A New Commandment

I have been struggling for days with my blog background.  I can't seem to figure out the problem.  Sorry ~~ Marilee

  

Oh, God...
help us rightly to remember
the birth of Jesus, that
we may share in the songs
of the angels, the gladness
of the shepherds, and the
worship of the wise men.

May the Christmas morning
make us happy
to be your children.

-Robert Louis Stevenson

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John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

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Love Grows at Christmastime

One Voice children’s Choir

Love Grows at Christmastime from the movie "Christmas Jars" | by One Voice Children's Choir - YouTube

Snow falls, nature slumbers, winter's flurry stops new growth
December brings the season, filled with laughter and new hopes
Kindness abounds, good deeds seems to thrive
Hate is put down while true brotherhood comes alive

Love grows at Christmastime
When best that's within us is willingly given
Hearts heal at Christmastime
When seeds of forgiveness are planted within our hearts

Soft words, spoken freely, fill the air with joyful sounds
Warm smiles shared with gladness life the spirits of those worn down

Families come home strangers makes new friends
Warm smiles shared with gladness life the spirits of those worn down
Families come home strangers makes new friends
Happiness flows when we reach out with open hands

Love grows at Christmastime
When best that's within us is willingly given
Hearts heal at Christmastime
When seeds of forgiveness are planted within our hearts

A little tenderness can spread until whole
World fills refreshed, we all are blessed with love

Love grows at Christmastime
When best that's within us is willingly given
Hearts heal at Christmastime
When seeds of forgiveness are planted within our hearts

Love grows at Christmastime
When best that's within us is willingly given
Hearts heal at Christmastime
When seeds of forgiveness are planted within our hearts
When seeds of forgiveness are planted within our hearts

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RECIPE

Parmesan, Oregano and Pine Nut Melts

2 cups Parmesan cheese finely grated (pre-grated cheese does not work)

1 T flour

½ t. oregano

1 T pine nuts

Preheat oven to 400F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine Parmesan, flour and oregano. Place a round cookie cutter on the prepared baking sheet. Carefully sprinkle a tablespoon of cheese mixture into the cutter and smooth the surface. Remove the cutter. Repeat with the remaining mixture, leaving a 1-inch gap between each melt. Sprinkle with pine nuts. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until light golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

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Tradition

Most families think about trees when they plan out their first Christmas activities. Some people put up their trees after Halloween, some wait until Thanksgiving weekend, for others it’s Christmas Eve. Some people cut their own trees, some buy them and some have “old faithful” trees which live on from year to year.  Several years ago, I decided that we should decorate a Christmas tree outside for animals. I had it all planned out, we were going to make garlands out of popcorn and cranberries and string them around a tree and make bird seed ornaments and take a little hike in the mountains on Christmas day to share the wealth of this world with the animals... It didn’t happen. I hadn’t allowed enough time to prepare, but the next year, we were doing it. Then I saw an article about people who made garlands using fishing line and the birds got tangled in the fishing line and died. So no project that year. The next year it snowed and we couldn’t go because I was too afraid of falling. I have not given up on my tradition. This year, I have a dozen apples set aside to put out on “our” property for the deer nesting there. I have bird seed to set out, and corn seeds. This year, the tradition happens. There will be no garlands, but I will go for a walk on Christmas day, and leave food for the wildlife. Establish your tradition. Find time to go outside and to relish and thank God for the beauty of nature and his world. ~~ Marilee

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Legend of the Fir Tree

A long time ago, all the trees used to keep their leaves in winter.

Not long before Christmas, a small bird was unable to fly off to the warm countries. His wing was broken. Shivering with cold, he looked around at all of the big stately trees with their beautiful warm leaves.  Surely he could rest there.  He flew to a nearby oak tree. “Go away! I don’t want you to eat my acorns”. The old tree chased him away. The little bird flew off.

