Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
^
^^^
^^^^^
!
“The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when He gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of His Son.”
^
^^^
^^^^^
!
This beautiful lyric video uses Michael McLean’s song from “The Forgotten Carols” set to a video of Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph’s arrival and the birth of the Savior, the shepherds and even us today. It’s a heart touching song of love, forgiveness and hope. I’m sure you will enjoy it as well.
Music by Michael McClean
And whether it be
In
your world today
Or a crowded Bethlehem Inn,
Find a
way
Make Him room
Let Him in
^
^^^
^^^^^
!
When I focus on myself, I feel pretty inadequate and I wonder how anyone as "human" as I am could ever do Christmas right! Then memories flood in of times when Christmas past was filled with joy. In the book of John, Christ is referred to as the lamb of God. More than 10 years ago, my closest neighbors had sheep. They raised them for their wool and also to sell as breeding stock. I loved to walk down and look at them, to take my grandchildren with me, especially at Christmas time. We talked about our Savior and how he is both the Shepherd and the Lamb. When Linda (the owner/shepherd) entered the pens, they followed her wherever she went. They “mobbed” her, wanting to be close to her, to touch her. She loved her lambs, and they loved her. The Savior was the perfect lamb, the one who would be sacrificed for all of us because He loves us, and we love Him. I think of Him every time I drive down the road. Take a look at your own past and resurrect your memories of joyful times. Look for connections to Our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the source of our joy. ~~ Marilee
^
^^^
^^^^^
!
Lamb crafts for children:
Paper plate lambs:
http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/melamb.html
Easy Lamb Craft
© by Leanne Guenther
This cute little lamb is described as a March project, it will be great for Christmas. The project involves gluing cotton balls or batting to a round circle and then gluing on facial features – easy and cute. For complete instructions, check the above link, or go to my pinterest page.
^
^^^
^^^^^
!
Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
1
(3-pound) beef brisket (preferably flat cut)
2 teaspoons kosher
salt, divided
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 large sweet
onions, thinly sliced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon
smoked paprika
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1
teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups
low-sodium beef broth
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed light
brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 pound red potatoes,
cut into 2-inch pieces
1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into
1-inch pieces
Prepare the brisket, set it in the slow
cooker. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. If your brisket has a
particularly thick fat cap, you can remove it now — I almost never
bother, though, as the fat makes for an even more luxurious brisket.
Sprinkle the brisket on all sides with 1 teaspoon of the salt. Place
it in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
Brown the onions
and garlic over medium-high heat. Heat the oil in a large frying pan
over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onions and cook until
softened and beginning to brown and char in some spots, about 8
minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes
more.
Add the spices and cook until fragrant. Add the
smoked paprika, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and remaining 1
teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until very fragrant,
about 1 minute.
Move the onions and garlic to the slow
cooker, covering the brisket. Carefully transfer the onions over the
brisket.
Deglaze the pan with the beef broth, then add the
sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer. Return the pan to
medium-high heat, add the broth, and use a spatula or wooden spoon to
scrape all the lovely browned bits up off the bottom of the pan. Add
the ketchup, brown sugar, and tomato paste, and stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then pour over the onions and
brisket.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add the
potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker, tucking them around the
brisket. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours. The
brisket is done when it easily shreds when pulled, but it shouldn’t
be falling apart.
^
^^^
^^^^^
!
The Christmas Lamb
By Linda A. Copp
extracted from http://sunniebunniezz.com/poetry/thechristmaslamb5.htm
Have you ever heard the story of "The Christmas Lamb?"
It was a cold and wintry evening
over 2,000 years ago,
when "The Christmas Star" arose.
Big and bold and bright,
shining over Bethlehem
it set the night aglow.
Shepherds standing watch
over their flocks nearby
in awe, looking to the sky
decided to follow it and so,
They were the first to visit HIM,
the first to come to know
of this babe laid in a manger
huddling against the cold,
Fulfilling the ancient prophecy
of what had been foretold.
This little boy, this newborn, King of Kings
wrapped up in rags and yet,
crowned in peace and light,
Was what this little lamb had come to see
as he followed them that night.
Then looking on with shepherds,
the donkey and the ox,
this little lamb saw something more
that he could do.
And walking bravely from amidst
the shepherds' flocks,
He lay down by the sleeping boy,
to warm this Prince of Peace.
And wrapped himself about HIS feet
offering his fleece
as warmth against the icy air.
His body to be a living blanket of
his loving care.
Little Jesus opened up his eyes
and touched him
with his small yet, loving hands,
Thankful for this lamb's sweet gift
he'd given just as lovingly,
to the Son of Man.
Then baby Jesus filled him with HIS Spirit
then bade him with a smile
to go forth and to do this~
To follow in the footsteps of those
who would come to speak HIS name
and those who would give of themselves
so joyously, that they would know
they'd do this not in vain.
For he was the Messiah
they had long been waiting for,
And this was the holiest of nights
that had ever been thus, far.
Now, The little lamb stayed with the Child
long after this holy eve
for in his heart he knew the truth,
his faith and he believed.
And still watching then,
when much later,
the three Wisemen came
kneeling with their gifts of
franc, incense and myrrh
and murmuring Jesus name.
He touched them with his simplicity,
his humility!
A symbol evermore
Of the Christ Child in all HIS glory.
And so, you see,
This is the simple story
of how a little lamb
who gave unselfishly
but of himself
came to understand
the wonder and the glory
of "The Christmas Story!"
By Linda A. Copp
December 17, 2001
