And the angel

Luke 1:30,31

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

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When you find yourself in the position to help someone, be happy and feel blessed because God is answering that person's prayer through you. Remember: Our purpose on earth is not to get lost in the dark, but to be a light to others so that they may find God's way through us.

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Today's song is an interesting. Here is an excerpt about the song from crosswalk.com

"Christmas is a terrific and joyous time of year, which is intended to be spent with friends and family. However, all those gifts, food and annual gatherings would be rendered meaningless if not for the birth of the Savior. That baby boy born to a virgin in a stable surrounded by animals changed the entire world. The child’s birth and His eventual excruciating death on the cross provided hope to all mankind.

Anne Wilson, joined by Josh Turner, highlights the surprising and humble way Jesus Christ entered the world with her song “The Manger.” Anne sets the stage, describing the nativity scene in the opening verse, complete with Mary, Joseph, and the wise men.

In the second verse, Anne recalls the basic and primitive nature of the piece of wood that holds the infant sent to Earth to save man from his sins. It was more than likely full of hay and held together by nothing more than a few nails, certainly not something fit for a king.

However, in the tune’s chorus, Anne and Josh use the manger and the stable in a unique way. The stable, according to the two musicians, is symbolic of just how far God was willing to go to save sinners. He was willing to humble himself for our sake."

Anne Wilson, Josh Turner - The Manger (Official Music Video)

…

For the lonely and the lost

That manger tells the story of the Distance you will go

For the lonely and the Lost

There’s no sinner too far gone to find the Savior

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Pineapple Upside down Cake

3/4 cup butter, divided

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 jar (6 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained

1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple, undrained

1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)

in a microwave, melt 1/2 cup butter; stir in brown sugar. Spread evenly onto bottom of a greased 5-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle with cherries and pecans; top with pineapple. Sprinkle evenly with dry cake mix. Melt remaining butter; drizzle over top. Cover slow cooker with 3 paper towels, then place lid on.

Cook, covered, on high 2 hours, or until fruit mixture is bubbly. (To avoid scorching, rotate slow-cooker insert a half turn midway through cooking, lifting carefully with oven mitts.) Turn off slow cooker; let stand, uncovered, 30 minutes before serving. If desired, serve with ice cream.

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If there is any word in the English language that captures the Spirit of Christmas, it is joy. The "J" stands for Jesus, looking towards Him, trusting in Him, believing in Him. The "O" stands for seeing and reaching out to others, feeding the hungry, giving water to the thristy, providing shelter to the homeless, clothing the naked, caring for the sick. (see Matthew 25:35-40)

Be careful as you look for opportunities to serve. There are so many scams around. I got a phone call not long after the Hurricanes on the east coast wanting me to donate to the children who were now homeless. I must they said! Those children didn't have food or clothes or even STUFFED animals! I was NOT the kind of person who would deny comfort to a child in need, was I? The call became more forceful, demanding my credit card info, accusingme of being cold and heartless. No reputable organization will ever do anything like that. Ask them if they have a website that you can check out. If they say yes, you can check them out. Reputable organizations will always give you that info. So make sure that you check out the organization BEFORE you donate. charitynavigator.org is an excellent source of information. charitywatch.org is also an excellent site to check charities out with. You are very safe with donations to organizations such as Catholic Relief Fund, Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation, Friends of Animals, and Light the world Giving Machines, and Marine corps Toys For Tots to name just a few. ~~ Marilee

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The Following story is from 8 Christmas Stories That Show the True Meaning of Christmas . These are great stories which talk about the actions of others at Christmas time who gave/found joy.

The Christmas Tree Angel From Michigan

When Michigan resident Chad Rose just happened to have an extra Christmas tree that was used on his business’s parade float, he did what any decent person would do: he posted on Craigslist to give it away for free. For some, a tree is an annual necessity and integral part of the holidays, but for many it’s an expense that needs to be saved for daily essentials. After posting the ad, his inbox was immediately flooded with touching stories of why various families deserved to have the tree.

With each e-mail he read, it became clear how significant a simple treecan be in contributing to the holiday aura. One email, which he shared with MLive.com, read, “Having a real Christmas tree would be such a great blessing this year [because] usually we draw a Christmas tree on a large poster and hang it in the corner.” Realizing that $25 towards a tree was too much for some families to spare, Chad went out and bought 40 more to give away for free. He spent most of the next day going over his list of emails, checking it twice, and not paying much attention to who’s been naughty or nice – just deserving.

