Matt 11:28

 Matthew 11:28

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Out of the silence, Music

Out of the darkness, Light

Out of uncertainty, Promise

Love was born that night

Where love is born, it is Christmas.

This song talks about Christ's entire life and mission beginning with his birth.  It advises us to remember Him at Christmas.  Go to the “Welcome to ChristmasTracksBumps7!" Expand it.  There is a transcript button at the bottom which you can push that will show the lyrics.

Remember Him at Christmas - YouTube

The shepherd knelt.  The wise men saw the sign.

And heaven whispered softly, "This child is mine.”

…

He is the gift the Father gave to light our hearts and guide our way

Easy Pita Bread

2 ¼ c. flour

1 c. warm water

1 t. instant yeast

1 t. sugar

½ t. fine sea salt

Add water, yeast, sugar and salt to a large mixing bowl.  Whisk to combine, then set aside until frothy.  

Add the flour and mix until dough forms. Knead the dough several times inside the bowl until you can form a rough ball – it will be sticky.  Cover the bowl.  Place the bowl in a warm place and let rise until doubled. 

 Preheat the oven to 475 degrees for at least 30 minutes before  you bake the bread.

 Flour your work surface.  Divide the dough into 6 pieces.  Roll each portion into a ball, lightly dust with flour underneath and on top.  Cover with dishtowel and let rest for 10 minutes.  Using your fingers, press each dough ball into 6 inch circles on parchment paper.  Cover with dishtowel and let rest 10 to 15 minutes.  If you have a pizza stone, place it into the bottom rack of your oven. If you do not have one, turn a baking sheet upside down and place it onto the bottom rack of your oven. Transfer the pita circles on their parchment paper to the oven.  (I can fit 3 at a time on my stone) Bake until puffed with some golden spots, 5 to 6 minutes.

Faith in Christ begins with the desire to believe in something more than we can see.  It is not wishful thinking or merely a pipedream.  We need snow desperately in our area.  I looked out the window this morning and wished it would snow!   Do I expect it to happen?  No.  It would be nice, but it’s not going to happen today and all of the wishing in the world won’t change that.  A pipedream is something which is totally disconnected from reality.  In Hebrews 11:1 we read that faith is ‘the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’  Verse 6 says we must believe in God and diligently seek him.  We can increase our faith daily and find peace at Christmas by believing and stating each day with prayer.  ~~ Marilee

Emmanuel

There is a legend of an African boy called Emmanuel, who was always asking questions. One day he asked the question, “What language does God speak?” No one could answer him. He traveled all over his country to find the answer but did not get a satisfactory answer. Eventually he set out for distant lands to find the answer. For a long time he had no success. At last he came one night to a village called Bethlehem and as there was no room in the local inn, he went outside the village in search of a shelter for the night. He came to a cave and found that it too was occupied by a couple and a child. He was about to turn away when the young mother spoke, ‘Welcome Emmanuel, we’ve been waiting for you.” The boy was amazed that the woman knew his name. He was even more amazed when she went on to say, “For a long time you have been searching the world over to find out what language God speaks. Well, now your journey is over. Tonight you can see with your own eyes what language God speaks. He speaks the language of love, that is expressed in sharing, understanding, mercy and total acceptance.”  

"WHEN SHEPHERDS CAME"

By Ellen Decker

When the Shepherds came to Bethlehem

So many years ago,

They didn't come for Santa Claus

Or Christmas trees aglow.

They didn't come for candy canes,

Or Chestnuts on the Fire,

They came to see the Holy Child

As told them by the Choir.

The Angel said to them, "Fear not,

For on this Holy Day.

God has sent His Son to Earth

Just as the Prophets say."

Isaiah spoke of a king to come

Who would live to save us all,

The humble Shepherds were the First

To see the Baby small.

This Christmas Eve, let's you and I

Renew our love for God,

And vow to keep him in our hearts

And share His love abroad.

John 14:6

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

2025 –Christmas in Bethlehem. The ancient dream: a cold, clear night made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love.” —Lucinda Franks

                                                                       

The Star Still Shines (New Christmas song by Shawna Edwards)

“I love the idea that “The Star Still Shines” over Bethlehem, and over us today. I wrote this song to share my belief that, though the world grows darker, we can find peace and joy and light through our efforts to seek Jesus Christ.” Shawna Edwards

If we seek the light

When peace is hard to find,

He’ll send us silent nights

And touch our ears 

So we can hear an angel voice.

