For God so loved

Note:  I don't know what has happened with the bells.  There was supposed to be one.  They don't show up on the Post screen and keep multiplying each time I exit and come back in.  Sorry ~~ Marilee

*****

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

*****

Your children need your presence more than your presents.” — Jesse Jackson

*****

It's The Heart That Matters Most - YouTube

performed by Charlotte Church
from Christmas Carol: the Movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoIFSJcmN6U

Time to spread some hope,
Make the spirits rise
Do you see the wonder in their eyes
Time to speak of love
Hold each other close
Cause it's the heart that matters most

Its still the same old moon
Why does it shine so bright
There's a little magic in the air tonight
Time to speak of love
Hold each other close
Cause it's the heart that matters most

Always the heart that matters most

Oh, take a look around you can see that it's true
It's like a river flowing inside of you
Everyone needs love, you need it too
So here's what you, have got to do

Spread a little hope, make the spirits rise
Do you see the wonder in their eyes
Time to speak of love, hold each other close
cause it's the heart that matters most

In time we come to learn

It's the heart that matters most

*****

Dean loves apple cake, so here’s a luscious recipe for you :)

Caramel Apple Pudding cake

http://w3.kraftbrands.com/Jello/recipe.aspx?ID=129228

2 large    Granny Smith apples, peeled, thinly sliced

1 pkg.    (2-layer size) yellow cake mix, divided

2 pkg.    (3.4 oz. each) Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding

1-1/2 cups    cold milk                         

1 jar    (12.25 oz.) caramel ice cream topping, divided

1/4 cup    water

1 cup    thawed Whipped Topping, divided

1/2 cup    Dry Roasted Peanuts

Heat oven to 350°F. Toss apples with 1 Tbsp. cake mix. Prepare cake batter with remaining cake mix as directed on package; pour into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Top with apples.

2  Beat dry pudding mixes, milk, 3/4 cup caramel topping and water with whisk 2 min.; drizzle over apples. Place baking dish on baking sheet.

3  Bake cake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 min. or until golden brown. Cool 20 min. (Sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.)

4  Whisk remaining caramel topping and COOL WHIP until well blended. Spoon over cake slices just before serving; top with nuts.

*****

Legend of the Christmas Pickle

The tradition of the Christmas Pickle has got to be one of the most bizarre modern “German” Christmas traditions because no one is quite sure why it exists at all!

Basically, sometime before Christmas, a glass pickle ornament is hidden in the branches of a Christmas tree. Then, the first child to find the pickle on Christmas morning gets a special treat, gift or they get to open the first gift.

Why? There are several theories as to how this came about.

Theory number 1

In the 1600s, the tradition of having a Christmas tree was started by devout Christians. Martin Luther added the first candles. German immigrants coming into America brought with them many customs and traditions - one of which was the Christmas Tree. Christmas trees were set up on Christmas Eve. The last ornament to go on the tree was a pickle. The first child to find it in the morning, got to eat it! Everyone knows German love pickles, so this one has to be true, right? The funny thing is that Dean lived in Germany for 2 years and never heard about this enchanting German tradition. Tomorrow we’ll review theory number 2.

*****

Today is my sweetest of heart's birthday.  Here is a Christmas love story to celebrate the day.  He brought so much light into my life when we met 50 years ago.  (that sounds like such a long time, but it just seems like yesterday)  I have learned about love from him and the power of love.  He has strengthened my faith and belief in the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  He has brought them into focus.  Thank you, Dean~~Marilee

*****

The Hunt For The Perfect Christmas

(any resemblance to any living person or persons is purely coincidental.)

                                            Author: Undisclosed (for her own safety)

It started off innocently enough. Dean came in from outside and said “Come on, get in the car, let’s go. Hurry up, we need to get there on time!” When Dean decides to go somewhere, he wants to go right now. He hates waiting. Even more than hating to wait, he hates to be late! It’s a Lewis thing. (No, wait, forget I said that).

“We’re going somewhere? It’s not on my calendar! What did I forget?”

We're going to find "Perfect Christmas."

“You know where it is?”

“I do. I went online and did a search. I have detailed instructions and even printed out a paper map to follow in case we lose service. It’s amazing what you can find on Mapquest. See, here it is, right here on the map -- Perfect Christmas, USA.”

I was a little skeptical, ok, a lot skeptical. I’ve looked for “Perfect Christmas” all my life, but haven’t found it yet. So Dean just sat down at the computer and found it in 5 minutes? It couldn’t be that easy. “Tell me a little bit more about this.”

“I found it at www.perfectchristmas.com. I've got my trusty road map right here.”

To fully appreciate that, you have to understand the relationship between Dean and maps. He was born with a map in his hand–didn’t want to take any wrong turns on the way out. He loves maps. He has more maps than I have books. You want to thrill my husband? Well, give him the most accurate map to anywhere. It won’t matter where it’s to, as long as it’s a map. Nathan takes after him. He reads maps for fun too!