He found refuge in the branches of the thick beech tree. “Do not stay here! You are going to peck all my nuts,” the strong tree shouted.

The little bird was terrified. He flew away and went to hide in the birch tree. “I don’t want you here! You’re going to make my branches dirty.” And the beautiful tree chased him away.

Rejected by all the trees, the little bird lay down to die. “Come here little one, come, come!” A small fir tree nearby opened it’s branches and welcomed the bird inside. He kept it warm and safe while the bird’s wing healed.

The snow around the tree deepened and the tree saw a little rabbit shaking in the bitter cold. “Come here little rabbit, come! He opened his branches and welcomed the little rabbit into the warmth and safety of his arms. Then came a deer came, looking for a place to shelter from the wind.

Angels, passing through the forest at Christmas time saw the little fir tree. His pinecones had been eaten, his branches were misshapen. Leaves (skinny, poky little things) had been lost. He was no longer a beautiful little tree. The angels saw that even with all of the damage to it, the tree’s heart was warm. He was happy to serve others.

The angels decreed that because of their pride, the proud, haughty trees would lose their leaves during the winter, but the kind, humble little fir would stay green all year round.

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One last short poem about service.  

If we set down at set of sun
And count the things that we have done,
And counting, find
One self-denying act, one word
That eased the heart of him who heard;
One glance most kind,
That felt like sunshine where it went,
Then we may count the day well spent.

December 7

 

The most amazing thing about the Christmas story is its relevance. It is at home in every age and fits into every mood of life. It is not simply a lovely tale once told, but eternally contemporary. It is the voice crying out in every wilderness. It is as meaningful in our time as in that long-ago night when shepherds followed the light of the star to the manger of Bethlehem. —Joseph R. Sizoo

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John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

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"Mary's Boy Child" (Official Music Video) | GENTRI (feat. Rise Up Children's Choir & Lyceum Phil.) - YouTube

Long time ago in Bethlehem

So the Holy bible say

Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ,

Was born on Christmas Day

While shepherds watched their flocks by night

They saw a bright new shining star.

They heard a choir from heaven sing

The music came from afar

Hark now, hear the angels sing

A new king born today

And we will live forever more

Because of Christmas Day

Now Joseph and his wife Mary

Come to Bethlehem that night

They found no place to bear her child

Not a single room was in sight

Hark now, hear the angels sing

A new king born today

And we will live forever more

Because of Christmas Day

Trumpets sound and angels sing

Listen to what they say

That man will live forevermore

Because of Christmas Day

Gloria in excelsis deo

A new king born today

(glorias)

Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ,

Was born on Christmas Day

Hark now, hear the angels sing

A new king born today

And we will live forever more

Because of Christmas Day

By and by they find a little nook

In a stable all forlorn

And in a manger cold and dark

Mary’s little boy was born

Long time ago in Bethlehem

So the Holy bible say

Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ,

Was born on Christmas Day

Hark now, hear the angels sing

A new king born today

And we will live forever more

Because of Christmas Day

Trumpets sound and angels sing

Listen to what they say

That we will live forevermore

That we will live forevermore

That we will live forevermore

Because of Christmas Day

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TRADITION

Let me tell you a story about a family. Every year, they went through town and looked at the Christmas lights. Their tour always ended at a local church which sponsored a live nativity. All of the children were thrilled by the animals and giggled and laughed as they watched them romp around, even when one goat chewed on one of the children’s coats. Young parents who were members of that church took turns each year playing Mary and Joseph. One child stopped and carefully studied the nativity, the manger, the baby. Her grandmother said, “Isn’t that beautiful? Look at all the animals, at Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.” “It’s beautiful, Grandma. It is really nice. But isn’t Jesus ever going to grow up… he’s the same size as last year1”

How many of our children really understand that there is more to Jesus than just his birth? For a possible new tradition this year, let’s include stories of the baby, the boy and the grown up Jesus. Without Christmas there would be no Easter, and without Easter, there would be no need for Christmas. His life is one circle.

