s mint candy bars

Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone mat and set aside. In a medium, microwave-safe bowl heat the vanilla almond bark at full power in 1-minute intervals. Stirring after each minute until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat and burn it. Once the vanilla bark is melted stir in the crushed candy canes and stir well. Line bottom of pan with hershey bars. Spread the vanilla bark mixture onto hershey bars. Place the chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe dish and microwave at 1-minute intervals until melted and smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate chips over top of the mint bars. Using a butter knife make a few passes the lengthwise and widthwise through the bark to create the marbled effect. Let chill for at least 25 minutes.  

~*~*~*~

I printed everything out for the 12 Scriptures of Christmas. The scripture for the 1^st day is “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” I have paired that with this story:

There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. The contest stirred the imagination of artists everywhere. Many artists wanted a chance at winning the prize. Paintings from far and wide began to arrive.

The king looked at all the pictures, uncovering one peaceful scene after another as the on-lookers clapped and cheered. The tensions grew as only two pictures remained veiled. As the king pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd. 

It was a picture of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a beautiful blue sky with fluffy white clouds. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace. Surely this was the winner.

The king uncovered the last painting, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace? This picture had mountains like the previous painting but these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall; the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating spray. This did not look peaceful at all.

But when the king looked closely, he saw a little bird had built a nest on a branch of a tree. A tree that reached out in the direction of the tumultuous waterfall. Yet there, in the midst of the rush of angry water, undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, sat the mother bird on her nest – in perfect peace. 

The king chose the last picture.

I am seeking to walk in his ways, and today I am going to Read The Last Straw By Paula MacDonald and set up a manger in your home. Fill it with straw or very good deed you do. You can read this story online or purchase the book. It will add magic to your Christmas. ~~ Marilee

~*~*~*~

AWAY IN A MANGER, REVISITED

by Dianna Gilliam <justpeachy@greenhills.net>

Away in a manger our Saviour once lay,

and that is the reason we have Christmas day;

He came down from Heaven to live here below

to suffer and die because He loves us so.

The shepherds first found Him on that starry night;

An angel spoke to them and they saw His light.

They knelt in the hay there so fragrant and warm

and worshipped our Saviour that first Chrustmas morn.

Three kings came to praise Him and gifts to Him gave,

and to all His children He then showed the way

to serve Him and others by day and by night,

and love God, the Father, with heart, mind, and might.

He taught us to know what is wrong and what's right...

to pray without ceasing and seek further light;

To love everybody, the weak and the strong;

and ever remember to Him we belong.

Let us then be worthy in spirit and truth,

to guide others to Him, our lives be the proof;

To bring souls to Jesus that they might be free,

and praise, ever praise Him, where e'er we may be!

Away in a manger, asleep in the hay,

our Saviour's the reason for Christmas today.

~*~*~*~

LIGHT UP YOUR HOLIDAY -

1 Corinthians 13, Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on those I love the most, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband/wife

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust.

But the gift of love will endure.

Good Sabbath

 

"A little child, a shining star, a stable rude, the door ajar. Yet in that place, so crude, forlorn, the Hope of all the world was born."

THE ANGEL'S SONG
by Alice E. Workman <wng@accces.com>

Christmas, to me, has always been a celebration of one of the holiest events in the history of the world. My rejoicings on this occasion often take the form of music -- the language of the gods. One year, in
particular, brought me the realization of just how "near to the angels" the language of music really is.

I have always loved the song, O Holy Night, though my limited vocal range prevents me from being able to sing it either fully or well. So I did
not hesitate to say yes when a dear friend asked me to accompany her on the piano while she sang this song during our Sunday services.

Of course, no good ever comes to pass without opposition. The night before the performance, she became ill, and was so hoarse that she could hardly sing a note. I, too, was having difficulty; I had injured my arm and the pain made it difficult for me to play the familiar song. As we practiced, it became all too clear that without divine intervention, this was not going to work.

So we prayed. Oh, how we prayed! We prayed together vocally that night, and continued praying both aloud and in our hearts from the time we separated until the time came for us to perform. We knew that music posesses the power to uplift the soul, and to draw hearts nearer to God, and we knew that only God's power could enable us to perform. Through prayer, we expressed our faith that God could grant us this miracle.

When it came time for the performance, I thought, "Well, we've done all we could. We've practice and we've prayed, and now it is in God's hands." So, with the swellings of a prayer still in my heart, I began to play. In the beginning, I could hear that her voice was slightly clearer than it had been, but still strained. Then suddenly her voice changed. It became clearer, and richer in tone. It was so beautiful, and so different than I had ever heard her sing before, that it startled me, and I had to fight to keep my concentration.

As the song continued, my pain grew. Halfway through the song, my muscles rebelled and I missed playing several measures before I could
recover. I shook my head in frustration, thinking, "Here she is singing more beautifully than ever before, and I have to go and ruin it."