“Seatbelt on?”

Of course. Where do we go first?

“It’s marked on the map. Here, you give me directions.”

Dean handed me the printout of the map. I panicked. To fully appreciate that, you have to understand the relationship between me and maps. I was NOT born with a map in my hand. I’ve definitely taken some wrong turns along the way! I lived here in Utah for 10 years before I could find our town on a map! And he’s trusting me for directions? Oh, you’d think he’d know better.

“What's the first place on the list?”

“It’s Pinetop – the Christmas Tree capital of the world, and it’s right here on this map! We’re going to pick out a REAL live Christmas tree?”

“Yeah, the bigger the better!”

“It should be easy to find; the route branches off the trunk road. (Dean groaned) Well, it wouldn't be Christmas without a corny joke or two, right?”

“Check the map.”

“What’s next? Is it new lights? Strings of lights and beads? Is it Decorations...lovely decorations...glass angels and nativities ... crystal snowflakes? We’ll have the most beautiful house on the street!” I see it here on the map, Dean, Overboard, USA, but it’s not marked, Dean.”

“The first Christmas was humble. A stable, a manger and poor shepherds.”

I was silent for a minute, then said, “Got it.  No going over board – got it!” What's after the tree?”

“Check the map.”

“Oh, Dean, it’s Chocolate Bayou, just outside of Hopeulickit!” My pulse jumped and I was as excited as Dean is when he sees a new Atlas! “Oh, Dean, they have chocolate pies, and pudding and fudge, chocolate truffles and even turkeys! I’ve never heard of a chocolate turkey before, but I’ll gobble it down.”

“About that pun...check the map! Next.”

“Pinetop, again????”

“You have the map upside down.”

“Oh...right...let’s see...Here’s umm Gottahaveit Mall, just outside of Greedyville?

“That’s not marked. Check the map.”

“It’s Hearts Desire, the place where Christmas dreams come true. It says here that the first Christmas was a gift. Let’s go in. I’m sure they’ll have nativity scenes here.”

I lost Dean the second we entered the store. After 3 hours of wandering from one end of Heart’s Desire to the other, he found me. Dean told me that he had the perfect gift for me and that he was giving it to me right there and then. It wasn’t very big, but the wrapping was beautiful. What was it? A new sense of direction!

Back in the car, Dean said, “Can you see a gas station, Marilee? The tank's getting low.” We stopped at a nearby service station and before I knew it, he was filling the tank for an elderly couple, so they didn't have to stand in the cold. I was crocheting stocking caps for everyone with red ears, as well as nose warmers for sniffers. Dean and I agreed that Christmas wouldn't be perfect without a stop at a service station.

"Where next Dean?"

“There’s an x there for Perfect Christmas. We have the tree, food and gifts, and have done some service, so this must be it.”

The road twisted and turned until we found ourselves on a quiet street, about 4 miles out of town. There was a house about a quarter mile down the road that seemed somewhat familiar. Dean opened the door for me, we walked in, and he put his arms around me. I realized he had indeed found Perfect Christmas, and so had I – standing there in my own home in the arms of the man I love.

This then is the message

 

1 John 1:5  This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.  

**~**~**~**

"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

**~**~**~**

Let It Be Christmas
performed by Alan Jackson
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sseRlBDDVaU&feature=related

Let it be Christmas everywhere
In the hearts of all people both near and afar
Christmas everywhere
Feel the love of the season wherever you are
On the small country roads lined with green mistletoe
Big city streets where a thousand lights glow

Let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas
Christmas everywhere

Let it be Christmas everywhere
With the gold and the silver, the green and the red
Christmas everywhere
In the smiles of all children asleep in their beds
In the eyes of young babies their first fallen snow
Elderlys' memories that never grow old

Let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas
Christmas everywhere

Let it be Christmas everywhere
In the songs that we sing and the gifts that we bring
Christmas everywhere
In what this day means and what we believe
From the sandy white beaches where blue water rolls
Snow covered mountains and valleys below

Let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas
Christmas everywhere
Christmas everywhere
Christmas everywhere

**~**~**~**

Holiday Recipe

Oreo Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies

from Betty

1 box fudge brownie mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on box for cakelike brownies

16 Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)

1package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/3cup canned pumpkin (solid pack, not pumpkin pie mix)

1/4cup sugar

1/2teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2teaspoon vanilla

1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip frozen whipped topping, thawed

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
Mix brownie batter as directed on box for cakelike brownies. Stir in 1 cup of the chopped cookies. Spread in pan. Bake 24 to 27 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side comes out almost clean. Cool completely, at least 1 hour. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended, scraping down sides of bowl frequently. Beat in 1 cup of the whipped topping. Spread evenly over crust. Spread remaining whipped topping over top. Refrigerate 2 hours. When ready to serve, sprinkle remaining cookies on top.