I tried to think of a way to tie them altogether and thought a game might work. My children were all very competitive and loved games.

Here are some trivia questions to use in a game. For the youngest children, you might need to make these multiple choice. Here are a few I’ve come up with. Make up your own questions, let older children make them up and be in charge. Take the opportunity to tell the whole story. ~~ Marilee

Where did Mary and Joseph live before Jesus was born?

Was Jesus born in Jerusalem or Bethlehem?

Where did Jesus sleep when he was a new baby?

What animals does the bible tell us were in the stable?

How many wisemen say does the bible say came to visit Jesus?

What was special about Mary?

Who warned Mary and Joseph to leave Bethlehem?

Where did they go?

Who was Jesus’ true father?

Where did Jesus go when he turned 12?

What did he do there?

Were his parents worried about him?

What was Jesus first miracle?

Jesus said to ________

How long was his ministry?

How old was he when he died?

Why did he die?

Where is he today?

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20 years ago, Joan and I were in a yahoo group together.  We shared many stories.  This is one of hers 

THE LAMB AND THE LIGHT

A Christmas Story by Joan Goble, 2004

Marney was so excited! Her little heart was beating in anxious delight as she was helping her mother trim the tree and decorate the house. She held the figure of a little lamb tightly in her fingers so she wouldn’t drop it.

“Don’t squeeze the lamb so hard dear, it is very delicate and you might crush it, put it by the baby Jesus. “

“Ok, Mommy,” she said, and reluctantly she placed the figure of the little lamb in the Crèche under the tree.

“The little lamb also has a meaning, dear. It is the symbol of our Lord Jesus, who was called the ‘Lamb of God’. He was called the lamb, because in the ancient days the Prophets looked forward to his coming, and lambs were sacrificed as a remembrance of the Lord Jesus who would be born, and who would die for us so that we would be able to go back to live with our Heavenly Father someday. We take the sacrament for the same reason now, dear.”

Marney didn’t understand much of what Mommy was talking about, she just knew that every time she said her prayers that she had a warm feeling inside that told her that Jesus loved her. She bent over the Crèche, touching each figure of the manger scene, ever so gently with her pudgy finger. She let her finger linger for a while longer on the baby Jesus, and then back to the little lamb.

“Lambs are a lot like babies, Marney,” said Mommy. “They are very helpless and small and need a lot of watching and care. Jesus called us his lambs and his sheep, and he also said that he was the Good Shepherd.”

“Oh, Mommy, Jesus is just a little tiny baby. These are the shepherds. You tell funny jokes sometimes.”

“Yes dear, Jesus was born a tiny baby in a manger, just like you see in the Crèche. But he grew up to be our Lord and Savior. Just like your daddy was once a little baby and grew up to be your daddy.”

When you are four years old, big words like “Lord and Savior and symbol” are a little confusing, but Marney still was happy and excited about getting ready for Christmas, and she was feeling a warm glow in her heart that told her that Mommy was telling the truth and sometime she would understand more.

Mommy was standing on a step stool, placing a glowing star right up on top. “Why do we put a star on top of the tree, Mommy?”

“Long ago the prophets said that Heavenly Father would send a new, bright star to tell people that the Lord Jesus had been born. The new bright star appeared in the sky, just like the prophets said it would. It was a sign that Jesus is the Light of the World. It guided the Wisemen to see the baby Jesus; they had been watching the sky for it to appear.”

“Did the baby Jesus shine like a star, Mommy?”

“Let me explain it to you, dear. Do you remember a while ago when I plugged in the string of lights, and look at them to see if any were burned out and needed to be replaced?” Marney nodded her head thoughtfully. “Well, come over here and touch the light bulbs, now that the lights have been unplugged.” Marney wrapped her fingers around some of the bulbs.

“They feel kind of warm,” she said.

“How did you feel in your heart at Home Night when Daddy told you how much he loves Jesus and that he knows He is real?”

