Christmas In My Heart

This is a beautiful, peaceful video. Perfect for the Sabbath

Hallelujah, we've been found

A child is born to save us now

Hallelujah, light has come

A Savior who will set us free

A Promise for those who believe

Good Sabbath, everyone ~Marilee

The Letter From God

Ruth looked at the envelope once again. There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address on it. She read the letter to herself one more time.

Dear Ruth, I'm going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to stop by for a visit. Love Always, God.

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. "Why would God want to visit me? I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer."

With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets. "Oh my goodness, I *really* don't have anything to offer! I will have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner at once!" She reached for her purse and poured out its contents. Five dollars and forty three cents. "Well, I could buy some bread and some cold cuts, at least."

She threw on her coat and hurried out the door. A loaf of french bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk... leaving Ruth with twelve cents left over until next Monday. None- the-less, she felt better as she headed home from the store, her meager offerings tucked under her arm.

"Hey lady, can you help us, lady?", came a shy voice from a nearby alleyway. Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled together in the cold and dirty alleyway she was just passing by.

A man and woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags stared in her direction... "Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold and we're getting hungry and, well, if you could help us, lady, we'd really appreciate it. Please lady."

Ruth looked at them both. They were dirty, the alleyway smelled of garbage, and frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to.

"Sir, I'd like to help you out, but I am a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread which I was planning on serving because I'm having an important guest for dinner tonight. "Yeah, well, OK lady, I understand. Thanks anyway." The man put his arm around the woman's shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley.

As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart. "Sir, wait!" The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them. "Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest." She handed the man her grocery bag. "Thank you lady. Thank you very much!" "Yes, thank you!", the man's wife murmured slowly. Ruth could see now that she was shivering uncontrollably. "You know, I've got another coat at home. Here, why don't you take this one."

Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders. Then, smiling warmly, she turned and walked back to the street without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest that afternoon. "Thank you lady! Thank you very much!", said the man, holding back a tear. Ruth was chilled to the bone by the time she reached her front door, and was worried too. God was coming to visit her and she had nothing to offer Him. She fumbled through her purse for the door key.

But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox. "That's odd.", she said to herself, "The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day." She took the envelope out of her mailbox and opened it.

Dear Ruth, It was so good to see you again. Thank you for offering me the lovely meal that you did. And thank you also, for compassionately giving me the beautiful coat that you did. Love Always, God.

Warm tears trickled down Ruth's cold cheeks as she realized what had just happened. There are times during the hustle and bustle of the holidays we forget there are others without and the true meaning of what it is to give of ourselves. And, to remember that God is in ALL of us! Here's wishing you and yours a truly Joyous Holiday Season!

Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28 KJV

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

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"Silent Night" (Official Music Video) | GENTRI

Gorgeous video

Memory from 2020

Yesterday, I got semi-sidetracked. Does that ever happen to you? My intention was to contact someone who was alone, who needed to know someone cared about them this Christmas. I planned to ask them about their Christmas memories, and help them remember the good times. Dean and I prepared goodie bags with apples, oranges, grapes, and granola bars and delivered them to various families in the area. We shared memories with many of them. At one home, we talked about the Fisher Price nativity set I own and how much our children enjoyed playing with the pieces when they were young. It’s not out this year, or I should say that it wasn’t out until yesterday. When I got home and looked at the empty spot where it usually sits, I had to put it out. So many memories of playing with my youngest daughter, Gina, and all of our grandchildren flooded back. One memory replayed itself over and over in my mind. Four years ago our grandson Lucas was here. We played with my set. I told Lucas a “service” stressed version of the nativity story. Lucas told me the names of the figurines, and every one of them was “Jesus” - the shepherds, the wise men, and Joseph. Even Mary and the angel were “Jesus”. The last piece was “baby Jesus”. I asked Lucas to tell me the story. He picked up the first wise man and said “serve Jesus”. Then said the same for each figurine, then finally picked up the baby in the manger again and said, “love Jesus”. He got that right! I wish I was a child and could serve through their eyes. ~~ Marilee

