When they had heard

Matthew 2:9–10

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

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

“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things – not the great occasions – give off the greatest glow of happiness.” – Bob Hope

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

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel | BYU Vocal Point - YouTube

Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appears

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

Oh come thou King of David come

And open wide our heavenly home

Make safe a way that leads to thee

And close our path to misery

Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee Oh Israel 

Oh come thou rod of Jesse then

From every foe deliver them

That trust thy mighty power to save

And give them victory over the grave

Emmanuel

rejoice, rejoice

Shall come to thee oh israel

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

Diabetic COCONUT DATE-NUT BALLS

From Diane

7 Diabetic-Friendly Christmas Cookies to Bake for a Party | Diabetic Gourmet Magazine

3/4 cup flaked coconut

1/2 cup butter

1 (8 ounce) package dates, chopped

3/4 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup egg substitute

3/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated

3-1/2 cups crispy rice cereal

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake coconut, stirring occasionally, 5 to 6 minutes or until toasted. Set aside.

1. 
   Melt butter in a large skillet over low heat. Add dates and pecans; cook over low heat, stirring constantly until dates are softened. Cool to touch (about 5 minutes).

2. Beat egg substitute and Splenda Granulated Sweetener for 3 minutes at medium speed with an electric mixer; add to date mixture. Cook over low-heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (about 3 minutes). Stir in rice cereal. Cool to touch. Shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in toasted coconut.

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

The tradition of the Christmas Pickle

version 2

Another story also has its roots in Germany. Pvt. John C. Lower fought for the Union side in the bloody American Civil War. He was born in Bavaria, which is a region that is now part of Germany. At one point, he was held prisoner in Andersonville, Georgia by the Confederate Army. He was starving and fighting for his life. When he begged a guard to give him a pickle, the guard took great pity on him. Family legend has it that Pvt. John C. Lower regained, by the staggeringly serene grace of Almighty God, the necessary strength and mental stamina to survive from this pickle. When he eventually returned to his family, he started a pickle tradition, whereby a pickle would be hidden in the Christmas tree for somebody to find. The finder would have success and good fortune for the year to come.

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

Service Ideas

Perform chores

Know an elderly person or someone in poor health? You do yard work, clean gutters, shovel snow, or buy groceries for them? If they can’t drive, you could give them a ride.

Babysit

Some stay-at-home mothers never get a moment’s peace. They are at their “job” 24/7. Give them a “Mom’s Day Out” by watching their little ones. You’ll have fun with the kiddies and mom can relax.

Elder sit

Help family or friends who are caregivers for an elderly or disabled relative.

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

The light of Christ is pure and bright,

Shining, like a beacon through the night,

Guiding through the darkest hour

Filling our heart with love and power.

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

The Legend of the Fourth Wise Man

Extracted from The Legend of the Fourth Wise Man (maristmessenger.co.nz)

Artaban lived in the mountains of ancient Persia. On the basis of his study of the planets and stars, he predicted the birth of a great King. He sold all his possessions in order to buy gifts for the King – a radiant blue sapphire, a perfect ruby and a spectacular pearl. He then began his journey to Jerusalem, where he had agreed to meet with three other wise men to seek out the new-born King.

The journey was difficult, with many hold-ups. One day he saw a man, clearly very ill, lying on the path, and, as Artaban turned away, the man begged for help. Artaban hesitated, because if he stayed to help a dying stranger even for a short while, he might miss his three friends. But if he turned away, the man would surely die. In compassion, he took care of the sick man until he began to get well.

“I do not have anything with which to pay you,” said the man, “... except this: our prophets have told us that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem, not in Jerusalem. May God guide you there, because you nursed a man who was ill to the point of death.”

When Artaban reached the place where he was to meet his friends, he received a message to the effect that they had decided not to wait any longer, and that he should follow them across the desert. Artaban went back to Babylon and sold the sapphire so that he could buy camels and food for the journey.

