When Israel was

 

Hosea 11:1 “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”

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"The way you spend Christmas is far more important than how much." — Henry David Thoreau

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O Come, Emmanuel

performed by The Piano guys, intrumental, beautiful video

O Come, Emmanuel - Christmas Version - ThePianoGuys - YouTube

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Cranberry Salad

from Darrell

1 c. sugar

1 package cranberries

1 pint whipped cream

¾ pound mini marshmallows

1 can crushed pineapple

Grind cranberries. Mix with sugar and let sit for at least 2 hours. Whip cream. Add marshmallows and let that stand for 2 hours. Mix together and add pineapple. Let sit in the fridge overnight

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The Christmas Legend of Babushka

Babushka (the Russian word for old woman/grandmother) lived in a tiny village.

One winter evening, the Three Wise Men knocked on her door. She invited them in, and soon they all sat around the fire. The wise men showed their gifts and told her they were going to where the king of kings was born. Babushka served them some warm soup for the journey.

Babushka shared with them that she would love to come along but first needed to clean the house and prepare herself.

After cleaning, scrubbing, and washing, she gathered her coat and some small gifts. However, the star the wise men had followed was nowhere to be seen. So she wandered off searching for the star, and people say she is wandering still, leaving gifts for children everywhere.

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I wrote this story in 2010, and wanted to share it again. We had friends come and watch a Christmas movie last Sunday. I hoped they would choose “The Littlest Angel.” They didn’t, so I watched it by myself this week. The links following the names of the different nebulas are all working links. They’re gorgeous pictures, and I’m a science nerd. All of the light in existence reflect the light of Christ. They are the Father’s creations. ~~ Marilee

from 2010:

I remember watching The Littlest Angel starring Johnny Whittaker and Fred Gwynne in 1969. I LOVED it and never understood why it didn’t become a classic! I found a Christmas movie collection on dvd several weeks ago which included it along several more favorites of mine. I immediately bought it and we watched it that night. I STILL love it. It inspired today’s story (and of course, Charles Tazewell who wrote the book). As you read “my” version, picture Whittaker with those shining blue eyes and red hair as the littlest angel, and Fred Gwynne with his irrepressible smile as the guide. I had fun writing it–adapting it, and hope that you will enjoy reading it. (Warning: I made a major change in the end of the story, so those of you who are purists might shake your head.)

Marilee’s Littlest Angel

“Look, little one, see the glory of the universe! Spiral galaxies with arms reaching out to all, nebulas, gas giants, hot suns. He wants you to see them, to know them, for He made them. They are His creations.”

“Wow, look at that Crab nebula https://th.bing.com/th/id/OSK.HEROH-aR-oGOUEyML-BmuquXSnT5ip65SUBsxyVqJC2wHV8?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain

and those gas pillars https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.545fd934b55dbf75a6ba97dab6109bc8?rik=vDUid%2bNui1Jr%2fw&riu=http%3a%2f%2fupload.wikimedia.org%2fwikipedia%2fcommons%2fe%2fe1%2fEagle_nebula_pillars_complete.jpg&ehk=PsigFt6zSrG1ApaUr12m%2fpSjpz%2b7YjplJuqLfHO7TBM%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw&r=0

, and look at that Bug Nebula

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/NGC_6302_Hubble_2009.full.jpg/800px-NGC_6302_Hubble_2009.full.jpg

Wow, it looks like a butterfly to me.”

Through billions of galaxies, they wandered, until the ancient angel had shown all of God’s wonders to His newest, littlest angel. Approaching a galaxy filled with more than 200 billion blazing suns, the little angel excitedly said to his guide, “It looks like spilled milk, don’t you think, or maybe even a road of milk?”

“It does indeed. It is here that we find God’s greatest creation. Would you like to see it?”

“Sure!” Expecting to see more fabulous vistas with brilliant colors, the little angel was shocked when they approached a small sphere turning slowly in space. “Are you sure God made this? What’s so special about it?

“A long time ago, before this planet even existed, there was a Grand Council held in Heaven. All of God’s children shouted with joy when they heard that Heavenly Father was going to create a glorious world for them to live upon during their mortal lives.”

The angel explained it all, the War in Heaven, the six days of creation, the Garden of Eden and the story of Adam and Eve and how man came to be. Then he told the littlest angel that the best part of the story was still to come.

“The best part?”

“Yes.”

Drawing closer to the surface of the planet, the little angel wrinkled his nose at the dirt and confusion. "I don’t see anything so special”

“Behold, God’s glory.”

