Christmas 2022

 

Some gifts you can give this Christmas are beyond monetary value: Mend a quarrel, dismiss suspicion, tell someone, "I love you." Give something away--anonymously. Forgive someone who has treated you wrong. Turn away wrath with a soft answer. Visit someone in a nursing home. Apologize if you were wrong. Be especially kind to someone with whom you work. Give as God gave to you in Christ, without obligation, or announcement, or reservation, or hypocrisy.  Charles Swindoll

*****

Another Christmas has come.  Thank you for allowing me to share my love of Christmas; of our Savior, Jesus Christ; and of our Father in Heaven with each of you.  It has been a month of ups and downs for me, so I appreciate your patience and understanding.  Let us remember to share the God-given gifts we have received with those around us: prayer, hope, compassion, listening, knowledge, kindness, peace and love –always love.  I'll close with one more story and a poem. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.  Until next December ~~ Marilee

*****

Recently a few days before Christmas I witnessed an act done by someone who understood the true meaning of Christmas. I was in a pharmacy when a woman walked in with two children, a girl maybe 8 years old, and a boy maybe 10-12. The girl was quiet and staying several feet away from the woman and boy. The woman was restraining the boy with both arms as they walked up to the counter. The boy was making shrieks and noises, yelling or mumbling random words and phrases, while struggling against his mother. He is autistic.

 

Looking obviously like she was under extreme stress and strain, the woman spoke loudly but hesitantly to the pharmacist. She was struggling to concentrate while holding the child and be heard over his noises. She could hardly focus enough to speak. She asked the prices of her medicines. The pharmacist told her that the autistic child's medicines were free, paid for by the state Medicaid program. But hers were not free. And though she had insurance, she could not afford the prices that she had to pay for her medicines. She said, "I'll just take the Prozac. I can't get the others. I only have $28 to live on the whole week. She was ashamed, stuttering and stammering, and having a very hard time dealing with the autistic child and her transaction at the same time.

 

In the meantime, another lady had been standing 15-20 feet away, waiting her turn. She walked up beside the mother and said to the pharmacist, "I'll pay for her medicine. Let me pay for her medicine." The pharmacist looked back and forth at the two women as suddenly a hush came over the autistic child.

 

There were several seconds of hesitation as the pharmacist and the strained mother took in what was happening. Then the second woman again said, "Let me pay for her medicine." The pharmacist looked at her and said, "It's up to her," then looked at the young mother and said, "It's up to you." The young mother turned and focused completely on the older woman for the first time as the older woman talked to her instead of the pharmacist this time. "Can I pay for your medicine?" asked the second lady in a voice that showed she was asking for permission.

 

The young mother just broke out crying while nodding her head. All she could say was "Thank you," five or ten times. Then the second woman paid for the medicine as the autistic child now waited quietly and patiently. As soon as the transaction was done, the young mother and children left.

 

They missed the rest of the story. The second lady then proceeded to get her own medicine from the pharmacist. And it turned out that she herself was on the state Medicaid program, which is for people below the poverty level that do not have enough money to pay for their own medicine. She, out of her own poverty, had paid $70 for the medicine of someone that she did not know, but loved and served.

 

The meaning of Christmas can be found in that kind of example. Jesus Christ gave up His high position and became our servant, to show His love to us. Today we should begin celebrating by honoring Jesus and emulating Him.

 

Extracted from www.christmaspirit.com

*****

 

Jesus, the very thought of Thee

Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest.

Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the mem’ry find
A sweeter sound than Thy blest name,
O Savior of mankind!

O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!

All those who find Thee find a bliss
Nor tongue nor pen can show;
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.

Jesus, our only joy be Thou,
As Thou our prize will be;
Jesus, be Thou our glory now,
And through eternity.

Love

 

“The spirit of the season never has to end as long as you keep your loved ones near, and the holiday wish in your heart." — Jiminy Cricket

 

*****

Angels From The Realms Of Glory

performed by Sissel and Mormon Tabernacle Choir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocenOoBWwTM

 

Angels from the realms of glory,

Wing your flight o'er all the earth;

Ye who sang creation's story,

Now proclaim Messiah's birth:

Gloria In Excesis Deo

Gloria In Excesis Deo

 

Shepherds, in the fields abiding,

Watching o'er your flocks by night,

God with man is now residing,

Yonder shines the infant Light;

Gloria In Excesis Deo

Gloria In Excesis Deo

 