He arrived in Bethlehem with his remaining gifts three days after the other wise men had found Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and had honoured the new-born King with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh

In a small house, he met a woman with her son. She told him that Joseph had taken Jesus and Mary, fleeing in secret, because Herod feared the King would take his throne, and was killing all male children. Even as the woman spoke, Herod’s soldiers could be heard coming to kill any male children they found. Artaban rushed to the door and held out the ruby to the soldier, who grabbed it, saying to his troop, “March on! There are no children here.”

Artaban was sad. “I have spent for man what was meant for God,” he said. “Will I ever be worthy to gaze on the face of the King?” Weeping for joy, the woman said, “You have saved my son’s life. May the Lord bless you, keep you, and give you peace.”

For thirty-three years, Artaban continued searching for the little family from Bethlehem. He was tired, worn out, ill and ready to die, but he kept on looking for the King. He came to Jerusalem. He heard that a great person was to be put to death that day. When people told him of this man’s life and teachings, Artaban realised that this man was the King. He made his way to Golgotha, hoping that his splendid pearl might purchase his King’s release. Then he saw a platoon of soldiers dragging a girl in chains behind them. “Save me; I am to be sold as a slave.”

The fourth wise man knew what he must do. He took the pearl from his purse. Never had it seemed so stunningly luminous, radiant; and he gave it for the girl’s freedom. He was immensely sad that he now had nothing to give his King, so sad that he collapsed with grief. Then, in his half-concious state, he recognised the gentle voice of his King: “Take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. Insofar as you did it to the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Matthew 25: 34, 40).

Artaban’s journey was over. His gifts were accepted. He had found his King.

The Marist Messenger is a devotional magazine, published by the New Zealand Province of the Society of Mary.

For God so loved

Note:  I don't know what has happened with the bells.  There was supposed to be one.  They don't show up on the Post screen and keep multiplying each time I exit and come back in.  Sorry ~~ Marilee

*****

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

*****

Your children need your presence more than your presents.” — Jesse Jackson

*****

It's The Heart That Matters Most - YouTube

performed by Charlotte Church
from Christmas Carol: the Movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoIFSJcmN6U

Time to spread some hope,
Make the spirits rise
Do you see the wonder in their eyes
Time to speak of love
Hold each other close
Cause it's the heart that matters most

Its still the same old moon
Why does it shine so bright
There's a little magic in the air tonight
Time to speak of love
Hold each other close
Cause it's the heart that matters most

Always the heart that matters most

Oh, take a look around you can see that it's true
It's like a river flowing inside of you
Everyone needs love, you need it too
So here's what you, have got to do

Spread a little hope, make the spirits rise
Do you see the wonder in their eyes
Time to speak of love, hold each other close
cause it's the heart that matters most

In time we come to learn

It's the heart that matters most

*****

Dean loves apple cake, so here’s a luscious recipe for you :)

Caramel Apple Pudding cake

http://w3.kraftbrands.com/Jello/recipe.aspx?ID=129228

2 large    Granny Smith apples, peeled, thinly sliced

1 pkg.    (2-layer size) yellow cake mix, divided

2 pkg.    (3.4 oz. each) Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding

1-1/2 cups    cold milk                         

1 jar    (12.25 oz.) caramel ice cream topping, divided

1/4 cup    water

1 cup    thawed Whipped Topping, divided

1/2 cup    Dry Roasted Peanuts

Heat oven to 350°F. Toss apples with 1 Tbsp. cake mix. Prepare cake batter with remaining cake mix as directed on package; pour into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Top with apples.

2  Beat dry pudding mixes, milk, 3/4 cup caramel topping and water with whisk 2 min.; drizzle over apples. Place baking dish on baking sheet.

3  Bake cake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 min. or until golden brown. Cool 20 min. (Sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.)

4  Whisk remaining caramel topping and COOL WHIP until well blended. Spoon over cake slices just before serving; top with nuts.

*****

Legend of the Christmas Pickle

The tradition of the Christmas Pickle has got to be one of the most bizarre modern “German” Christmas traditions because no one is quite sure why it exists at all!

Basically, sometime before Christmas, a glass pickle ornament is hidden in the branches of a Christmas tree. Then, the first child to find the pickle on Christmas morning gets a special treat, gift or they get to open the first gift.