“I felt warm in my heart and my tummy. I felt like laughing and crying at the same time,” said Marney.

“Well, Marney. We can’t see the light on the Christmas bulbs anymore, but we can feel that they are warm. You can’t see the light in your heart, but you can feel it is warm. That is the light of the Spirit of the Lord. That is your heart light, dear. Jesus is the Light of the World because his spirit shines in our hearts. The Lord Jesus sends His Spirit to us, because He can’t be with us in person like He was when He came as a little baby. When the shepherds came to see the little baby Jesus, they could feel the light of His spirit shining in their hearts, too.”.

“If Jesus came and stood here, you would see that He shines like the sun, Marney dear. But He can’t stand here with us right now, so He sends us His spirit to light up your heart light.”

Mommy finished putting the long string of lights on the tree, and then she plugged it in. Marney looked at the sparkling lights in awe. “They look just like a zillion sparkling stars!” squealed Marney.

“When you look at all the beautiful Christmas lights, Marney, think about the Christmas Star that Heavenly Father sent us to tell us that the baby Jesus was born, and that He is the Light of the World. And think about your heart-light-- the warm feeling you have inside you that is His Holy Spirit shining in your heart and soul.”

* * * * * * * *

Marney was standing and looking at the newly decorated tree, holding her newborn baby girl and watching as Ken was plugging in the lights, and the tree blazed into holiday glory. She remembered back to that day she had helped her mother decorate the tree so long ago. She now understood to some extent, what love really was, and the meaning of the words “Light of the World and Lamb of God.”But she still knew, as she knew back then as a tiny four year old, the feeling of her heart-light, and the Knowing, beyond words, of the Love of the Spirit of Christ in her heart.

For me, the miracle of these Christmas lights is a special blessing. It is a special gift that I have been granted each time I look over to the little remembrance of lights I say a prayer of thanksgiving for all that Christ did for me, because He loved me, because He is the Light of the World and the Lamb of God.

For me this is truly a miracle that I witness each day and night. I don't know when these lights will start to fade but I know the miracle of it all is this ~ the brightest lights of love, always remain in our hearts and souls forever ~ they are never extinguished. We are all a part of life's miracle ~ each one of us emits a special glow and hopefully our glow will always remain.

I wish you love and an abundance of light always.

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For nativity crafts, goto my pinterest and look in crafts for children. I have many different projects that are easy and fast. I also have many fun treats ~~ Marilee

December 6, 2021

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. It is the time to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart—and our neighbors as ourselves. Thomas S. Monson

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Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

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Candle In The Window
written by Susan Longacre, Gary Baker, James Walton Aldridge Jr.
Performed by Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQT4HPUsJlU

There's a road that I remember leading to a special place
Where the door was always open to a smiling face
There's a picture on the mantle of a boy that looks like me
It's always the same, there's a stocking with my name

And a candle in the window, a flame against the night
There's a candle in the window, like God's perfect light
It don't take a lot of money to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window, oh it's Christmas in your heart, in your heart

Maybe it's just wishful thinking, I can hear the sleigh bells ring
Almost taste the pie she's baking, it's Christmas Eve

There's a candle in the window, there's a flame against the night
There's candle in the window, like God's perfect light
It don't take lots of money to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window and Christmas in your heart

Wherever the years may take me, no matter how far I go
There's going to be a candle burning, it's always nice to know
It don't take a lot of money to know what riches are
A simple candle in the window and Christmas in your heart
Your heart, your heart

A candle in the window
A candle in the window

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I have been looking through past Christmas musings I’ve written and found this from 2013. I no longer know who the mother or her daughter were. Time has stolen their names from me, but I remember their story.

