“All the Christmas presents in the world are worth nothing without the presence of Christ." -David Jeremiah

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RAOK: Text someone just to say good morning or good night.

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Good Sabbath, everyone ~~ Marilee

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You’re Here

Francesca Battistelli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2xxqRm3Hyg&t=88s

lyrics

Hold on now, I gotta take a deep breath

I don`t know what to say when I look in your eyes

You made the world before I was born

Here I am holding you in my arms tonight

Noel, noel, Jesus our Emmanuel

You`re here, I`m holding you so near

I`m staring into the face of my Savior, King and Creator

You could`ve left us on our own, but you`re here

Don`t know how long I`m gonna have you for

But I`ll be watching when you change the world

I Look at your hand, they`re still so small

Someday you`re going to stretch them out and save us all

Noel, noel, God with us Emmanuel

You`re here, I`m holding you so near

I`m staring into the face of my Savior, King and Creator

They could've left us on our own, but you`re here you`re here

Someday I`m gonna look back on this

The night that God became a baby boy

Someday you're gonna go home again,

But you leave your spirit and flood the world with joy

You`d be here, I`m holding you so near

I`m staring into the face of my Savior, King and Creator

They could've left me on my own, but you`re here you`re here

Hallelujah you`re here hallelujah

You`re here

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DAVEY AND THE FIRST CHRISTMAS

By Beth Vardon

Let’s pretend there was a boy, and Davey was his name,

Whose family lived in Bethlehem when Christmastime first came.

Davey had a special pet -- a donkey small and grey,

And what the two of the did best was getting in the way!

Davey named the donkey Tim. He never rode him though.

Either Tim was built too high or Davey was too low!

Davey’s father had an inn where people came to stay;

And lots and lots and LOTS of them were coming there one day.

His father was as busy as six or seven bees!

So Davey said, “I want to help, can’t I do something, please?

Tim would like to help you, too. Find a job for us to do!

“Listen, Son,” his father said, “Last week you broke three jugs.

You scared my two best customers with your pet lightning bugs!

You tracked in mud on my clean floor, you tripped and dropped the bread.

And though I loved the fish you caught -- why leave them on my bed?

I have put up with your helpfulness as long as I am able.

So do me one big favor now, get out -- and clean the stable!”

Davey sadly went and stood beside the stable door.

It hardly seemed that anyone could clean that dirty floor.

He and Tim both felt so bad they started to cry --

But then (thought Davey), Yes, we can! Well, anyhow -- let’s try.

First, let’s chase those chickens out. That’s what we’ve got to do.

So Tim began to flap his ears while Davey shouted, “Shooooo!”

The chickens clucked and flew and ducked, they fluttered wild and scary,

Until their feathers filled the air like snow in January.

Yes, Davey chased those chickens out, He and Tim together.

But now he had to get a sack and pick up every feather!

You should have seen how hard they worked!

They stacked up all the wheat,

They straightened up the harnesses till they were nice and neat.

They fought with spiders bravely till they chased out every but.

And since we must admit the truth -- they broke another jug!

The very biggest job of all was stacking up the hay.

Davey climbed up to the loft and put it all away.

Look, Tim. You see how high it is? I’ll make just one more trip.”

Then clear up by the stable roof his feet began to slip!

Down came the hay and Davey, too. The stable looked so queer --

All you could see was piles of hay -- one sandal, and one ear!

Slowly they came out on top, and Davey didn’t whine,

Though hay stuck out all over him just like a porcupine!

He put the hay all back again and stacked it up with care --

But left one armload down below to fill the manger there.

So Davey’s work was done at last, and when it looked neat

He picked some flowers to trim the barn, and some for Tim to eat.

“I hope it’s clean enough,” he thought. “At least I did my best,”

And feeling very, very tired, he curled up for a rest …

Who woke up Davey from his sleep? Just guess them if you can.

Mary was the woman’s name, Joseph was the man.

Mary said, “Oh, Joseph, look! This is a lovely place!”

Then, seeing Davey there, she said, with such a shining face,

“Your father’s inn had no more rooms, tonight we’re staying here.

So tell me now, are you the boy who cleaned the stable, dear?

And did your donkey help you work? We want to thank him, too.”

Though Davey was still half asleep, his heart was glad clear through.

So that is how a little boy, two thousand years ago,

Stayed on to hear the angels sing, and see the Star aglow.