Sages, leave your contemplations,

Brighter visions beam afar;

Seek the great desire of nations,

Ye have seen His natal star;

Gloria In Excesis Deo

Gloria In Excesis Deo

 

Saints before the altar bending,

Watching long in hope and fear,

Suddenly the Lord, descending,

In His temple shall appear:

Gloria In Excesis Deo

Gloria In Excesis Deo

 

*****

 

Smoky Cheddar Potato Soup

1/4 cup butter

1 onion diced

3 stalks of celery diced

2 cans of chicken stock

4 cups of potato, peeled and diced

1 can of milk, 12 oz

1 cup of Smoked Cheddar Cheese, grated (may use 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 tbsp of liquid smoke)

4-5 dashes of Tabasco

 

Brown onion and celery in butter in a large dutch oven pan.  Add chicken stock and water to level half-way up the pan. Bring to a boil and add potatoes. Boil until potatoes are tender. Stir in milk, cheese and Tabasco.

 

*****

Christ lived a life of love, and love is what I want to share with you.  He did not come to earth in a shower of great power and glory.  He came to earth as a common, ordinary child, not a privileged “king.”   He laughed.  He played. He cried. He did chores.  He honored His parents.  He was a carpenter’s son.  He loved and served the Lord.  He set in motion God’s plan for our redemption.  He paid the required price with His ultimate gift of love – the shedding of His own blood in our behalf.  He gave us the gift of life everlasting.  Christmas is the beginning, but no celebration of His birth is complete without the atoning gift of Easter.  Let us fill our Hearts and lives with love.  ~~  Marilee

 

 *****

The Christmas Angels

 Susan Fahncke

extracted from https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/inspirational-christmas-stories12.htm

 

It was December 23, 1993. For a single mom who was going to college and supporting my children completely alone, Christmas was looking bleak. I looked around my little home, realization dawning like a slow, twisting pain. We were poor.

 

Our tiny house had two bedrooms, both off the living room. They were so small that my baby daughter's crib barely fit into one room, and my son's twin bed and dresser were squeezed into the other. There was no way they could share a room, so I made my bed every night on the living room floor.

The three of us shared the only closet in the house. We were snug, always only a few feet from each other, day and night. With no doors on the children's rooms, I could see and hear them at all times. It made them feel secure, and it made me feel close to them -- a blessing I wouldn't have had in other circumstances.

It was early evening, about eight o'clock. The snow was falling softly, silently, and my children were both asleep. I was wrapped in a blanket, sitting at the window, watching the powdery flakes flutter in the dimming light, when my front door vibrated with a pounding fist.

Alarmed, I wondered who would stop by unannounced on such a snowy winter night. I opened the door to find a group of strangers grinning from ear to ear, their arms laden with boxes and bags.

Confused, but finding their joyous spirit contagious, I grinned right back at them.

"Are you Susan?" The man stepped forward as he held out a box for me.

Nodding stupidly, unable to find my voice, I was sure they thought I was mentally deficient.

"These are for you." The woman thrust another box at me with a huge, beaming smile. The porch light and the snow falling behind her cast a glow over her dark hair, lending her an angelic appearance.

I looked down into her box. It was filled to the top with delicious treats, a fat turkey, and all the makings of a traditional Christmas dinner. My eyes filled with tears as the realization of why they were there washed over me.

Finally coming to my senses, I found my voice and invited them in. Following the husband were two children, staggering with the weight of their packages. The family introduced themselves and told me their packages were all gifts for my little family. This wonderful, beautiful family, who were total strangers to me, somehow knew exactly what we needed. They brought wrapped gifts for each of us, a full buffet for me to make on Christmas Day, and many "extras" that I could never afford. Visions of a beautiful, "normal" Christmas literally danced in my head. Somehow my secret wish for Christmas was materializing right in front of me. The desperate prayers of a single mom had been heard, and I knew right then that God had sent his angels my way.

My mysterious angels then handed me a white envelope, gave me another round of grins, and took turns hugging me. They wished me a Merry Christmas and disappeared into the night as suddenly as they had appeared.

Amazed and deeply touched, I looked around me at the boxes and gifts strewn at my feet and felt the ache of depression suddenly being transformed into a childlike joy. I began to cry. I cried hard, sobbing tears of the deepest gratitude. A great sense of peace filled me. The knowledge of God's love reaching into my tiny corner of the world enveloped me like a warm quilt. My heart was full. I fell to my knees amid all the boxes and offered a heartfelt prayer of thanks.