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No Knead Sandwich Bread

1 c + 3 T whole milk, lukewarm

2 T sugar

2 T olive oil

2 t yeast

1 t salt

3 c. white flour

Warm the milk. Combine warm milk, salt, sugar, oil and yeast. Mix everything together with a fork, until it forms a rough, shaggy dough. Wet your hand with water, and continue mixing, making sure there are no dry patches of flour and dough. Cover the dough, and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the flour to continue to hydrate. After 30 minutes stretch the dough. Wet your hand. Take one side of the dough, stretch and fold the dough onto the opposite side. Make quarter turn of bowl. Do four folds. .Then take your wet hand, and push the dough under itself, creating a rounded ball. Cover the no-knead dough and set aside for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to develop and to relax so it’s ready to stretch again. Then come back and do a second series of stretch and folds. You want to do about 4 folds per session. Repeat this process another two times. So four series in total. After every series, ball up the dough, pushing the dough under itself and creating a smooth plump dough. After the last series of stretch and folds, cover the dough and allow to rise for 1h. Once the dough has tripled in size, shape the loaf and bake the bread. Shape into loaf. Place in buttered loaf pan. bake in a preheated oven at 350 F 25 minutes.

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"The Biggest Gift of All!"

By Bob Perks

http://www.IWishYouEnough.com

"What happened to it?," the child asked.

"What happened to what?" someone replied.

"My gift for Mom and Dad. It was the smallest and it got lost," he sadly replied.

It happens that way. It seems that when it comes to gift giving we feel the need to out do each other. The bigger the box, the more money we spend, the more love expressed.

It's simply not true. It's all a lie and we know it.

"Oh, you didn't have to..."

Yes they did. The world demands it of us. You know you would have felt rejected, ignored and overlooked if they didn't give you something.

"I have to get a gift for Joe. He gave me something last year."

"I'm only sending cards to people who sent them to me."

How sad. Gift giving has become a matching game. Or worst yet, a competition.

So it was on this Christmas morning.

"I can't believe all of the presents!" someone said.

"This is even more than last year!" the oldest child confirmed.

"I guess Santa out did himself this year," Dad said.

"You must have been really good!" said Mom.

"Wait before you open them, let's get a picture of it all. We can compare it to last year's gifts," said Dad.

Then the reds and greens of fancy Christmas paper flew across the room. The bows and ribbons were crushed among the efforts to make get to the gifts.

The youngest child was lost at times in the rush to find his own Santa's treasures but managed to survive somehow.

"Don't forget the gifts we got for each other!" one child yelled.

The youngest child stopped what he was doing. He wanted to watch his parents when they opened his special gift.

But it was no where to be found.

"What happened to it?," the child asked.

"What happened to what?" someone replied.

"My gift for Mom and Dad. It was the smallest and it got lost," he sadly replied.

The others were too busy to help him find it. They already began clearing away the paper and he feared they had tossed it in the garbage.

"You need to get bigger gifts. You don't lose big gifts," his older sister said laughing. "But it was the biggest gift of all," the child replied.

He sat down in frustration and began to cry. "Is this it?" his brother asked as he held the little box in his hand. "I almost stepped on it."

"That's the biggest gift of all?" the sister said mockingly. "What a joke!"

"It is! It is!" he shouted back. "You'll see!"

Then, grabbing it from his brother's hand he straightened out the bow and handed it to Mom.

"Daddy, come here. This is for you, too," he said while sniffling away his tears.

Everyone stopped what they were doing to see what he had given. Perhaps just out of curiosity, maybe just to laugh.

Carefully Mom unwrapped the gift and opened the box.

"Oh, my!" she said as she slowly sat down on the couch.

"What? What is it?" someone said.

Then Dad sat down next to her to share the special moment.

"Oh, I see." he said. Looking at his wife he humbly said, "It is indeed the biggest gift."

Then Mom reached in, pulled out the gift and placed it on her hand.

It was the Christ Child in the cradle.

Dad glanced over to look at their manger now buried beneath the all too many gifts.

"Clear away those things," he asked of his oldest child.

The dimly lit star attached to the manger shown down on the spot where the Christ Child would normally be.