As soon as Baby Jesus came to use the manger bed,

Then Davey’s sack of feathers made a pillow for His head.

No one told Davey any more that he was in the way.

His work had helped get ready for the world’s first Christmas Day!

“There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ.” --Thomas S. Monson  

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RAOK:  Listen intently  

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Matthew 2:1-2   Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

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The Forgotten Carols Three Kings
video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCbrmRmoQ_M
Somewhere beneath the glitter
That comes this time of winter
In many souls there is a cry
They may not clearly say it
But in their hearts they pray it
And you can see it in their eyes

'I cannot find my way
I cannot find my way
I cannot find my way at all
There are so many voices
So many different choices,
I cannot find my way at all.'

There were three kings
Who followed the star
Of Bethlehem
They came from afar
To praise and honor Him
His light
which beckoned them to see
The Lord of Man
It calls to you,
It calls to me

'We cannot find our way
We cannot find our way
We cannot find our way at all
There are so many voices
So many different choices,
We cannot find our way at all.'

We're not alone,
We have a star
And it shines today
The love that He gave
Teaches how
And shows the way
That light,
it's clear to see
If we have faith and believe
Three kings found the Lord
And so can we.

'We cannot find our way
We cannot find our way
We cannot find our way at all'
Three kings found the Lord
And so can we
There are so many voices
So many different choices,
We cannot find our way at all.'
Three kings found the Lord
And so can we

And if you've lost your way,
That light burns bright today
And it will shine eternally
Three kings found the Lord
And so can we

'We cannot find our way
We cannot find our way
We cannot find our way at all'
Three kings found the Lord
And so can we
There are so many choices
So many different voices,
We cannot find our way at all.'
Three kings found the Lord

'Lord help us find the way
We need to find the way
Lord help us find the way back home'
Three kings found the Lord
And so can we
'Lord help us find the way
We need to find the way
Lord help us find the way back home'
Three kings found the Lord
And so can we
'Lord help us find the way
We need to find the way
Lord help us find the way back home
Lord help us find the way
We need to find the way
Lord help us find the way back home'
And so must we!
[repeat to fade]

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My internet has been giving me a terrible time for the past week.  Last night, when I was pulling my hair out because I STILL couldn’t publish my BLOG, or even get to all of my files, my husband suggested that I stop doing this because it’s too stressful.  Too stressful?  What was he talking about, too stressful?  It’s not stressful at all!  (I was snarling the whole time I said that)  Dean was right, I had lost my Christmas spirit.  So I started looking for it, and found it in this poem.

 This Christmas
From The Editors of McCall's Magazine

This Christmas, mend a quarrel.
Seek out a forgotten friend.
Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust.
Write a love letter. Share some treasure.
Give a soft answer. Encourage youth.
Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.
Keep a promise. Find the time.
Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy.
Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand.
Flout envy. Examine your demands on others.
Think first of someone else. Appreciate.
Be kind; be gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more.
Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice.
Decry complacency. Express your gratitude.
Go to church. Welcome a stranger.
Gladden the heart of a child.
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still once again.

Christmas is celebration, and there is no celebration
that compares with the realization of its true meaning -
with the sudden stirring of the heart that has extended
itself toward the core of life. Then, only then,
is it possible to grasp the significance of the first Christmas -
to savor in the inward ear the wild, sweet music of the angel choir;
to envision the star-struck sky, and glimpse,
behind the eyelids the ray of light that fell athwart
a darkened path and changed the world.

“The core of life” that’s exactly what my Savior is to me, the core of my life.  How could I find my center?  What did I need to do?  I made a list of things to do which I will share with you just in case you temporarily misplace Christmas. Or in case you need to regain the spirit.
 
1. Whose birthday is it that we are celebrating?  What kind of gifts should we give?
A. Presents of the heart. 
Gifts of time
1) meals
2) babysitting
3) shopping for a neighbor
4) visit residents at the local nursing home.
a. Find out name of a resident who seldom has visitors, and go back just to spend time with them.
B.  Donate to Sub for Santa or buy food bags to go to the food bank
C.  Success come in CANS, not in cannots!  Put this saying on a can or jar. Put in
your extra change --make some small sacrifices, then use the money to help someone in need
D.  Send a thank you card to someone who helped you out or made a difference in your life
E.  Make your choices based upon the thought “What would Christ do?"
F.  Put out a Christ centered decoration
G.  Remember, Marilee, your BLOG is a gift of love, not a chore, and do NOT threaten to unplug your computer permanently.  You know you won’t do it.
Thanks, everyone for your patience ~~ Marilee