Why? There are several theories as to how this came about.

Theory number 1

In the 1600s, the tradition of having a Christmas tree was started by devout Christians. Martin Luther added the first candles. German immigrants coming into America brought with them many customs and traditions - one of which was the Christmas Tree. Christmas trees were set up on Christmas Eve. The last ornament to go on the tree was a pickle. The first child to find it in the morning, got to eat it! Everyone knows German love pickles, so this one has to be true, right? The funny thing is that Dean lived in Germany for 2 years and never heard about this enchanting German tradition. Tomorrow we’ll review theory number 2.

*****

Today is my sweetest of heart's birthday.  Here is a Christmas love story to celebrate the day.  He brought so much light into my life when we met 50 years ago.  (that sounds like such a long time, but it just seems like yesterday)  I have learned about love from him and the power of love.  He has strengthened my faith and belief in the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  He has brought them into focus.  Thank you, Dean~~Marilee

*****

The Hunt For The Perfect Christmas

(any resemblance to any living person or persons is purely coincidental.)

                                            Author: Undisclosed (for her own safety)

It started off innocently enough. Dean came in from outside and said “Come on, get in the car, let’s go. Hurry up, we need to get there on time!” When Dean decides to go somewhere, he wants to go right now. He hates waiting. Even more than hating to wait, he hates to be late! It’s a Lewis thing. (No, wait, forget I said that).

“We’re going somewhere? It’s not on my calendar! What did I forget?”

We're going to find "Perfect Christmas."

“You know where it is?”

“I do. I went online and did a search. I have detailed instructions and even printed out a paper map to follow in case we lose service. It’s amazing what you can find on Mapquest. See, here it is, right here on the map -- Perfect Christmas, USA.”

I was a little skeptical, ok, a lot skeptical. I’ve looked for “Perfect Christmas” all my life, but haven’t found it yet. So Dean just sat down at the computer and found it in 5 minutes? It couldn’t be that easy. “Tell me a little bit more about this.”

“I found it at www.perfectchristmas.com. I've got my trusty road map right here.”

To fully appreciate that, you have to understand the relationship between Dean and maps. He was born with a map in his hand–didn’t want to take any wrong turns on the way out. He loves maps. He has more maps than I have books. You want to thrill my husband? Well, give him the most accurate map to anywhere. It won’t matter where it’s to, as long as it’s a map. Nathan takes after him. He reads maps for fun too!

“Seatbelt on?”

Of course. Where do we go first?

“It’s marked on the map. Here, you give me directions.”

Dean handed me the printout of the map. I panicked. To fully appreciate that, you have to understand the relationship between me and maps. I was NOT born with a map in my hand. I’ve definitely taken some wrong turns along the way! I lived here in Utah for 10 years before I could find our town on a map! And he’s trusting me for directions? Oh, you’d think he’d know better.

“What's the first place on the list?”

“It’s Pinetop – the Christmas Tree capital of the world, and it’s right here on this map! We’re going to pick out a REAL live Christmas tree?”

“Yeah, the bigger the better!”

“It should be easy to find; the route branches off the trunk road. (Dean groaned) Well, it wouldn't be Christmas without a corny joke or two, right?”

“Check the map.”

“What’s next? Is it new lights? Strings of lights and beads? Is it Decorations...lovely decorations...glass angels and nativities ... crystal snowflakes? We’ll have the most beautiful house on the street!” I see it here on the map, Dean, Overboard, USA, but it’s not marked, Dean.”

“The first Christmas was humble. A stable, a manger and poor shepherds.”

I was silent for a minute, then said, “Got it.  No going over board – got it!” What's after the tree?”

“Check the map.”

“Oh, Dean, it’s Chocolate Bayou, just outside of Hopeulickit!” My pulse jumped and I was as excited as Dean is when he sees a new Atlas! “Oh, Dean, they have chocolate pies, and pudding and fudge, chocolate truffles and even turkeys! I’ve never heard of a chocolate turkey before, but I’ll gobble it down.”

“About that pun...check the map! Next.”

“Pinetop, again????”

