|
|
|
|
|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
RE: Diane's Thoughts both deep and not so deep! - 12/2/2005 10:48:36 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 
Hello Everyone! Welcome to Diane's thoughts, both deep and not so deep on this cold December evening!
I hope everyone had a great day and a nice supper. I did extra childcare today for a little one born with some mild Cerebral Palsy. He's running, climbing, hugging, kissing, grabbing my HUGE lab puppy by both ears and kissing him in the mouth, chasing the cat, helping me burp the Cystic Fibrosis baby and just enjoying himself. It was a nice bit of extra money too!
We had a fun supper. Jon took off work. He has 4 days vacation left to be used before Jan. 1 so my boys got really silly at supper. Must have been something in the Taco's. EEK! I told them there must be a special place in heaven for women who live with all men!
Jim worked late again and then took some Christmas items to a family who just moved into the area and left behind many of their things. Seems like there are so many needs this time of year.
Nick has practice for his home school band concert tomorrow for 2 hours in another town. I think we'll spend a little time trying to find a few Christmas gifts while he's there. Next Saturday is his concert. This is his first year in band and he's playing trumpet. I am a saint! He practices 3 times a day. I do not cover my ears!
Well, enjoy your evening and keep warm. Christmas is coming SOON!
 
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
My Official "Naughty or Nice" Ranking - 12/5/2005 7:00:13 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
Happy December 5th to all! Can you believe it's only 18 days til Christmas?
Hey, I just got this........
The Official "Naughty or Nice" Ranking
for Diane: Nice (A+)
Dated this Monday, December 05, 2005
At The North Pole
Ho! Ho! Ho! Diane!
Congratulations Diane!! You really are so good that you should be the angel on top of the tree!
Everyone at the North Pole, including me, is very proud of you Diane! Keep up the wonderful work!
Merry Christmas!
Santa Claus
I must admit..... I know I've been very good this year so was not worried a bit! Santa and I go way back!
Meanwhile, it was a bit of a long day. The infant with Cystic Fibrosis didn't feel well and fussed no matter how much walking, dancing, singing, feeding, rocking I did. His mom was much later than usual too.
Tomorrow my 4 year old day care child returns. He's been at Grandma's house for 12 days. He comes at 5:45 so I MUST go to bed on time tonight! No real excuse to stay up! The kitchen's cleaned, clothes are folded, we've got plenty of Christmas DVD's to lull me to sleep.... Oh I'll think of SOMETHING! LOL
Next week I'll have another newborn. Her name is Sadie and she weighs only 9 pounds at 9 weeks. She's beautiful! I'll not have her again until school starts again in Jan., but I'm SO thankful for the extra income!
Wishing you all a warm and cozy night....... and
|
|
|
|
|
Three Wise Men? NOT! - 12/7/2005 9:30:27 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 
Hi Everyone, Boy what a wild bunch in AWANA tonight! WHEW!
I taught them about the birth of Jesus. I explained that the manger was a feeding trough with fresh hay. The stable was most probably a cave, since the homes in Bethlehem were on the side of hills (limestone), and the stable would have been where the Inn Keeper let his guests put their animals.
I explained that since the Star appeared when Jesus was born, the wise men (NOT THREE! NEVER does the Bible say 3 wisemen nor Kings) would have gotten their supplies and helpers together, set off from Persia, 1,200 miles away, on camels and probably arrived about a year later. I also explained that these wise men knew the scripture well enough and had faith that it was true so that they were watching for the star to appear. One of the verses I used for this said that Joseph and Mary took pigeons as an offering when they took Jesus to temple, so certainly they had no gold or other fine gifts yet.
I told them how the gifts from the Magi had special importance.
Gold was a gift for a King! Jesus is the King of Kings!
Frankincense was burned by the priests during special days to help prayers on their way to heaven. In fact, priest comes from a word that means 'builder of a bridge' and Jesus bridged the gap between God and sinful man, US!