But the good holiday spirit in this story doesn’t stop there — Ann Posont of East Grand Rapids read Rose’s Ad and contacted him, not to get, but to give. She offered to donate ornaments and other trimming for the 40 trees he had picked up.

Going out to gather up more trees after realizing the impact it would have on those in need is just so generous," she said.  "It tells a lot about his character, and makes you want to help."

And Thou Shalt

Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

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“Our hope for a bright future, our peace in times of need, our joy for all eternity. Jesus.”

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Good Sabbath, everyone. Today’s blog is simple, just scripture, quote and story ~~ Marilee

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A PRECIOUS GIFT

~Author Unknown

Jesus Christ, the Savior and the Son of God, appeared this Christmas season for a moment among the people of the world. Oh, of course, this was not the coming in which He will appear according to his promise at the end of time in all His heavenly glory, and which will be sudden "as lightning flashing from east to west." No, He visited the modern world briefly as if to catch the real spirit of man in his enlightened age. He came softly and unobserved, and appropriately, He came during the Christmas season. The multicolored lights and trappings, the green boughs of the Yule tree, the hasty greeting of the season, and the nervous movements of crowds flowing from store to store, all signified the approach of Christmas-tide.

Perhaps the trace of a wry smile lightened His features as He thought of all this feverish activity. Truly, what was man celebrating and to what purpose? Supposedly they reveled in and paid homage to His birth. It mattered not so much that the time of celebration was altered from the actual event. What did matter was the spirit and intent engendered by the occasion. To determine the depth and direction of this spirit and intent was the purpose of His visit.

He moved silently in our midst with a gentle countenance and a smile of infinite compassion. The sun of love burning in His heart; light and power shining from His eyes. Yet, to nearly all, He is unrecognized – but not totally so. An old man, blind from childhood, passing in the throng, touched His garments and perceived His being.

"O, Lord, heal me and I shall see," the old man cried.

And as it were, scales fell from his eyes and the blind man saw.

A child of the street, not too long from His heavenly presence, felt His influence and placed her tiny hand in His. This brief encounter with its silent exchange of knowing confidence and guileless love was reminiscent of similar occasions so long ago.

The blind man and the child shared for a brief moment that which the entire world sought but was too busy to recognize.

He passed on through the maddening throng, absorbing the moods of the occasion. A young couple stood in front of the music store. They were arguing rather heatedly over their financial status. These two, who were tenderly endeared to one another less than an hour ago, were now in real danger of losing that sweet feeling. "Oh, my children," thought the Savior. "As if the true spirit of love was measured by the cost or size of a trinket."

He recalled the story told of another couple -- the cutting of her hair to provide a watch chain -- and the sale of his watch to provide matching combs for her hair. Would that all lovers could feel this same spirit toward each other.

He passed by the unhappy opponents, fleetingly touching each in turn. Her lowered eyes, jeweled with tears, raised to meet those of her mate.

"I do love you. "

"And I, you," he replied.

The young voices of a quartet elevated from the music store. The words: "All I want for Christmas is to keep the things I have."

The Savior, seeking sanctuary from the milling shoppers, made His way into a building and became a spectator, with others, of the traditional first grade portrayal of His birth. Emerson School had enacted the nativity story each year since its founding. This year the presentation had proved like all the rest, a test for teachers to get the correct reactions from six-year-old shepherds and wise men. One problem had been particularly persistent. The little boy with the round face and the very tender heart had been asked to play the part of the innkeeper. Each practice, when the time came for him to deny the saintly Mary and the quiet Joseph a place to sleep, he would develop a quivering lip and finally break into tears. He was just not able to turn them away. Finally, the teacher in charge felt that an understanding had been reached. She had carefully explained to the weeping innkeeper that it wasn't really his fault that the inn was full. It was just completely sold out and there was nothing he could do about it. This explanation seemed to restore the necessary emotional balance and the nativity was presented. The crucial moment arrived when the innkeeper had to do this imperative duty.

"There is no ..,"

A quivering lip.

"... room."

A sob, a pause, and then a half smile.

"But won't you come in for a drink of water?" There was little wonder in the Savior's heart as to why little children made up the bulk of His kingdom.

The department store was large and stocked to overflowing with nearly every conceivable device and need of man. The Christ made his way through the mountains of merchandise that paled  remembrances of the Phoenician bazaars and trading ships of long ago. A knot of people in one corner of the store attracted His attention. A flaxen bearded man with a red suit and black boots sat on a chair at the head of a long line of children and parents. Santa Claus looked tired and Jesus felt a distinct kinship to him, for He understood how tiring a day of requests could be.