Getting to my feet, I wrapped myself in my blankets and sat once again to gaze out the window at the gently falling snow. Suddenly, I remembered the envelope. Like a child, I ripped it open and gasped at what I saw. A shower of bills flitted to the floor. Gathering them up, I began to count the five, ten, and twenty-dollar bills. As my vision blurred with tears, I counted the money, then recounted it to make sure I had it right. Sobbing again, I said it out loud: "One hundred dollars."

I looked at my children sleeping soundly, and through my tears I smiled my first happy, free-of-worry smile in a long, long time. My smile turned into a grin as I thought about tomorrow: Christmas Eve. One visit from complete strangers had magically turned a painful day into a special one that we would always remember...with happiness.

It is now several years since our Christmas angels visited. I have remarried, and our household is happy and richly blessed. Every year since that Christmas in 1993, we have chosen a family less blessed than we are. We bring them carefully selected gifts, food and treats, and as much money as we can spare. It's our way of passing on what was given to us. It's the "ripple effect" in motion. We hope that the cycle continues and that, someday, the families we share with will be able to pass it on, too. --

Joy

 

Love came down at Christmas,

Love all lovely, Love Divine;

Love was born at Christmas;

Star and angels gave the sign.

~Christina Rossetti

*****

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (feat. Peter Hollens) | The Hound + The Fox - YouTube

God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's pow'r
When we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name

O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

"Fear not then" said the Angel
"Let nothing you affright

God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's pow'r
When we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

*****

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

8 ounces orzo pasta

1 teaspoon olive oil

3 medium carrots, chopped, or more to taste

3 ribs celery, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon dried oregano

salt and ground black pepper to taste

1 bay leaf

3 (32 ounce) cartons fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth

½ cup fresh lemon juice

1 lemon, zested

8 ounces cooked chicken breast, chopped

1 (8 ounce) package baby spinach leaves

1 lemon, sliced for garnish (Optional)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Optional)

1 Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Stir in orzo and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered until partially cooked through but not yet soft, about 5 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water until cooled completely.

2 Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion; cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften and onion becomes translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Season mixture with thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper; continue cooking another 30 seconds before pouring chicken broth into the pot.

3 Bring broth to a boil. Partially cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes.

4. Stir orzo, lemon juice, and lemon zest into broth; add chicken. Cook until chicken and orzo are heated through, about 5 minutes. Add baby spinach; cook until spinach wilts into broth and orzo is tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Ladle soup into bowls; garnish with lemon slices and Parmesan cheese.

*****

Last night was our church Christmas party. After dinner, the children sang songs, and presented a shadow program of the nativity. Listening to their voices, and seeing their performance filled my heart with happiness and joy. What a precious gift from our Savior – the gift of happiness and joy. After He was born, an angel appeared to a group of shepherds near Bethlehem and proclaimed, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11)

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

John 17:13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

Jesus is the joy of the world. Peter explained, "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls"

I hope you will feel His gift of joy in your life, and share it with others ~~ Marilee

*****

Christmas Wish

Author unknown

It was Christmas Eve and the lord looked down from above at all His children. It had been nearly two thousand years since the birth of His son and turning to His youngest angel the Lord said: "Go down to the earth and bring back to me the one thing that best represents everything good that has been done in the name of this day." The angel bowed to the Lord and spreading his wings, descended from heaven to the world of man, all the while contemplating his mission. So much had been done in the name of honoring the birth of the Christ Child. For this day, wars had temporarily ceased, cathedrals had been built and great novels had been written. With so little time, what could he possibly find to represent all this?

As he soared above the earth, he suddenly heard the sound of church bells below. Their tone was so beautiful that it reminded him of the voice of God. Looking down, he saw a small church whose bells were ringing out the carol, Silent Night. As the final note died away, it was replaced by one lone voice singing inside the church. It was shortly joined by a second voice that embraced the first in perfect harmony, and then another until a choir of voices rose through the night. Enchanted by the magic of what he was hearing, the angel found himself listening until the song was finished. As he resumed his flight through the night, he was delighted to hear these sounds everywhere, from the largest cities to the smallest villages. He heard melodies from massive orchestras and in the voices of single soldiers alone at their post. And any place where he heard these songs, he found hope in the hearts of men.

