Now when

 Matthew 2:1-2

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him

“At Christmas, all roads lead home.”—Marjorie Holmes

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

 Jeannine Lasky, Masafumi Fukud

…

Hearts heal at Christmastime

When the seeds of forgiveness are planted within our hearts

Soft words, spoken freely

Fill the air with joyful sounds

Warm smiles shared with gladness

Lift the spirits of those worn down

Dean loves Cinnamon Apples 🙂

Cinnamon Apples

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into eighths

1/4 cup butter, cubed

In a small bowl, mix the first 5 ingredients. Place apples in a greased 5-qt. slow cooker; add sugar mixture and toss to coat. Top with butter. Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until apples are tender, stirring halfway through cooking.

Today is a traditional day of love and joy for our family.  Today is my sweetest of heart’s birthday.  Every year, Dec. 5 is a love letter to him.  The entire month is a love letter to Our Savior.  Here are some of my favorite love quotes ~~ 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.

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Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years... Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart. ~ George Matthew Adams

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Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most. ~Ruth Carter Stapleton

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Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love,

a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness,

a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God. ~George McDougall

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“Love is a gift from God, and as we obey His laws and genuinely learn to serve others, we develop God's love in our lives. Love of God is the means of unlocking divine powers which help us to live worthily and to overcome the world.” ~  David B Haight

Why Santa Has A Beard

You've all heard many stories about Santa and his workshop at the North pole. You have also heard stories about his sleigh and reindeer. But this is a story about Santa that very few people know, read closely, I'll tell you why my hu . . . I mean why Santa decided to grow a beard.

As you know, the weather is very, very cold at the North pole. Santa didn’t like the cold, but he needed room for a BIG workshop, and the price was right, so there we made our home. Santa worked hard all year making toys for his Christmas Eve visit. 

During his few leisure moments, he dreamt of going to California (a place he’d flown over while delivering toys) and driving a classic car down Highway 1 to the beach at Malibu (with his radio blaring out “Surfing USA” www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s4slliAtQU ). He dreamt of roasting marshmallows with Mrs. Claus at a bonfire on the beach and of riding the waves at Big Sur, Huntington, La Jolla and wind surfing at Zuma Beach. 

The truth is, that after hundreds of years of making toys, Santa needed relaxation and a chance to get away from the snow and ice. One year, 1984 to be exact, while flying his sleigh over a junkyard in Franklin County, Idaho, he saw the rusted-out body of a 1956 Bel Air Convertible. On his return flight, he stopped at the junkyard, bought the convertible and hauled it home. Mrs. Claus just shook her head. He pounded away on that body for years, filled, sanded, painted and rebuilt everything mechanical. Then he turned it over to the elves to re-upholster. He could hardly wait for it to be done.

Soon Santa’s favorite way to relax after a stressful day in the shop was to take a leisurely ride in his “sports” sleigh (picture a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible on runners). Routinely, Santa put the top up, turned his wonder bar radio to a beach boys station, cranked the heater up full blast, and bundled up in his Chevy sleigh for a ride nearly every day. Once, after a particularly frustrating day, he was in such a hurry that he left the top down and forgot to wrap his heavy wool scarf around his face. When he got back from his ride, Santa had the most beautiful white icicles hanging down the sides of his face and chin, just like a beard. He walked into the shop where Mrs. Claus was making cookies, and the elves were busy working.

When Mrs. Claus looked up and saw Santa, she squealed with delight. "Why, Santa Claus-y Dear, you look absolutely marvelous with your sparkling white beard." When Santa saw how delighted his wife was, he was very flattered and decided right then and there to grow a long, flowing white beard and mustache. And that is exactly what he did.

Of course, by doing this, he made himself so handsome that Mrs. Claus used to make special trips out to the workshop just to give him a big smile and a kiss. This made Santa blush so much that to this day, he is still blushing. That's why his cheeks look so rosy.

Santa's second sleigh looked just like a Can Am 2 up 4-Wheeler. Mrs. Claus loved it because she loved to wrap her arms around Santa and hold him tight!

These days Mrs. Claus takes sleigh rides with Santa on their new sleigh which looks just like a Jagged X RZR. She loves having room to bring their dog, Pickles, with them and loves to hold Santa's hands while they are riding!!

But while he

 I had some formatting problems today -- Sorry about that

Matt 1:20-21

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

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“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing, but of reflection.”—Winston Churchill

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This is a beautiful, haunting rendition.  I loved it!

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel | BYU Vocal Point

O come, o come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, o Israel

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#3 - Cheesy Potato Soup

1 (28 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

2 cups diced cooked ham

½ cup diced onion

2 stalks celery, chopped

4 cups chicken broth

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

1 - 8 oz package cream cheese, softened

1 - 8 oz package shredded Cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons chopped green onions, or to taste

Combine hash browns, ham, onion, celery, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a slow cooker. Stir well to combine. Place the lid on the slow cooker.  Cook on Low heat until celery is soft, 4 to 5 hours. Mix in cream cheese and Cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted. Cover and cook on Low for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve topped with chopped green onions as a garnish.