Two little girls -- one six and the other about three -- made their way forward and essenced themselves on each knee of the bewhiskered union man. The usual pattern of question and answer followed.

"And what do you want Santa to bring you this Christmas?"

Instead of really listening to the replies, Santa was noticing the poor material and roughly patched clothing of the two. Stringy hair and pinched faces surrounded bright and expectant eyes.

"And have you been good little girls?"

Again, he failed to hear. Their stockings had long ago lost their elasticity and their shoes had disintegrated under the relentless wear given them.

Santa gave each eager pair of hands the plastic bank the store had provided for each child as a memento of the occasion. But he couldn't seem to let the experience end here. He reached into his pocket and drew forth nine coins and proceeded to place them alternately in each bank. The intense childish eyes grew wide with excitement, and Santa saw what joy even his small offering was bringing. Each coin had been received with such ecstacy that he wished each one could have been a hundred in number.

Each child had four coins in her possession and a moment of decision had arrived -- what to do with the ninth?

Santa asked, "And who should I give this last one to?" The older and more precocious spoke with little hesitation.

"Give it to my little sister."

The Savior saw the mist of emotion cloud the eyes of Santa Claus as he placed a kiss on two cheeks.

The Redeemer left as He had come, quietly and unobserved. He had seen and felt some of the good and the bad of the world. But He left with a confidence that right would prevail. The jarring and contending of governments seemed to be offset by the inherent good will emanating from man to man. It is true that the excessive commercial drive and intent of the Christmas season reminded Him somewhat of the money changers in a past time, but the spirit of "giving" was everywhere prevalent and dominated the commercialism found in some quarters. He noticed, too, that often the true meaning of Christmas was submerged under fable and folly. And yet, the underlying strength of the real story permeated all the other and influenced it for good.

But when Herod

Matthew 2:19-21

19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

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“The brightest Christmas ever was lit by a single star and swaddled in the most drab colors, but offered mankind the greatest gift of all… true and lasting love.” – Ton Sorenson

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Carol of the Bells (for 12 cellos) - The Piano Guys - fun video to watch 

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

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Homemade Chicken Stew

• 1 cup evaporated milk

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ pounds chicken thigh meat

• ¾ pound small fresh button mushrooms

• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 cups pearl onions

• 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped

• 2 ¼ cups frozen green peas, thawed

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried marjoram

• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

In a small bowl stir together evaporated milk and flour until smooth. Place chicken, mushrooms, potatoes, onions, and carrots in slow cooker. Pour in milk mixture and broth. Season with salt, pepper, marjoram and rosemary. Cook on low 6 hours. I hate mushy peas, so add them for the last 15 minutes. Stir in parsley just before serving.

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Finding joy in our lives is a matter of choice. Life isn't easy. Its not meant to be. Choosing to be joyful means leaving behind negative attitudes, breaking molds and changing our perspective on life. If you’re struggling to find joy this Christmas, look to Jesus Christ. He's our guide, our example, our leader. He came that we could have joy in this life and in the life to come. There is no guarantee of happiness. There is no guarantee of a trouble-free existence, but through the love and sacrifice of Our Savior, there will be joy.  ~~ Marilee

“Joy is a choice, but it isn’t an easy one.” Julie B. Beck

“Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow." Helen Keller

“A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with love. She gives most who gives with joy.” Mother Theresa

“We are shaped by out thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” Buddha

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Another Christmas Carol - The Story of Joel

I was first touched by the kindness of a stranger many years ago as a boy of fifteen. My story is dramatized in The Story of Joel.
Provided by Joel of spiritofstnicholas.org

extracted from http://www.christmasmagazine.com/en/spirit/story24.asp

The kids on the bus asked, "You coming to the game tonight?"

"I can't. My grandmother's coming over."

There was no visit from grandmother, of course, just another of Joel's well-devised covers for the truth. Joel never went anywhere but straight to the house.

Blake House had been Joel's and his mother's home for the last four months. The place wasn't bad; there simply wasn't any privacy. Sharing a room with his mother was easier since she started going to night school. Many nights, Joel was already in pajamas and ready for sleep by the time she returned.

For Joel's mom, the Blake House was nothing short of a miracle. She knew it was hard on a boy of Joel's age but it was a comfort to know that he realized it was necessary. One more day with her husband may have been the end of her or her son, and Joel knew it too. In a way, it was his growing intervention in the assaults that convinced her they had to leave.