**~**~**~**

Holiday Scrabble

Preparation: Scramble Christmas related words, then print them on papers. Divide people into teams. Hold up a scrambled word so that everyone can see it. Give the first team 30 seconds to unscramble the word. If they cant figure it out, it goes to the other team. Rotate through team members so that everyone plays.

Who/Where Am I?

For this game, you need a pack of sticky notes. Preparation: Write a name or character on each paper. Stick a paper to each person's forehead, and they have to try to figure out who they are (like Joseph, Santa, a donkey) or where they are (like stable, Bethlehem, North Pole) by asking questions of everyone else.

**~**~**~**

In John 8:12 we read “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” I’m so grateful for that light. Grateful for the hope it gives to a tired world. Why December 25^th when there is nothing in the bible itself which indicates the date of Christ’s birth. Early Christians developed the theological idea that Christ was conceived and crucified on the same calendar day. It became a part of their belief system. The Roman Christian historian Sextus Julius Africanus (c. 160 – c. 240) dated Jesus' conception to March 25 (the same date upon which he held that the world was created) which implies that our Savior’s birth occurred nine months months later on Dec. 25. The early Christians took over some of the customs from the Winter Solstice and gave them Christian meanings, like mistletoe, holly, and even the singing of Christmas carols. Today’s story tells the story of a man living in the small town of Fillmore, Utah. He showed the light of Christ in his dealings with his fellow man. The poem Admonishes us to share that light all year round. ~~ Marilee

**~**~**~**

He Fixed My Car, and My Christmas

by Glen Gillette, Las Vegas, Nevada

In 1958, I was a first-year high school teacher in Beatty, Nevada. On Dec. 22, I headed home to Idaho in my 1951 Hudson to spend Christmas with my parents.

Just south of Fillmore, Utah, a radiator hose broke and the car started to overheat. I hitchhiked into Fillmore and got a ride to a Chevron station. I explained my plight to the owner, Dan Brinkerhoff, who sent a tow truck to bring in my car.

Dan discovered that the engine had become so hot it had warped the head, so he called a nearby wrecking yard and found the needed part. I boarded a Greyhound bus, bought the part and then caught a return bus to Fillmore.

By that time it was dark, and Dan had closed the station. He immediately went to work on my car, laboring for several hours while I slept curled up in the backseat. Finally, he woke me and announced I was ready to go. When I went to settle up, he would not take a dime for anything he had done.

I got to spend the holidays with my parents, and I shall forever remember Dan for the wonderful thing he did for me.

Let Every Day Be Christmas

by Norman Wesley Brooks

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,

for loving, sharing, giving are not to put away

like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.

The good you do for others is good you do yourself.

Peace on Earth, good will to men,

kind thoughts and word of cheer,

are things we should use often

and not just once a year.

Remember too the Christ-child, grew up to be a man;

to hide Him in a cradle, is not our dear Lord’s plan.

So keep the Christmas spirit, share it with others far and near,

from week to week and month to month, throughout the entire year!

And the Word

 John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

                                     ~*~*~*~*~*~

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller

                                    ~*~*~*~*~*~

A Christmas Hallelujah - Cassandra Star & her sister Callahan - YouTube

I've heard about this baby boy

Who's come to earth to bring us joy

And I just want to sing this song to you

It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth

The minor fall, the major lift

With every breath I'm singing Hallelujah

Hallelujah, 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

                                        ~*~*~*~*~*~

For the Sabbath, a song and story. Good Sabbath, everyone ~ Marilee

                                        ~*~*~*~*~*~

Recently a few days before Christmas I witnessed an act done by someone who understood the true meaning of Christmas. I was in a pharmacy when a woman walked in with two children, a girl maybe 8 years old, and a boy maybe 10-12. The girl was quiet and staying several feet away from the woman and boy. The woman was restraining the boy with both arms as they walked up to the counter. The boy was making shrieks and noises, yelling or mumbling random words and phrases, while struggling against his mother. He is autistic.

Looking obviously like she was under extreme stress and strain, the woman spoke loudly but hesitantly to the pharmacist. She was struggling to concentrate while holding the child and be heard over his noises. She could hardly focus enough to speak. She asked the prices of her medicines. The pharmacist told her that the autistic child's medicines were free, paid for by the state Medicaid program. But hers were not free. And though she had insurance, she could not afford the prices that she had to pay for her medicines. She said, "I'll just take the Prozac. I can't get the others. I only have $28 to live on the whole week. She was ashamed, stuttering and stammering, and having a very hard time dealing with the autistic child and her transaction at the same time.

In the meantime, another lady had been standing 15-20 feet away, waiting her turn. She walked up beside the mother and said to the pharmacist, "I'll pay for her medicine. Let me pay for her medicine." The pharmacist looked back and forth at the two women as suddenly a hush came over the autistic child.