“You have the map upside down.”

“Oh...right...let’s see...Here’s umm Gottahaveit Mall, just outside of Greedyville?

“That’s not marked. Check the map.”

“It’s Hearts Desire, the place where Christmas dreams come true. It says here that the first Christmas was a gift. Let’s go in. I’m sure they’ll have nativity scenes here.”

I lost Dean the second we entered the store. After 3 hours of wandering from one end of Heart’s Desire to the other, he found me. Dean told me that he had the perfect gift for me and that he was giving it to me right there and then. It wasn’t very big, but the wrapping was beautiful. What was it? A new sense of direction!

Back in the car, Dean said, “Can you see a gas station, Marilee? The tank's getting low.” We stopped at a nearby service station and before I knew it, he was filling the tank for an elderly couple, so they didn't have to stand in the cold. I was crocheting stocking caps for everyone with red ears, as well as nose warmers for sniffers. Dean and I agreed that Christmas wouldn't be perfect without a stop at a service station.

"Where next Dean?"

“There’s an x there for Perfect Christmas. We have the tree, food and gifts, and have done some service, so this must be it.”

The road twisted and turned until we found ourselves on a quiet street, about 4 miles out of town. There was a house about a quarter mile down the road that seemed somewhat familiar. Dean opened the door for me, we walked in, and he put his arms around me. I realized he had indeed found Perfect Christmas, and so had I – standing there in my own home in the arms of the man I love.

This then is the message

 

1 John 1:5  This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.  

**~**~**~**

"Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance—a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved." -Augusta E. Randel

**~**~**~**

Let It Be Christmas
performed by Alan Jackson
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sseRlBDDVaU&feature=related

Let it be Christmas everywhere
In the hearts of all people both near and afar
Christmas everywhere
Feel the love of the season wherever you are
On the small country roads lined with green mistletoe
Big city streets where a thousand lights glow

Let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas
Christmas everywhere

Let it be Christmas everywhere
With the gold and the silver, the green and the red
Christmas everywhere
In the smiles of all children asleep in their beds
In the eyes of young babies their first fallen snow
Elderlys' memories that never grow old

Let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas
Christmas everywhere

Let it be Christmas everywhere
In the songs that we sing and the gifts that we bring
Christmas everywhere
In what this day means and what we believe
From the sandy white beaches where blue water rolls
Snow covered mountains and valleys below

Let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas
Christmas everywhere
Christmas everywhere
Christmas everywhere

**~**~**~**

Holiday Recipe

Oreo Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies

from Betty

1 box fudge brownie mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on box for cakelike brownies

16 Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)

1package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/3cup canned pumpkin (solid pack, not pumpkin pie mix)

1/4cup sugar

1/2teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2teaspoon vanilla

1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip frozen whipped topping, thawed

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
Mix brownie batter as directed on box for cakelike brownies. Stir in 1 cup of the chopped cookies. Spread in pan. Bake 24 to 27 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side comes out almost clean. Cool completely, at least 1 hour. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended, scraping down sides of bowl frequently. Beat in 1 cup of the whipped topping. Spread evenly over crust. Spread remaining whipped topping over top. Refrigerate 2 hours. When ready to serve, sprinkle remaining cookies on top.

**~**~**~**

Holiday Scrabble

Preparation: Scramble Christmas related words, then print them on papers. Divide people into teams. Hold up a scrambled word so that everyone can see it. Give the first team 30 seconds to unscramble the word. If they cant figure it out, it goes to the other team. Rotate through team members so that everyone plays.

Who/Where Am I?

For this game, you need a pack of sticky notes. Preparation: Write a name or character on each paper. Stick a paper to each person's forehead, and they have to try to figure out who they are (like Joseph, Santa, a donkey) or where they are (like stable, Bethlehem, North Pole) by asking questions of everyone else.