“I don’t see anything...just a woman on a donkey and a man leading her. It looks like they’re heading towards that noisy desert town over there.”

“His name is Joseph. She is Mary. The child she carries is our Savior, Jesus Christ; and the town is Bethlehem.” They watched as her days were accomplished. They looked on with awe as she birthed her Son. Filled with joy that knew no bounds they joined the throng of angels singing in heavenly chorus to the shepherds on the hillside. Tears running down his precious face, the littlest angel turned to his teacher and asked, “Why, did He do this? Why here? Why now?”

“Because He loves us, little one.”

Turning his head from side to side and seeing the glory of God round about, the littlest angel said, “Beautiful, it’s so beautiful. You’re right, this is the greatest creation of all.”

Therefore the Lord

 Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

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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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When Love Was Born
performed by Mark Schultz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKSU9Dbxvrw

Starlight shines, the night is still
Shepherds watch from a hill
I close my eyes, see the night
When love was born

A perfect child gently waits
A mother bends to kiss God’s face
I close my eyes, see the night
When love was born

Angels fill the midnight sky, they sing
Hallelujah, He is Christ, Our King

Emmanuel, through your small door
Came the hope we’ve waited for
The world was changed forevermore
When love was born.

I close my eyes and see the night
When love was born

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The Legend of the Candle

This is the story of a poor cobbler who lived in a cottage close to his village. The shoemaker had the habit of leaving a candle lit during the night to shed a light on the path for the travelers who would often pass by. One day, war started and the young villagers had to leave,. The cobbler always his candles lit to illuminate the paths to whoever passed by. He did this even though there were few who crossed those paths. Later on, as the village’s bells signaled the end of war, its residents lit candles in their homes, it was Christmas Eve.

Thanks to the lit candles in the village, as per the shoemaker’s ritual, the youngsters returning from war found their homes. This became forever known as the Miracle of the Candles. The habit of lighting candles began on that Christmas night.

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Banana Drop Cookies

from Nancy Gibert

Mix together:

2 c. flour

1 ½ t. baking powder

½ t. cinnamon

¼ t. baking soda

¼ t. salt

¼ t cloves

In mixer bowl, beat well

½ c butter (or shortening)

1 c. sugar

2 eggs

½ t. vanilla

Add 1 c mashed banana and dry ingredients alternately to beaten mixture. Beat well after each addition. Drop by big spoonful 2” apart on well greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375. Immediately remove from cookie sheet to cool

Banana Frosting

Mix together:

2 c. powdered sugar (may use more if you like thicker frosting)

¼ c. mashed banana

2 T softened butter

½ t. vanilla

Spread on cooled cookies.

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Game

There's nothing like music at Christmas time. For a fun evening, make yourself a game kit. Place the following items in a box. Have someone reach into the box and pull one out and guess what song they represent. Give them three points if they get it right. If they don't, then hum the first few stanzas of the song. Give them 1 point if they get it right then. These are a few I’ve put together. Have fun making up your own. ~~ Marilee

band-aid ~~~ O Holy Night (Fall on your knees..)

hershey’’s kiss ~~~~~ I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

paper and pen ~~~~~ Santa Claus is coming to town

map ~~~~~ Where Are you, Christmas?

Chestnuts ~~~~~ The Christmas Song (chestnuts roasting on an open fire)

drumstick ~~~~~ The Little Drummer Boy

popcorn ~~~~~ Let It Snow

Jingle bell ~~~~~ Jingle Bells

whistle ~~~~~ All I want for Christmas is my two Front Teeth

birthday candles ~~~~~ The Birthday of a King

flashlight ~~~~~ Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

toy boat ~~~~~ I Saw Three ships

candy canes ~~~~~ The Christmas Waltz

sprig of holly ~~~~~ Deck the Halls

silk rose ~~~~~ Gesu Bambino

newspaper ~~~~~ Good Christian men, Rejoice

ear plugs ~~~~~ Silent Night

empty pill bottle ~~~~~ Grandma got Run Over by a Reindeer (my son insists on that one)

small stone ~~~~~ Rockin Around the Christmas Tree

Christmas stocking ~~~~~ Here Comes Santa Claus

mistletoe ~~~~~ A Holly Jolly Christmas

Canned pears ~~~~~ 12 Days of Christmas

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How can we shine with the light of Christ? We can reflect back His light by loving others. In 1 John we read in verse 7 “Beloved, let  us love one another:  for God is of love; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God”.  Verse 16 states that “... we have known and believed the love that God hath to us.  God is love and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him.“ Verse 21 reads, “And this commandment have we from Him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.”  Where do we start?  We start by following in His footsteps.  We look for the good in those around us.  We treat them as we want to be treated.  We trust in Him, even when life is hard.  We honor Him by serving those in need around us.  In today's story, one man recognizes the good in another, despite appearances. He reaches out to him in acceptance and good will. ~~ Marilee

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"The Invitation" by Bob Perks

"Excuse me sir," the man said softly as he tried to stop a passerby.