"But he took it from..." his sister began to say until Mom interrupted her.

"He took it from the story of Christmas. The real reason we should be celebrating," she said.

The small child was standing next to the tree. The white lights sparkled off the warm streams of tears that ran down his face. Quietly he explained..."Every year we think about how to give the biggest gift. I thought that this year I would give the best gift anyone could ever give. The pastor at Bible school asked us to think about the greatest gift of all. Then I thought about Jesus and knew that I could not ever out give God. So my gift to you and Dad was the Biggest gift of all...ever!"

Suddenly it was silent. Mom glanced around the room and humbly said, "I am ashamed. We had forgotten the meaning of it all."

Then motioning to her son she said, "Come here. You were right. The Littlest One was indeed the Biggest Gift of all!"

"I wish you enough!"

Bob

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John 14:27

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

“He gives us hope when hope is gone. He gives us strength when we can’t go on. He gives us shelter in the storms of life. When there’s no peace on earth, There is peace in Christ”. McKenna Hixson

Matthew West - Because of Bethlehem (Lyric Video)

This video shows Matthew West sitting on a stool, surrounded by candles singing this song. One of the things i especially like about this song is that it deals with Christ’s entire life, not just his birth.

From a child in a cradle to a king upon a cross…

Love is born, hope is here

Heaven's light has made the darkness disappear

Peace on Earth, good will to men

God with us all because of Bethlehem

Carrot Cake Muffins

1 ½ c. flour

1 ½ t baking soda

½ t. Cinnamon

½ t. Salt

¾ c sugar

2 large eggs (beaten)

½ c vegetable oil

1 t. Vanilla

1 ½ c shredded carrots

½ c chopped walnuts

4 ounces softened cream cheese

3 T powdered sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and sugar, stir to combine. Add in beaten eggs, oil and vanilla. Stir until all dry ingredients are incorporated. Fold in shredded carrots. Grease muffin tins or line with paper liners, then fill with batter to 2/3 full. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 22-25 minutes. Let cool in pan for 15 minutes before removing to racks to cool completely. Make your icing, combine all icing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spread over cooled muffins.

Christmas is about believing in things which are unbelievable. What a crazy story some people think it is – the Son of God being born to a virgin in a stable filled with farm animals? REALLY?? (dripping with sarcasm)?? At Christmas time and throughout the year, we need to think with our hearts rather than our brains. We need to become like children and trust that God is with us every day. Mary answered the call of a messenger from God. In my mind, I hear her say, “Ready now am I to do thy will”. She chose to become the mother of Our Saviour. Joseph chose to love her and to become the earthly father of Christ. The shepherds chose to believe the angel song. The wise men chose to follow the Star. All of them filled their lives with hope. I choose to believe it all. We have a Father in Heaven who loves us and created this world for us. He wants us to return to Him and my heart is filled with the hope that through Christ, we will. I know that we are never alone. His Love never dies and our lives will continue beyond this realm of existence. Hope is my reality. ~~ Marilee

Here is a super easy Nativity craft for children

Easy Baby Jesus in Manger Craft

There are many wonderful stories circulating on the internet at Christmas time. This is one of them. The original story was written by Rev. Howard C. Schade pastor of the First Reformed Church in Nyack, New York; it was published in the December 1954 issue of Reader's Digest. Through the years, it has been rewritten with changes, some people claiming the story happened as recently as 1970. Others have claimed they wrote it. People have changed the setting, added details, etc to make the story their own. I have read many of them and like most of them. Why? Because it is a story of hope, and of God’s love for His children. It is a fabulous story: A lonely couple, separated by that greatest of evils (the Nazis) brought together on the holiest day of the year by a man of the cloth.

The White and Ivory Tablecloth

At Christmastime men and women everywhere gather in their churches to wonder anew at the greatest miracle the world has ever known. But the story I like best to recall was not a miracle — not exactly. It happened to a pastor who was very young but his church was very old.