After the meeting, her husband approached me in the foyer. He commented on what a lovely performance it was, then asked me, "Why did you shake your head like that?"

"Why, because I couldn't keep playing -- I messed up."

"I didn't hear anything wrong," he said. No one had.

I marveled at this, and also that my friend had sang so well despite her illness. Why, I wondered, had she never sung like this before?

When I approached her about it, she tearfully (and in a voice that was, once again, hoarse) told me that she had never experienced anything like it in her life. "I felt like I was standing back watching someone else sing," she said.

God had granted our miracle, and infused us with the warmth of His love. I will always remember that feeling and stand as a witness that the angels, still, rejoice and sing of the birth of our Savior, as they did that night in Bethlehem, so many years ago.

Extracted from:

https://myfavoritechristmasstories.blogspot.com/2009/06/angels-song.html

Lost in scriptures

Christmas is not just a day, an event to be observed and speedily forgotten. It is a spirit which should permeate every part of our lives.
- William Parks

~*~*~*~

Hallelujah

performed by Bethel

The Christmas Hallelujah HD With Lyrics - YouTube

click on the title, then click on youtube link.

I've heard about this baby boy

Who's come to earth to bring us joy

And I just want to sing this song to you

Immanuel has come to earth

The virgin Mary given birth

Into a world that sings out Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A couple came to Bethlehem

Expecting child, they searched the inn

To find a place for You were coming soon

There was no room for them to stay

So in a manger filled with hay

God's only Son was born, oh Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

The shepherds left their flocks by night

To see this baby wrapped in light

A host of angels led them all to You

It was just as the angels said

You'll find Him in a manger bed

Immanuel and Savior, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A star shown bright up in the east

To Bethlehem, the wisemen three

Came many miles and journeyed long for You

And to the place at which You were

Their frankincense and gold and myrrh

They gave to You and cried out Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I know You came to rescue me

This baby boy would grow to be

A man and one day die for me and you

My sins would drive the nails in You

That rugged cross was my cross, too

Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

~*~*~*~

Recipe

FRENCH NOUGAT

3 c. powdered sugar

1 c. almonds, toasted, chopped

Coat a wooden spoon, the insides of a medium saucepan, and a cake or loaf pan with PAM. Set aside.

Place the sugar in a 3 - quart saucepan and place on medium heat. Slowly stir until it begins to melt (caramelize). This gets very hot and may take many minutes. When completely melted stir in the almonds and pour onto the prepared cookie sheet. Fold edges towards the center. When cool enough to handle, butter fingers, and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll under palm into ropes until almost cool. Cut into smaller pieces. Store in airtight container.

~*~*~*~

I spent much of yesterday, lost in scriptures about Jesus. I’m going to share just a few of my favorite.

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

John 14:6 6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Proverbs 8:35  For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord 

Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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

There are many, many more wonderful scriptures. I hope you found joy in searching them. The scriptures are filled with wonderful stories. There are sad stories, stories which make our heads shake, and stories which fill our hearts with joy. Todays’ assignment has to do with stories, Do the 12 Days of Christmas with someone, only use stories or scripture with them. I have a collection I've put together called the 12 scriptures of Christmas. It has my favorite scriptures and a story to go with each. Send me a message, and I will share it with you. ~~ Marilee

~*~*~*~

My stories today, are wonderful stories from friends and family about what Christmas means to them. If you want to share your story, please do so in the comments, or send it to me and I will place it on my blog.

Brent (a dear friend, a rough and tough cowboy with the tenderest heart you’ll ever know)

The Christmas after our daughter was born stands out in my memory as my best Christmas ever. My business closed and I found work in southern Arizona. We moved our trailer there, set it up and then immediately drove for 3 hours to Mesa to spend Christmas with my family. We had no money for gifts of any kind–none at all. Our gift to each other and to our family was to tell each member how we felt about them. The words we exchanged that night and the love we felt for each other will always be in my heart.

This story is from my sweet daughter-in-law, Emily. She wrote this for me in 2007.

As Christmas draws close, I have had the opportunity to reflect back on the 22 years I have enjoyed the spirit of this season. Admittedly, I don’t remember all 22; however, there is one Christmas I can never forget. I was nine years old, and all I knew of Christmas was Santa Clause, Christmas trees, and brightly wrapped presents.

A week before Christmas, my siblings and I invited some of our neighborhood friends over for a sleepover. I clearly remember huddling in our pajamas and sleeping bags in our dark front room. Our Christmas tree stood tall in the corner, casting its warm glow across six huddled figures. We sat close, and whispered our excitement over the impending holiday.

At one point the conversation shifted from our Christmas wish list, to the true spirit of the holiday. One of my dear friends expressed her gratitude for the birth of Christ and his redeeming sacrifice. I remember being surprised and confused by her comment. She watched as a questioning glance passed between my siblings and I. Although she was only 7 years old at the time, she caught the exchange and puzzled she asked, "You DO know the true meaning of Christmas don’t you? About Jesus Christ?" I must admit, I was quite ashamed to admit, that I didn’t understand what she meant. The name ‘Jesus Christ’ sounded vaguely familiar, and of course I had seen the beautiful nativity my grandparents displayed each year. Yet no one had ever taken the time to explain the meaning behind it. The nativity had become just another decoration, much like any other décor you might display during the Christmas season.

