December 5, 2019

1 Chronicles 16:8 

Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 

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WHO IS THE CHILD? 

Who is the child in the swaddling clothes,

Lying asleep in the manger?

Mary and Joseph watch nearby.

Who is this little stranger?

Hush now, the child is the Son of God.

Jesus is quietly sleeping.

Shepherds have come to worship him;

Angels their watch are keeping.

***~*** 

TIP: I got this tip yesterday from Kierstan Gardner. I loved it! Each night in December she and her children unwrap a Christmas book, then they sit and read the story. After Christmas, they wrap up all the books and set them aside to open and read again next year. What a great idea!

***~*** 

We found this version of Believe earlier this month and Dean loves the children’s voices joining in with Peter.

Believe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bnzUHzsma

performed by Peter Hollens feat. One Voice Children's Choir 

great video 

Children sleeping 

Snow is softly falling 

Dreams are calling

Likes bells in the distance 

We were dreamers

Not so long ago

But one by one

We all had to grow up

When it seems the magic slipped away

We find it all again on Christmas Day 

Believe in what your heart is saying

Hear the melody that's playing

There's no time to waste

There's so much to celebrate 

Believe in what you feel inside

And give your dreams the wings to fly

You have everything you need

If you just believe

Trains move quickly

To their journey's end

Destinations

Are where we begin again

Ships go sailing

Far across the sea

Trusting starlight

To get where they need to be

When it seems that we have lost our way

We find ourselves again on Christmas Day

Believe in what your heart is saying

Hear the melody that's playing

There's no time to waste

There's so much to celebrate

Believe in what you feel inside

And give your dreams the wings to fly

You have everything you need

If you just believe

If you just believe

If you just believe

If you just believe

Just believe

Just believe

***~*** 

Dean loves shepherd’s pie, so here’s his favorite recipe. You can see that I use ground turkey instead of beef. You can do either.

Shepherd’s Pie

2 bacon strips, diced
1 pound ground turkey
1 large onion, finely chopped
1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups hot mashed potatoes
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Paprika

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish; set aside.

2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp; drain, reserving 1 teaspoon drippings. Set bacon aside.

3. Cook turkey in drippings over medium heat, breaking up meat with the back of a wooden spoon, until no longer pink; drain. Toss onion, mushrooms, carrot and celery in flour; add to skillet with the broth, Worcestershire sauce, tarragon and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

4. Add bacon; spread evenly in prepared baking dish. Combine potatoes and 1/2 cup cheese; spread over beef mixture. Sprinkle with paprika and remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake, uncovered, 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. Broil 4 inches from heat 5 minutes or until bubbly.

***~***

Today is my sweetheart’s birthday. I always remember Dean on this day. He loves Christmas and the opportunity to celebrate the birth and life of Our Savior. As I went about my morning, I looked for opportunities to love and serve others. I went to the school to mentor with my reading students. They came out all happy and bubbly, and made me feel happy and bubbly too. They lifted me. I went to the doctors office all prepared to wait cheerfully. I didn’t have to. They were ready for me. No wait. They lifted me. I went to the hospital for some blood work. I was going to smile and visit nicely with others waiting along with me for their lab work. No one was there and I was greeted with smiles by the personnel in the lab! Hmmm. I left the lab lifted. Then I went to the store, knowing that there, I could surely find someone to show love to. I walked into the store, got my groceries and as I approached the checkstand, I slowed down to let an older man go ahead of me. Finally, I had my chance! He had 2 items. I had a lot! He told me to go on, he didn’t mind waiting. I pointed out the difference in our carts and he laughed and said that I needed to go through that line a lot more than he did, then he smiled the most beautiful smile at me. He lifted me. When I got home and walked in the house, my husband said, “welcome home”. His words lifted me. Happy birthday, Dean.

***~*** 

A CUP OF CHRISTMAS TEA

~by Tom Hegg

The log was in the fireplace, all spiced and set to burn.
At last, the yearly Christmas race was in the clubhouse turn.
The cards were in the mail, all the gifts beneath the tree.
And 30 days reprieve ‘till VISA could catch up with me.
And though smug satisfaction seemed the order of the day,
Something still was nagging me, and would not go away.
A week before, I got a letter from my old Great Aunt.
It read: “Of course, I’ll understand completely if you can’t,
But if you find you have some time, how wonderful if we could have a little chat
And share a cup of Christmas tea.”
She’d had a mild stroke that year which had crippled her left side.
Though housebound now, my folks had said it hadn’t hurt her pride.
They said: “She’d love to see you.
What a nice thing it would be for you to go and maybe have a cup of Christmas tea.”