Once long ago it had flourished. Famous men had preached from its pulpit and prayed before its altar. Rich and poor alike had worshiped there and built it beautifully. Now the good days had passed from the section of town where it stood. But the pastor and his young wife believed in their run-down church. They felt that with paint, hammer, and faith they could get it in shape. Together they went to work.

However late in December a severe storm whipped through the river valley and the worst blow fell on the little church — a huge chunk of rain-soaked plaster fell out of the inside wall just behind the altar. Sorrowfully the pastor and his wife swept away the mess but they couldn't hide the ragged hole. The pastor looked at it and had to remind himself quickly, "Thy will be done!" But his wife wept, "Christmas is only two days away!"

That afternoon the dispirited couple attended an auction held for the benefit of a youth group. The auctioneer opened a box and shook out of its folds a handsome gold and ivory lace tablecloth. It was a magnificent item, nearly 15 feet long; but it, too, dated from a long vanished era. Who, today, had any use for such a thing?

There were a few halfhearted bids. Then the pastor was seized with what he thought was a great idea. He bid it in for $6.50. He carried the cloth back to the church and tacked it up on the wall behind the altar. It completely hid the hole! And the extraordinary beauty of its shimmering handwork cast a fine, holiday glow over the chancel. It was a great triumph. Happily he went back to preparing his Christmas sermon.

Just before noon on the day of Christmas Eve as the pastor was opening the church, he noticed a woman standing in the cold at the bus stop. "The bus won't be here for 40 minutes!" he called and invited her into the church to get warm. She told him that she had come from the city that morning to be interviewed for a job as governess to the children of one of the wealthy families in town but she had been turned down. A war refugee, her English was imperfect.

The woman sat down in a pew and chafed her hands and rested. After a while she dropped her head and prayed. She looked up as the pastor began to adjust the great gold and ivory cloth across the hole. She rose suddenly and walked up the steps of the chancel. She looked at the tablecloth. The pastor smiled and started to tell her about the storm damage but she didn't seem to listen. She took up a fold of the cloth and rubbed it between her fingers. "It is mine!" she said. "It is my banquet cloth!" She lifted up a corner and showed the surprised pastor that there were initials monogrammed on it. "My husband had the cloth made especially for me in Brussels! There could not be another like it."

For the next few minutes the woman and the pastor talked excitedly together. She explained that she was Viennese and that she and her husband had opposed the Nazis and decided to leave the country. They were advised to go separately. Her husband put her on a train for Switzerland. They planned that he would join her as soon as he could arrange to ship their household goods across the border. She never saw him again. Later she heard that he had died in a concentration camp. "I have always felt that it was my fault — to leave without him," she said. "Perhaps these years of wandering have been my punishment!" The pastor tried to comfort her and urged her to take the cloth with her. She refused. Then she went away.

As the church began to fill on Christmas Eve, it was clear that the cloth was going to be a great success. It had been skillfully designed to look its best by candlelight. After the service, the pastor stood at the doorway. Many people told him that the church looked beautiful. One gentle-faced middle-aged man — he was the local clock-and-watch repairman — looked rather puzzled. "It is strange," he said in his soft accent. "Many years ago my wife — God rest her — and I owned such a cloth. In our home in Vienna, my wife put it on the table" — and here he smiled — "only when the bishop came to dinner."

The pastor suddenly became very excited. He told the jeweler about the woman who had been in church earlier that day. The startled jeweler clutched the pastor's arm. "Can it be? Does she live?"

Together the two got in touch with the family who had interviewed her. Then in the pastor's car they started for the city. And as Christmas Day was born, this man and his wife who had been separated through so many saddened Yule tides were reunited.

To all who hear this story, the joyful purpose of the storm that had knocked a hole in the wall of the church was now quite clear. Of course, people said it was a miracle; but I think you will agree it was the season for it!

John 15:11

John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Hope is the candle that never burns out when it’s lit by the love of Christ."

Casting Crowns - Make Room (Official Music Video) ft. Matt Maher

This video shows the band gathered round a piano, singing this song.

Another question asked:

Is there room in your heart?

For God to write His story?