Then I told them about myrrh being used in burials and reminds us that Jesus was born to die. Also, myrrh is known as the Balm of Gilead and comes from a fir tree.... our Christmas tree.
I told them the best Christmas gift of all is Jesus!
I give my lessons to kids in Kindergarten through grade 2 and they soak in a good bit. The kids love to please me by reminding me of past lessons. I really believe God called me to teach the little ones about His precious Son!
I hope everyone has had a lovely night. We're expecting some rain tonight and tomorrow morning but with very low temps. Seems like the only time we get sleet or snow, it happens at night! I miss snow SO much and wish it would snow during the day and enough that the children could go out and play.
God Bless and Keep you Safe!
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Want to see 2 of our Christmas Trees? Here they are! - 12/9/2005 8:14:50 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
This tree is in our bedroom. The glass balls are actually a shade of pale mauve.
Here's one 'shot' of our tree in our living room.
Here's a close up.
Nick's room is a mess so I didn't take one of his tree.
Diane
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday was a BUSY day! - 12/10/2005 9:09:36 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matthew 2:10
Happy Saturday Evening to all! Hope you enjoyed seeing two of our trees. I took a picture of Nick's tree but something has messed up on our camera software, hubby uninstalled it and now we can't find the disc to reload. EEK!
What a busy, busy day! Nick had his Home School Band Recital and they did really well. We went to Wendy's for lunch. We NEVER eat fast food but it was good. We made a trip to Wal-Mart and Kroger to pick up some things we needed and then came home to do our chores.
Jon blew the leaves in the front yard into the large flower beds for us and then did around the fence in the backyard. Our backyard is about 3/4ths of an acre and we have about 100 trees of different sizes in our yard so this is no small chore. Then Jon put up my 3 lighted deer, matching Christmas tree and lampost. He put the greenery and lights on the railings out front and then put red/ white, red/ white lights in that. It looks really pretty.
Jim and Nick cleaned our rec room downstairs. They waxed the air hockey table and cleaned the top of the kids pool table and dusted his Foosball table. Nick has a friend coming home with him from church tomorrow.
I did the cleaning upstairs, laundry and wrapped little Jack's presents to be mailed on Monday. These are for Christmas AND some for his birthday. I send them all at once to save on postage.
Next, Jim and Nick did Nick's room. He has SO much and it was pretty dusty. All cleaned now.
All in all it was a fun day. I wonder, sometimes, if we're the only family who all need to know the Heimlich Manueuver because we laugh so much at supper that someone is going to choke.
Jon's gone back out to waterproof the plugs to the decorations. Hope he doesn't shock himself! LOL
Scooter is snoring on the sofa! He's HUGE at almost 7 months. He takes up over half the sofa!!
Well, hope I haven't bored you with my ramblings. I do enjoy just sharing a little of my day with you.
God Bless and SEE YOU IN CHURCH!
Diane Tavegia
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday in our household and church... - 12/11/2005 9:10:10 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
 
I hope everyone had a lovely Lord's Day! We certainly did!
Dr. George Barnett, who was our interim for over a year previously, preached again this morning. Wow, what a timely message! Our church has pulled together and are one in the Spirit, overflowing with love for one another! Our sermon was about such love.
Two of our handbell groups played in service today. We also had a solo of 'We Crown You Lord of All' and then a ladies quartet did a beautiful and very different rendition of 'O Holy Night'. It was incredible! We sang 5 of the traditional Christmas Carols. All in all, a GREAT service! We had two men come forward to announce they had accepted Christ and want to join our church, through our Hispanic Ministry. I wish everyone were as blessed as were are!
Nick brought home his best friend, William, who is a little older and also home schooled. The boys had such a wonderful time. They're both so well behaved that you'd never know I had two 11 year olds here all day.