There were several seconds of hesitation as the pharmacist and the strained mother took in what was happening. Then the second woman again said, "Let me pay for her medicine." The pharmacist looked at her and said, "It's up to her," then looked at the young mother and said, "It's up to you." The young mother turned and focused completely on the older woman for the first time as the older woman talked to her instead of the pharmacist this time. "Can I pay for your medicine?" asked the second lady in a voice that showed she was asking for permission.

The young mother just broke out crying while nodding her head. All she could say was "Thank you," five or ten times. Then the second woman paid for the medicine as the autistic child now waited quietly and patiently. As soon as the transaction was done, the young mother and children left.

They missed the rest of the story. The second lady then proceeded to get her own medicine from the pharmacist. And it turned out that she herself was on the state Medicaid program, which is for people below the poverty level that do not have enough money to pay for their own medicine. She, out of her own poverty, had paid $70 for the medicine of someone that she did not know, but loved and served.

The meaning of Christmas can be found in that kind of example. Jesus Christ gave up His high position and became our servant, to show His love to us. Today we should begin celebrating by honoring Jesus and emulating Him.

Extracted from www.christmaspirit.com

In the Beginning

John 1:1-4

1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with god and the word was God.

2. The same was in the beginning with God.

3. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made.

4. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.

                    ~*~~*~~~*~~*~

When we see shepherds, may we remember to be humble. When we see wise men, may we remember to be generous. When we see the star, may we remember the Light of Christ, which gives life and light to all things. When we see a tiny baby, may we remember to love unconditionally, with tenderness and compassion.– Bonnie L. Oscarson

                    ~*~~*~~~*~~*~

Prince of Peace Song

Words and Music by Monica Scott

Prince of Peace Song #LighttheWorld - YouTube

Peace be still, still, still

On this night heaven’s light

Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah

Peace, peace, Prince of peace

Healer of men

Peace again, peace

Peace is here, angles near

Shepherd meek, wise men seek

Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah

Peace, peace, Prince of peace

Healer of men

Peace again, peace

Peace on Earth, Savior’s birth

Heav’nly peace we will keep

Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah

Peace, peace, Prince of peace

Healer of men

Peace again, peace

Prince of peace.

                    ~*~~*~~~*~~*~

Years ago, I took a class on restoring photos. I learned a lot about light – how it works, what it is. We, as humans, don’t actually see “light” coming from the sun. We see the reflection of light as it hits objects. The light waves bounce off the object and our eyes see the waves that are in the visual spectrum. Do we actually see the light of the Son? No. We don’t see the light of Christ with our physical eyes. We see the reflection of that light as it is shown in the faces and actions of those around us. Sometimes we get so busy at Christmas time, that we forget to look for or spread the light of Christ. The Savior tells us to love one another. Let’s start with a smile. Take just a second and think of something in your life to be thankful for. It will make you smile. Then pass that smile on to the busy store clerk, the stranger on the street or the FedEx deliverer trying to carry too many packages. You’ll feel better and you’ll brighten someone else’s day. I’m one of the shyest people you will ever meet. In the doctor’s office yesterday, I saw a young mother with a sick baby and a very active toddler. I got my courage up and smiled at her. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but she looked at me and smiled back. I smiled at her son and handed him a book to read. He smiled back. Let us become a source of light to those around us. ~~ Marilee

                    ~*~~*~~~*~~*~

Holiday Recipes

Peppermint Triple Chocolate Bundt Cake

from Melinda

https://www.ithinkwecouldbefriends.com/2020/12/01/peppermint-triple-chocolate-bundt-cake/

1-15.25 oz. Devil’s Food Cake Mix (chocolate works, too!)
1-3.4 oz. pkg. Chocolate Instant Pudding
1 c. Sour Cream
4 Eggs
1/2 c. Warm Water
1/3 c. Vegetable Oil
1/4 c. Chocolate Syrup (like Hershey’s Syrup for ice cream topping)
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/4 – 1/2 tsp. Peppermint Extract (depending on how strong you want the peppermint flavor to be!)
1 1/2 c. Andes Peppermint Baking Chips
1 container Cream Cheese frosting of choice
More Andes Peppermint Baking Chips for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Pre-heat oven to 325. Mix all ingredients, except peppermint chips, together in a stand mixer, hand mixer or by hand until well mixed. Add in chips and mix just until evenly dispersed. Pour into well greased Bundt cake pan. Bake for 50-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out slightly coated but not wet. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 20 minutes. Invert onto plate or cake stand. Let cool to touch before frosting (although it tastes best served slightly warm!!).