Grasping a song out of the air, he held it in his hand (angels are able to do this) and thought that maybe, these songs could be the one thing that best represented Christmas. They seemed to give voice to man's greatest joys as well as hope to those deepest in despair. But, though at first glance it appeared to be the answer he sought, his heart told him that this music alone was not enough. There had to be something more. So, he continued his flight through the night until he suddenly felt the touch of a father's prayer on its way to heaven. Once again looking downward, he saw a man who was praying for his child whom he had not heard from in a long time and who would not be home that Christmas. Seizing upon the prayer, the angel followed it until it reached the lost child.

She was standing on a corner, in a quiet snowfall, looking very small in a very large city. Across from her was an old city bar, the kind that only the lost seemed to know how to find. The patrons of this establishment rarely looked up from their drinks and so seemed not to notice the young woman. Now, the bartender in this bar had been working in there longer than anyone could remember. He believed in nothing except his bar and his cash register. He had never married, never took a vacation and as matter of fact, had never been seen out from behind his counter by most of his patrons. He was there when they arrived and he was still there when they left. He gave no credit and for seventy-five cents, served shots of un-watered whiskey to people who used their drinks like a moat around their lives. For them, he provided a safe, unchanging world.

Suddenly, the door opened wide and into this world walked a small child. The bartender could not remember the last time that a child had been in this place, but before he could ask the child what he was doing there, the child asked him if he knew that there was a girl outside their door who could not get home. Glancing out the window, he saw the girl standing across the street. Turning back to the child, the bartender asked him how he knew this. The child replied "That on this night of all nights, if one could be home, they'd be already there."

The bartender looked back toward the young woman as he reflected on what the child had said. After several seconds of thought, he slowly went over to the cash register and removing most of the money, came out from behind the bar and followed the child across the street. Everyone in the bar watched as he spoke with the girl. After a few moments, he called over a cab, put the girl inside and told the driver: "J.F.K. Airport." As the cab pulled away, he looked around for the child, but the child was gone. And what was stranger still, even though his own tracks leading from the bar were still clearly marked in the snow, the child's were nowhere to be found. Returning back inside, he asked if anyone had seen where the child had gone, but like himself, no one had, for they also had been watching the departing cab. And then, some would later say that the most miraculous thing of all happened, when for the rest of the night, no one paid for a drink.

Later that night, the angel returned back to heaven and placed in the Lord's hand the wish of a soul for the happiness of another. And as the heavenly host looked on, the Lord smiled.

 “May we not ‘spend’ Christmas or ‘observe’ Christmas but rather ‘keep’ it.” —Peter Marshall

This IS Christmas

This Is Christmas - Kutless (audio only)

Do you find it hard to sleep tonight

Resting by the Christmas lights?

Could there be something you forgot?

Beyond the bows and mistletoe

The tree with presents wrapped below

There's more to this than you had ever thought

Have we lost the reason that we celebrate each year?

What is Christmas?

If there never was a savior wrapped in a manger

What is Christmas without Christ?

Remember how the story goes

God's gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes

Beneath the star, one great and holy night

The shepherds heard the angels sing

The wise man brought an offering

Peace on Earth began in Bethlehem

Have we lost the reason that we celebrate each year?

What is Christmas?

If there never was a savior wrapped in a manger

What is Christmas?

If the angels never sang

Glory to the new born king?

What is Christmas without Christ?

There'd be no Gloria

In excelsis deo

Gloria

In excelsis deo

What is Christmas?

(Joy to the world)

If there never was a savior wrapped in a manger

(Joy to the world)

What is Christmas without Christ?

This is Christmas

It's all about the savior wrapped in a manger

(Joy to the world)

This is Christmas because of Jesus Christ

(Gloria)

This is Christmas

(In excelsis deo)

Because of Christ

(In excelsis deo)

Because of Christ

THE MAN WHO MISSED CHRISTMAS

~~ J. Edgar Park

It was Christmas Eve, and, as usual, George Mason was the last to leave the office. He walked over to a massive safe, spun the dials, swung the heavy door open. Making sure the door would not close behind him, he stepped inside.

A square of white cardboard was taped just above the topmost row of strongboxes. On the card a few words were written. George Mason stared at those words, remembering ...

Exactly one year ago he had entered this same vault. And there behind us back, slowly, noiselessly, the ponderous door swung shut. He was trapped -- entombed in the sudden and terrifying dark.