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Southwest Casserole     From Rita                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
2 cups (8 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, drained
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat, crumbling beef, until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in next eight ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Drain macaroni; stir into beef mixture.
Preheat oven to 375°. Transfer macaroni mixture to two greased 2-qt. baking dishes. Top with cheese and jalapenos. Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake until bubbly and heated through, about 10 minutes longer. Serve one casserole. Cool the second; cover and freeze up to 3 months.
To use frozen casserole: Thaw in refrigerator 8 hours. Preheat oven to 375°. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°, 20-25 minutes.


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"Lost on my way to the manger"
By Bob Perks
I was never good at directions.
I'm not a typical man, I actually stop and ask for directions when I'm lost.  The problem is I never remember what I'm told.
Mostly it's because I only listen the first time. 
Did you ever notice that when you ask someone for directions they tell you in detail and as you turn to walk away, they repeat everything they just said again.  Like they are repeating it for their own sake. 
That's where they lose me.  I need to be told once and while it's fresh in my mind I need to run back to the car and take off.
The second time they tell me, I try to tune out what they are saying and my theory is it's like erasing a tape on playback.
I think that's what happened to me with Christmas. 
I'm lost this year.  I thought I knew the way, but it turns out all the familiar landmarks are missing. 
Most of them are still in the attic. Some are gone for good.
Lights, garland, the big Christmas tree, the clipboard with all of the mailing addresses for Christmas cards, among other things, still remain tucked away in boxes.
That's why I got lost. 
I stopped and asked for directions from a few friends.  They knew exactly how to get there.  Or at least how to find their Christmas.
I listened and then when I got home I forgot everything they told me.
What they described couldn't be found in my house.
I sat in my living room.  Through the doorway I could see my tiny tree.
Still, I felt little of what I was looking for.  I gazed around the room and it was ordinary.  No twinkle, no glitter, no greens or stockings hung along the stairs.
I had no idea where I was.  "This is Christmas?" I asked.
So, I called for directions.
"Dear God,
This is Bob.  I'm sorry to bother you.  I know this is a busy time for you as the world is getting ready to celebrate Your Son's birthday.
But I'm lost.
Yes, again.
I'm on my way to Christmas and I can't find it.  All the signs are missing.  I get the feeling I'm closing in on it and then...then the feeling is gone.
What God?  I'm looking at the wrong signs?
But it's all I ever looked for in Christmas.  You know, the lights the decorations, and presents.  I've had to stop buying presents this year.  So, that has me really lost. I mean there's no wrapping to be done.
There's no placing them under the tree.  No real joy in seeing everyone opening them on Christmas day.
I've been looking in the wrong places you say?
But Christmas is all that and more, right God?  It's memories of the past.  Pictures of family gathered around the tree.  Candles glowing in the night.
Parties and big dinners, laughter and carols sung by choirs at church.  Music on the radio that brings warm feelings of joy to my heart.
I can't find it.  Others have.  I see it in their eyes.
You're right.  Maybe I have been looking at it all wrong.  You didn't move it?  I mean, you didn't change it in any way, did you God?
It's always been the same, you say, but we've changed it.  I understand, I think.
So, in a sense my Christmas this year, being alone, may very well help me to find Christmas again?
I thought Christmas was all about family.
It is, you say.  It's about the Holy Family.  Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
The only Christmas lights were the stars.  The only directions to it were by following the brightest star.
The only decoration was hay and only three gifts were given.
I remember now.
Forgive me God, but where do I find it, how do I find it on my own?
And God said to me, "And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloth, and lying in a manger."
I sat quietly.  There was no reason for those directions to be repeated to me.
I knew them by heart.  Somehow though, I had gotten lost along the way.
It just so happens that my all time favorite carol is "Silent Night."  It is, in fact, how I will be spending Christmas this year.  Quietly. Peacefully...Silently.
Don't feel sorry for me.  Don't pity me.  This year I may not have the Christmas I always remembered, but I will have the Christmas I should have been looking for...I was just... "Lost on my way to the manger." 
Come with me.  Even in the hustle of your busy Christmas celebration.  Find the Silent Night and look for the manger.  There you will find all you've ever needed.
I hope to see you there.
Merry Christmas!