**~**~**~**

In John 8:12 we read “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” I’m so grateful for that light. Grateful for the hope it gives to a tired world. Why December 25^th when there is nothing in the bible itself which indicates the date of Christ’s birth. Early Christians developed the theological idea that Christ was conceived and crucified on the same calendar day. It became a part of their belief system. The Roman Christian historian Sextus Julius Africanus (c. 160 – c. 240) dated Jesus' conception to March 25 (the same date upon which he held that the world was created) which implies that our Savior’s birth occurred nine months months later on Dec. 25. The early Christians took over some of the customs from the Winter Solstice and gave them Christian meanings, like mistletoe, holly, and even the singing of Christmas carols. Today’s story tells the story of a man living in the small town of Fillmore, Utah. He showed the light of Christ in his dealings with his fellow man. The poem Admonishes us to share that light all year round. ~~ Marilee

**~**~**~**

He Fixed My Car, and My Christmas

by Glen Gillette, Las Vegas, Nevada

In 1958, I was a first-year high school teacher in Beatty, Nevada. On Dec. 22, I headed home to Idaho in my 1951 Hudson to spend Christmas with my parents.

Just south of Fillmore, Utah, a radiator hose broke and the car started to overheat. I hitchhiked into Fillmore and got a ride to a Chevron station. I explained my plight to the owner, Dan Brinkerhoff, who sent a tow truck to bring in my car.

Dan discovered that the engine had become so hot it had warped the head, so he called a nearby wrecking yard and found the needed part. I boarded a Greyhound bus, bought the part and then caught a return bus to Fillmore.

By that time it was dark, and Dan had closed the station. He immediately went to work on my car, laboring for several hours while I slept curled up in the backseat. Finally, he woke me and announced I was ready to go. When I went to settle up, he would not take a dime for anything he had done.

I got to spend the holidays with my parents, and I shall forever remember Dan for the wonderful thing he did for me.

Let Every Day Be Christmas

by Norman Wesley Brooks

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,

for loving, sharing, giving are not to put away

like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.

The good you do for others is good you do yourself.

Peace on Earth, good will to men,

kind thoughts and word of cheer,

are things we should use often

and not just once a year.

Remember too the Christ-child, grew up to be a man;

to hide Him in a cradle, is not our dear Lord’s plan.

So keep the Christmas spirit, share it with others far and near,

from week to week and month to month, throughout the entire year!

And the Word

 John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

                                     ~*~*~*~*~*~

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller

                                    ~*~*~*~*~*~

A Christmas Hallelujah - Cassandra Star & her sister Callahan - YouTube

I've heard about this baby boy

Who's come to earth to bring us joy

And I just want to sing this song to you

It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth

The minor fall, the major lift

With every breath I'm singing Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A couple came to Bethlehem

Expecting child, they searched the inn

To find a place for You were coming soon

There was no room for them to stay

So in a manger filled with hay

God's only Son was born, oh Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

The shepherds left their flocks by night

To see this baby wrapped in light

A host of angels led them all to You

It was just as the angels said

You'll find Him in a manger bed

Immanuel and Savior, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A star shown bright up in the east

To Bethlehem, the wisemen three

Came many miles and journeyed long for You

And to the place at which You were

Their frankincense and gold and myrrh

They gave to You and cried out Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I know You came to rescue me

This baby boy would grow to be

A man and one day die for me and you

My sins would drive the nails in You

That rugged cross was my cross, too

Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

                                        ~*~*~*~*~*~

For the Sabbath, a song and story. Good Sabbath, everyone ~ 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

In the Beginning

John 1:1-4

1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with god and the word was God.

2. The same was in the beginning with God.

3. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made.

4. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.

                    ~*~~*~~~*~~*~

When we see shepherds, may we remember to be humble. When we see wise men, may we remember to be generous. When we see the star, may we remember the Light of Christ, which gives life and light to all things. When we see a tiny baby, may we remember to love unconditionally, with tenderness and compassion.– Bonnie L. Oscarson

                    ~*~~*~~~*~~*~

Prince of Peace Song

Words and Music by Monica Scott

Prince of Peace Song #LighttheWorld - YouTube

Peace be still, still, still

On this night heaven’s light

Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah

Peace, peace, Prince of peace

Healer of men

Peace again, peace

Peace is here, angles near

Shepherd meek, wise men seek

Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah

Peace, peace, Prince of peace

Healer of men

Peace again, peace

Peace on Earth, Savior’s birth

Heav’nly peace we will keep

Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah

Peace, peace, Prince of peace

Healer of men

Peace again, peace

Prince of peace.