                    ~*~~*~~~*~~*~

The Legend of the Christmas Rose

A young shepherd girl stood near the doorway of the stable. She watched as people came to see the newborn Savior and to give Him gifts. She wanted to enter, to see Him, to honor Him. She had heard the angels sang. But she was poor and felt that she had nothing to offer Him. The Wise Men came with their valuable gifts of myrrh, frankincense and gold and offered them to Baby Jesus. Not realizing the worth of her own soul, and crying softly, she turned away from the stable door. Perhaps there would be wild flowers she could give Him. There was not a single blossom to be found on that cold winter night.

An angel also stood outside the stable door. When he saw her head droop in sorrow, and her tears fall to the ground, he felt compassion in his heart. Gently, he brushed aside the snow by her feet. In the very spot where her tears had fallen, sprang a beautiful cluster of white winter roses with pink tipped petals. He softly whispered into the shepherdess's ear that Christmas roses are far more valuable than any myrrh, frankincense or gold, for they were pure and made of love. The maiden joyfully gathered the flowers and offered them to the Holy Infant. Thus, the Christmas rose came to symbolize hope, love and all that is wonderful in this season.

                    ~*~~*~~~*~~*~

For our story today, I would like to share with you Dr. Ralph F. Wilson’s story, “God’s Shepherd.” Dr. Wilson does not allow his stories to be posted on blogs, so here is the link.

"God's Shepherd," a short story about one of the original Bethlehem shepherd boys who meets Jesus later in life.

Just in case that one does not work God's Shepherd — a Christmas Story of the Bethlehem shepherds (joyfulheart.com)

Let there be Light

 

Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

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

"Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and outward show. The secret lies in an inner glow." 

 Wilferd Peterson

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

This is Christmas

performed by Kutless, audio and lyrics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20HoJZecNqM&feature=related

Do you find it hard to sleep tonight
Resting by the Christmas lights
Could there be something you forgot
Beyond the bows and mistletoe
The tree with presents wrapped below
There’s more to this than you had ever thought

Have we lost the reason that we celebrate each year
What is Christmas?
If there never was a savior wrapped in a manger
What is Christmas without Christ?

Remember how the story goes
God’s gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes
Beneath the star one great and holy night
The shepherds head the angels sing
And wise men brought an offering
Peace on Earth began in Bethlehem

Have we lost the reason that we celebrate each year
What is Christmas?
If there never was a savior wrapped in a manger
What is Christmas?
If the angels never sang, glory to the newborn King
 What is Christmas without Christ?

Singing Gloria... in excelsis deo
Gloria... in excelsis deo

What is Christmas?
If there never was a savior wrapped in a manger
What is Christmas without Christ?
This is Christmas – it’s all about a savior wrapped in a manger

This is Christmas because of Jesus Christ
This is Christmas because of Christ, because of Christ

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

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. I am grateful to share with each of you my love of, and faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. In 1997, I felt sorry for myself. Our oldest daughter, Shannon, was out of state and would not be home for Christmas. It was the first time our family was not together for Christmas. In order to keep from sinking into the depths of despair, I decided to find and send a Christmas quote to friends/family on hard days. The next year, she was still gone and I added stories to the quotes and sent them out on more days. The following year, she was home but Nathan was gone. I could do better, make the emails more interesting.  Daily stories, games, recipes and quotes started going out to a yahoo group I was in; even crafts and games. This is the 25th anniversary of my Christmas uplift project. (not including the first two years because they weren’t an every day thing.) Writing this blog has been a light in my life. There is so much darkness in our world this year, we need the light of Christ to brighten our days. We’ll be talking a lot about light this year; the light of the sun and the light of the son. I want to share that light of Christ with you once again while celebrating those 25 years of favorite music, stories, recipes, etc. ~~Marilee

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

Holiday Recipes

I was not sure whether to include recipes this year.  A special group of friends and readers said "yes", so thank you to all of you who sent me recipes to use this year. They look fun :)

Pecan Pie Brownies

Brownie Base:

1 c white sugar

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

½ t. salt

10 T melted butter

1 t. vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1/2 c all-purpose flour

Pecan Pie Filling:

1 c brown sugar

½ t salt

1 t vanilla extract

½ c light corn syrup

2 large eggs

½ c salted butter, melted

2 ½ c chopped pecans

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with enough parchment to overhang on all sides, and oil the parchment.

To make brownie batter, combine white sugar, cocoa powder, kosher salt, and 10 tablespoons melted butter in a mixing bowl. Mix with an electric hand mixer or whisk until combined. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 egg, and mix with a whisk or electric hand mixer until combined. Again, the mixture will look grainy. Add the second egg, and continue mixing on high speed until a smooth, thick, glossy batter is formed. Add flour and mix on low speed until flour just disappears. Use a spatula to mix in any flour from the side of the bowl; spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Tap pan gently on the counter to level the brownie base. Bake brownie base for 20 minutes. Remove to cool on a wire rack while making pecan pie filling.