"I believe in you!" Bob Perks
Bob@BobPerks.com
Please don't remove my name and contact info!
If you are about to copy this story to share with your friends, please leave my name, email address. It is a copyrighted story and cannot be edited in any manner. Thanks!

“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. He will take you by the hand and His promises will be kept.” Howard W. Hunter 

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RAOK: Write a nice comment on your friend's blog or fb wall

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Celtic Woman - ''The First Noel''
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_PeUWgc1KU
The first Noel, the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields as they lay
In fields where they
Lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night
That was so deep

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel

They looked up
And saw a star
Shining in the the East
Beyond them far
And to the earth it
It gave great light
And so it continued
Both day and night

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

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No matter how busy you are or how much you need to get done this holiday season, give your wallet a break and enjoy some of these fun ideas: Share some of your ideas with us in the comment section.

1. Have a pot luck supper.  We did pot luck soups, and had a group of friends over and talked and laughed and had a great, no stress evening
2.  Drive around and see the lights.  If you see some lights you really enjoy, stop, run to the door in your best elfish style, put a thank you card on it or a candy cane, just a little something to let them know all of their work was appreciated :)
3.  Go to a church service. Acknowledging the true reason we celebrate Christmas can be a joyful experience.
4.  Smile :) sometimes we get so busy that we forget to stop and enjoy the moment.  Smile.  It will relax you and brighten the day of the person you smiled at.

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A Snowy Christmas Eve in Hershey During the Depression (True Story About Milton Hershey)
extracted from https://www.democraticunderground.com/107461
J. P. Zenger

Milton Hershey was 79 years old. He had built from scratch a model town, a chocolate company that employed thousands, and an orphanage that housed and provided education for 1,500 children (which included my orphaned dad at this time). Mr. Hershey had just suffered a severe stroke after the divisive labor strike. It was Christmas Eve during one of the worst years in the Great Depression.

Because of the stroke, Mr. Hershey's doctor had ordered him to stay in his home. A nurse was often posted by the doctor to make sure he didn't sneak out. This was a big change for a man who had been constantly on the move everyday - visiting his farms, the orphanage, his many businesses and his sugar operations and a second orphanage in Cuba.

His wife had suffered serious illnesses and had never been able to have children. Soon after his beloved wife died decades earlier, Mr. Hershey had quietly donated almost his entire fortune to the orphanage. (The gift was not publicly revealed until several years later, by an investigative reporter in a front page article in the New York Times.)

His home was actually only two rooms in an upstairs corner of the Mansion. He allowed a club to use the rest of the building.

On a snowy Christmas Eve, Mr. Hershey had sent his nurse, driver and housekeeper home to be with their families, leaving him alone and in poor health in the large building.

Before Mr. Hershey's driver went home for the night, he convinced Mr. Hershey to go for a short drive around town. Mr. Hershey had not been out for some time and was very disappointed to see so little activity around the town. No one was out on the street and most of the homes seemed empty. Even the churches were dark and quiet on Christmas Eve. He was driven back to his home, feeling depressed. There seemed to be so little Christmas spirit in the town he had built.

His driver suggested he get some fresh air on the balcony. Mr. Hershey walked out and saw some candles below.

Hundreds of people from the choirs of every church in Hershey were below - singing "Silent Night." They had hidden their cars on a side road so they would not be noticed.

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Hershey" yelled the son of one of the chocolate workers. Mr. Hershey waved, but was speechless. He finally yelled out "And Merry Christmas to you, son!"

Mr. Hershey recovered, was rejuvenated and went on to lead the company and the orphanage MHS for another 8 years, including the years of World War II, when the company's products included a vitamin- enriched melt-resistant chocolate for the troops.


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The orphanage was renamed the Milton Hershey School and today continues to provide completely free education, housing and medical care (and college funds) for 1,800 needy kids. That school continues to be largely funded by the annual profits from Mr. Hershey's candy company.

“And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans--and all that lives and move upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have misused--and to save us from our foolishness, from all our sins, He came down to earth and gave us Himself.”  Sigrid Undset 

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RAOK: If you see a vehicle trying to change lanes or exit a parking lot with difficulty (i.e., no one will let them in), stop, give them a friendly wave and let them enter your lane safely.

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What Child Is This? (Christmas) Reese Oliveira w/Masa Fukuda & Brynnley S. LIGHTtheWORLD
video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRC6YSgdtGE

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The babe, the Son of Mary.