Intrigued by my young friend’s question I asked her to explain it. Over the next hour, the story of the Christ Child’s birth was lovingly and accurately portrayed. I remember sitting, enraptured, on the edge of my seat. With bated breath, I absorbed every precious word. I remember thinking, "Wow, how could he love me so much? He doesn’t know me, we have never met, yet he died that I might live?" When she was finished I cried. I can never put into words to beautiful spirit that filled our living room that evening. It was my first introduction to the gospel, it made a powerful impression upon my young mind and to this day it remains a sweet and precious memory.

That Christmas, I gained my first knowledge of the gospel, knowledge of the savior, knowledge of his redeeming love and the gift he gave to all mankind. Understanding the ‘true meaning of Christmas’ has not only changed the way I view the Christmas season, but also planted a mustard seed that would lead me down a life altering path. During this Christmas season, may the spirit of Christ’s love fill your hearts and homes!!!

Thank you, Donna, for giving permission to use your story, Mama’s Treasured Recipes. Donna’s information follows the story.

 

MAMA'S TREASURED RECIPES

by Donna Hunter Churchwell Glenn

I'm sure when mama put up her pear preserves in the summer of 2003, she didn't realize at that time she wouldn't live another year to make more.

Nor did she probably realize either just how really special those pear preserves were going to be today. Or maybe she did.

What makes them so special is because my mama made them. And having them around to eat makes me feel like my mama never left us because I'm still enjoying her cooking. Nothing tastes better in a homemade, hot, buttered biscuit than my mama's pear preserves.

But now that I'm on the last jar of her preserves, I'm not eating them up so fast. I'm slowing down to savor, to cherish the last bit of pear preserves. For when that last jar is gone, so probably will the feeling I get when I eat them.

Mama was not only famous for her pear preserves but she was famous for her Christmas fruitcake, too. I was never crazy about fruitcake because I really hated those little cherried fruit pieces that were in it. So when mama made her batch of Christmas fruitcakes, she'd always slice me a piece whether I wanted it or not and serve it to me with a cup of coffee when I visited with her and my dad. I'd always eat around the fruit and eat the nuts and the breading. But when mama died in December 2004, there were no more famous fruitcakes that Christmas or the next Christmas after that. I missed my mama's Christmas fruitcake.

One day, during Thanksgiving holidays in 2006, while visiting with my dad I happened to come across my mom's recipe tin in her pantry. She had volumes of recipe books, loose recipe clippings from magazines and recipes shared from friends. But finding the recipe tin was like finding a treasure chest. It held mama's most beloved and treasured recipes.

I brought the recipe tin to the table, sat down and started sifting through each recipe. There were many recipes handwritten by her and by my grandma who had died 12 years before.

In that treasure trove I found grandma's famous recipe for "Pot dodgers." I'm not sure if that recipe was one that my grandma created from scratch or not but when I mention the word "pot dodger" around others, I always get the same question: "A what?"

It happens to be a patty made of cornmeal and water and boiled in the juice of turnip greens. Maybe to others they're called something else but I grew up enjoying them simply known as "pot dodgers."

As I dug deeper, I found my mama's famous Christmas fruitcake recipe. Ker-ching! Bless my sweet little heart! I had hit the recipe jackpot!

I took the recipe tin back home with me and immediately wrote out a shopping list of items I would need to make the Christmas fruitcake. On the list was cherried fruit, of course. The first grocer I shopped at didn't have cherried fruit. So I shopped at other grocers until I found cherried fruit. I couldn't believe I was shopping for something that I hated for so long. But alas, I found it and put several containers of it in my cart.

As I checked out at the register, I realized the expenses she had in making those Christmas fruitcakes. She didn't make just one fruitcake -- she'd make about a dozen at one time to share with friends and family.

I also had to buy cheese cloth and bourbon. The cheese cloth was soaked with bourbon and then wrapped around each fruitcake to add its warm flavoring. Then each fruitcake was wrapped tightly in aluminum foil and placed in a cool, dry, dark place for a few weeks to ferment.

After the preparations, I realized how much time, money and love she had placed into each of those fruitcakes to share with her family and her friends.

A few weeks passed and it was time to sample the fruitcake. I was surprised at how much it tasted like her fruitcake but something still was missing -- my mama.

Maybe unbeknownst to her, she did more than make preserves that day. She paved tradition. She ensured memories. She preserved her warmth and her love for her family.

In every bite of pear preserves and every recipe in her recipe tin, her memory continues to warm our hearts and feed our bellies.

That was my mama -- always thinking ahead about her family.

-- Donna Hunter Glenn Donna.Glenn.ctr @ robins.af.mil