What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." (Anges M. Pharo)

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Matthew 1:21   And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins."

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When Love Crossed Over
words and music by Rita Baloche
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f0OxpjDCMQ


One glorious night when love crossed over
And cast aside both crown and throne
To live beside the common man
As was foretold.  The promised one.

And there he lay in humble straw
As angels sing goodwill to all
A gift from God to reconcile all men to Him
This perfect child.

Behold this day a Savior’s born
And in whose faith this world has longed
Conceived in faith, Received with love
Come kneel beside this child of God
Come kneel beside this child of God

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Easy Christmas Cookies

4 cups miniature marshmallows
1∕3 cup margarine
3 1∕2 cups crisp rice cereal
1 1∕3 cups candy covered plain chocolate candies (or peanut chocolate)
Melt together marshmallows and margarine in heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth.  Pour over combined cereal and candies; toss until lightly coated. Shape into 1 ½ inch balls.  Place on waxed paper.  Makes about 3 dozen.
http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/easy-christmas-cookies-4127

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Dear friends, I am not feeling well, so will forego my commentary today.  Keep serving ~~ Marilee

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Manger Song (Modified)

Frederick M Lynk

Young mary the mother

gazed fondly at Him,

and softly touched

the manger’s rim

Joseph sat musing 

on a bundle of hay,

the shepherds played sweetly

a small harp lay.

The angels stood smiling

 in heaven’s joy,

and humbly adoring

the infant Christ boy.

The ox and the donkey 

forgot the fresh straw,

and knelt down in wonder 

at what they saw.

The walls were shining

like molten gold;

The winds sang gaily,

around the fold.

And gleaming silver 

strewed every star,

and sang a star greeting

from heaven afar

*****

Wonder

Nancy Buckley

There is faint music in the night,

And pale wings fanned by silver flight;

A frosty hill with tender glow

Of countless stars that shine on snow.

A shelter from the winter storm,

A straw-lined manger, safe and warm

And Mary crooning lullabies,

To hush her baby’s sleepy sighs.

Her eyes are rapt under His face,

Unheeded here are time and space;

Her heart filled with blinding joy

For God’s own son, her little Boy!

Extracted from loveliveson.com

"Christ brings a light into this dark world. Just like Christmas brings a light into this dark season.

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Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

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Kaylee Rogers and Killard School Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNO1G9pYf7E

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

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

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

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 wereTheir frankincense and gold and myrrh
They gave to You and cried out 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

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

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS-TREE
BY LUCY WHEELOCK
Two little children were sitting by the fire one cold winter's night. All at once they heard a timid knock at the door and one ran to open it.
There, outside in the cold and darkness, stood a child with no shoes upon his feet and clad in thin, ragged garments. He was shivering with cold, and he asked to come in and warm himself.
"Yes, come in," cried both the children. "You shall have our place by the fire. Come in."
They drew the little stranger to their warm seat and shared their supper with him, and gave him their bed, while they slept on a hard bench.
In the night they were awakened by strains of sweet music, and looking out, they saw a band of children in shining garments, approaching the house. They were playing on golden harps and the air was full of melody.
Suddenly the Strange Child stood before them: no longer cold and ragged, but clad in silvery light.
His soft voice said: "I was cold and you took Me in. I was hungry and you fed Me. I was tired and you gave Me your bed. I am the Christ-Child, wandering through the world to bring peace and happiness to all good children. As you have given to Me, so may this tree every year give rich fruit to you."
So saying, He broke a branch from the fir-tree that grew near the door, and He planted it in the ground and disappeared. And the branch grew into a great tree, and every year it bore wonderful fruit for the kind children.

Extracted from:  http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5061/5061-h/5061-h.htm#link2H_4_0005

If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees—alone or with loved ones—give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments.  Howard W Hunter

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Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

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Still, Still, Still
performed by Brethren
lyric video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpRq4i-XMmk
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star it's vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes,
Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.

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

The Apostle Paul, in Philippians tell us that as followers of Christ, our mindset should be the same as Our Saviors.  What does that mean?  If we are to be followers of Jesus, and think and act like Him, we have to discover what kind of man he was  The answer is simple.  When He was asked which is the most important commandment, His answer was "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second was: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  Jesus was all about love. He was a master teacher who recognized the needs of His pupils and of all others around Him. He taught us to feed the hungry, to give to the poor,  to forgive.  He taught us no t to judge others and to cherish little children--to keep them safe.  Jesus was all about love.   We need to serve without judging, to help those in need and to teach them of the Savior's love.  ~  Marilee 

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Snowman Cookies
He'll melt in your mouth: Microwave canned white frosting on high for 10 seconds. Dunk 24 plain doughnut holes in frosting; allow to set. On half of the holes, squirt on eyes and a mouth with chocolate tube frosting. Stick in a dried papaya triangle for the nose. Make a hat with half an Oreo Mini and a piece of an Oreo Cookie Stick. Place a fruit-leather scarf on top of an undecorated doughnut hole. Top with the face.
Extracted from  https://www.parents.com/recipes/holidays/christmas/12-kid-friendly-christmas-cookies/