The babe, the son of Mary.

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 Jello Poke Cake from Shelley
1 loaf frozen pound cake, thawed at room temp
2 cups whipped topping
3/4 c. boiling water
1 - 3 oz  package of cherry jello
1/4 c. cold water
 1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate 1 1/2 c. cherry pie filling, divided
Pierce cake with skewer at 1/2 inch interval, poking skewr through cake to bottom of pan.

Add boiling water to jello, stir until completely dissolved.  Stir in cold water; spoon over cake.  Refrigerate 1 hour.  Make curls from chocolate.

Invert cake onto platter.  Cut cake horizontally in half.  Spread bottom of cake with 1/3 c. cool whip, cover with 1 c. pie filling and top layer of cake .  Frost with remaining cool whip.  Garnish with remaining pie filling and chocolate curls.

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Matthew 2:11 ¶ 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, and frankincense, and myrrh


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When I was growing up, our family did a lot of traveling by car. Mom and Dad rode in the front seat, with Dennis between them while Lee, Suzy and I sat in the backseat.  I was the youngest of the 3 of us backseaters, so I would start out in the middle.  I did a lot of grumbling.  I moaned. I groaned. When that did no good, I demanded a window seat because I felt sick.  I almost always got moved to the window when I pulled out the car sickness card because the truth of the matter was that I DID get car sick.  No one wanted to be between me and the window when that happened.   Suzy got her revenge at night by kicking me in bed.  One morning, Dad woke us up in what I thought was the middle of the night insisting we get an early start because it was going to be 120 degrees in Barstow that day and he wanted to get through there before we cooked to death. This was back in the days before air conditioning was standard in cars.  I grumbled.  I moaned.  I groaned.  None of it did any good.  I stuck out my lower lip and I pouted!  Then I looked out the hotel window and saw the most glorious sight I’d ever seen.  I saw the sun rise in the sky.  The colors were so beautiful that I asked my parents if that was where God lived, if we had found Heaven.  They laughed at me, but in my heart I believed that I had seen Heaven and that it was beautiful.   I was so good all that day!  All of my life I have longed to see Heaven again.  In 1 Corinthians 2:9 we read “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”  What a glorious place it must be, even more beautiful than my sunrise.  And just think, it’s all made possible through the love of Our Savior, Jesus Christ who entered this world as a tiny innocent child and grew to be the trail blazer, the path setter, the guide for all of us who wish to find our way to Heaven. Let us follow Him and love Him this Christmas season and always~~ Marilee

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‘Twas The Night Jesus Came

'Twas the night Jesus came and all through the house, 

not a person was praying, not one in the house.

The Bible was left on the shelf without care, 

for no one thought Jesus would come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed, 

not once ever kneeling or bowing their head.

And Mom in the rocking chair with babe on her lap, 

was watching the Late Show as I took a nap.

When out of the east there rose such a clatter, 

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, 

tore open the shutters and lifted the sash.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, 

but Angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

The light of His face made me cover my head, 

it was Jesus returning just like He'd said.

And though I possess worldly wisdom and wealth, 

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which he held in his hand, 

was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as he searched for my name, 

when He said "it's not here," my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love, 

He gathered to take to his Father above.

With those who were ready He rose without sound, 

while all of the others were left standing around.

I fell to my knees but it was too late, 

I'd waited too long and thus sealed my fate.

I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight, 

Oh, if only I'd known that this was the night.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear 

the coming of Jesus is now drawing near.

There's only one life and when comes the last call, 

We'll find out that the Bible was true after all.

"I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world." -Norman Vincent Peale

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RAOK: Put down your cell phone or turn away from the screen when someone is talking to you

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To say that I am “directionally challenged” is an understatement.  Give me a map, and I will be very hard pressed to find north.  Maps and I have little in common.  We don’t speak the same language.  I plan to finish my Christmas shopping this week.  I texted my daughter and got the name of this little boutique which my granddaughter loves.  A gift card from there would be perfect!  I tried to find the store on maps (a phone app).  It gave me the name of the shopping mall it is in, but no instructions on how to find it once I get to the mall.  I had to call my daughter and get directions.  I trust her ability to get me there.  Rachel understood me and gave me visual clues of what I will see when I need to turn (turn left at Target, but instead of going into their parking lot, turn right and go around the corner.  It’s the the third store on the right).  Her instructions are simple and concise. There’s someone else I trust very much to give me instructions.  Jeremiah 17:7 - Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. I trust in Him.  As I think about this earth life, I think about how much I want to return to live with my Father in Heaven.  Fortunately, the Savior gave me a map I could follow.  You can follow it too.  John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him (substitute your name for “him”), I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  Learn of Him, follow in His footsteps and he will lead us home. ~ Marilee