Increase oven temperature to 350 degrees F

For pecan pie filling, combine brown sugar, salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla, corn syrup, 2 eggs, and melted salted butter in a bowl; whisk until smooth. Stir in pecans; pour filling over brownie base and spread evenly; tap pan gently on counter to level the filling.

Bake in the preheated oven until pecan pie filling is almost fully set, about 1 hour. If dish is shaken gently from side to side, there will be a very slight jiggle in the center.

Let cool completely, about 30 minutes. For best results, cover and chill before cutting. Lift brownies from the dish using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 2x2-inch squares.

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

The traditions and legends surrounding Christmas are fun. We’ll start off with the first of many legends

The First Christmas Tree

In a forest in the far, far East grew a great many pine trees. Most of them were tall trees, higher than the houses that we see, and with wide, strong branches. But there was one tree that was not nearly so tall as the others; in fact, it was no taller than some of the children in the kindergarten.

Now, the tall trees could see far, far out over the hilltops and into the valleys, and they could hear all the noises that went on in the world beyond the forest, but the Little Tree was so small and the other trees grew so high and thick about it that it could not see nor hear these things at all; but the other trees were very kind, and they would stoop down and tell them to the Little Tree. One night in the winter time there seemed to be something strange happening in the little town among the hills, for the trees did not go to sleep after the sun went down, but put their heads together and spoke in strange, low whispers that were full of awe and wonder. The Little Tree, from its place close down to the ground, did not understand what it was all about. It listened awhile, and then lifted its head as high as ever it could and shouted to its tall neighbor: "Will you not stoop and tell me what is happening?" And the big tree stooped down and whispered: "The shepherds out on the hilltops are telling strange stories while they watch their sheep. The air is filled with sweet music, and there is a wonderful star coming up in the east, traveling westward always, and the shepherds say that they are waiting for it to stop and shine over a humble stable in their little town. I have not heard why it is going to stop there, but I will look again and listen." So the all tree lifted up its head again, and reached far out so that it might hear more of the wonderful story.

Bye and bye it stooped down again, and whispered to the Little Tree:

"Oh, Little Tree, listen! There are angels among the shepherds on the hills, and they are all talking together. They seem to be awaiting the birth of a little child, who will be a king among the people, and the beautiful star will shine above the stable where the little king will be laid in a manger."

The tree again raised its head to listen, and the Little Tree, much puzzled, thought within itself: "It is very strange, indeed.
* * *

Oh, how I wish that I could see it all!"

It waited a little longer, and everything grew quiet, and a great peace came upon the forest.
* * *

Then suddenly the town, and even the forest was illuminated with a strange, white light that made everything as bright as day, and the air was filled with the flutter of angels' wings, and with music such as the world had never heard before.

The people and the trees, even the stars in the heaven, lifted up their voices and sang together and the whole world was filled with music and joy and love for the little Christ-child who had come to dwell upon the earth.

The Little Tree was filled with fear and wonder, for so great was the excitement that the other trees had almost forgotten it, and it could not understand the mysterious sounds; but bye and bye its tall friend said, "Listen, listen, Little Tree! Such news I have to tell! The Christ has come--the King! And the whole world is singing such beautiful music. There are wise men coming from the East, bringing beautiful gifts to the Christ-child. The angels, too, are upon the earth, and they bear gifts of gold and rare, beautiful stones. Wait! I will tell you more."

The tall tree had scarcely lifted up its head when it stooped again and whispered to the Little Tree, "Look! Look! Little Tree! They are coming this way; the angels are coming here, into our forest! Lift up your head high and you will see them as they pass."

The Little Tree lifted up its head and saw the white flutter of angel robes and heard the weird, sweet voices of the heavenly host who came with precious gifts into the forest.

"Oh," said the Little Tree, "they are coming here, toward me! What shall I do?" And in fear it bent its head so low that it almost touched the ground.

But the music came nearer and nearer, and the Little Tree felt a tender hand upon its branches, and a soft, gentle voice said to it, "Arise, Little Tree, and come with us, for we have come into the forest to seek you. Yes, you, the very smallest among the trees, are to be our gift-bearer. Come; lift up your head."

In fear and trembling the Little Tree did as the angel bade it. But when it looked into the angel's face and saw the love and kindness there, all fear was gone, and it said to the angel: "Yes; make me ready. I will come with you to the little Christ-child in the manger."

So all the angels brought their gifts of precious jewels and shining gold, and fastened them upon the branches of the Little Tree. Then the leader of the angels' band took up the Little Tree from the ground and bore it, laden with its precious burden, to the feet of the Christ-child.

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

One Solitary Life

This essay was adapted from a sermon by Dr. James Allan Francis in “The Real Jesus and Other Sermons” © 1926 by the Judson Press of Philadelphia (pp 123-124 titled “Arise Sir Knight!”).

Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher.

He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself...

While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centerpiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress.

I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built; all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life.

Christmas 2022

 

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

*****

Another Christmas has come.  Thank you for allowing me to share my love of Christmas; of our Savior, Jesus Christ; and of our Father in Heaven with each of you.  It has been a month of ups and downs for me, so I appreciate your patience and understanding.  Let us remember to share the God-given gifts we have received with those around us: prayer, hope, compassion, listening, knowledge, kindness, peace and love –always love.  I'll close with one more story and a poem. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.  Until next December ~~ Marilee

*****

Recently a few days before Christmas I witnessed an act done by someone who understood the true meaning of Christmas. I was in a pharmacy when a woman walked in with two children, a girl maybe 8 years old, and a boy maybe 10-12. The girl was quiet and staying several feet away from the woman and boy. The woman was restraining the boy with both arms as they walked up to the counter. The boy was making shrieks and noises, yelling or mumbling random words and phrases, while struggling against his mother. He is autistic.

 

Looking obviously like she was under extreme stress and strain, the woman spoke loudly but hesitantly to the pharmacist. She was struggling to concentrate while holding the child and be heard over his noises. She could hardly focus enough to speak. She asked the prices of her medicines. The pharmacist told her that the autistic child's medicines were free, paid for by the state Medicaid program. But hers were not free. And though she had insurance, she could not afford the prices that she had to pay for her medicines. She said, "I'll just take the Prozac. I can't get the others. I only have $28 to live on the whole week. She was ashamed, stuttering and stammering, and having a very hard time dealing with the autistic child and her transaction at the same time.

 

In the meantime, another lady had been standing 15-20 feet away, waiting her turn. She walked up beside the mother and said to the pharmacist, "I'll pay for her medicine. Let me pay for her medicine." The pharmacist looked back and forth at the two women as suddenly a hush came over the autistic child.

 

There were several seconds of hesitation as the pharmacist and the strained mother took in what was happening. Then the second woman again said, "Let me pay for her medicine." The pharmacist looked at her and said, "It's up to her," then looked at the young mother and said, "It's up to you." The young mother turned and focused completely on the older woman for the first time as the older woman talked to her instead of the pharmacist this time. "Can I pay for your medicine?" asked the second lady in a voice that showed she was asking for permission.

 

The young mother just broke out crying while nodding her head. All she could say was "Thank you," five or ten times. Then the second woman paid for the medicine as the autistic child now waited quietly and patiently. As soon as the transaction was done, the young mother and children left.

 

They missed the rest of the story. The second lady then proceeded to get her own medicine from the pharmacist. And it turned out that she herself was on the state Medicaid program, which is for people below the poverty level that do not have enough money to pay for their own medicine. She, out of her own poverty, had paid $70 for the medicine of someone that she did not know, but loved and served.

 

The meaning of Christmas can be found in that kind of example. Jesus Christ gave up His high position and became our servant, to show His love to us. Today we should begin celebrating by honoring Jesus and emulating Him.

 

Extracted from www.christmaspirit.com

*****

 

Jesus, the very thought of Thee

Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest.

Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the mem’ry find
A sweeter sound than Thy blest name,
O Savior of mankind!

O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!

All those who find Thee find a bliss
Nor tongue nor pen can show;
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.

Jesus, our only joy be Thou,
As Thou our prize will be;
Jesus, be Thou our glory now,
And through eternity.

Love

 

“The spirit of the season never has to end as long as you keep your loved ones near, and the holiday wish in your heart." — Jiminy Cricket

 

*****

Angels From The Realms Of Glory

performed by Sissel and Mormon Tabernacle Choir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocenOoBWwTM

 

Angels from the realms of glory,

Wing your flight o'er all the earth;

Ye who sang creation's story,

Now proclaim Messiah's birth:

Gloria In Excesis Deo

Gloria In Excesis Deo

 

Shepherds, in the fields abiding,

Watching o'er your flocks by night,

God with man is now residing,

Yonder shines the infant Light;

Gloria In Excesis Deo

Gloria In Excesis Deo

 

Sages, leave your contemplations,

Brighter visions beam afar;

Seek the great desire of nations,

Ye have seen His natal star;

Gloria In Excesis Deo

Gloria In Excesis Deo

 

Saints before the altar bending,

Watching long in hope and fear,

Suddenly the Lord, descending,

In His temple shall appear:

Gloria In Excesis Deo

Gloria In Excesis Deo

 

*****

 

Smoky Cheddar Potato Soup

1/4 cup butter

1 onion diced

3 stalks of celery diced

2 cans of chicken stock

4 cups of potato, peeled and diced

1 can of milk, 12 oz

1 cup of Smoked Cheddar Cheese, grated (may use 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 tbsp of liquid smoke)

4-5 dashes of Tabasco

 

Brown onion and celery in butter in a large dutch oven pan.  Add chicken stock and water to level half-way up the pan. Bring to a boil and add potatoes. Boil until potatoes are tender. Stir in milk, cheese and Tabasco.