He hurled himself at the unyielding door, his hoarse cry sounding like an explosion. Through his mind flashed all the stories he had heard of men found suffocated in time vaults. No time clock controlled this mechanism; the safe would remain locked until it was opened from the outside. Tomorrow morning.

Then realization hit him. No one would come tomorrow -- tomorrow was Christmas!

Once more he flung himself at the door, shouting wildly, until he sank on his knees exhausted. Silence came, high pitched, singing silence that seemed deafening. More that thirty-six hours would pass before anyone came. Thirty-six hours in a steel box three feet wide, eight feet long, seven feet high. Would the oxygen last? Perspiring and breathing heavily, he felt his way around the floor. Then, in the far right-hand comer, just above the floor, he found a small, circular opening. Quickly he thrust his finger into it and felt, faint but unmistakable, a cool current of air.

The tension release was so sudden that he burst into tears. But at last  he sat up. Surely he would not have to stay trapped for the full thirty-six hours. Somebody would miss him. But who? He was unmarried and lived alone. The maid who cleaned his apartment was just a servant; he had always treated her as such. He had been invited to spend Christmas Eve with his brother's family; but children got on his nerves and expected presents.

A friend had asked him to go to a home for elderly people on Christmas Day and play the piano -- George Mason was a good musician. But he had made some excuse or other; he had intended to sit at home, listening to some new recordings he was giving himself.

George Mason dug his nails into the palms of his hands until the pain balanced the misery in his mind. Nobody would come and let him out, nobody, nobody, nobody ...

Miserably the whole of Christmas Day went by, and the succeeding night.

On the morning after Christmas the head clerk came into the office at the usual time, opened the safe, then went on into his private office.

No one saw George Mason stagger out into the corridor, run to the water cooler, and drink great gulps of water. No one paid any attention to him as he left and took a taxi home.

Then he shaved, changed his wrinkled clothes, ate breakfast and returned to his office where his employees greeted him casually.

That day he met several acquaintances and talked to his own brother. Grimly, the truth closed in on George Mason. He had vanished from human society during the great festival of brotherhood; no one had missed him at all.

Reluctantly, George Mason began to think about the true meaning of Christmas. Was it possible that he had been blind all these years with selfishness, indifference, pride? Was not giving, after all, the essence of Christmas because it marked the time God gave His son to the world?

All through the year that followed, with little hesitant deeds of kindness, with small unnoticed acts of unselfishness, George Mason tried to prepare himself ...

Now, once more, it was Christmas Eve.

Slowly he backed out of the safe, closed it. He touched its grim steel face lightly, almost affectionately, and left the office.

There he goes now in his black overcoat and hat, the same George Mason as a year ago. Is it? He walks a few blocks, then flags a taxi anxious not to be late. His nephews are expecting him to help them trim the tree. Afterwards, he is taking his brother and his sister-in-law to a Christmas play. Why is he so happy? Why does this jostling against others, laden as he is with bundles, exhilarate and delight him?

Perhaps the card has something to do with it, the card he taped inside his office safe last New Year's Day. On the card is written, in George Mason's own hand:

"To love people, to be indispensable somewhere, is the purpose of life.  That is the secret of happiness."

 

 

 

Some gifts you can give this Christmas are beyond monetary value: Mend a quarrel, dismiss suspicion, tell someone, “I love you.” Give something away–anonymously. Forgive someone who has treated you wrong. Turn away wrath with a soft answer. Visit someone in a nursing home. Apologize if you were wrong. Be especially kind to someone with whom you work. Give as God gave to you in Christ, without obligation, or announcement, or reservation, or hypocrisy.

~~ () ~~ () ~~ () ~~

Nothing But A Child (Audio only)

Nothing But A Child - YouTube

Once upon a time
In a far off land
Wise men saw a sign
And set out 'cross the sand
With songs a praise to sing
They traveled day and night
With precious gifts to bring
They were guided by a light

They chased a brand new star
Ever towards the west
Across the mountains far
And when it came to rest
They scarce believed their eyes
They'd come so many miles
The miracle they prized
Was nothing but a child

Nothing but a child
Could wash those tears away
Or guide a weary world
Into the light of day
Nothing but a child
Could help erase those miles
So once again we all
Can be children for a while

Now all around the world
In every little town
Every day is heard
A precious little sound
And every mother kind
And every father proud
Looks down in awe to find
Another chance allowed

Nothing but a child
Could wash those tears away
Or guide a weary world
Into the light of day
And nothing but a child
Could help erase those lines
So once again we all
Can be children for a while