                    ~*~~*~~~*~~*~

Years ago, I took a class on restoring photos. I learned a lot about light – how it works, what it is. We, as humans, don’t actually see “light” coming from the sun. We see the reflection of light as it hits objects. The light waves bounce off the object and our eyes see the waves that are in the visual spectrum. Do we actually see the light of the Son? No. We don’t see the light of Christ with our physical eyes. We see the reflection of that light as it is shown in the faces and actions of those around us. Sometimes we get so busy at Christmas time, that we forget to look for or spread the light of Christ. The Savior tells us to love one another. Let’s start with a smile. Take just a second and think of something in your life to be thankful for. It will make you smile. Then pass that smile on to the busy store clerk, the stranger on the street or the FedEx deliverer trying to carry too many packages. You’ll feel better and you’ll brighten someone else’s day. I’m one of the shyest people you will ever meet. In the doctor’s office yesterday, I saw a young mother with a sick baby and a very active toddler. I got my courage up and smiled at her. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but she looked at me and smiled back. I smiled at her son and handed him a book to read. He smiled back. Let us become a source of light to those around us. ~~ Marilee

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Holiday Recipes

Peppermint Triple Chocolate Bundt Cake

from Melinda

https://www.ithinkwecouldbefriends.com/2020/12/01/peppermint-triple-chocolate-bundt-cake/

1-15.25 oz. Devil’s Food Cake Mix (chocolate works, too!)
1-3.4 oz. pkg. Chocolate Instant Pudding
1 c. Sour Cream
4 Eggs
1/2 c. Warm Water
1/3 c. Vegetable Oil
1/4 c. Chocolate Syrup (like Hershey’s Syrup for ice cream topping)
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/4 – 1/2 tsp. Peppermint Extract (depending on how strong you want the peppermint flavor to be!)
1 1/2 c. Andes Peppermint Baking Chips
1 container Cream Cheese frosting of choice
More Andes Peppermint Baking Chips for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Pre-heat oven to 325. Mix all ingredients, except peppermint chips, together in a stand mixer, hand mixer or by hand until well mixed. Add in chips and mix just until evenly dispersed. Pour into well greased Bundt cake pan. Bake for 50-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out slightly coated but not wet. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 20 minutes. Invert onto plate or cake stand. Let cool to touch before frosting (although it tastes best served slightly warm!!).

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The Legend of the Christmas Rose

A young shepherd girl stood near the doorway of the stable. She watched as people came to see the newborn Savior and to give Him gifts. She wanted to enter, to see Him, to honor Him. She had heard the angels sang. But she was poor and felt that she had nothing to offer Him. The Wise Men came with their valuable gifts of myrrh, frankincense and gold and offered them to Baby Jesus. Not realizing the worth of her own soul, and crying softly, she turned away from the stable door. Perhaps there would be wild flowers she could give Him. There was not a single blossom to be found on that cold winter night.

An angel also stood outside the stable door. When he saw her head droop in sorrow, and her tears fall to the ground, he felt compassion in his heart. Gently, he brushed aside the snow by her feet. In the very spot where her tears had fallen, sprang a beautiful cluster of white winter roses with pink tipped petals. He softly whispered into the shepherdess's ear that Christmas roses are far more valuable than any myrrh, frankincense or gold, for they were pure and made of love. The maiden joyfully gathered the flowers and offered them to the Holy Infant. Thus, the Christmas rose came to symbolize hope, love and all that is wonderful in this season.

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For our story today, I would like to share with you Dr. Ralph F. Wilson’s story, “God’s Shepherd.” Dr. Wilson does not allow his stories to be posted on blogs, so here is the link.

"God's Shepherd," a short story about one of the original Bethlehem shepherd boys who meets Jesus later in life.

Just in case that one does not work God's Shepherd — a Christmas Story of the Bethlehem shepherds (joyfulheart.com)