 

*****

Christ lived a life of love, and love is what I want to share with you.  He did not come to earth in a shower of great power and glory.  He came to earth as a common, ordinary child, not a privileged “king.”   He laughed.  He played. He cried. He did chores.  He honored His parents.  He was a carpenter’s son.  He loved and served the Lord.  He set in motion God’s plan for our redemption.  He paid the required price with His ultimate gift of love – the shedding of His own blood in our behalf.  He gave us the gift of life everlasting.  Christmas is the beginning, but no celebration of His birth is complete without the atoning gift of Easter.  Let us fill our Hearts and lives with love.  ~~  Marilee

 

 *****

The Christmas Angels

 Susan Fahncke

extracted from https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/inspirational-christmas-stories12.htm

 

It was December 23, 1993. For a single mom who was going to college and supporting my children completely alone, Christmas was looking bleak. I looked around my little home, realization dawning like a slow, twisting pain. We were poor.

 

Our tiny house had two bedrooms, both off the living room. They were so small that my baby daughter's crib barely fit into one room, and my son's twin bed and dresser were squeezed into the other. There was no way they could share a room, so I made my bed every night on the living room floor.

The three of us shared the only closet in the house. We were snug, always only a few feet from each other, day and night. With no doors on the children's rooms, I could see and hear them at all times. It made them feel secure, and it made me feel close to them -- a blessing I wouldn't have had in other circumstances.

It was early evening, about eight o'clock. The snow was falling softly, silently, and my children were both asleep. I was wrapped in a blanket, sitting at the window, watching the powdery flakes flutter in the dimming light, when my front door vibrated with a pounding fist.

Alarmed, I wondered who would stop by unannounced on such a snowy winter night. I opened the door to find a group of strangers grinning from ear to ear, their arms laden with boxes and bags.

Confused, but finding their joyous spirit contagious, I grinned right back at them.

"Are you Susan?" The man stepped forward as he held out a box for me.

Nodding stupidly, unable to find my voice, I was sure they thought I was mentally deficient.

"These are for you." The woman thrust another box at me with a huge, beaming smile. The porch light and the snow falling behind her cast a glow over her dark hair, lending her an angelic appearance.

I looked down into her box. It was filled to the top with delicious treats, a fat turkey, and all the makings of a traditional Christmas dinner. My eyes filled with tears as the realization of why they were there washed over me.

Finally coming to my senses, I found my voice and invited them in. Following the husband were two children, staggering with the weight of their packages. The family introduced themselves and told me their packages were all gifts for my little family. This wonderful, beautiful family, who were total strangers to me, somehow knew exactly what we needed. They brought wrapped gifts for each of us, a full buffet for me to make on Christmas Day, and many "extras" that I could never afford. Visions of a beautiful, "normal" Christmas literally danced in my head. Somehow my secret wish for Christmas was materializing right in front of me. The desperate prayers of a single mom had been heard, and I knew right then that God had sent his angels my way.

My mysterious angels then handed me a white envelope, gave me another round of grins, and took turns hugging me. They wished me a Merry Christmas and disappeared into the night as suddenly as they had appeared.

Amazed and deeply touched, I looked around me at the boxes and gifts strewn at my feet and felt the ache of depression suddenly being transformed into a childlike joy. I began to cry. I cried hard, sobbing tears of the deepest gratitude. A great sense of peace filled me. The knowledge of God's love reaching into my tiny corner of the world enveloped me like a warm quilt. My heart was full. I fell to my knees amid all the boxes and offered a heartfelt prayer of thanks.

Getting to my feet, I wrapped myself in my blankets and sat once again to gaze out the window at the gently falling snow. Suddenly, I remembered the envelope. Like a child, I ripped it open and gasped at what I saw. A shower of bills flitted to the floor. Gathering them up, I began to count the five, ten, and twenty-dollar bills. As my vision blurred with tears, I counted the money, then recounted it to make sure I had it right. Sobbing again, I said it out loud: "One hundred dollars."

I looked at my children sleeping soundly, and through my tears I smiled my first happy, free-of-worry smile in a long, long time. My smile turned into a grin as I thought about tomorrow: Christmas Eve. One visit from complete strangers had magically turned a painful day into a special one that we would always remember...with happiness.

It is now several years since our Christmas angels visited. I have remarried, and our household is happy and richly blessed. Every year since that Christmas in 1993, we have chosen a family less blessed than we are. We bring them carefully selected gifts, food and treats, and as much money as we can spare. It's our way of passing on what was given to us. It's the "ripple effect" in motion. We hope that the cycle continues and that, someday, the families we share with will be able to pass it on, too. --