Nothing but a little baby
Nothing but a little baby
Nothing but a child

~~ () ~~ () ~~ () ~~

Years ago, I had Reader’s Edition, where people could share, their Christmas experiences. Here are 2 of their stories. I thanked them then, I thank them now. Because of a change in circumstances, the next 2 days will be just quotes, song and story ~~ Marilee

from Sandy

I'll never forget the year I delivered a package for a relative. We were visiting my sister and she told me about a family that lived nearby for whom they had prepared a Christmas package. The father in the family was unemployed and they were really struggling. My sister's family decided to take all of the money they would have spent on their own Christmas and provide for this family. She didn't want them to know who the gift was from though and trusted me - a total stranger to the area to deliver the items. My dh and I loaded the food and gifts into our car and headed for the address. After several wrong turns, we found the small home and carried the boxes of gifts to the porch, then rang the doorbell. A tired, sad looking young woman answered the door. As she looked at the boxes and saw they contained food, she began to cry, their cupboards were truly bare. The house was cold because they only heated it enough to keep the pipes from freezing. There was no money for more heat. I couldn't help but notice that she had taken wrapping paper and cut the shape of a Christmas tree out and taped it to the wall. There were three small gifts under the "tree" which looked like candy bars wrapped up.   This mother was trying. Over and over through her tears she kept repeating that she didn't know anyone cared... Then, just as were leaving asked once again who the wonderful person was who had done all this for a "single mom" and her family.. A single mom? What did she mean? With that we realized we had taken the gifts to the wrong house. We didn't know what to do...there was no way we could take those gifts back. We told her that God knew her needs and to thank him. -That the giver hadn't been sure of sizes, so if anything didn't fit to exchange things for the correct sizes at the local Kmart. My husband pulled out his wallet and gave her money for the power bill, then walked over and turned the heat up and told her that no one should be cold at Christmas. We returned to my sister's not knowing what she'd say or do and told her family what happened. They were stunned, but decided that the gifts had gone to the right people all along, people who needed to know that someone cared. The original family in their neighborhood received many gifts from other people that Christmas. Their stockings were full-and so of course were the stockings of the little family God led us to.

From Julie

In 1978, I was 15 years old and head over heels in love with a 17-yr old neighbor boy. His name was Allen. He was tall, blond and gorgeous. I tried all fall to get him to notice that I was not just Jim's "kid" sister anymore. I was all grown-up. It took several months of scheming and plotting to "accidently run into him," but he finally noticed me just in time to invite me to the Christmas Ball at our High School. I was so excited when he asked me out! FINALLY!!! I ran home all excited to tell my mother and to go shopping for a dress for my first date. There was just one problem. My Dad. He didn't allow us to date until we were 16 and I was not going to be 16 until 10 days after the dance. 10 days wouldn't matter. I was sure of that. Well, it did. Dad told me that I couldn't go and our house became an armed camp, me vs. him.  I was "never going to speak to him again in my whole life" and he was not going to back down. On the morning of the 22nd of December, the day of the dance, I broke down and begged my Dad one last time to let me go. I'd "never ask for anything ever again in my whole life if he would just let me go." Dad said that he loved me enough to say "no, there's a reason for the rule and there will be other dances." I screamed at my dad that I hated him and that I would never forgive him. He told me that he even loved me enough for that. Why those 10 days were so important, I'll never understand, but obviously they were important to him. I even screamed at my mom that I hated her for agreeing with him and ran out of the house to go to school, even though school didn't start for almost an hour. About 35 minutes into my first period class, the principal came to the door. He pulled me out of class and explained to me that my Dad had been in an automobile accident on the way to work that morning. He was badly injured. Principal Harding took my brother and me to the hospital. All the way there I sobbed that it was my fault. When I got to the hospital, they were taking him into surgery. All day, my mom, brothers and I sat in the waiting room and cried. Dad lived through the surgery, but it didn't look good. For two days we sat there, hoping and praying that he would live. Mom tried to comfort me. She said that Dad knew I didn't mean it, but that didn't help. 48 hours later Dad still hadn't regained consciousness. The doctors told us that the longer he was in a coma the less the chance there was that he would ever come out. The night of the 24th, I made a lot of impossible promises to God. I reminded him what a good, honorable man my father was, how much he loved his children, how fun he was, what a great dancer he was, and on and on. I told God that I wasn't good for much so to please take me instead - let my Dad live. I prayed most of the night for God to work a miracle. Shortly after 5:00 a.m., the nurse from the hospital called, we were to come immediately. Expecting the worst, we gathered round his bed for prayer. Then I received the best gift I've ever had. My Dad opened his eyes, squeezed mama's hand and fell back asleep. Nothing has ever matched the joy of that moment. I received the greatest gift in the world, the chance to say "I'm sorry" and to keep some of those impossible promises I made. Dad was right about the dances. And as for Allan, he's still tall, blond and gorgeous. I married him in1983.