But boy! I didn’t want to go! Oh what a bitter pill
To see an old relation and how far she had gone downhill.
I remembered her as vigorous, and funny and as bright.
I remembered Christmas Eves when she regaled us half the night.
I didn’t’ want to risk all that. I didn’t want the pain.
I didn't need to be depressed. I didn't need the strain.
And what about my brother? Why not him? She’s his aunt, too!
I thought I had it justified, but then before I knew,
The reasons not to go I had so painstakingly built
Were cracking wide and crumbling in an acid rain of guilt.
I put on boots and gloves and cap, shame stinging every pore,
And armed with squeegee, sand and map I went out my front door.
I drove in from the suburbs to the older part of town.
The pastels of the newer homes gave way to gray and brown.
I had that disembodied feeling as the car pulled up
And stopped beside the wooden house that held the Christmas cup.
How I got up to her door, I really couldn’t tell ...
I watched my hand rise up and press the button of the bell.
I waited, aided by my nervous rocking to and fro,
And just as I was thinking I should turn around and go,
I heard the rattle of the china in the hutch against the wall.
The triple beat of two feet and a crutch came down the hall.
The clicking of the door latch and the sliding of the bolt,
And a little swollen struggle popped it open with a jolt.
She stood there, pale and tiny, looking fragile as an egg ...
I forced myself from staring at the brace that held their leg.
And though her thick bifocals seemed to crack and spread her eyes,
Their milky and refracted depths lit up with young surprise.
“Come in! Come in!” She laughed the words.
She took me by the hand,
And all my fears dissolved away, as if by her command.
We went inside, and then before I knew how to react.
Before my eyes and ears and nose was christmas past ... alive ... intact:
The scent of candied oranges, of cinnamon and pine
The antique wooden soldiers in their military line;
The porcelain Nativity I’d always loved so much ...
The Dresden and the crystal I’d been told I mustn’t touch ...
My spirit fairly bolted, like a child out of class
And danced among the ornaments of calico and glass.
Like magic, I was six again, deep in a Christmas spell,

Steeped in the million memories the boy inside knew well.
And here among old Christmas cards, so lovingly displayed,
A special place of honor for the ones we kids had made.
And there, beside her rocking chair, the center of it all ...
My great aunt stood and said how nice it was I’d come to call.
I sat ... and rattled on about ... the weather and the flu.
She listened very patiently, then smiled and said, “What’s new?”
Thoughts and words began to flow. I started making sense.
I lost the phoney breeziness I used when I get tense.
She was still passionately interested in everything I did.
She was positive. Encouraging. Like when I was a kid.
Simple generalities still sent her into fits.
She demanded the specifics. The particulars. The bits.
We talked about the limitations that she’d had to face.
She spoke with utter candor, and with humor and with grace.
Then defying the reality of crutch and straightened knee,
On wings of hospitality, she flew to brew the tea.
I sat alone with feelings that I hadn’t felt in years.
I looked around at Christmas through a thick, hot blur of tears.
And the candles and the holly she’d arranged on every shelf ...
The impossibly good cookies she still somehow baked herself ...
But these rich, tactile memories became quite pale and thin
When measured by the Christmas my Great Aunt kept deep within.
Her body halved and nearly spent, but my Great Aunt was whole.
I saw a Christmas miracle ... the triumph of a soul.
The triple beat of two feet and crutch came down the hall.
The rattle of the china in the hutch against the wall.
She poured two cups. She smiled, and then she handed one to me.
And then we settled back and had a cup of Christmas tea.

Happy Birthday Jesus

Isa 40:10-11 

Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young 

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"Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most." Ruth Carter Stapleton

**~***~** 

Happy Birthday Jesus

by Angelik Voices 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyiVsMOBv24 

Really cute video, beautiful children :) 

Happy birthday, Jesus

I'm so glad it's Christmas

All the tinsel and lights

And the presents are nice

But the real gift is You 

Happy birthday, Jesus

I'm so glad it's Christmas

All the carols and bells

Make the holiday swell

And it's all about You 

Happy birthday, Jesus

Jesus I love You 

Happy birthday, Jesus

I'm so glad it's Christmas

All the tinsel and lights

And the presents are nice

But the real gift is You 

Happy birthday, Jesus

I'm so glad it's Christmas

All the carols and bells

Make the holiday swell

And it's all about You 

Happy birthday, Jesus

Jesus I love You

**~***~** 

TIP: I am the Chairman of our Local Historical Society, and several years ago, we ran a free program about Victorian holiday decorating. The bulk of the holiday decorating ideas involved elegantly using nature's bounty around your home. Now I forage for pine cones, holly, and pine boughs and use them around my house. I also use edible decorations like a bowl of apples and cinnamon on the dinning room table and candy placed in pretty containers I have around the house and displayed on end tables. The fruit and candy are both decorations and a snack, and I simply replenish them when they are gone!
Carol in Palmyra, NJ

**~***~** 

Easy Freezer Mac & Cheese Recipe

1 pound elbow macaroni or macaroni of your choice 4 TBS butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 TBS all purpose flour
3 1⁄2 cups whole milk
1 TBS dijon mustard
1⁄2 tsp salt
1⁄2 tsp black pepper
4 ounces fontina cheese, shredded
4 ounces asiago cheese, shredded
8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 4 ounces parmesan cheese, shredded
In a large pot, cook pasta according to package directions, stopping boiling 2 minutes before recommended time. Drain and return pasta back to pot; set aside.
In a medium sized sauce pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds. Add flour, whisk quickly over medium high heat for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk, whisking while pouring. Turn heat to medium high, and whisk slowly for 4-5 minutes or until mixture has thickened. Add mustard and whisk; remove from heat. Add half of the cheeses (2 ounces fontina, 2 ounces asiago, 4 ounces extra sharp cheddar, 2 ounces parmesan) to the milk mixture and whisk until completely melted.
Pour cheese sauce over the pasta in the large pot, mix well to coat. Pour the pasta with sauce into a large 9×13 baking dish. Cover the pasta with additional cheeses that are left.
Allow to cool completely – at least 2 hours. Cover pasta tightly with a lid or 2 layers of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 4 months.
To cook: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove from freezer, place into oven and cook for 1 hour, covered with foil. Remove foil and cook an additional 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and browning a bit on the top. 