Jon stayed with Nick tonight while Jim and I did our final Christmas shopping. We have everything for Nick except one item. Jim can pick it up during the day tho. We were blessed to find everything we wanted. Again, people were so pleasant and helpful. The stores WERE messy but a good number of items were on sale! That was a big surprise. Now I need to begin wrapping some so Nick doesn't go into meltdown. He'd never peek but does love having things under the tree to shake and guess on.
Next Sunday our associational missionary is speaking. He doesn't really 'preach'. That night is our cantata, 'The Heart of Christmas'. With such a large choir, it generally is spectacular. I'm looking forward to it. We're also having a 'Happy Birthday Jesus' party during Sunday School for the preschoolers. Lots of sugar! EEK EEK EEK
Well, I have a few emails to answer and hubby needs some pants ironed... not to forget those presents that need wrapping.....
God Bless and Keep you all in His Hands,
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Recipes for moms and kids - 12/13/2005 9:51:38 AM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
Partridge Nests
Utensils
Cookie sheets
Medium bowl
Tablespoon
Cooling racks
Ingredients
1/2 cup condensed Milk
7 oz. bag of coconut
Green food coloring
1 package chocolate B-Bs or chocolate-covered peanuts
Spray vegetable oil
1/2 Tsp. almond or vanilla flavoring
Directions
Mix 2 drops of food coloring into condensed milk
Stir in coconut and add vanilla flavoring
Spray cookie sheet with oil
Put 1 heaping tablespoon 2" apart on cookie sheet
Heat oven to 350°
Bake 10-12 min. or until slightly brown
Quickly put 1 chocolate B-B on top of each cookie and push down lightly
Remove quickly from sheet and cool on rack
Makes 15
Banana Blitzen
Utensils
Measuring cup
Measuring spoons
4 Popsicle sticks
Small skillet
Two large plates, one lined with wax paper
Ingredients
1 cup colored sprinkles
1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 bananas
Directions
Put sprinkles on plate
Heat chocolate chips in skillet, stir until melted
Cut peeled bananas in half
Poke popsicle sticks into cut ends of bananas
Spread chocolate onto bananas
Roll in sprinkles
Place on plate lined with wax paper and freeze
Merry Chris-Mousse Cone
Utensils
Medium mixing bowl
Mixer
Spoon
Butter knife
Rolling pin or canned good
T wo plastic seal bags
Coffee cup
1/2 cup measuring cup
Ingredients
1 box chocolate mousse mix or pudding
1/2 cup milk
2 White chocolate bars
1 box small sugar ice cream cones
12 small candy canes
Directions
Mix mousse according to package directions
Chill 2hrs.
Crush candy bars in sealed bags with rolling pin or canned good (not too much--the size of a pea)
Measure out 1\2 cup of chilled mousse
Spoon 1\2 into cone and push down with knife
Use cup to hold cone
Sprinkle on crushed candy bars
Fill with rest of 1\2 cup mousse
Sprinkle more candy bar crumbs on top
Stick candy canes into top like antlers
Makes 5-6 cones
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Diane's Thoughts both deep and not so deep! - 12/13/2005 6:22:05 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
Stopping by earlier than usual tonight. Hubby has to work late and we had our big meal at 1:00 today with him. Nick and I are going to have some Stoffer's French Bread Pizza and watch Christmas movies.
Well, today was pretty uneventful so far. Both infants slept most of the day but woke just as their mothers were arriving. The four year old stayed up with his father really late last night so I had to make him wake up at 9:00 and then he took a 3 hour nap with me having to wake him several times.
The weatherman keeps changing his mind, but we may get ice or sleet tomorrow. It sure LOOKS lovely, but is so deadly since no one here knows how to drive in ANY weather, even sunshine! In Georgia, middle of the road has a different meaning than usual! It literally means, 'I drive in the middle of the road!'
Here's more fun recipes to share.