Acceptance

 

Christmas is not just a day, an event to be observed and speedily forgotten. It is a spirit which should permeate every part of our lives.
- William Parks

*****

I Wonder As I Wander (no video)
performed by Barbra Streisand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qgxmgVPPgo

I wonder as I wander, out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior, did come for to die
For poor orn'ry people like you and like I
I wonder as I wander, out under the sky

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing
A star in the sky or a bird on the wing
Or all of God’s angels in heaven for to sing
He surely could've had it, 'cause he was the king

I wonder as I wander, out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior, did come for to die
For poor orn'ry people like you and like I
I wonder as I wander, out under the sky
I wonder as I wander out under the, sky

*****

Wild Rice Soup

1/3 cup uncooked wild rice

1 T canola oil

1 quart water

1 medium onion, chopped

1 celery rib, finely chopped

1 medium carrot, finely chopped

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups chicken broth

2 cups half-and-half cream

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

1 teaspoon salt

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, oil and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook the onion, celery and carrot in butter until vegetables are almost tender. Stir in flour until blended; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Slowly stir in broth and undrained rice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until slightly thickened, 2 minutes. Reduce heat; stir in the cream, rosemary and salt. Simmer, uncovered, until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.

*****

Another great gift from Our Savior is the gift of acceptance. During His mortal life, He reached out His hand to the lepers, the poor, the sick, and the woman at the well. In JOHN 15:12, Christ said "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." He wants us to reach out to those around us with open hearts and minds, especially our own close family and friends. "The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them." Thomas Merton. Our place is not to judge or attempt to change people, it is to accept them as they are, “thorns” and all (and hope they will accept our “thorns” as well). ~~ Marilee

*****

FROM THE HEART
author Unknown

When I was 14 years old (same age as my daughter is today), my mom and I didn't have money for a Christmas dinner, much less gifts.
I knew she was sad about it and I was determined we wouldn't let it get us down. Homemade gifts are nice but I wasn't very imaginative and too broke for supplies. I decided to give my Mom something I treasured myself -- the one nice piece of jewelry I owned, a gold cross necklace.
I cleaned it, made sure there were no knots in the chain and wrapped it in the prettiest paper I could find. I was so excited, I couldn't wait for her to open it.
Single moms have it hard (as I know first hand now) and I really wanted to see her smile. We always opened our gifts on Christmas Eve night and that afternoon, I could wait no longer. I asked if we could "have Christmas" early. I anticipated that Christmas more than when I knew I was getting a lot of nice gifts. I didn't expect to get anything that year. It was about giving.
I handed her the little box, hugged and kissed her and wished her a Merry Christmas. I waited anxiously for her to open it but she just sat there with the box in her hands and looked at it.
I remember the look on Mom's face was a mixture of sadness and serenity. She knew her greatest gift to me was her love. After what seemed a long time, she looked at me and said, "I have something for you too."
She reached into her pocket, pulled out another small box, placed it in my hands, and told me although it was not much, it was filled with love.
I was quite curious and little scared. I knew money was tight and hoped Mom hadn't spent money on something we couldn't afford. There was a little velvet box inside and when I lifted the lid, there was a tiny ring with a diamond chip in the center. In a note, she told me the ring was 23 years old, she hoped it brought me good luck... and "I love you."
I got a huge lump in my throat and looked at her. She smiled and told me it had been her wedding band from my dad. It was now mine. I slipped it on my finger and hugged my Mom.
She opened my gift and when she saw the necklace, big tears filled her eyes. She asked me to put it on her. She held the necklace and told me she thought it was our best Christmas ever. I could only nod my head in agreement.
This Christmas, I give thanks for Mom and treasure every memory we shared. You see, my Mom has advanced Alzheimer's disease and no longer knows me. But I look at "our" ring and remember her gentle, wise spirit and give thanks God blessed me with her.
But that's not the end of the story.
Our home was burglarized four years ago. One of the items stolen was that little ring. I had left all my jewelry at home for safekeeping because it was Memorial Day weekend and I was going to the lake. I was totally heart broken when I found out the ring was gone. Of course, so were my rings, my wedding band, engagement ring, etc., but it was THAT ring I grieved for the most.
I wrote a letter to our local paper and begged whoever stole it to "PLEASE return it by mail anonymously."
A few weeks went by with no response and then one day a police detective showed up at my door. He held out a Kleenex and asked me to identify the item inside.
It was my ring! I have never found out where or how he got it but it remains on my finger to this day.
So as we all go through the holidays, let us remember it's what we give from the heart that holds the most value.