Bisquick cheese biscuits

2 c. bisquick mix

⅔ c. milk

½ c cheddar cheese, shredded

¼ t. Garlic powder

¼ c salted butter, melted

¼ t parsley for garnish

*¼ t. Kosher salt for garnish

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In large bowl, stir together the Bisquick, milk and cheese until a soft lumpy dough forms. Do not overmix!

Drop by large spoonfuls onto a baking stone or ungreased cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

In a small mixing bowl, stir garlic powder into the melted butter. Brush the butter over warm biscuits before removing from the cookie sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt if desired.

This morning, I asked my husband Dean how to find peace at Christmas. He said, “Don’t hold a grudge and forgive.” I asked a friend at Physical Therapy what she does to find peace at Christmas. She said, “I don’t watch the news”. A third person said that he gives his wife backrubs (which is a “heavenly” way for a wife to experience peace and relaxation) I have been collecting tips all day. Some have been silly (I go hunting all month long); some have been serious. This grocery store tip must be the truest tip of them all. “The only way to truly experience God’s peace is to make time for Him.”

Peace Ideas:

Have a family Christmas devotional

Read for a few minutes from the gospels each day.

Peace is like the Holy Ghost; it speaks in quiet whispers. Make time to listen.

Ponder, as did Mary. Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Stop comparing yourself to others. God isn’t asking for perfect decorations or elaborate meals. He wants us to open our hearts to Him and spend time thinking of him.

Christmas is about celebrating the love and grace of God.

I read Dean my list and asked him if there was anything else he would like to add. He said, “Turn to Christ.”

How do you find peace? ~~ Marilee

FROM THE HEART

author Unknown

When I was 14 years old (same age as my daughter is today), my Mom and I didn't have money for a Christmas dinner, much less gifts.

I knew she was sad about it and I was determined we wouldn't let it get us down. Homemade gifts are nice, but I wasn't very imaginative and too broke for supplies. I decided to give my Mom something I treasured myself -- the one nice piece of jewelry I owned, a gold cross necklace.

I cleaned it, made sure there were no knots in the chain and wrapped it in the prettiest paper I could find. I was so excited, I couldn't wait for her to open it.

Single moms have it hard (as I know first-hand now) and I really wanted to see her smile. We always opened our gifts on Christmas Eve night and that afternoon, I could wait no longer. I asked if we could "have Christmas" early. I anticipated that Christmas more than when I knew I was getting a lot of nice gifts. I didn't expect to get anything that year. It was about giving.

I handed her the little box, hugged and kissed her and wished her a Merry Christmas. I waited anxiously for her to open it, but she just sat there with the box in her hands and looked at it.

I remember the look on Mom's face was a mixture of sadness and serenity. She knew her greatest gift to me was her love. After what seemed a long time, she looked at me and said, "I have something for you too."

She reached into her pocket, pulled out another small box, placed it in my hands, and told me although it was not much, it was filled with love.

I was quite curious and a little scared. I knew money was tight and hoped Mom hadn't spent money on something we couldn't afford. There was a little velvet box inside and when I lifted the lid, there was a tiny ring with a diamond chip in the center. In a note, she told me the ring was 23 years old, she hoped it brought me good luck... and "I love you."

I got a huge lump in my throat and looked at her. She smiled and told me it had been her wedding band from my dad. It was now mine. I slipped it on my finger and hugged my Mom.

She opened my gift and when she saw the necklace, big tears filled her eyes. She asked me to put it on her. She held the necklace and told me she thought it was our best Christmas ever. I could only nod my head in agreement.

This Christmas, I give thanks for Mom and treasure every memory we shared. You see, my Mom has advanced Alzheimer's disease and no longer knows me. But I look at "our" ring and remember her gentle, wise spirit and give thanks God blessed me with her.

But that's not the end of the story.

Our home was burglarized four years ago. One of the items stolen was that little ring. I had left all my jewelry at home for safekeeping because it was Memorial Day weekend and I was going to the lake. I was totally heart broken when I found out the ring was gone. Of course, so were my rings, my wedding band, engagement ring, etc., but it was THAT ring I grieved for the most.

I wrote a letter to our local paper and begged whoever stole it to "PLEASE return it by mail anonymously."