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THE LEGEND OF BABOUSCKA*

It was the night the dear Christ-Child came to Bethlehem. In a country far away from Him, an old, old woman named Babouscka sat in her snug little house by her warm fire. The wind was drifting the snow outside and howling down the chimney, but it only made Babouscka's fire burn more brightly.
"How glad I am that I may stay indoors," said Babouscka, holding her hands out to the bright blaze.
But suddenly she heard a loud rap at her door. She opened it and her candle shone on three old men standing outside in the snow. Their beards were as white as the snow, and so long that they reached the ground. Their eyes shone kindly in the light of Babouscka's candle, and their arms were full of precious things—boxes of jewels, and sweet-smelling oils, and ointments.
"We have travelled far, Babouscka," they said, "and we stop to tell you of the Baby Prince born this night in Bethlehem. He comes to rule the world and teach all men to be loving and true. We carry Him gifts. Come with us, Babouscka."
But Babouscka looked at the drifting snow, and then inside at her cozy room and the crackling fire. "It is too late for me to go with you, good sirs," she said, "the weather is too cold." She went inside again and shut the door, and the old men journeyed on to Bethlehem without her. But as Babouscka sat by her fire, rocking, she began to think about the Little Christ-Child, for she loved all babies.
"To-morrow I will go to find Him," she said; "to-morrow, when it is light, and I will carry Him some toys."
So when it was morning Babouscka put on her long cloak and took her staff, and filled her basket with the pretty things a baby would like—gold balls, and wooden toys, and strings of silver cobwebs—and she set out to find the Christ-Child.
But, oh, Babouscka had forgotten to ask the three old men the road to Bethlehem, and they travelled so far through the night that she could not overtake them. Up and down the road she hurried, through woods and fields and towns, saying to whomsoever she met: "I go to find the Christ-Child. Where does He lie? I bring some pretty toys for His sake."
But no one could tell her the way to go, and they all said: "Farther on, Babouscka, farther on." So she travelled on and on and on for years and years—but she never found the little Christ-Child.
They say that old Babouscka is travelling still, looking for Him. When it comes Christmas Eve, and the children are lying fast asleep, Babouscka comes softly through the snowy fields and towns, wrapped in her long cloak and carrying her basket on her arm. With her staff she raps gently at the doors and goes inside and holds her candle close to the little children's faces.
"Is He here?" she asks. "Is the little Christ-Child here?" And then she turns sorrowfully away again, crying: "Farther on, farther on!" But before she leaves she takes a toy from her basket and lays it beside the pillow for a Christmas gift. "For His sake," she says softly, and then hurries on through the years and forever in search of the little Christ-Child.
Extracted from:  http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5061/5061-h/5061-h.htm#link2H_4_0005

Every time a hand reaches out
To help another ... that is Christmas
Every time someone puts anger aside
And strives for understanding,
That is Christmas

Every time people forget their differences
And realize their love for each other,
That is Christmas

******

Matthew 5:16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify you Father which is in heaven

******

This afternoon, I took my grandson to the store.  He was excited to push the cart for me.  As we approached the store, I saw my first Salvation Army bell ringer of the season.  It was  a mother with 4 children.  The children were singing Christmas songs and were so cute!  I frantically search for money in my purse while calling for my grandson to “stop,” and “come back”.  He eventually did and I handed him a dollar, planning to donate more when we left.  It took a little bit of help, but he got it in the kettle.  While we walked through the store, i explained to my sweet little Lucas what service is.  He was excited to give more when we left.  He ran to where they had been, but they were gone.  Luc was SO disappointed.  I was disappointed too.  We never know when it will be too late to give, so we should take every opportunity we can to do something, anything.  At home, we played with the boy’s nativity set and I told Lucas a service stressed nativity story.  I asked Lucas to tell me the names of the figurines, and every one of them was “Jesus “ - the shepherds, the wisemen and Joseph; even Mary was “Jesus”.  The last piece was “baby Jesus”.  I asked Lucas to repeat the story to me and he picked up the first wiseman and said “serve Jesus”.  Then said the same for each figurine, then picked up the last piece and said, “love Jesus”.  He got that right!  I wish I was a child and could serve through their eyes.

I am still struggling with the computer and am unable to access everything I need.  For today's song please go to YouTube and type in air supply eyes of a child

When you look to the past for life’s long hidden meaning
For the dreams and the plans made in your youth
Does the thrill to achieve match the warm hidden feeling
that lies so still and lives in you

In the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughter
There is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future
For the lessons of life, there is no better teacher
than the look in the eyes of a child.

You’ve found the place to walk the path you’ve chosen,
You’ll never miss the world you’ve left behind
When life gives life, it’s happiness unbroken
When you give love, it’s love you’ll find.