**~***~** 

Today didn’t go quite the way I planned. I had a doctor’s appointment in a city 2 hours away and spent much of the day traveling. My friend Darlene and I went to several stores and while we were walking towards JoAnn’s, a man approached us and asked us for $1.37 so he could buy a hamburger at Artic Circle. He was hungry (or so he said). I handed him a dollar bill and Darlene gave him the change. He thanked us repeatedly, as if we’d done something special, then ran towards the nearby Artic Circle waving the dollar in the air. Did he really need it? I don’t know...Does $1.00 mean anything to me? No. Was it hard to give to him? No. Was it showing love to one of God’s children? I hope so, at least it meant that I saw him. Too many homeless people are invisible. This man wasn’t invisible to us today. I’ve thought about him all day. I went and bought several bags of food for the food bank at a local grocery store, knowing it would never reach him, but hoping it will help someone else. Tomorrow I will start again on my walk, hoping to do better at showing others that I care and that I am following the Good Shepherd. ~~Marilee

**~***~** 

THE TWENTY-EIGHT CENT CHRISTMAS TREE

~LaVarr B. Webb <MOMOWEN@aol. Com> 

It was a cold day. A gray day, gray with the threat of snow, and gray with the threat of tears. There were children in our family, three of them, ages one, twelve, and fourteen. There were two children missing on that cold, gray day. They had died one Easter season some four years before. Scarlet Fever had wracked their bodies and blotched their skin.

But now the memory of that sad season was replaced by what could be a happier one. It was Christmas Eve 1935, a Depression year. My father was without a job, trying to get on WPA (Works Progress Administration) . I don't know where he was that night, just that he wasn't home, but I remember my mother trying to create Christmas joy with nothing to work with.

I was fourteen. My older sister was twelve. I don't remember that we were too concerned about receiving Christmas presents, at least I wasn't. My sister probably wanted a doll. She always wanted a doll, a baby doll, a doll like my baby sister had been, with fat, pink cheeks, and chubby hands and arms.

But now, Christmas Eve, my baby sister was thin and listless. I remember my mother telling my father, "My baby isn't getting proper food."

I don't remember much about that Christmas of 1935 other than I wanted a Christmas Tree. I told my mother, "Christmas will not be Christmas if we do not have a Christmas tree."

My sister and I begged for a tree. My mother told us "Time, and time again," "We have no money and I cannot buy a Christmas Tree."

My sister and I would not be deterred. We took colored paper from catalogs, cut it into strips, curled the strips into circles, and using flour and water paste, pasted one link into another until we had long lengths of highly colored paper chains.

We looked for tin foil from discarded chewing gum wrappers and cigarette packs. Some of the foil we cut into thin strips for icicles. Our neighbor had an English Walnut tree. We took halves of walnut shells, wrapped them with foil, and had beautiful ornaments that would rival anything found in a store.

We popped pop corn and made chains. We found discarded cranberries and made cranberry chains, but we had no Christmas Tree for our lovely ornaments. Finally, as day was fading, and the dark was creeping across the valley, I asked my mother, "See how much money you have. Maybe someone will sell me a tree."

She went to her purse, and handed me twenty-eight cents. She was crying when she said, "That is all I have."

I jumped on my bike, and rode up to Twenty First South Street in Salt Lake City where all the Christmas Tree lots were located. I went from lot to lot, but no one would sell me a tree for twenty-eight cents.

About nine o'clock, up on Twenty First South and State Street, I found a man turning off his lights and shutting down for the day, shutting down for the season. I asked him, "Do you have a tree you will sell for twenty-eight cents?"

His exact words were, "What the heck! I can't sell anymore anyway. Take your pick."

I found one just a little taller than I was, gave him my twenty-eight cents, put the tree across my handle bars, and headed home. As I peddled out of the lot, I heard him cry, "Merry Christmas" -- and it was.


Sent to me by Susan Pixley

Dec 3, 2019

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 

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Ultimately, the best gifts are the ones given from the heart, gifts that infuse our rituals with feelings and values. They're the ones that bring joy to the recipient and the giver--joy to the world. ~~ Frances Lefkowitz 

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TIP: Have your children pitch in with holiday decorating, and ask them if they have any toys that would like to watch for Santa. Tie ribbon around the neck of a teddy and tuck onto the mantle or use wooden blocks to spell out Christmas words or sayings. Create a toy wonderland from your own "backyard" so to speak.

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Still, Still, Still 

performed by The Washington Chorus 

There is no video with this song. It is simply a peaceful, beautiful lullaby 

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

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 Savior's birth.

The night is peaceful all around you,

Close your eyes,

Let sleep surround you.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,

'Tis the eve of our Savior'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. 