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CARAMELS
1 c. butter or margarine
2 1/4 c packed brown sugar
dash salt
1 c. light corn syrup
1 15-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 t. vanilla
Melt butter in heavy 3-quart saucepan. Add sugar and salt. Stir thoroughly. Stir in corn syrup. Mix well. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Cook and stir over MEDIUM heat to firm ball stage (245 EF), approx. 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Pour into buttered 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Cool and cut into squares. (I use parchment paper rather than buttering the pan. It makes it a little easier to remove from the pan.)

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Dr. Ralph F. Wilson has written many fabulous, beautiful Christmas stories.  He does not allow people to post his articles on their blogs or walls.  I would like very much to share with you The Cradle, a Christmas Story by Dr. Wilson.  Please follow this link and read this story.  http://www.joyfulheart.com/christmas/cradle.htm  Written in 1986, this story is “a touching story about Joseph building a cradle for the baby-to-be and then understanding God's cradle, the manger.”  It will be well worth your time.

Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. ~J.L.W. Brooks

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RAOK: Try to make sure every person in a group conversation feels wanted and included

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Joseph's Song - How could it be
beautiful song, beautiful video
composed by Michael Card
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvxo_hvlwZs&index=21&list=PL7651AA3E6A45A537

How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be?

Lord, I know He's not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God?
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, how can I raise a king?

He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear
But when He laughs it shines again
How could it be?

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God?
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, how can I raise a king?

How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be?
How could it be?

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Yesterday I was sent a link to this song.  Thank you.  On the video, this song says, “ If you’re missing someone this Christmas this song’s dedicated to you.”   It is performed by The Piano Guys and Craig Aven.  Jon Schmidt and his wife lost their daughter Annie in 2016.  She disappeared October 16, 2016.  Her body was found a month later.   She died as a result of a fall while hiking.  Her family really struggled that Christmas. This video tells a little of that struggle.  Jon Schmidt includes a prelude to the song which describes the loss they felt and the comfort this song gave them.

The Sweetest Gift.
Beautiful Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yFXfAGl17M

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Christmas Games

I love playing games. I looked on the internet to see what I could find in the line of fun games, and found a lot at the shutterfly site https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/christmas-party-games/.  I can hardly wait for next Christmas so that we can play some of these with our grandchildren, like Spoons and 20 questions.  They have a game called Stocking Guessing Game which sounds like such fun.  “First, you need a host to put random items in a stocking. Once it's stuffed, tie a ribbon or string around the top of the stocking so that no one can peek. Sit in a circle and pass it around to let everyone feel what's inside. Give them note cards so that they can write down their guesses. The person who guesses the most correct items wins.”  Check them out and ENJOY!

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I have really appreciated those of you who sent me recipes.  Thank you very much.  I was  skeptical about this one, but it’s good.  Give it a chance!
                                                                                                                       
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches from Connie

Spread dijon mustard on 4 slices bread
 top with sliced cheddar cheese, cooked bacon and sliced apples.  Butter the bread, then cook in a skillet over medium-low heat until cheese melts.

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Deuteronomy 6:5  And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

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Years ago, my son Keith ran into the house screaming that Gina had fallen in the river behind our home and was all muddy.  She was trying to rescue her cat.  We had a plank which extended from the bank to a little island a few feet into the river.  The water was only ankle deep.  Gina slipped on the icy wood and went into the water.  It was a cold, winter day and by the time she got to the house, she was shaking.  I took her wet clothes off of her and got her into a warm bath.  She cried for some time.  I asked her why she was crying and she said that she was in trouble.  She’d gotten her clothes muddy and it was almost Christmas!  I told her that I thought we could fix everything.  After her bath was done, she stuck her clothes in a basin and rinsed the worst of the mud off, then carried those wet sopping clothes to the washer.  I measured the soap for her and helped her start the washer.  She carried the basin outside (spilling a LOT of it on our floor) dumped the water out, then returned and wiped out the bathtub.  I told her that we were good.  I don’t remember if it was that day or the next, but I heard Gina talking and went to the front room and found her holding the baby Jesus from our nativity set and asking him to tell Santa that she was a good girl.  She believed that the Savior would intervene on her behalf.  That was almost 30 years ago.  She loved and trusted Jesus Christ.  He is there for all of us today.  He came to earth to be the Great Mediator, to meet the demands of both justice and mercy.  1 Timothy 2:5  “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”  That precious babe came to this would willing and able to redeem us. What an incredible gift!~~Marilee