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thefrugalgirls.com has some great decorating and craft ideas. Here's a link to their site. Its fun. I want to do the christmas jar candles.

45 Christmas Decorating Ideas for 2024! (Budget Friendly)

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When our children were small we were in the Santa Claus stage of Christmas. We had snowmen, and reindeer, music boxes and nutcrackers, squeaky little animal songs that drove us crazy and that was all good. We always made sure to include nativities and stories about Jesus Christ in our home even in the Santa Claus years. In Psalms we read that “In His (your) presence is fullness of joy." As our children aged, the Santa Claus room was replaced with the baby Jesus room. Beautiful nativities, gorgeous carols, candle light surrounded us. We knew that “In His (your) presence is fullness of joy." Now we are in our Adult Jesus years. We still have our Baby Jesus room, but we know we need ALL of his truths -- the truths of His birth, His life and His atoning sacrifice. “In His (your) presence is fullness of joy." ~~ Marilee

Any suggestions for a title for this that's more fun than Marilee's Night Before?

Marilee's Night Before  

        Thank you for the inspiration Clement C. Moore

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through our house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

Our nativities were placed through house with great care,

And the sweet tunes of Christmas filled the night air.

Our grandchildren were nestled far away in their beds;

While visions of Christmas morning danced in their heads;

No candy, or cookies or presents to wrap

I just sat in my chair and took a quick nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
(Nothing was hidden outside, so what did it matter?)_
I couldn't help myself, away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the skies;

So in through my window jumped cats of all size

Persians and Siamese; Calicos and Manx.

In they jumped without offering one single thanks.

To the top of my piano, to the top of my tree

To the top of my head, they were all over me!

One knocked a book right off of my shelf.

It fell on my lap and it opened itself!

Luke 2 - The words of the story I begin to glance through

Then faster and faster I read with great need.

And my soul on these words began to feed.

Luke 2: 1, 3-19

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

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.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

I held onto the book and my heart filled with joy

To think of Our Savior who came as a boy.

But you, O

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.

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“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.”

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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.

The Innkeeper - Let Him In

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

For to us

 Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you.”—Saint Teresa of Calcutta

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The television show “The Chosen” has done many beautiful Christmas Concerts.  This song is from one of those concerts.  Cain is a Christian group.  So why would a Christian group call itself Cain? Because it’s their last name.  This video song shows the group performance and is more of a country style of music.

CAIN - "Wonderful" (Christmas with The Chosen) - YouTube

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I need a wonderful counselor

The mighty God, the prince of peace

Who's strong enough to carry me

Immanuel, God with us

The one whose love will never end

Oh, Jesus, can you make this season

Wonderful?

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What is joy? Where is it found? How do we increase it's presence in our lives? These are all good questions. Let's see if together we can find some good answers. Websters says that joy is "a noun and a verb that refers to a feeling of great pleasure or happiness, or something that gives joy". I like Dr. Pamela Ebstyne King's definition. "Joy is an enduring, deep delight in what holds the most significance". I find joy in Christmas traditions. I find joy in setting up and decorating my nativity tree, baking cookies, giving hugs and being a Secret Santa for someone. Observing our family traditions fills me with warmth and love. It makes me feel all smiles. I guess you could say my definition of joy is "warmth, hugs, love, smiles and deep delight". ~~ Marilee

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Here's a fun ornament making project you can try :

How to make Yarn Wrapped Star ornaments for Christmas

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/117164027799455195/

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All of the recipes this year will be crockpot recipes. I looked for a good one to start the year off with a bang (or a punch if you like puns)

Spiced berry punch

4 cups frozen unsweetened mixed berries

1/4 cup sugar

2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)

6 whole star anise

8 cups cranberry-raspberry juice

Mixed fresh berries, optional

In a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 5 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low 2-3 hours or until heated through. Strain punch, discarding fruit and spices. If desired, serve with fresh berries.

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Norman Wesley Brooks wrote this holiday poem in 1976, spreading the spirit of Christmas throughout the year. He worked as a draftsman and design engineer, but loved his hobbies of singing, piano, and poetry.

Let Every Day Be Christmas

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.
– Norman Wesley Brooks

The True Meaning of Christmas ~ A Poem by Brian Walters

Can be found at:

“The True Meaning of Christmas” by Brian Walters – Literary Fictions

The True Meaning of Christmas – All Christmas

In today’s day and time,
it’s easy to lose sight
of the true meaning of Christmas
and one special night.

Amidst the tinsel and glitter
of ribbons of gold,
we forget about the child
born on a night so cold.

When we go shopping
we ask “How much will it cost?”
Then the true meaning of Christmas
somehow becomes lost.

The children look for Santa
and his big red sleigh
and forget about the child
whose bed was made of hay.

In reality, when we look
into the night sky
we don’t see a sleigh
but a star burning bright and high.

A faithful reminder
of that night so long ago
and the child called Jesus
whose love the world would know.