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I’d like to thank my niece, Amy, for this freezer meal recipe. She found it athttps://www.passionforsavings.com/cheesy-broccoli-chicken-rice-recipe-freezer-meal/?fbclid=IwAR08CV1etXEuBrKC2tnSaVnS5cMLSmlT00KCnHUvGudxkvl4FlZQgj4Se-Q .
She says her family loves it, and it looks great


Broccoli, Chicken and Rice
8 Cups of Cooked Rice (4 Cups of Uncooked Rice & 8 Cups of Water)
8 cups of cooked and diced chicken breast
4 cans of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
4 bags of broccoli florets, steamed
2 T. Onion flakes
8 cups of cheese
3 cups milk
salt and pepper to taste


Mix all ingredients is a large bowl. Divide into 4 casserole dishes or large freezer bags and freeze. Thaw and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. ** you may top with additional cheese before baking.

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I started my search yesterday and was amazed at how many times the Savior issued the invitationI to “come follow me”. The first instance which came to my mind was the offer he made to Simon and Andrew, “follow me and I will make you fishers of men”. Then came James and John -- they dropped their nets and followed Him. He didn’t say, “Come worship me”, or “come adore me” or “come give me your “hearts”. He said come follow me. Then Matthew, Levi, Phillip and so on joined Him. So many answered His call. Then I thought of the young man in Mark who ran to Him and asked the Savior h ow he could have eternal life. The Savior told him to keep the commandments, and the young man said that he had – all of his life. “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.” His love of money and riches kept the young man from accepting the invitation at that time. I often wondered if he ever opened his eyes and saw what he was giving up. The first thing the Savior told him to do was to obey a variety of commandments, so tomorrow that's what I'll do. I will start with the commandment to “love one another.”~~Marilee

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AN OLD CHRISTMAS STORY

It was so long ago that the whole world has forgotten the date and even the name of the little town in which lived a little boy whose name was Hans. Little Hans lived with his aunt, who was quite an old lady. She was not always kind to Hans, but this made no difference to him. He loved her just the same, and forgot that she was ever cross and very unkind to him at times.

Hans went to school with many other boys, but he was not clothed as they were. He had to wear the same clothes both week days and Sundays; the same even in the summer that he wore in the winter.

It was now midwinter, when everything was wrapped in snow and glazed with ice, while the north winds sang loud and whistled down the chimneys, played very roughly with the bare trees, and crept through every crack and crevice of the house. The frost, too, was busy pinching the cheeks and biting the toes of the boys, and making them run, jump and dance to keep warm.

The children were wild with the excitement and the joy that was astir at this time. For there were secrets in the air. Every one was busy making gifts for some loved one.
It was the night before Christmas, the one great birthday on which the whole world rejoices and when all endeavor to make their fellow men happy.

The schoolmaster and all of his pupils started for the midnight worship and prayer at the church. All of the boys were well clothed, with heavy coats, fur caps, thick mittens, and very heavy and warm shoes. But little Hans had only a poor, plain, ragged suit, with no overcoat, no mittens, and his shoes were only wooden ones. It was a very cold night, and the boys and the schoolmaster had to walk very fast to keep warm. But little Hans did not mind the cold so much, because the stars smiled down upon him and seemed like so many diamonds set in a deep blue canopy, each one glittering and flashing in the darkness. The snow, too, was a sparkling mass, and Hans wondered if the stars could see themselves reflected in the tiny snow crystals which covered the earth.

At last they reached the church, whose windows were shedding forth a soft, golden light on the stillness and darkness of the cold winter night. This little group of worshipers quietly passed into the church and sank noiselessly into their pews. It was a beautiful place to Hans. He loved it dearly, and was always happy to come here. The candles were all lighted, and they burned steadily brighter and brighter, filling the church with a beautiful mellow light. The grand old organ softly and clearly sent forth its tones, each one growing richer, deeper and sweeter, and gradually the voices of the choir boys and the tones of the organ filled the old church with such beautiful music that little Hans's heart seemed to bound within him, and his whole soul was enraptured, while there shone from his face a radiance that only a divine inspiration could bring forth.

At length, after the people had sung, each one knelt and offered thanksgiving to the Heavenly Father, little Hans, too, knelt and offered thanks for the blessings which he had received during that year, and for the tender care of the Father of all.

The people then quietly passed out of the warm church into the cold of the night. Hans was the last one out, and as he carefully made his way down the icy steps he noticed a little boy no larger than himself sitting on the steps, with his head resting against the church. He was fast asleep. His face was beautiful, and seemed clothed in a golden light. Beside him, tied in a cloth, were a square, a hammer, a saw and other tools of a carpenter. He had neither shoes nor stockings on his feet, although his clothing was spotless and of the purest white. It grieved Hans that the child should have no shoes, not even one to place for the Christ-child to fill with gifts.

Hans stooped and took from his right foot the wooden shoe and placed it in front of the sleeping child, so that the Christ-child would not pass him by. Hans then limped along on the ice and snow, not feeling how cold it was, but only thinking of the poor child asleep out in the cold.

The other boys were talking of the good things awaiting them at home, of the feasts, the plum pudding, the Christmas trees, and the many drums, wagons and blocks the Christ-child would put in their shoes that night.