For Joel, things had a calm predictability but the days went by slowly. His mom was tormented by uncertainty. With the help of the Blake House staff she had found a part-time job and a grant for vocational training. In spite of this support, it was hard to imagine a time when she might stand on her own.

As Christmas approached, she started preparing Joel for the reality of the upcoming holiday. She'd say they would have a nice dinner with their Blake House friends and later walk a few blocks to take in the downtown view. She would explain that, with luck, they could be in their own home by March and they would have a private Christmas and presents then.

"I don't need Christmas and I don't need presents," Joel grumbled.

"Scrooge!" she quipped back.

She was proud of his effort to deal with his envy of other children's holiday excitement. He was so serious, though. She wished there was something she could do to give him a lighter heart and a happier Christmas.

On the Saturday before Christmas the families and staff were enjoying their holiday supper when Joan, the House counselor, called Joel's mom into her office.

"Do you have any plans tonight?" Joan asked.

"Joel and I are going to walk to the overpass to look at the downtown lights and decorations."

Joan pointed out the front window, "Maybe you'd prefer to ride instead of walk." Curbside sat a polished Town Car.

"I don't understand," was all Joel's mom could get out before Joan continued.

"An anonymous friend has made arrangements for you and Joel to have use of this car for the next five hours … which will come in handy since the performance is across town. If you leave now, you'll have time to get in some shopping before the show. What d'ya say? I thought so!" Joan smiled and led her out of the office to get Joel.

"Ma'am," said the driver opening the door as the two approached the car.

"What's up with this, mom?" blurted Joel as the door shut.

"We're going to the show," she said bewildered, holding up her hands. As the driver settled back into the Lincoln, he turned and smiled, saying, "I'll be taking you to the mall before the show. And I was asked to give you this." The driver handed her an envelope before he turned to set off.

"Please forgive this intrusion into your privacy," the note began. "I hope you accept this invitation to a Christmas celebration. Enclosed you will find two tickets to tonight's performance of 'A Christmas Carol' and a small token of appreciation for your loving care of Joel." The tickets and a $100 gift certificate slipped into her hand.

The note continued, "Christmas is a time of hope and gratitude. In hopes of a prosperous New Year for you, and in gratitude to loving mothers like you, I wish you a Merry Christmas. Remember, you are never alone in this world because where love lives, friends always follow, seen or unseen. Sincerely, The Spirit of St. Nicholas."

"What's wrong, mom?"

"Nothing, honey," she whispered through tears, hugging her son. "Let’s go Christmas shopping, my little Scrooge!"

The mother and son felt special that magical night and for many days and nights that followed. The excitement of the performance and the touching story of the play stayed with Joel and his mother for a long time.

It took longer than planned for them to get their own home, but by the following summer they began what was to be many years of stable and prosperous living. Forevermore, Christmas became their favorite time of year.

When they saw

 Matthew 2:10-11

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

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, frankincense and myrrh.

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Wise Men seek Him still

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The Annie Moses Band is a family of Nashville raised and New York trained performers. Genre-defying and unforgettable, the group has been thrilling audiences for over a decade with a sweeping virtuosity and musical spirit that is both fresh and poignant. These are true musicians of the highest caliber drawn together by the bonds of family, faith, and love for their audience. I love their beautiful music. This video is a mix of instrumental and vocal music.

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I Heard The Bells - The Annie Moses Band (Official Music Video)

…

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men."

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Slo Cooker Fajitas

        1 each medium green, sweet red and yellow peppers, cut into 1/2-inch strips

1 sweet onion, cut into 1/2-inch strips

2 pounds beef top sirloin steaks, cut into thin strips

3/4 cup water

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

8 flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed

1/2 cup salsa

1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

*8 teaspoons fresh cilantro leaves (My husband doesn’t are for cilantro so I leave it out)

Place peppers and onion in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Top with beef. Combine water, vinegar, lime juice and seasonings; pour over meat. Cover and cook on low until meat is tender, 8-10 hours. Using a slotted spoon, place about 3/4 cup meat mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top with salsa, cheese and cilantro; roll up.