Elf Brownies
Utensils
Miniature cupcake pans
Miniature paper cupcake liners
(Christmas designs are nice)
Small melon baller
Ingredients
1 Package brownie mix
1 Can cherry pie filling
Cooking spray
Directions
Line cookie tins with paper and spray with cooking spray (brownies come out of paper easier)
Follow directions on box to mix brownie batter
Fill about 3/4 full (about 1 Tbsp. of batter)
Bake at 350° for 28-30 minutes
Remove from oven and immediately (right away) use back of melon baller (the rounded side) to make a dent in each brownie
Spoon 1 cherry into "dent" of the brownies
Let cool
Give Me Mores (No melt smores)
Utensils
Tablespoon measure
Ingredients
Marshmallow cream
chocolate icing
graham crackers
Directions
Spread 2 tablespoons of marshmallow cream on 1 graham cracker.
Spread 1 tablespoon of icing on another cracker
Put two crackers together
Wormy Apple
Utensils:
knife
Ingredients:
1 apple
gummy worms
peanut butter
Cut apple into 6 pieces
Remove core
Spread peanut butter on apple slices
Wrap 1 or 2 gummy worms around apple
How About Kid's Crafts
Invitations
Supplies
Crayons
Colored pencils
Markers or glitter pens
Scissors
Directions:
Print out the invitations (one for each guest). Using your best coloring, decorate the invitations. Here's the link:
Christmas Party invitation link.
Christmas Nametags or place cards
Supplies
Crayons
Colored pencils
Markers or glitter pens
Scissors
Hole punch
Directions:
Using the hole punch, make a hole in one corner of the card and set aside. Print out enough nametags for every guest. Each guest will write their name on the card and decorate.
Print that out HERE.
Kid's Placemats! Click the following link and enjoy!
Placemat Link HERE.
Gingerbread Lollipop
Supplies
1 Flat lollipop
1 Brown lunch bag
1 Sheet black construction paper
Yarn or red ribbon
Glue
Scissors
Hole Puncher
Scotch tape
Directions:
Do NOT remove wrapper from lollipop
Fold wrapper to back of lollipop and tape
Open up brown bag until flat
Trace around lollipop and cut out round circle
Punch out four red dots or more for a mouth and two black dots for eyes
Glue onto round circle
Glue round circle onto lollipop
Tie a red bow onto stick under the "chin" of the "gingerbread" lollipop
Give away as gift or use as a table decoration
< Message edited by dianetavegia -- 12/14/2005 7:12:34 AM >
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Diane's Thoughts both deep and not so deep! - 12/15/2005 2:43:56 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
And a lovely good afternoon to everyone!
I was fast asleep by 9:00 last night! My schedule this week with child care has overwhelmed me to the point of exhaustion. I needed some sleep!
Little Jeremiah (the CF baby) began screaming mid morning yesterday and appeared to really be in pain. He has a lot of stomach problems with the CF but wasn't pulling up his legs or acting like it was tummy aches. I noticed when I changed him that his body felt hot. I tried to take his temp with my ear thermometer but as soon as I touched his left ear, he began screeching non stop. I called Mom who got him in to the doctor. He had an ear infection and fever.
Sadie, the baby who is 6 days younger, doesn't eat. At 12 weeks, she weighs just over 9 lbs and eats only 3 ounce bottles maybe twice a day. Mom has just began pumping and realized that's all she's making. The doctor saw HER yesterday and was very concerned about her not gaining weight. I'm waking her every two hours today and attempting to get her to eat more. She's eaten two bottles for me so far, but only a total of 5 1/2 oz. all day and 2 wet diapers.
Nick and Ty are 'napping' while watching Toy Story. Something has gone wrong with a plug in our rec room and we can't get our DVD player to work with that t.v. I pulled out our portable t.v. that has a built in VHS and they're watching that. Hubby can fix all that and will as soon as he gets home tonight. The GFI plug in our garage won't push in so it may be something to do with that.
Puppy has been a little wild today! We had ice when we awoke and now it's so muddy out back and too cold and wet to leave him out for play time. He keeps grabbing one of my snowmen collection and wanting to play 'catch me if you can' around the kitchen table. I've put up baby gates and have him in here with me. He's snoring on the sofa. He's been getting up with me at 5:30 and staying up.