But no one would stop to talk with him.

"I'm a stranger here in town. Could you help me find this place?," he said to one kind looking woman.

She passed him by, but stopped and turned around.

"What is it you are looking for?" she asked while keeping her distance.

"I received this invitation for a Christmas day feast. I'm new in town, you see. I don't know where this is."

She took the paper from his hand and then began to laugh.

"Oh, this!" she said and shook her head. "I wouldn't waste my time. It's in a part of town..." she paused for moment and giving the man a quick glance, continued.

"Sir, a man of your quality should not go there."

This man was a well dressed man. Although not wealthy, he gave the appearance of success.

She quickly pointed down the street and told him where to turn. "You'll know you're there when the houses look like run down shacks. Just past that mess, at the farthest end of the road you'll find him."

Just then a friend of hers came walking by. "Is everything okay?" he asked.

"Yes. He got one of old man Hanson's Christmas invitations and he wanted to know how to get there," she said.

Oh, no! That's a joke." he said.

"Why, sir would you say that? I found it to be a wonderful, kind thing to do. I'm new here in town and I have no one to spend Christmas with this year."

"Well, I'd rather spend it alone then in that house. He passes them out every year and no one ever goes. You'd have to be desperate!" he said laughing and then dropped the invitation on the ground as they walked away.

"I am, I am alone in a town full of strangers for Christmas" replied the man as he reached down to retrieve the paper.

Reading it again out loud:

"Dear friend,

You are cordially invited to a feast. It begins at noon on Christmas Day.

Dress is casual and you are to bring nothing but your kind heart and gentle spirit.

There are no strangers. Just friends I haven't met."

222 Shady Brook Road

Your friend,

Jed Hanson"

The man set out, invitation in hand, to take part in a grand and glorious feast.

He walked past the old shacks the woman spoke about. Within each window were handmade decorations and the warmth and spirit of the day spilled out into the streets with the laughter of the neighborhood children.

There, at the end of the road, was a house not much better than the ones he passed.

He carefully stepped onto the porch and knocked gently on the door. Waiting another minute he tapped on window pane hoping to get someone's attention.

"I must be early. Where is everyone?" he said as he peeked through the window curtains.

Suddenly the door opened wide.

"Yes, my friend you are here for the feast?" the old man asked.

There standing in the doorway was Mr. Jed Hanson. He was dressed in an old carefully patched sweater, faded blue dress pants, white shirt and old neck tie. He motioned for him to enter.

"I'm sorry, I must be early."

"Not at all, my friend. Please come in it is about to begin."

Turning toward the adjacent room he saw a magnificent table laid out before him filled with all kinds of food and festive goodies for the holiday.

"There is so much. How many people attend this feast?"

"You are the first and only one, my friend."

"I can't believe that. With all of this, it is more than I even imagined. Why wouldn't you have hundreds of people here?"

"It is a sad fact. It is all based on their perception of me. I am a simple man, dressed in simple clothes. By today's standards I look poor and unworthy of anyone's attention. My home is old and worn, too. So no one chooses to enter," he said. Then pulling out the chair at the head of the table, he motioned to the man to sit.

"Once you learn the true value of this experience your life changes forever."

"What is the lesson here?"

"Every human being is like this house. Although on the outside we may look tattered and torn, it is what is on the inside that makes the difference. You accepted my invitation even after seeing me. You saw something inside of me that no one else did. Then upon seeing the home in which I reside, you did not turn away."

"I saw you as no different than I. Although your clothing gave the impression of a troubled soul, the spirit of your invitation told me you were sincere. When I saw your house, I thought nothing of it because I was focused on the feast within."

"There, my good friend, is the lesson. Every human being has value. Every situation in life, good or bad, has within it a valuable lesson."

My friend, life is a banquet and God has already given you, "The Invitation."

Won't you join us?

"I believe in you!" Bob Perks

Bob@BobPerks.com

Please don't remove my name and contact info!