                                                                       

This has been a challenging year. Political strife, war, gun violence, acts of terrorism, hatred and economic struggles have made the headlines almost every day. The question becomes “How can we find peace at Christmas time when we are surrounded by despair?” It seems to me that the answer is simple. We find it through practicing the teachings of Jesus Christ –faith, hope and charity. It is doubtful that our actions as individuals will change the world as a whole, but they can and will transform our own “worlds” this Christmas. In Colossians 3:15 we are told to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. We are called to be thankful. Romans 15:13 reads “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Where do we find hope? We find it in the lives of the people around us, in the stories of good people. They’re everywhere. They are people who believe that this life is a gift, that this life is a treasure. They choose to share that belief and bring happiness and joy to others. Look for their stories. Charity is the pure love of Christ. It is treating others with kindness and compassion. It is tolerance. It is making a difference in our communities by lifting those around us– by “seeing” the lonely, invisible people of this world as well as our friends, neighbors and family. It is smiling, opening doors, saying “Hello”, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and praying for those in need which will make this Christmas peaceful. ~~ Marilee

                                                                       

Orange-Chip Cranberry Bread

Yield:2 loaves

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs, room temperature

3/4 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons grated orange zest

1 cup buttermilk

1-1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed

1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts

3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, optional

2 tablespoons orange juice, optional

In a bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. In another bowl, combine eggs, oil and orange zest; mix well. Add to dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk. Fold in cranberries, chocolate chips and walnuts.

Pour into 2 greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. If glaze is desired, combine confectioners' sugar and orange juice until smooth; drizzle over cooled loaves.

                                                                       

Throughout the years I have had many stories shared by readers.  Here’s a memory from Judy which she shared in 2012.

“Several years ago we read the story of Eric’s Last Straw and decided to do that as a family.  Our  family drew names each morning and did their little acts of service throughout the day.  Our son, Samuel, didn’t quite catch on to the idea.  He sat at the piano painfully picking out a tune and announced to my daughter that he was doing her piano practice for the day.  Another day he tried to do his brother’s homework.  Probably the craziest thing that happened though was when he attempted to load the dishwasher for me and poured regular dish soap into the dishwasher.  Our kitchen was filled with soap bubbles!  Even with some crazy acts of service, it really helped the Christmas spirit in our home.  The following year we did it again with a difference.  We drew the names in the morning and instead of putting bits of rafia around our nativity, we wrote down each night the acts of service which we thought had been performed for us that day and put them in a jar.  Our family became focused on recognizing the good things which were going on in our home and showing gratitude for them.  Every day was happier and more peaceful than the day before.  On Christmas Eve, we opened our jars and shared their contents.  This was truly amazing.  We have done it that way ever since.”

                                                                      

A LEGEND

~Author Unknown

There's a beautiful legend

That's never been told

It may have been known

To the Wise Men of old

How three little children

Came early at dawn,

With hearts that were sad,

To where Jesus was born.

One could not see,

One was too lame to play,

While the other, a mute,

Not a word could he say.

Yet, led by His star,

They came there to peep

At the little Lord Jesus

With eyes closed in sleep.

But how could the Christ Child,

So lovely and fair,

Not waken and smile

When He heard their glad prayer

Of hope at His coming,

Of faith in His birth,

Of praise at His bringing

God's peace to the earth?

And, then, as the light

Softly came through the door,

The lad that was lame

Stood upright once more.

The boy that was mute

Started sweetly to sing,

While the child that was blind

Looked with joy on the King!

Let There Be Peace On Earth by Vince Gill

John 3:16

 

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.”

                                                            

"Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.”  Dale Evans

If I Were There - Official Music Video

This is a lovely video of a choir in a Christmas background showing children sitting around a nativity, singing in a group, and a young girl playing the piano.

If I were there, I’d find the manger

And bow before the tiny Savior.

I’d sense the peace that filled the air

If I were there, if I were there.