I really never thought that at 55 and 58 we'd be working so hard and so many hours. I never imagined I'd have people traipsing in and out of the house all hours. Certainly, I never dreamed I'd be doing daycare for so many and so many hours just to help keep us from losing our home.
We have NO time to enjoy life or each other. It's quite sad. Hubby leaves when my second child is about to arrive and works many nights until 8 or 9. That'll change back to even later because of some territory splitting with another new office. He also has to work making calls on Tuesday nights and most Saturdays til 3:00! Then Sunday is spent in church. There's no time to catch up on things we need to do either. He has four days vacation coming and they won't let him take it in pay. He asked for the week after Christmas but one other salesman has already taken that off. They'll look into it. If Jim doesn't take the time soon, he'll lose the pay/ days! We were hoping he could take it off during the holidays so I won't have so many kids during that time. On Jan. 3rd., it'll be 3 newborns and the 4 year old.
Hope everyone is having a nice day and keeping warm! The ice melted here but it's still misty rain and only 38°. All this will freeze by early evening! I'm so glad I don't need to go out!
Boy I'd love a nap! There's a chance the infants mothers will come a little early and if they do....... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! I dare not nap TOO late if I want to head to bed early again. I don't have my 5:45 kid on most Fridays so I can TRY to sleep until 6:25 tomorrow morning. I won't have the 7:30 baby after tomorrow until Jan. 5th so I can go back to bed at 6:30 and sleep in a little. I'm looking forward to the rest!
God Bless and have a lovely evening!
< Message edited by dianetavegia -- 12/15/2005 9:31:13 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
Santa teaches the TRUE meaning of Christmas - 12/18/2005 10:16:18 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
True Meaning of Christmas
Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out next to the fireplace.
"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement . . .
"TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children!
Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten. "Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."
He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."
Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."
He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself. "Teach the children that I, Santa Clause, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."
He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.
Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."
Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL,. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.
Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD."
anonymous
Diane Tavegia
"But about the Son, He also says, 'In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end.' "
Hebrews 1: 8, 10-12
|
|
|
|
|
ALPHABET OF CHRISTMAS - 12/19/2005 9:30:50 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
ALPHABET OF CHRISTMAS
A is for Angels, appearing so bright, telling of Jesus that first
Christmas night.
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host." (Luke 2:13)
B is for Bethlehem, crowded and old, birthplace of Jesus by prophet foretold.
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephrathah, out of thee shall he come forth unto me
that is to be ruler in Israel." (Micah 5:2)
C is for Cattle, their manger His bed, there in the trough where He laid His head.
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger." (Luke 2:7)
D is for David and his ancient throne promised forever to Jesus alone.
"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the
Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David." (Luke
1:32)
E is for East, where shone the bright star which Magi on camels followed afar.
"Behold, there came wise men from the east asking 'Where is the king of
the Jews?'" (Matthew 2:1-2)
F is for Frankincense, with myrrh and gold, brought by the Wise Men as Matthew has told.
"And when they had opened their treasurers, they presented unto him
gifts gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11)
G is for God, who from heaven above sent down to mankind the Son of His love.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting
life." (John 3:16)
H is for Herod, whose murderous scheme was told to Joseph in a nocturnal dream.
"The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and
take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt... for Herod
will seek the young child to destroy him." (Matthew 2:13)
I is for Immanuel, "God with us," for Christ brought man back to the Father's house.
"Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his
name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
J is for Joseph so noble and just, obeying God's word with absolute trust.
"Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had
bidden him, and took unto him his wife." (Matthew 1:24)
K is for King. A true king He would be, coming in power and authority.
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem;
behold, the King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation."
(Zechariah 9:9)
L is for Love that He brought down to earth God enfleshed in lowly birth.
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because God sent his
only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." (1
John 4:9)
M is for Mary, His mother so brave, counting God faithful and mighty to save.