When Hans arrived home he found his aunt awaiting him, and when she saw that he had only one shoe, and he had told her all about the other one, she was very angry with him, and sent him to bed. Hans placed the wooden shoe from his left foot at the fireside, hoping that the Christ-child would remember him as he passed by.

The first sunbeam that crept into Hans's bedroom and kissed him the next morning awoke him, and he bounded downstairs, and flew to the great open fireplace to find his shoe.

Hans rubbed his eyes and caught his breath, for, to his great surprise, there were both of his wooden shoes, filled with beautiful toys; by the fireside he found warm clothing and many other things to make him comfortable and happy.

Hearing loud voices, Hans went to the door. The people were standing in a crowd about the priest, who was talking to them. He told Hans that where he had seen the child asleep on the church steps there was now in the window above a beautiful crown set with precious jewels. He said that the child was the Christ-child, whom the Heavenly Father had again sent among men on earth for that night, and that it was He with whom Hans had shared his wooden shoes. The people bowed themselves before that miracle that the good God had seen fit to work, to reward the faith and charity of a child.
--Francois Coppee, [Adapted]


* This story was shared with me years ago by a friend – Joan Goble. Thank you, Joan.

"O Holy Night"

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

~*~*~*~*~

"Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life." -Corrie Ten Boom

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The tips will come from different articles from www.thedollarstretcher.com, it’s a great site for information about everything!

“Use leftover bits of wrapping paper and a hole punch to make confetti. (Great job for the kids!) Use the colorful confetti to sprinkle across holiday tables for festive cheer, or save for that midnight moment!”

~*~*~*~*~

William B. Smart wrote an article entitled, “The Three Levels Of Christmas” which appears in his book, Messages for a Happier Life (c) 1989. He identifies three levels of Christmas celebration. The first is the “Santa Claus” Level. We all know that level. We’ve all been there. It’s the level of Santa, snowmen and reindeer; of elves and squeaky chipmunks singing “Christmas, Don’t Be Late”. We love it, but we’re really glad to put it behind us for a year. The next level is the “Silent Night” Level. It’s the level filled with beautiful Christmas carols, with candlelight, peace and love. We read the story of a babe born in Bethlehem; a tiny child who would change the world. We imagine ourselves as shepherds on the hill, or angels singing carols or Wisemen following a star. Our hearts fill with gratitude for the incredible gift of a baby who redeems a broken world. But eventually, that level passes too, and with a sigh, we put away the nativities, the music and return to our busy lives. There is a final level of Christmas. It is the “Adult Jesus” level. This is the level of the Christ, foretold by prophets. The Son of God, He came to break the bonds of death, to make it possible for us to return to our Father in Heaven. Ten years ago, Dean and I experienced our first Empty-Nester Christmas. I had very negative feelings in my ability to feel the spirit that year, so I decided to become closer to Christ by hearing and acting upon His admonition to “Come follow me.” I learned a lot. It was a wonderful Christmas. I’m walking the path again this year. Following the teachings of the Adult Christ is the one sure way to keep Christmas in my heart every day of the year. My challenge today is to find at least 5 accounts in the New Testament of Jesus issuing the invitation to “Come follow me”.


Walk with me and come, follow Him. ~~ Marilee

O Holy Night

performed by Gentri

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4fvMgNfN0I

Beautiful video

O Holy Night,

The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth;

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

Fall on your knees,

Oh, hear the angel voices,

O night divine, O night when Christ was born,

O holy night.

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace;

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name;

Christ is the Lord!

And ever, ever praise we!

Noel, Noel.

O night when Christ was born, O night!

Fall on your knees,

Oh, hear the angel voices!

O night divine,

O night when Christ was born,

O night when Christ was born

~*~*~*~

Breakfast Freezer Burritos

My daughter, Gina, loves the convenience of breakfast burritos. This is the basic recipe, but I’ve added info on their favorite variations.
8 large eggs

1/3 c. milk

½ t. salt

½ t. pepper

1 pound bulk sausage (or ham, bacon, or combination of all three

1 c. sour cream

1 can cream of chicken soup (or use salsa instead)

1 – 20 oz. bag hash browns

bag burritos

2 c. shredded cheese

In a large skillet, sprayed with cooking oil, cook eggs (scrambled). Remove from pan. Brown sausage (or bacon) until no longer pink. Remove from pan. Cook hashbrowns in same pan until browned. Combine all cooked ingredients. Mix together milk, salt, pepper, sour cream and chicken soup (or salsa). Pour over meat mixture and lightly stir until coated. Warm the burritos. Place mixture in center of burrito, then fold one half over the ingredients press down, then roll o the other side. Place in greased 13 by 9 pan. Freeze. Thaw completely , then bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove foil, Top with shredded cheese, then return to oven for 5 minutes.

~*~*~*~

The Legend of the Christmas Angels

extracted from http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-stories/legend-of-christmas-angels.html



There were two angel friends. One wore sunset pink robes while the other used to adorn himself with sky blue robes. They were known for singing sweet duets about the glory of God and playing on pure silver trumpets. They often used to lead the orchestra for angels because of their musical abilities. Once, their orchestra leader Temira gave them and other members of the angelic orchestra, an exciting news. God had decided to send his Son to live among His people. They had to prepare a musical jubilee in one of the most important events in the history of the world. It just had to be the best and all angels with good voice had to sing and all instruments were to be played for the event.