“I was on the bicycle at physical therapy yesterday when a lady came in with her daughter. The lady went right back to the therapy room and her daughter came and climbed on the bike next to me. She chattered and talked about Christmas (can you imagine that?) She told me about all of the cooking they were doing and the decorations and the presents under the tree. I asked her what Santa was going to bring her. Her response surprised me. She scowled and said, “Santa better not bring me anything! I wrote him a letter and told him not to bring me any presents.” I asked her why. She looked up at me with this beautiful, innocent face and informed me that she told Santa he should give all of her presents to the poor kids, they needed them. All she wanted, or needed, was for him to make her mama not hurt any more. Oh, how I wish it was that easy. I told her that sometimes it takes time for the body to heal –time and lots of prayers.”

She loved her mother so much, and love is what Christmas is all about. “Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” Dale Evans Rogers

I remembered how much that child wanted her toys to go to children in need. Then I recalled being in the Dollar store and overhearing a woman talking to her children. They only had a few dollars to buy Christmas presents for their siblings and the children wanted just a little more—$1 dollar that they could give 2 presents instead of 1. Their Mom explained there just wasn’t any more money. As they turned away, I “found” some dollar bills on the toy aisle and asked the kids if they knew who this money was for. I told them that I found a note there saying it was for anyone who needed a little more money to buy presents for their family. The mother, of course, knew where the money came from. 5 $1.00 bills didn’t mean anything to me, but for them, it made a HUGE difference. Take the opportunity to find a new sharing project to add to your Christmas traditions.

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Here is a good story about sharing from “8 Inspiring Stories That Show the True Meaning of Christmas” 8 Christmas Stories That Show the True Meaning of Christmas (camillestyles.co All of the stories are worth reading

The Homeless Man With Terminal Cancer Who Gave Everything He Had

A homeless man in Colorado used what little he had to give a selfless gift during a toy drive at a local Walmart. Glen McCarthy walked to Walmart to get a cup of coffee, and was instantly touched by the toy drive that was going on. He ended up buying a Barbie and a Hot Wheels set, but he couldn’t stop thinking about a shiny new kid’s bike he saw “And I looked at that bike, and the bike was marked $59, but the tag underneath it said $44,”he said.

It’s not a lot of money for some, but for Glen, it was nearly everything. Later that night, he still couldn’t stop thinking about the bike and how happy it would make a kid in his shoes, come Christmas morning. He walked back to Walmart and asked about the bike, since the tag listed two different prices. Once a clerk realized what he was doing, she told him that he could have the bike for $44.

I got to thinking, this is probably going to be my last Christmas. I’m no one, so might as well make some little kid happy. It took my losing everything to realize that I’m happier now in my life than when I had when I had big money,” he said.

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Crock Pot Chicken Divan
2-3 cups cut up chicken (lg. chunks)
1/2 sm. onion, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 c. margarine
3 tbsp. flour
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen broccoli
1/2 tsp. curry
1 tbsp. lemon juice
Hot buttered noodles

Combine everything, but noodles. Pour into lightly greased crock pot and cook on low setting 6 to 8 hours (high 2 to 3 hours). Serve with hot noodles, spooning over top. Makes 2 quarts. Serves 4 to 6.

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Sweet Baby Jesus
poem by © Edna Massimilla
extracted from http://www.share-christmas.com/poems/babejesus/

Sweet Baby, Jesus, gentle and mild
Born in a manger, sweet, Holy, Child,
Shepherds and Wise Men came from afar,
Seeking a Savior, they followed a star,

Sweet Baby, Jesus, sent from above,
Son of our Father gift of God's love,
In realms of glory, angels did sing
Heavens rejoiced as they welcomed a King.

Sweet Baby, Jesus, Mary's sweet Child,
Light of our life, sweet Babe so mild,
There in a manger, Thou art adored,
Jesus, we greet Thee, our Savior, our Lord.

Sweet Baby, Jesus, send peace to earth,
Lift up all hearts through Thy holy birth.
Now at Thy crib, as evening draws nigh,
Hear this our praises from earth to the skies.