"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according
to thy word." (Luke 1:38)
N is for Night, when the Savior was born for nations of earth and people forlorn.
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night." (Luke 2:8)
O is for Omega, meaning "the last;" He's eternal present, future and past.
"I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the
last." (Revelation 22:13)
P is for Prophets, when living on earth foretold His redemption and blessed birth.
"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel." (Numbers 24:17)
Q is for Quickly, as shepherds who heard hastened to act on that heavenly word.
"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe
lying in a manger." (Luke 2:16)
R is for Rejoice. The sorrow of sin is banished forever when Jesus comes in.
"And you will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth." (Luke 1:14)
S is for Savior. To be this He came; the angel of God assigned Him His name.
"She will bring forth a son, and you will call his name JESUS, for he
will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
T is for Tidings of joy, not of danger, telling of Him who was laid in a manger.
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." (Luke 2:10)
U is for Us, to whom Jesus was given to show us the way and take us to heaven.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is
Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
V is for Virgin, foretold by the sage, God's revelation on prophecy's page.
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and
they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with
us." (Matthew 1:23)
W is for Wonderful, His works and His words, the King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... and his name
shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting
Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
X is for Christ. It's X in the Greek, Anointed, Messiah, mighty, yet meek.
"God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power."
(Acts 10:38)
Y is for Yes, called God's Yes in His Word; God's answer to all is Jesus the Lord.
"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the
glory of God by us." (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Z is for Zeal as it burned in Christ's heart. Lord, by thy Spirit to us zeal impart.
"And his disciples remembered that it was written, the zeal of your
house has eaten me up." (John 2:1)
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Legends and pretty stories - 12/20/2005 10:26:19 AM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
The candy cane legend:
It was made from a hard candy because Christ is the Solid Rock on which
we are to build our lives.
The candy was shaped to resemble either a "J" for Jesus or a shepherd's
staff because Jesus is our good shepherd.
The colors were also to represent the importance of Jesus. White was to
represent the purity and sinlessness of Jesus.
The wide red stripe represents the blood Christ shed for the sins of the
world.
The three thinner red stripes represent the stripes Christ received on
our behalf when the Roman soldiers whipped him.
The flavor of the cane is pepermint which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop
is in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for
purification and sacrifice. Jesus is the pure lamb of God come to be a
sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Poinsettia
The legends associated with the flowers come from Mexico. It tells of a girl named Maria and her little brother Pablo. They were very poor but always looked forward to the Christmas festival. Each year a large manger scene was set up in the village church, and the days before Christmas were filled with parades and parties. The two children loved the festival but were always disappointed because they had no money to buy gifts. They especially wished that they could present something to the church for the Baby Jesus. But they had nothing. One Christmas Eve, Maria and Pablo set out for church to attend the service. Not knowing what else to do, Pepita knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, they decorated them into a small bouquet and deciding to take them as their Christmas gift to the new born Christ in the manger scene.
Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering. Of course other children teased them when they arrived with their gift, but they said nothing for they knew they had given what they could. Maria and Pablo began placing the green plants around the manger and miraculously, the green top leaves turned into bright red petals, and soon the manger was surrounded by beautiful star-like flowers, all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes. From that day onwards poinsettias are associated with the festival of Christmas.
The Legend of the Christmas Spider
or How the Tree Got its Tinsel
Once upon a time, a little old woman was busily cleaning her little old house, for that night it would be Christmas Eve and Father Christmas was to come with his bag of gifts. She worked and worked until not a speck of dust was left. Even the spiders had been swept from their webs and forced to take refuge in the farthest corner of the forgotten attic.
Night had fallen and at last the little old woman's work was done. The house was spotless, the Christmas pies were cooling, and the Christmas tree was decorated and waiting for Father Christmas to come admire it. But up in the attic the spiders were sad, for they too wished to see the tree. After much thought, the oldest and wisest spider suggested they wait till the little old woman slept and slip downstairs through a crack in the trapdoor.