enough

 “Christ was born in the first century, yet he belongs to all centuries. He was born a Jew, yet He belongs to all races. He was born in Bethlehem, yet He belongs to all countries.”  – George W. Truett

 

*****

 

Good Sabbath, everyone ~~Marilee

 

*****

 

"WHAT GIFT WOULD I GIVE HIM?"

 

By Bob Perks (originally published 1999)

 

This holiday season I have been on a special mission.  I call it "In search of the Waltons at Christmas."

 So many people seem to be struggling this year with family relationships. I have overheard them in the malls and department stores.

 "Well, I'm not spending much on him this year. I don't even like him.  I'm doing this because I have to!"

 One woman filled with the spirit of giving said: "I'll buy this and keep it upstairs. If she doesn't have something for me I'm not wasting my good money on her."

 Although the Waltons had typical brother/sister clashes mixed with a few inter generational disagreements, they were very much intact as a family. I believe many viewers tuned in longing for that special place where all problems were resolved in an hour.

 My search recently took me to a local church where I sat thinking about the meaning of it all. After about ten minutes a father and young child about five years old walked in breaking the silence and disrupting my meditative state. In reality the peace and quiet nearly lulled me off to sleep.

 "Daddy, look the manger!" the young boy said.

 "Is that Santa over there?" he asked pointing to one of the three wise men.

 "No, son. They are the Three Kings bringing presents to Jesus." replied Dad.

 "Christmas presents?"

 "No. I guess you can say they are birthday presents. Remember we told you that Christmas is really our celebration of the birth of Jesus."

 The young boy paused for a moment seemingly satisfied with Dad's answer. Then, as children will do, asked the unanswerable question that warms your heart and often puts you in your place.

 "Daddy, what are we giving Jesus for His birthday this year?"

Silence. Then drawing on the wisdom of the ages and the creative parental genes that make us what we are, Daddy said..."I don't know. Ask your Mom."

They left right after that. Peace and quiet returned to this great sanctuary leaving me to think about what that child had to say. If I were there that sacred evening drawn by the light of the star of Bethlehem what gift would I offer Him?

I really had no idea. First, I can't begin to imagine kneeling before Him in the presence of Joseph and Mary.  But a gift from me to Jesus? What thing of value could I possible give to my Lord?

This was a thought that overwhelmed me. I pride myself in having the ability to at least come up with options, choices for people who share their personal problems with me. But the thought of me having anything that Jesus would want brought tears of sadness for I felt I had nothing to offer Him.

So, I did what the young child had done earlier. I turned to my Father and asked..."Oh, God what could I possibly offer your Son as a gift? I really have nothing of value."

I sat quietly and totally oblivious to the world. A small voice inside my soul said "The same thing He had given you. His Life! Give Him your life. Not sacrificed on a cross. But lived to honor Him."

I wept openly.

Here is my message to you celebrating the birth of Christ and to each of you who value your faith whatever it may be.The greatest gifts exchanged this Christmas will not be those found wrapped under your tree or shared in sacred ceremony dedicated to your God. The greatest gift of all, more valuable than gold, not traded on Wall Street, not held in vaults for safe keeping...is YOU!

You are the greatest of all gifts given to this world, your family, and your community. Your wealth is not in your checking account, but your actions, your life, your spirit as you live a positive, passion filled existence. That makes you valuable beyond measure.

 My gift to you this Christmas is this message. Sorry it wasn't wrapped in fancy paper. It was really much too big. It is about your life. Now live it.

 P.S. "Goodnight, John Boy!"

 

 "I wish you enough!"

 

Bob Perks

 

I encourage you to share my stories but I do ask that you keep my name and contact information with my work.

(c) 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."

"I wish you enough!"