In the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughter,
There is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future,,
For the lessons of life, there is no better teacher
Than the look in the eyes of a child



Why is this song included in a Christmas album?  My answer is that Christ came to this world as an innocent child, just as we all do.  We need to look into their eyes, reach out and help them, protect them from the dark side of this world, just as He would have us.  Several of the videos are audio only while others include beautiful videos.

*****

I hope that I will be able to access my files tomorrow.  Thank you,  Marilee

Out of the silence, Music
Out of the darkness, Light
Out of uncertainty, Promise
Love was born that night
Where love is born, it is Christmas.

*****

John 8:12 ... I am the light of the world:  he that followeth  me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

 *****

Attempting to create my blog on my cell phone yesterday was a mission in futility.  I hope that things will be back to normal on Saturday.   Until that time, the blogs will be in an abbreviated format.  Christmas is not about presents, decorations or trees.  It’s about God’s Love.  His love for each of us, and the light which enters our lives and sustains us in our darkest hours.  Last night, I sat at my grandson’s bedside. I read him stories and sang songs.  Many of them were Christmas songs.  I sang Away in a Manger,  Candlelight Carol, and Shine for Me Again:  Star of Bethlehem.  The song tells the story of a young shepherd boy who saw the Savior lying in the manger, a friend and a King.  As he gets older, trials enter his life.  The 3rd verse says :

as I stumble and fall,
I can hear someone call,
do not despair,
your star is still there.

The final verse:
that Christmas night so long ago
has filled my life with light because I know
that He lives now,
as He did then,
a King in Bethlehem,
whose love never ends,
shine for me again, star of Bethlehem
 
My grandson is afraid of the dark.  He is afraid of being alone in the dark.  My daughter bought him a nightlight for his room and he got out of bed many times last night and touched it saying, “light, Poma, light.”  I assured him that the light will always be there in the darkness.  How many of you have children in your lives who are afraid of the dark?  If there is a family crisis center or homeless shelter in your community, buy some flashlights and batteries and donate them.  Explain the power of light to your children, and help them to be a source of light in other’s heart.  The light of Christ will chase away the fear of darkness, for with Him, we are never alone.  All of these songs are on YouTube, but my cell doesn’t show the url —only says YouTube, so I can’t link them.

*****

Easy peanut butter fudge

1 - 10 ounce package peanut butter chips
6 oz. semi sweet chocolate chip
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Place chips in glass bowl.  Heat in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until chips are melted.  Do not process too long, only just until melted.  Stir in can of sweetened condensed milk and stir until well blended.  Pour into buttered 8 by 8 pan and chill for at least an hour.

Due to unexpected computer problems, I am unable to post my blog today.  Hopefully I can post it tomorrow.  Marilee

Somehow, not only for Christmas but all the 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 your heart’s possessing returns to you glad.  John Greenleaf Whittier

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Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

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APPLE CINNAMON PANCAKE MIX

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dried apples (more if desired)**
3 TBSP sugar
2 TBSP baking powder
4-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1-1/4 tsp. salt

In 1 quart jar, combine all ingredients; seal jar.

**Variations: Try substituting the apples for other dried fruits if desired, OR leave out fruit altogether.

GIFT CARD INSTRUCTIONS:

To make Apple Cinnamon Pancakes:
In medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup milk, 1 egg, and 2 TBSP salad oil. With fork, blend in 1-1/3 c. pancake mix until moistened but still lumpy. Cook on lightly greased griddle or skillet. Makes about 10 5" pancakes.

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This morning, I turned the radio on and listened to Christmas music as I prepared this blog.  I heard one of my favorite Christmas love songs, “What Can I Give You this Christmas?”  by the Lettermen.  The last verse says “What can I give you this Christmas? Not a thing that I've seen will do So I'll give you my heart and my own true love That will last the whole year through.”  I imagined applying this song to Jesus.  What could I give Him for Christmas, what would He want?  We find the answer in John 21:17,   “He said, "LORD, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.  The Savior’s admonition was simple: “Feed my sheep, feed my sheep, feed my sheep.”  He meant in all ways, spiritually as well as temporally.  We have a responsibility to take care of those in need around us.  Look for opportunities in your community.  Find ways to involve your children.  Is there an angel tree in your community?  Let them pick a tag, and help.  Is there a Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive? Let them pick out a toy and donate.  Pack a shoebox for Samaritan’s Purse.  https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/    Are there food drives you can donate to?  Many Salvation Army units allow people to ring bells for them, so be a bell ringer.  Give your children discretionary money to donate to those buckets.  After ringing a bell for an hour (sometimes with little luck) it will bring them joy to put something in those buckets.  My daughter Shannon, is literally going to feed His sheep this year.  She is going to Ethiopia this month with an organization called Ordinary Hero.   OrdinaryHero.org    They will literally provide food (chickens) to families who otherwise might have nothing to eat for Christmas.  They will wrap and deliver presents to children in need.  They will serve however they can, and they will make a difference.  I can’t even imagine the joy she will feel.  Serving Christ, feeding His sheep brings joy unmeasurable -- this Christmas, and all year long ~~ Marilee

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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. --