A few weeks went by with no response and then one day a police detective showed up at my door. He held out a Kleenex and asked me to identify the item inside.

It was my ring! I have never found out where or how he got it but it remains on my finger to this day.

So, as we all go through the holidays, let us remember it's what we give from the heart that holds the most value.

Hebrews 10:23

Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” NIV

“When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness ... all the good things.” — Maya Angelou

Prince of Peace Song #LighttheWorld

Peace is here, angels near

Shepherds meek, wise men seek

Peace, peace, Price of peaces (Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah)

Healer of men, peace again

Peace

Pull-Apart Bacon Bread

Whisk together:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cut in:

3 tablespoons shortening

1/2 to 3/4 cup ice water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat for 5 minutes or until partially cooked; drain on paper towels. Roll out dough to 1/2-in. thickness; brush with 1 tablespoon oil. Cut into 1-in. pieces; place in a large bowl. Add the bacon, cheese, dressing mix and remaining oil; toss to coat.

Arrange pieces in a 9x5-in. oval on a parchment-lined baking sheet, layering as needed. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled.

Bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Cover with foil; bake 15 minutes longer or until golden brown.

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. Christ is often called the “Light of the World.” 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. There are times when spiritual darkness, sorrow, grief or anger surround us and we feel so very much alone. At one time Taylor Cladwell was a depressed, and frightened young mother. She was the sole support of her 5 year old daughter. Her rent of $30.00 was due right after Christmas and all she had was $15.00 and no job. She faced the bleakest Christmas of her life. She felt as old as death. God and man had both forgotten her. Christmas Eve that year brought miracles – gifts from a grateful friend, a $30.00 Christmas bonus check from a job she had earlier in the year. Her rent money! She had her rent money. She had Christmas presents for her daughter! After her daughter went to bed, she opened her mail expecting to see more bills and found a job offer from the government to start 2 days after Christmas! “I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all.

"And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.” Taylor Caldwell.

Finding hope at Christmas is as simple as knowing Christ is with us all of the time. We are never alone. Matthew calls Him “Immanuel” which literally means “God with us” ~~ Marilee

From Guidepost Magazine

Nine- year-old Wallace Purling was in the second grade. He should have been in fourth grade; but, he’d been held back twice. He was large for his age and a little slow and clumsy. He simply had trouble keeping up. He was very good natured, and everyone enjoyed it when Wallace was around.

He wanted to be a shepherd in the Christmas pageant but the director decided to make him the Innkeeper. His large size would make his refusal of lodging to Joseph more forceful.

A large audience gathered the night of the pageant. No one more excited than Wallace Purling. He was enraptured as he watched and waited in the wings for his part.

Finally Joseph arrived, gently guiding Mary. Joseph knocked on the wooden door. Wally was there, waiting.

With a loud brash voice Wally demanded, “What do you want?”

“We seek lodging.”

“Seek it elsewhere. The inn is filled.”

“Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary.”

“There is no room in this inn for you!” Wally looked properly stern.

“Please, good innkeeper. This is my wife. She is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surely you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired.”

Suddenly, Wally relaxed his stiff stance and looked down at Mary. (Long pause). The Audience tensed with embarrassment as they thought that Wally had forgotten his lines.

The prompter whispered Wally’s line. “No, begone!”.

Wally spoke automatically, “No! Begone,”

Joseph sadly placed his arm around Mary and began to move slowly away. Wally stood in the doorway watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open and his brow creased with concern, eyes filling with tears.

Suddenly the pageant became different from all others.

“Don’t go, Joseph. Bring Mary Back!” Wallace Purling’s face grew into a bright smile. “You can have my room

*This entry deals with grief and sorrow at Christmas time and how to find peace at this time.

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Jeremiah 31:3

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”

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“To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” — Calvin Coolidge

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"Somewhere in your Silent Night" Live Performance (Eccles Theater 11/26/21) | GENTRI

This is a live performance. It’s so good to watch and listen to.

Somewhere in your silent night

Heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried

Hope is here, just lift your head

For Love has come to find you

…

When your pain runs deep

His love runs deeper still

He has always loved you, child

And He always will.

