Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” NIV
“When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness ... all the good things.” — Maya Angelou
Prince of Peace Song #LighttheWorld
Peace is here, angels near
Shepherds meek, wise men seek
Peace, peace, Price of peaces (Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah)
Healer of men, peace again
Peace
Pull-Apart Bacon Bread
Whisk together:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cut in:
3 tablespoons shortening
1/2 to 3/4 cup ice water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat for 5 minutes or until partially cooked; drain on paper towels. Roll out dough to 1/2-in. thickness; brush with 1 tablespoon oil. Cut into 1-in. pieces; place in a large bowl. Add the bacon, cheese, dressing mix and remaining oil; toss to coat.
Arrange pieces in a 9x5-in. oval on a parchment-lined baking sheet, layering as needed. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled.
Bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Cover with foil; bake 15 minutes longer or until golden brown.
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. Christ is often called the “Light of the World.” 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. There are times when spiritual darkness, sorrow, grief or anger surround us and we feel so very much alone. At one time Taylor Cladwell was a depressed, and frightened young mother. She was the sole support of her 5 year old daughter. Her rent of $30.00 was due right after Christmas and all she had was $15.00 and no job. She faced the bleakest Christmas of her life. She felt as old as death. God and man had both forgotten her. Christmas Eve that year brought miracles – gifts from a grateful friend, a $30.00 Christmas bonus check from a job she had earlier in the year. Her rent money! She had her rent money. She had Christmas presents for her daughter! After her daughter went to bed, she opened her mail expecting to see more bills and found a job offer from the government to start 2 days after Christmas! “I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all.
"And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.” Taylor Caldwell.
Finding hope at Christmas is as simple as knowing Christ is with us all of the time. We are never alone. Matthew calls Him “Immanuel” which literally means “God with us” ~~ Marilee
From Guidepost Magazine
Nine- year-old Wallace Purling was in the second grade. He should have been in fourth grade; but, he’d been held back twice. He was large for his age and a little slow and clumsy. He simply had trouble keeping up. He was very good natured, and everyone enjoyed it when Wallace was around.
He wanted to be a shepherd in the Christmas pageant but the director decided to make him the Innkeeper. His large size would make his refusal of lodging to Joseph more forceful.
A large audience gathered the night of the pageant. No one more excited than Wallace Purling. He was enraptured as he watched and waited in the wings for his part.
Finally Joseph arrived, gently guiding Mary. Joseph knocked on the wooden door. Wally was there, waiting.
With a loud brash voice Wally demanded, “What do you want?”
“We seek lodging.”
“Seek it elsewhere. The inn is filled.”
“Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary.”
“There is no room in this inn for you!” Wally looked properly stern.
“Please, good innkeeper. This is my wife. She is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surely you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired.”
Suddenly, Wally relaxed his stiff stance and looked down at Mary. (Long pause). The Audience tensed with embarrassment as they thought that Wally had forgotten his lines.
The prompter whispered Wally’s line. “No, begone!”.
Wally spoke automatically, “No! Begone,”
Joseph sadly placed his arm around Mary and began to move slowly away. Wally stood in the doorway watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open and his brow creased with concern, eyes filling with tears.
Suddenly the pageant became different from all others.
“Don’t go, Joseph. Bring Mary Back!” Wallace Purling’s face grew into a bright smile. “You can have my room