Temira asked his orchestra, whether they knew the importance of the assignment. Trumpeting angel in pink said that he understood that the Lord want them to appear to the shepherds in the hills of Bethlehem, who had never seen an angel in their lives and might get afraid. The trumpeting angel in blue completed the answer by adding that the angels could replace the fear of the shepherds with joy and love for the Christ Child and then, they could announce the arrival of the Savior. Temira smiled and nodded contentedly. All orchestra members felt honored for the opportunity and practiced for perfection in their roles.

On the day, Christ was born in the stable at Bethlehem and as planned, the Christmas angels first appeared to the shepherds and the trumpeting angel friends played the first few notes of the glorious concert in the dark night sky. Shepherds looked up to the sky and were shocked, surprise and awed, soon to be filled with amazement and wonder and their hearts brimmed with humility and thankfulness to God for His glory. The angels then gave the shepherds the good tidings of great joy and were joined by many other angels who sang and praise God, filling the skies with the angelic words - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men".

Christmas is a time when we find our way back home.

Christmas is a time when we find our way back home, whether in person or in our hearts. It's a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, relive childhood memories, continue cherished traditions, and share hospitality and good will with others. It is a privilege for me to share my love of Christmas with you. Ten years ago was our first Empty-Nester Christmas. I went on a 24 day walk to find Christ, to celebrate his life. I am following the path once again and will report my progress. Throughout the month of December, I will be sending stories, poems and thoughts about Christmas. I will also include simple craft or decorating tips and recipes. The highlight for me is the music. I love Christmas music, it fills my soul and lights my life even on the craziest of days. You’ll find Classical, Country, Rock, Contemporary Christian, Spiritual, and Children’s music. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I enjoyed the time spent listening and transcribing the lyrics. Sundays will have a scripture, a link to an instrumental song and a story only. May the Lord bless you and help you to find joy and peace this holiday season. ~~~ Marilee ~~~ 

London Symphony Orchestra - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - H. Martin & R. Blane 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXjOst7hFQc

Gen 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. 

"It will lose its Christmas" 

By Bob Perks 

It was magic. The day after Thanksgiving always was more exciting than the big day itself. 

It was the day they pulled out the Christmas decorations from the attic. The day Christmas really became a reality. 

"Do you remember where we keep them?" the father would ask. 

"Are you kidding me? I know exactly where they are!" the young boy shouted. 

Then, running up the stairs he headed directly to the far corner. Rummaging through some recently added boxes, pushing aside the bags of summer clothes, he dived into the dim, dark recesses of the storage area. 

"Hey, where are you?" Dad asks. It wasn't really that dark. The boy could be seen perfectly well, but Dad played along with the excitement. 

Suddenly, the boy popped out with the big plastic Santa face that always hung in the same spot on the porch just to the left of the front door. 

"Ho, Ho Ho!" he said. "Have you been good?" the boy said in the deepest voice he could muster. 

Dad just laughed and said, "Come on, we've got a lot to do today." This was it. This was a time held precious in the heart of a boy and through the years burned in the memory of the man he was to become. 

One by one the boxes were pulled from the attic. It was amazing how so many things were added every year. This was the Christmas house. There was no mistake that Santa loved stopping here each year. It reminded him of home. 

Well, that's what the boy decided anyway. 

Lights were hung. Garland draped. Paper cut outs adorned the windows and Christmas designs were carefully stenciled to areas surrounding them. 

If you remember stenciling you're probably older than you would like to admit. 

Oh yes, don't forget the can of spray snow, too. 

"Okay, that's it!" Dad said. "Let's put these back in the box. We won't use them this year." 

The boy was stunned. 

"What...what are you talking about?" he asked. 

"We have too many things. We don't need to put everything up," Dad said. 

"But, Dad..." 

"Come on, that's enough." 

"No, wait. You don't understand. This one goes over there, and that always hangs near the back door in the kitchen," the child said. "Not this year," Dad replied. 

He then began to carry one of the boxes up the stairs. 

The boy rushed to the bottom of the steps and cried out, "You can't put them back. We have to use them. If you don't use them they'll lose their Christmas!" he said with tears gushing from his eyes. The father surprised to see this reaction, stopped and turned towards the boy. 

"What? What are you saying?" he asked. 

Sniffling as he wiped the tears away, the boy said in a soft mournful tone, "Once you use something for Christmas you have to always use it. If you don't, it will lose its Christmas. Christmas is magic and everything in it becomes magical," he said. 

Dad turned around and came back down the steps. Placing the box on the table, he turned and held his son. 

"Okay, okay, I didn't know that. We'll put them up," he assured him. I can't say it is a fact. I can't tell you that it's some old world tradition, but it became one that day and remains so to this very day. 

The years passed and Christmas was celebrated in the same way. That is until 1972. That was the year that home lost its Christmas. It was June and a few months prior the boy's Mom had suffered what appeared to be a stroke. Later the doctors would discover the previously treated breast cancer had spread. His Mom died that June. 

He was now 22 and married. Two weeks after her death a flood destroyed much of the memories in that home. 