I love reading.  One of my favorite authors growing up was Jules Verne.  I read “20,000 Leagues under the Sea,” “Journey to the Center of The Earth” and “Around the World in 80 Days” more times than I can count.  I used to lay under the covers with a flashlight at night, reading about Phileas Fogg and how he made a bet to do the impossible – to circumnavigate the world in 80 days.  He traveled by train, by balloon, by stagecoach and by elephant accompanied by his servant, Jean Passepartout.  (I took French in school because I loved that name!)  Bad things happened along the way.  He was mistaken for a bank robber and hunted by Inspector Fix throughout much of the book.  Phileas discovered a young widow about to be sacrificed in a funeral pyre with her husband’s remains in India.  He rescued her.  He was spied on. Passepartout was kidnapped - Phileus rescued him.  He missed his connections.  What can I say - it’s an exciting book!  Phileus finally made it back to London and realized that he returned one day too late.  He missed the deadline by 1 day.  Tragic.  It was so sad.   Then he discovered it was not too late!  He forgot about the international date line!  He went to his club, strode through the doors and proclaimed to one and all, “I’m here.”  What does that have to do with Christmas?  Each of us is on a journey back to God.   At times it seems hard, almost impossible to accomplish.  We don’t know how to manage the trials and the obstacles we face.  We find ourselves saying, “Where do I go from here?  Do I even have the time to get there from here?” We do.  Our Savior provides us with the time and the guidance we need.  Thank you, dear Savior, for Your love, Your example, Your guidance, and your peace.  Throughout this month, we’ll be talking about the power of love and peace in our lives starting with Christmas and lasting forever. 

Peace is not just a season’s guest,

but a seed in the soul where love finds rest.

Even in winter’s longest cold,

a single kindness can turn to gold.

So let the quiet of Christmas stay,

guiding our steps beyond the holy day—

For peace, once kindled, will always grow,

like light on fresh and glistening snow.

Marilee

Baguettes

2 c warm water

2 t sugar

1 T yeast

1 T olive oil

5 - 51/2 c. flour

1 egg for egg wash

Combine warm water, sugar and yeast.  Allow to activate and bubble for about 5 minutes.  Pour liquid in bread maker or bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook, then add 4 cups flour, salt and oil.  Mix on low speed until combined.  Add in the remaining 1 - 1  ½ cups flour, starting with 1 cup. The dough should form a soft ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl.  Knead for 5 minutes until the dough is elastic-y and smooth. If the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, add flour 2 Tablespoons at a time until it pulls away. Turn the dough onto a lightly greased surface and divide in half. Roll up length wise and press down gently to push out any air pockets. Pinch the ends and tuck the ends under.  Preheat the oven to 415*. Using an extremely sharp knife, make slashes diagonally across the top of the bread. If you don't have a super sharp knife, make the slashes before rising so as not to flatten the rise. Bake at 415*F. Put the bread in the oven and throw in a small handful of ice cubes (4-5) on the bottom, quickly closing the oven door. Bake for 20 minutes. While baking, whisk egg in a small bowl. At minute 12, pull out and spread with egg wash, then return to the oven for an additional 8 minutes. The bread will be done when it's deep golden and sounds hollow when turned over and thumped on the bottom with the end of a wooden spoon.

* hint:  Don't let the dough rise longer than an hour with this one! Usually dough is fine if the first rise is a little long, but not with this recipe. I've made the mistake more than once, and the dough is always sticky and difficult to work with. If you do go longer than an hour, the bread will still turn out and taste delicious, it's just harder to shape into beautiful loaves.

This site has more than 500 free Christmas printables for children

Christmas Worksheets | Education.com

There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. The contest stirred the imagination of artists everywhere. Many artists wanted a chance at winning the prize. Paintings from far and wide began to arrive.

The king looked at all the pictures, uncovering one peaceful scene after another as the on-lookers clapped and cheered. The tensions grew as only two pictures remained veiled. As the king pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd. 

It was a picture of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a beautiful blue sky with fluffy white clouds. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace. Surely this was the winner.

The king uncovered the last painting, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace? This picture had mountains like the previous painting but these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall; the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating spray. This did not look peaceful at all.

But when the king looked closely, he saw a little bird had built a nest on a branch of a tree. A tree that reached out in the direction of the tumultuous waterfall. Yet there, in the midst of the rush of angry water, undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, sat the mother bird on her nest – in perfect peace. 

The king chose the last picture.

Isaiah 9:6

 

Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

If we are to have the very best Christmas ever, we must listen for the sound of sandaled feet. We must reach out for the Carpenter’s hand. With every step we take in His footsteps, we abandon a doubt and gain a truth. – Thomas S. Monson

Christmas is a time when we find our way back home, whether in person or in our hearts. It's a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, relive childhood memories, continue cherished traditions, and share hospitality and good will with others.  I become like a child every December.  Charles Dickens said ,”“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.”  Sharing my love of Christmas through daily quotes and thoughts began in 1997.  The sharing of music, recipes, decorating tips, and  gift ideas started in 2000.  That’s  25 years!  There have been so many stories shared, so much music listened to, so many recipes tried, so many walks taken with Christ.   Thank you for joining me.  This year’s blog will include music, games, recipes, stories, and poems.  It will  also include many favorite stories and poems  from years past.  There will be new material as well.  Join me as I become a child again.  ~~ Marilee

This year’s music links will include beautiful videos which paint visual pictures and fill our hearts with beautiful music and thoughts.  All of the videos are found on youtube.  There will be adds that pop up.  I do not promote the  products in these  ads. 