If you are about to copy this story to share with your friends, please leave my name, email address. It is a copyrighted story and cannot be edited in any manner. Thanks!

And it came

 

Luke 2:15–16

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

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"Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever.” — Richelle E. Goodrich

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Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

performed by Nat King Cole, includes lyrics

Nat King Cole - O Little Town Of Bethlehem (Lyric Video) - YouTube

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth

O Holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born in us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel

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Holiday Recipe

Chili Beef Casserole  (When I cut and pasted this recipe, I forgot to include the sender’s name.  I’m sorry )

3/4 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup frozen green peas
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 (14.5 ounce) can canned tomatoes, drained and chopped
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 (15.25 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (11 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
4 (6 inch) corn tortillas, quartered
1/3 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium casserole dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until evenly brown. Drain, and set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat, and cook the onions until tender. Mix in the green pepper and peas, and season with chili powder and red pepper flakes. Stir the cooked beef, tomatoes, and tomato paste into the mixture. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 5 minutes. Mix in the kidney beans and corn.
4. Spoon 1/2 the skillet mixture into the prepared casserole dish, and top with 1/2 the tortilla quarters. Layer with remaining skillet mixture.
5. Cover and bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove cover, and top with remaining tortillas and cheese. Continue baking 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden brown.

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O Thou Joyful Day

O thou joyful day, O thou blessed day,

Holy, peaceful Christmas-tide!

Earth's hopes awaken,

Christ life has taken,

Laud Him, O laud Him on ev'ry side!

O thou joyful day, O thou blessed day,

Holy, peaceful Christmastide!

Christ's light is beaming,

Our souls redeeming,

Laud Him, O laud Him on every side!

O thou joyful day, O thou blessed day,

Holy, peaceful Christmastide!

King of all glory,

We bow before Thee,

Laud Him, O laud Him on every side!

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The Legend of the Christmas Pine Tree

On Christmas night, as Baby Jesus was born, three trees were put next to him: a date palm, an olive tree and a pine tree, and each of them offered him a present.

The olive tree gave its olives, the date palm its dates but, since the pine tree did not have any fruits to offer, stars miraculously landed over the pine tree and shone their light upon it. As he saw the lights, Baby Jesus raised his arms and smiled, it is said that it is the reason why pine tree became the tree of Christmas.

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A routine trip up  north took all day instead of just a few hours.  Here is today’s blog with a story of 2 boys who had Christmas in their hearts and shared the light and love of Christ with those less fortunate.  ~~ Marilee

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Unless

There’s Christmas in the home and church,
There’s Christmas in the mart;
But you'll not know what Christmas is
Unless it's in your heart.

The bells may call across the snow,
And carols search the air;
But, oh, the heart will miss the thrill
Unless it’s Christmas there.

True Christmas Joy

by Tennett Morrell

'Twas the day before Christmas, a long time ago
And our beautiful earth was all covered with snow;
Down the street with their sleighs came two manly boys,
Who paused at the window to look at the toys.

Already two others were there looking in;
But their faces were sad, and their clothes old and thin.
And the little one said, "is it because we're so poor
That Santa doesn't come to our house anymore? "

The older one patted his wee brother's head,
And hugged him up closely, as softly he said:
"Oh, maybe he will come tonight, little Tim,
If we ask in our prayers for the Lord to send him!"

The little face smiled, but the boys saw a tear
In the eye of the one who quelled little Tim's fear.
Then slowly and sadly the waifs went their way
To the place they called home, where that night they would pray.

The boys, with their sleighs, followed closely behind,
And neither one spoke, but in each childish mind
A beautiful thought said as plain as could be:
"I’ll share with those poor boys what Santa brings me. "

When the two reached their home, to their father they ran,
And eagerly told him their unselfish plan.
He was proud of his boys, who now felt that same love
That sent our dear Savior from His Home above.

Next morning, still thrilled with their beautiful thought,

They scampered downstairs to see what Santa brought,
And they, with the help of their father and mother,
Selected the presents for Tim and his brother.

And as the first light of dawn came into view
The two went their way with the toys bright and new,

And crept very quietly up to the door
Where they'd seen the boys enter the evening before.

As they hurried back home toward their own Christmas joys,
They could not even dream how the other two boys,
On finding that Santa had really been there,
Sent their joy to the One who had answered their prayer.

That night, when the "Santas" were ready for bed,
With a hand of their father on each curly head,
They knew, as they thought of two poor, happy boys,
What's the truest and choicest of all Christmas joys.

The End