Thanksgiving was non existent. Christmas still a possibility. That is until Dad declared, "There will be no Christmas in this house!" 

The boy and his wife were now living there. As much as he loved his mother he believed that her loss had nothing to do with the celebration of the birth of Christ. 

"Dad, we need to at least put up the tree," he said one day just two weeks before December 25th. 

"No!" Dad responded. "There will be no Christmas here." 

Then standing near him, the boy touched his hand and said, "But they will lose their Christmas." 

The smallest, almost unnoticeable smile came to Dad's face. 

"I lost my Christmas, too." 

There was no Christmas in the house that year. Years later, when he sold the house many of the decorations were tossed away. 

I know. I was that boy. 

Many Christmases have passed since then. Each filled with love, happiness and incredible memories. 

If you are struggling with the idea of Christmas. If you are hurting because of the loss of a loved one, the pressures of finances, or simply can't find Christmas, I ask you to reconsider. 

Remember the real reason for it. It is not a party. It is not a package under a tree. It is not thing. 

It's a holy day. It is a celebration of the birth of the Christ child. It is your acknowledgement of faith in a God Who loves you. 

I promise you this. Even if you hide away in your room that day, even if you don't light a candle, hang an ornament, or sing a song, your heart cannot lose its Christmas. 

It is and always will be waiting for you. 

"I believe in you!" 

Bob 

I encourage you to share my stories but I do ask that you keep my name and contact information with my work. If you would like to receive Bob's Inspirational stories, please visit http://www.IWishYouEnough.com and submit your email address. 

"I Wish You enough!" 

© 2001 Bob Perks 

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. 

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. 

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. 

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear 

much bigger. 

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. 

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. 

I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye." 

Bob Perks, P.O. Box 1702, Shavertown, PA 18708-1702, USA 

“I testify that He is utterly incomparable in what He is, what He knows, what He has accomplished and what He has experienced. Yet, movingly, He calls us His Friends” ~~Neal A. Maxwell 

*****

It’s been a quiet Christmas Day.  We woke to polos from our children/grandchildren of Christmas morning, and the opening of gifts.  Dean and I exchanged small gifts with each, then opened the gifts from our children.  We’ve felt peace and harmony.  It’s been a day filled with beautiful Christmas music, movies and remembrances of the Savior, and all that He has done for us.  His gifts are immeasurable.  I’d like to share the song “He Is The Gift” with you, and to end with a poem which talks about the precious gift of prayer.  “Christmas Eve” was  written by my grandmother’s youngest sister.  It’s a message from the past, but still is sweet and relevant today.  Until next year ~~ Marilee

*****          

He is the Gift - New Christmas song by Shawna Edwards
video
https

*****

Christmas Eve

    (c) Evelyn Wilde Heath (my great aunt)

It was such a stately mansion
On the corner of the square,
And the white snow, falling around it,
Shone, like sequins scattered there,
For a Christmas tree was lighted,
Tall, and glorious to the sight,
As it threw its bright reflections
Through the darkness of the night.

Johnnie stopped to leave a paper,
And his heart beat rapidly
As he looked into the window
and beheld the Christmas tree,
All about the night grew darker–
Johnnie dreaded so to leave–
"I forgot," he slowly whispered,
"That tonight is Christmas Eve–

"Surely doesn’t seem like Christmas,
Now my daddy’s gone away,
And my mom so sad and ailing,
growing weaker every day."
Johnnie’s ip began to quiver
And a lump came in his throat,
As he plunged his small hands deeper
In the pockets of his coat.

"Guess at that, I’m pretty lucky–
Got to see this Christmas tree,
wish my mom was getting better,
And I’d bring her by with me."
Then he turned, rushed bravely onward
Till his work was quite complete.
No one noticed the small figure
As he hurried down the street.

Now the darkness wrapped about him,
As he left the lights of town–
Then he reached a little cottage
With it’s walls most tumbling down.
"Mom, I’m home." His young voice greeted–
"Say, tonight is Christmas Eve–
You’d just ought to see that tree, mom–
Bigger than you could believe."

 But his mother didn’t answer.
And he tiptoed to her bed,
Touched her gently, as he questioned,
"Did you hear, mom, what I said?
Are you worse, mom?" Tears came streaming
Down his roughened, little face,
As he bent and held her tightly
In his little arms’ embrace.

"I could sing, and pray for you, mom,
I know just the words to say,
Like the Preacher did that Sunday–
Then you’ll get well right away."
Then his small voice seemed to echo
Through the bare and lonely room–
Sweet, like church bells softly ringing
Through the heartache and the gloom.

"Take your burdens unto Jesus–
Lay them gently at His feet–
He will hear you–He will help you,
For His heart is pure and sweet."
Then he raised his eyes toward heaven
And repeated what he’d said,
While his hand lay very gently
On his mother’s feverish head.