"Do You Hear What I Hear" (Official Music Video) | GENTRI

This is a fantastic video of  young children talking about the Savior’s birth  interspersed with the music of Gentri.  I love the innocence of children.

“ Said the king to the people everywhere, 

"Listen to what I say! 

Pray for peace, people, everywhere, 

Listen to what I say! 

The Child, the Child sleeping in the night

He will bring us goodness and light,

He will bring us goodness and light."

 Our recipes this year will be bread recipes.

Apple Cinnamon muffins

Crumb Topping

1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar

1 Tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, melted

2/3 cup (84g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

Muffins

1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup (120g) yogurt or sour cream, at room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup (60ml) milk (any kind), at room temperature

1 and 1/2 cups (180g) peeled & chopped apples (1/2-inch chunks; you need about 2 medium apples)

Vanilla Icing (Optional)

1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar

3 Tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream (or milk for a thinner consistency)

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with cupcake liners. 

Make the crumb topping: Mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter, and then gently mix in the flour using a fork. Keep the mixture as large crumbles and do not over-mix.Set topping aside.

Make the muffins: Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.

Beat the butter and both sugars together on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. 

 Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute, then turn up to high speed until the mixture is combined and mostly creamy. Add the dry ingredients and milk into the wet ingredients and beat until no flour pockets remain. Fold in the apples.

Spoon the batter evenly into each cup or liner, filling each all the way to the top. Spoon crumb topping on each, gently pressing it down so it sticks.

Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Bake for an additional 15–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling.

Make the icing: Whisk all of the icing ingredients together and drizzle over muffins.

Fill the Christmas Stocking Game
Supplies:
Stocking, spoon and bowl for each team.
Wrapped candy.
Divide into teams. Have children line up at one end of the room. At the other end, hang a Christmas stocking for each team. Place a bowl of candy and a spoon in front of each team. Each child takes a turn taking a candy from the bowl with the spoon. They then carry the candy on the spoon to the stocking and drop the candy in the stocking. Race back to the next person in line, give them the spoon. First team to fill the stocking wins!

Oven Mitts Game

Sit in a circle or around a table.  Hand a present to the first person in the group.  Have him put on the oven mitts.  Set a timer for 30 seconds.  The first player then tries to open the wrapped gift. If he doesn’t have it unwrapped when the buzzer goes off the present and the gloves are passed to the next player.  The timer is reset and the next person tries.  Once the time is up, if the present remains wrapped, the next person gets a go. Continue until all presents have been opened.

Christmas is a special time of year, a blessed time, wonderful time of year. In thinking about the “wonders” associated with this time of year, I thought about the  Seven Wonders Of The World.

  A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the  present "Seven Wonders of the World."

  Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most  votes:

      1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
      2. Taj Mahal
      3. Grand Canyon
      4. Panama Canal
      5. Empire State Building
      6. St. Peter's Basilica
      7. China's Great Wall

  While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student  hadn't turned in her paper yet.  So she asked the girl if she was having  trouble with her list!

  The girl replied, "Yes, a little.  I couldn't quite make up my mind  because there were so many."

  The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."

  The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World'  are:

      1. to see
      2. to hear
      3. to touch
      4. to taste
      5. to feel
      6. to laugh
      7. and to love."

  The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

  The things we overlook as simple, ordinary and take for granted are truly wondrous!
A gentle reminder -- the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.”

After reading this, I came up with my “7 Christmas Wonders of the world”
    1.  God loved us enough to send his only begotten Son
    2. Jesus Christ loved us enough to live for us, that we might learn the pathway to follow to return to Him
    3. He fills our hearts with peace.
    4.  He Knows us each as individuals. He knows our weaknesses, our strengths and loves us anyway.
    5.  He hears our prayers.
    6.  He carries us when we cannot fight on by ourselves
    7.  He died for us, and atoned for our sins making eternal life a reality

These are my “wonders.”  What are yours?  Marilee