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It's often a fact that the best way we can find joy at Christmastime is by helping others find joy. I went to Physical Therapy this afternoon and found a sign at the front desk stating that they are doing a Christmas project to benefit Veterans and their families. I went to another office and they are gathering things for the Sub for Santa program. I heard an ad on the radio for the food banks. There are too many children who are food insecure. We can change that. Everywhere around us there is need, both for cash or donated items. Many organizations are looking for extra volunteers as well. However we donate or give volunteer hours, whether it is through our churches, our area schools, our senior centers or care centers, we have the power to bring joy to others. Joy comes from having food in once bare cupboards, warm clothes, a personally delivered Christmas card, a soft cuddly toy, smile, a "Merry Christmas". We all have the power to make a difference and bring joy to others, to follow the promptings of the spirit and the footsteps of Our Savior. Joy is contagious, let's spread it everywhere. ~~ Marilee

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The Joy of Giving

by John Greenleaf Whittier

Somehow, not only for Christmas,

But all the long year through,

The joy that you give to others

Is the joy that comes back to you;

And the more you spend in blessing

The poor and lonely and sad,

The more of you heart's possessing

Returns to make you glad.

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Christmas Loaves and Fishes

by Ranier Maharaj

Toronto, Canada

(Summary:“Christmas Loaves and Fishes” recounts a heartwarming tale of a group of young people who, dressed as Santa Claus, visited a hospital to spread holiday cheer. Over the years, their charitable efforts expanded to include poor children in the neighborhood. One Christmas Eve, they discovered a large group of children waiting for Santa in a squatters’ area. Despite running out of toys, miraculously, each child received a gift. The story, shared by the narrator, who played Santa, serves as a testament to the unexpected generosity and magic of the Christmas season.)

On a Christmas Eve in homes everywhere there is a quiet excitement. The festive feeling and the warmth of having family members near brings to mind a Christmas tale I love to relate each year. It’s a true story, even though it might sound unbelievable. And it’s proof that miracles do happen.

A long time ago there was a group of young people who decided to spread some Christmas cheer. They had discovered that there were several children who would be spending the festive holiday in a community hospital nearby. So one of the friends dressed as Santa Claus, they bought nice presents, wrapped them, and armed with guitars and sweet voices, they dropped in unexpectedly at the hospital on Christmas Eve.

The children were overjoyed at seeing Santa, and by the time the group was finished handing out presents and singing Christmas carols, there were tears in everyone’s eyes. From then on, it was decided they would play Santa every year.

The following Christmas Eve, other patients were included in the rounds, and by the third year the celebration was expanded to embrace some of the poor children in the neighborhood.

On the fourth Christmas Eve, however, after all the rounds were made, Santa Claus looked into his bag and discovered there were a few extra toys left. So the friends mulled it over, trying to figure out what to do with them. Somebody mentioned that there were a few squatters’ shacks nearby in which a couple of desperately poor families lived.

So the group decided to go there, thinking that there were perhaps three families at most. But as they drove over the crest of the hill into this lonely area—it was around midnight now—the shocked group saw a large number of people standing at the side of the street.

Much to their surprise, they were children—more than 30 of them. Behind them were not three shacks but rows and rows of shabby squatters’ dwellings. As the cars drew to a stop, the children came running up, shouting with joy. It turned out they had been waiting patiently all night for Santa Claus. Somebody—no one could remember who—had told them he was coming, although our Santa had decided to go there only moments before.

Everyone was stunned, except Santa. He was in a panic. He knew he didn’t have enough toys for all these kids. Eventually, however, not wanting to disappoint the children, he decided to give whatever toys he had only to the youngest, smallest children. When the presents ran out, he’d just have to explain to the bigger kids what had happened.

So moments later he found himself perched on top of a car’s hood as these 30 or more sparkling clean children, dressed in their best clothes, lined up in order of height, with the smallest first, for their moment with him. As each anxious child approached, Santa dipped into his bag, his heart heavy with dread, hoping to find at least one more toy. And by some miracle, he found one each time he dipped. And as the last of the children received a present, Santa looked into the now deflated bag. It was empty—empty as it should have been 24 children ago.

With a sigh of relief, he let out a hearty “ho-ho-ho” and bade the kids farewell. But as he was about to enter one of the cars (the reindeer, apparently, had the day off), he heard a child scream: “Santa! Santa! Wait!” And out of the bushes rushed two little children, a boy and a girl. They had been asleep.

Santa’s heart sank. This time he knew for sure he had no more toys. The bag was empty. He had seen it himself. But as the out-of-breath kids approached, he summoned up some extra courage and dipped into the bag one more time. And—lo and behold—there were indeed two more presents in the bag.

That group of friends, now all grown adults, still talk about this miracle on Christmas morning. They still have no explanation for it, other than the fact that it happened. How do I know so much about this? Well, I was the one playing Santa.

originally published in Family Circle magazine

extracted from Christmas Loaves and Fishes – Christmas Stories