And a stranger stopped, –when passing
He had heard the plaintive song,
And he paused in meditation
Feeling something must be wrong–
Heard the childish supplication–
"Please, dear God, –she’s awful sick–
She’s my mom–please make her better,
You must act just awful quick,

"‘Cause she’s worser than this mornin’--
She can’t even say a word;
If you’ll help her to get better,
Then I’ll know you’ve truly heard."
With a wondrous Christmas spirit,
He knocked gently on the door–
Quietly entered, as he did so,
Saw the sight, the cold bare floor–

Guessed their plight, and wisely told him–
"I’ve been sent to help you, son."
"Say! He’s awful quick in actin’--
Sent you most for I was done.
It’s my mom–she’s awful sick, sir,

But if He has sent you here,
Everything will be alright, now,
Guess there’s nothin’ more to fear."

I will take you home with me, son–
We are lonely as can be,
And we’ll take your mother, too, dear,
She’ll be well right soon, you’ll see.
We’ve no one to share our Christmas,
So we need a little boy–
Guess we both must need each other
To bring Christmas peace and joy."

Johnnie’s eyes grew bright–grew wider,
And his small heart jumped with glee,
As the large car turned, then circling
Stopped right at that Christmas tree.
"Oh!" He cried, "Do you live here, sir–
Do I really stay here, too?
Guess he knew how glad I’d be, sir,
That’s the reason he sent you."

Then they entered, his frail mother
Born in strong arms, like a child.
And she seemed to know the blessing
For she raised her eyes and smiled.
Through His marvelous way of working,
Peace and love and joy he gave
Seemed to fill the room with glory
Of His power to bless and save.

Christmas Eve–so bright and happy–
Johnnie loved to often tell
How the doctor came that evening,
How his mom seemed almost well,
Tell of Christmas Day’s bright dawning–
Santa, too, had seemed to know,
He brought toys and bike for Johnnie,
New, warm clothes they needed so.

"And the strangest thing," said Johnnie,
"Our Heavenly Father must be near,
For those words I’d hardly spoken
To have reached His listening’ ear–
And he sent us help, so sudden,
So I know he really cares,
And I know he’s always listenin’
That he truly answers prayers."

The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things. ~~ Thomas S. Monson

*****

RAOK: Let someone else pick what to watch on TV

*****

Still, Still, Still -Tabernacle at Temple Square Choir
video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rflf6NEQ6I&list=PLVt5sQWN7Py9PlMHKxeP4TXH8gSBIEKt3

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

*****

Normally the post on the 24th is the final post of the year, but because of the connection problems I have experienced, there will be one more post – tomorrow.  I love reading and one of my favorite authors growing up was Jules Verne.  I’m sure that he is France’s most loved and most read author.  I read “20,000 Leagues under the Sea” and “Journey to the Center of The Earth” more times than I can count.  I used to lay under the covers with a flashlight at night, reading about Phileas Fogg and how he made a bet to do the impossible – to circumnavigate the world in 80 days.  He traveled by train, by balloon, by stagecoach and by elephant accompanied by his servant, Jean Passepartout.  (I took French in school because I loved that name!)  Bad things happened along the way.  He was mistaken for a bank robber and hunted by “Fix” throughout much of the book.  He discovered a young widow about to be sacrificed in a funeral pyre with her husband’s remains in India.  He rescued her.  He was spied on, Passepartout was kidnapped - he rescued him.  He missed his connections.  What can I say, it’s an exciting book.  He finally made it back to London and discovered that he was one day too late.  He missed the deadline by 1 day.  Tragic.  It’s so sad.   Then he discovers it’s not too late.  He forgot about the international date line!  He got to his club, went through the doors and proclaimed to one and all, “I’m here.”  What does that have to do with Christmas?  Each of us is on a journey back to God.   At times it seems so hard, almost impossible to accomplish.  We don’t know how to manage the trials and obstacles we face.  We find ourselves saying, “Where do I go from here?  Do I have time? We do.  Thanks to Our Savior, he provides us with the time we need.  Thank you for Your love, for Your example, for Your guidance, and happy anniversary of Your birth. ~~ Marilee

*****

Christmas Bells

Few sounds gladden the heart like church bells ringing. In days gone by, villages full of people gathered to the sound of bells. On Christmas Day, church bells rang far and wide resonating with hope and goodwill.

The story is told of a village where the church bells stopped ringing for many years. No one really knew why. But Christmases had come and gone without bells echoing against the mountainside. The townspeople were concerned. They began to think it had something to do with their offerings. So they put more jewels, more treasures, more of everything on the altar. But the bells remained silent.

Then one year a boy named Pedro and his younger brother set out from their humble home, miles from the church, to attend the wonderful Christmas Eve service they had heard so much about. The boys walked through the wind and chill more than half the day and into the night so they could join in the festivities. But just as they entered the city, they saw an old woman lying in a bed of snow. She was cold and weak and barely breathing. Pedro could not pass by without helping. He looked into the distance and knew that he would miss the service, but he asked his little brother to go ahead and take his only silver coin, still warm in his pocket, and place it on the altar. Pedro stayed with the woman and helped her. He did not hear the organ play or the choir sing, but he did hear the bells ring -- for the first time in many, many years. The people said the bells started ringing when Pedro's little brother dropped his silver coin onto the altar. No one in the Church knew why -- but Pedro did. He had given away what he wanted for himself to help someone else.

This year as we hear the Christmas bells chime, remember the wondrous gift that was given so long ago in Bethlehem. As we selflessly give, we too will hear the bells on Christmas Day.