When all was silent, they crawled down through the crack and crept across the parlor floor. The tree was so beautiful, standing by the moonlit window, they couldn't resist scurrying up the trunk and out amongst the branches. But upon each branch they crawled to a trail of cobwebs was left behind. When at last they'd inspected every bit of the tree, the whole thing was covered in a shroud of spider webs.
It was almost midnight when Father Christmas trudged into the parlor with his sack. He smiled when he saw the cobweb tree for he knew this was the work of Christmas spiders. But he also knew the old woman would be broken-hearted to see her beautiful tree wrapped in this dusty gray cocoon. So reaching out his hand, he touched the webs and, in a twinkling, turned them to shimmering silver and gold.
Christmas morning, when the little old woman came down and saw her tree sparkling in the sunlight, she was so delighted she danced circles around it, never noticing that within the silver branches spiders danced as well.
Ever since that time tinsel has been hung on Christmas trees with a silver or gold spider among the decorations.
Santa Claus or St. Nicholas
Many stories are being told in regards of the legends of Santa Claus. He is perhaps the most remarkable of all the characters associated with Christmas. One of the legends tells about a young pastor named Nicholas. He acquired a fortune when his parents died when he was still in his teens. He loved the Lord and also cared deeply for the poor. He brought various gifts, money and other useful items to the houses of the poor. He did this at night, and in secrecy, so that no one knew, as he wanted no glory, he just wanted to help people. The image of Santa Claus, or likewise characters became popular in North America in the 19th century and later on was adopted in other countries around the world. A political cartoonist and illustrator created the original Santa Claus image by the name of Thomas Nast.
Later on other countries changed the image somewhat to suit their own culture and tastes. In different places he is known by different names like in German speaking countries in Europe, he is known as Saint Nikolaus, in France, Père Noël. His looks are that of a kind old gentleman with white beard and red baggy suit with trimmed fur. His look is his identity. He travels throughout the countryside on Christmas Eve to give gifts to children and grown ups. Each country features different gift-bearers for the Christmas or Advent season like La Befana in Italy, The Three Kings in Spain, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, Christkindl or the Christ Child in Switzerland and Austria, Father Christmas in England and Pere Noël, Father Christmas or the Christ Child in France. But still, we associate Santa Claus as a jolly, benevolent, plump man in a red baggy suit.
< Message edited by dianetavegia -- 12/20/2005 2:06:32 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
Santa's Prayer! (LOTS of other stories too!) - 12/20/2005 4:06:58 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
Santa's Prayer
The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of the bed.
"Dear Father", he prayed "Be with me tonight,
There's much work to do and my schedule is tight.
I must jump in my sleigh and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well that a reindeer can't fly.
I will visit each household before the first light,
I'll cover the world and all in one night.
With sleigh bells a-ringing, I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter of each little hoof.
To get in the house is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney of each child's heart.
My sack will hold toys to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.
I will fill all the stockings and leave not a track.
I'll eat every cookie that is left for my snack.
I can do all these things, Lord, only through You,
I just need your blessing, then it's easy to do.
All this is to honor the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends, lest Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them who gave me this job."
In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen
|
|
|
|
|
TWO babies in the manger! - 12/20/2005 7:24:26 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
Two Babes in a Manger
In 1994, two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on Biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments and a large orphanage. About 100 boys and girls who had been abandoned, abused, and left in the care of a government-run program were in the orphanage. They relate the following story in their own words:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was nearing the holiday season, 1994, time for our orphans to hear, for the first time, the traditional story of Christmas. We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem. Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where the baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger. Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word. Completing the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins I had brought with me. No colored paper was available in the city. Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a worn-out nightgown an American lady was throwing away as she left Russia, were used for the baby's blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from tan felt we had brought from the United States.
The orphans were busy assembling their manger as I walked among them to see if they needed any help. All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat. He looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger. Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at this completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously.