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The Legend of the African Drummer Boy

As news of Christ spread through the land
and wise men came to bring,
Gold and myrrh and frankincense
to the little King,

A drummer boy who saw the gifts
not knowing what to do,
Wished for something special
he could give the infant too.

And so that night, the story goes,
the boy went to the stable,
And softly beat upon his drum
as best as he was able.

The Baby touched the drummer's hand
and smiled at him in peace,
Then snuggled in the new, fresh hay
and gently fell asleep.

And so the legend tells us
if we pause a while and pray,
Remembering it's Jesus that
we celebrate today.

When we close our eyes on Christmas night
the drummer boy will come,
To put God's children sound asleep,
with a soft rum-pa-tum-tum.

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. ~Author unknown, attributed to a 7-year-old named Bobby

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O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Vocal Point
video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdR79P-2ewo

oh come oh come emmanuel and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appears

Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee oh Israel (oh come oh come emmanuel oh come)

Oh come thou King of David come
and open wide our heavenly home
make safe a way that leads to thee
and close the paths to misery

Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee Oh Israel

Oh come oh come thou rod of Jesse free
From every foe deliver them
that trust thy mighty power to save
and give them victory over the grave

emmanuel
(rejoice, rejoice)
shall come to thee oh israel (take higher)

Isaiah 7  14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
RAOK: Do a favor without asking for or expecting anything in return

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Good Sabbath, everyone ~~  Marilee

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CHRISTMAS IS FOR LOVE
extracted from   www.inspirationalstories.com

Christmas is for love. It is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for reuniting with family and friends, for tinsel and brightly decorated packages. But mostly, Christmas is for love.
I had not believed this until a small elf-like student with wide-eyed innocence and soft rosy cheeks gave me a wondrous gift one Christmas.
Mark was an 11 year-old orphan who lived with his aunt, a bitter middle-aged woman greatly annoyed with the burden of caring for her dead sister's son. She never failed to remind young Mark, if it hadn't been for her generosity, he would be a vagrant homeless waif. Still, with all this scolding and chilliness at home, he was a sweet and gentle child.
I had not noticed Mark particularly until he began staying after class each day (at the risk of arousing his aunt's anger, I later found) to help me straighten up the classroom. We did this quietly and comfortably, not speaking much, but enjoying the solitude of that hour of the day. When we did talk, Mark spoke mostly of his mother. Though he was quite small when she died, he remembered a kind, gentle, loving woman, who always spent much time with him.
As Christmas drew nearer, however, Mark failed to stay after school each day. I looked forward to his coming and when, as the days passed, and he continued to scamper hurriedly from the room after class, I stopped him one afternoon and asked why he no longer helped me in the room. I told him how I had missed him, and his large gray eyes lit up eagerly as he replied, "Did you really miss me?" I explained how he had been my best helper. "I was making you a surprise," he whispered confidentially. "It's for Christmas." With that, he became embarrassed and dashed from the room. He didn't stay after school anymore after that.
Finally came the last school day before Christmas. Mark crept slowly into the room late that afternoon with his hands concealing something behind his back. "l have your present," he said timidly when I looked up. "I hope you like it." He held out his hands, and there lying in his small palms was a tiny wooden box.
"It's beautiful, Mark. Is there something in it?" I asked, opening the top to look inside.
"Oh you can't see what's in it," he replied, "and you can't touch it or taste it, or feel it. But Mother always said it makes you feel good all the time, warm on cold nights, and safe when you're all alone."
I gazed into the empty box. "What is it, Mark," I asked gently, "that will make me feel so good?"
"It's love," he whispered softly, "and Mother always said it's best when you give it away." And he turned quietly and left the room.
So now I keep a small box made of wood on the piano in my living room and only smile as inquiring friends raise quizzical eyebrows when I explain to them that there is love in it.
Yes, Christmas is for gaiety, mirth and song, for good and wonderous gifts.
But mostly, Christmas is for love.