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Sugar Plum Bread

1 cup pitted dried plums (prunes), coarsely chopped

3/4 cup water

2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup sugar, divided

2 tablespoons shortening

1 large egg, room temperature

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons coarse sugar

Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, combine dried plums, water and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 1 minute. Remove from heat; let stand until plumped, about 10 minutes. Drain plums, reserving fruit and liquid. Measure liquid, adding enough water to yield 1/2 cup.

Cream shortening and remaining sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with reserved cooking liquid; fold in cooled dried plums (batter will be thick).

Transfer batter to a greased 8x4-in. loaf pan. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs, 40-45 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

*~*~*~*~*~*

The holidays can be a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but for many, they can be a time of loss, sadness, or longing. Divorce, unemployment, poverty, abuse, intolerance and negative memories all take their toll. As a young girl I memorized the story of the Savior’s birth from Luke. At church they gave us a paper nativity and encouraged us to share it with our families. I was SO excited and made my plans accordingly. I planned to tell the story on Christmas Eve after our family got home from looking at the Christmas lights. I waited anxiously that night for my dad to come home from work. The hours passed and no Dad. My plan was ruined! I cried until I literally made myself sick that night. Mom finally went out and found him at his favorite bar. He stopped for a drink with friends and one drink led to another. To this day my most hated Christmas song is John Denver’s “Please Daddy, don’t get drunk this Christmas.” I choose not to remember the pain but rather to remember the fact that I never saw him drunk again. Easy choice.

The truth is that Christmas is not always easy. The Christmas story is not just one of the joyous birth of a son and our Savior. It’s also the story of a young, pregnant girl, betrothed to a man who was not the father of her baby. It’s a story of a birth in a stable surrounded by dirt, animals, noises and smells. There was no supportive family, no midwife to help with the delivery. It’s the story of a mother, father and their baby who become refugees, fleeing from a murderous King. They gave up so much! There is room in that stable for sorrow as well as joy. Jesus said: ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ As Christians, we believe in the hope and comfort which comes from Christ. Even with hearts and minds filled with faith, grief is a profound human experience that affects our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. I am not a grief counselor, nor am I a therapist but working with the Hospice program for almost 20 years gave me insight. Here are some thoughts on how to care for yourself or those around you who are grieving.

Be honest with yourself. Let your family and friends know what you are feeling and what you need to do to be at peace.

Honor the person you loved. Take a quiet moment to remember. You might cook their favorite food, donate to a cause they loved or write them a message.

Plan to take breaks. Allow yourself to take ‘get away’ moments. Step outside. Breathe deeply. Go for a walk. Turn off your phone for a few minutes.

Learn to say “no”. Emotions are magnified at this time. If you are uncomfortable with a discussion, change it. If you are at a party or with friends and you feel overwhelmed, leave. If you cannot accept an invitation, Say “no”

Seek support. Dealing with death is a very personal journey but you don’t have to take it alone. It’s okay to ask for help.

May this be a Christmas of hope that good will happen ~~ Marilee

*~*~*~*~*~*

I wrote this in 2004 after the death of my mother:

Every December

Every December I remember

the love, the joy,

the gift our Father gave this world

His perfect baby boy.

Jesus waxed strong

a young boy about his father’s business

He grew in wisdom and stature

and taught us how to live

He fed the hungry

calmed the waters

healed the sick

gave sight to the blind

He willingly paid the price

Atoned for our sins

sacrificed His life

In so doing,

He saved ours.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Christmas Thoughts

Henry Van Dyke

I am thinking of you today,

Because it is christmas,

And I wish you happiness.

And tomorrow, because it will be

The day after Christmas

I will still wish you happiness.

I may not be able to tell you about it every day,

Because I may be far away or we may be very busy.

But that makes no difference–

My thoughts and my wishes

Will be with you just the same.

Whatever joy or success comes to you

Will make me glad

Clear through the year…

I wish you the spirit of Christmas

Christmas In My Heart

Philippians 4:6-7

Romans 8:28

John 14:27

John 15:11

Hebrews 10:23

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