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

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1 John 4:9-10

9  This is how God showed His love among us:  He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

10  this love:  not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

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Good Sabbath, everyone.

Today is my sweet husband's birthday.  Each year, in his honor, I post a Christmas love story on my blog. He has been my life, my love, my heart for 47 years.  This year, I'm posting the greatest love story of them all in honor of Him who gave us our lives, our loves, and whose love fills our hearts eternally.  ~~  Marilee

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SILENT NIGHT - Beautiful Christmas Instrumental - Violin Cello Piano - YouTube

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The Night The Angels Sang
by Jim Bishop


Joseph apologized to Mary. He was sorry that the Hospice of Chamaan had no room for her and ashamed that he had failed her in this hour.

Mary studied her husband, a tender smile on her face. She told her husband that he had not failed her; he had been good and tender and lawful. Mary looked around at the haltered cattle, the few lambs, some asses and a camel. If it is the will of God, she said, that His son be born in a place like this, she would not question it.

She asked Joseph to go outside and tend the fire and to remain there until she called him.  Joseph did so, heating the water and praying ... when he heard a tiny, thin wail.  He wanted to rush in at once. He got to his feet, and moved no further.  She would call.

“Joseph.” It was a soft call, but he heard it. He hurried inside.

Mary smiled at her husband as he bent far over to look. There among the cloths, he saw the tiny face of an infant. This, said Joseph to himself, is the one of whom the angels spake. He dropped to his knees.

Down in the valley, sheep huddled against the chill–when the deep night sky was split with light. The sleeping shepherds awakened and, in fear, hid their eyes in the folds of their garments. Then an angel appeared in bodily form, standing in the air over the valley.

“Do not fear,” the angel said slowly. “I bring you good news of great joy. A Savior who is the Lord Messias, was born to you today in David’s town. And this shall serve you as a token: You will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and cradled in a manger.”

There was nothing frightening in that news. It had been promised by God a long time ago. The shepherds knew that they were not sleeping. This thing was happening, happening to lonely and despised men in a valley beneath Bethlehem.

They were still dwelling on the wonders of God and His works when the angel was  joined by hundreds of others, who appeared brightly in the night sky, and began to sing a Heavenly chorus:
“Glory to God in the heaven above, and on earth peace to men of good will.”

 I forgot to attach the song.

The Piano Guys - The Sweetest Gift (ft. Craig Aven) (Official Video) - YouTube

I’m not gonna lie
Christmas really hurts this time
Cause you’re not here to celebrate with me
Tears fill my eyes
The memories flood my mind
As I place your ornament upon our tree
Although this year I have a broken heart
It gives me hope and joy as I remember where you are

You’re with the Son of God
You’re with the Prince of Peace
You’re with the one who’s celebrating
And that thought amazes me
Sometimes I still break down
Grieving that we’re apart
But the sweetest gift is knowing where you are
You’re with the Son of God

Got your picture in the frame
And a stocking with your name
Oh God knows it’s been hard letting go
And I can’t bring you back but I’ll see you again
And all that thought is healing to my soul
I’ll miss making angels with you in the snow
I guess instead you will be singing with them all around God’s throne

You’re with the Son of God
You’re with the Prince of Peace
You’re with the one who’s celebrating
And that thought amazes me
Sometimes I still break down
Grieving that we’re apart
But the sweetest gift is knowing where you are
Cause you’re with the Son of God

And I know the Christmas season was your favorite time of year
You loved to help us decorate our tree
But now that you’re with Jesus
Can’t imagine how you feel cause he’s the one who bleed and died upon
The tree for you and me

You’re with the Son of God
You’re with the Prince of Peace
You’re with the one who’s celebrating
And that thought amazes me
Sometimes I still break down
Grieving that we’re apart
But the sweetest gift is knowing where you are
Yes, the sweetest gift is knowing where you are
Yes, the sweetest gift is knowing you’re in his arms
You’re with the Son of God