For such a young boy, who had only heard the Christmas story once, he related the happenings accurately -- until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger. Then Misha started to ad-lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, "And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no mamma and I have no papa, so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have a gift to give him like everybody else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift. So I asked Jesus, 'If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?' And Jesus told me, 'If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me.' So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him -- for always."
As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed. The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him FOR ALWAYS.
I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts.
Author Unknown 
Christmas Wish
It was Christmas Eve and the lord looked down from above at all His children. It had been nearly two thousand years since the birth of His son and turning to His youngest angel the Lord said:
"Go down to the earth and bring back to me the one thing that best represents everything good that has been done in the name of this day."
The angel bowed to the Lord and spreading his wings, descended from heaven to the world of man, all the while contemplating his mission. So much had been done in the name of honoring the birth of the Christ Child. For this day, wars had temporarily ceased, cathedrals had been built and great novels had been written. With so little time, what could he possibly find to represent all this?
As he soared above the earth, he suddenly heard the sound of church bells below. Their tone was so beautiful that it reminded him of the voice of God. Looking down, he saw a small church whose bells were ringing out the carol, Silent Night.
As the final note died away, it was replaced by one lone voice singing inside the church. It was shortly joined by a second voice that embraced the first in perfect harmony, and then another until a choir of voices rose through the night. Enchanted by the magic of what he was hearing, the angel found himself listening until the song was finished.
As he resumed his flight through the night, he was delighted to hear these sounds everywhere, from the largest cities to the smallest villages. He heard melodies from massive orchestras and in the voices of single soldiers alone at their post. And any place where he heard these songs, he found hope in the hearts of men.
Grasping a song out of the air, he held it in his hand (angels are able to do this) and thought that maybe, these songs could be the one thing that best represented Christmas. They seemed to give voice to man's greatest joys as well as hope to those deepest in despair. But, though at first glance it appeared to be the answer he sought, his heart told him that this music alone was not enough. There had to be something more.
So, he continued his flight through the night until he suddenly felt the touch of a father's prayer on its way to heaven. Once again looking downward, he saw a man who was praying for his child whom he had not heard from in a long time and who would not be home that Christmas. Seizing upon the prayer, the angel followed it until it reached the lost child.
She was standing on a corner, in a quiet snowfall, looking very small in a very large city. Across from her was an old city bar, the kind that only the lost seemed to know how to find. The patrons of this establishment rarely looked up from their drinks and so seemed not to notice the young woman.
Now, the bartender in this bar had been working in there longer than anyone could remember. He believed in nothing except his bar and his cash register. He had never married, never took a vacation and as matter of fact, had never been seen out from behind his counter by most of his patrons. He was there when they arrived and he was still there when they left. He gave no credit and for seventy-five cents, served shots of un-watered whiskey to people who used their drinks like a moat around their lives. For them, he provided a safe, unchanging world.
Suddenly, the door opened wide and into this world walked a small child. The bartender could not remember the last time that a child had been in this place, but before he could ask the child what he was doing there, the child asked him if he knew that there was a girl outside their door who could not get home. Glancing out the window, he saw the girl standing across the street.
Turning back to the child, the bartender asked him how he knew this. The child replied "That on this night of all nights, if one could be home, they'd be already there."
The bartender looked back toward the young woman as he reflected on what the child had said. After several seconds of thought, he slowly went over to the cash register and removing most of the money, came out from behind the bar and followed the child across the street. Everyone in the bar watched as he spoke with the girl.
After a few moments, he called over a cab, put the girl inside and told the driver: "J.F.K. Airport." As the cab pulled away, he looked around for the child, but the child was gone. And what was stranger still, even though his own tracks leading from the bar were still clearly marked in the snow, the child's were nowhere to be found.
Returning back inside, he asked if anyone had seen where the child had gone, but like himself, no one had, for they also had been watching the departing cab. And then, some would later say that the most miraculous thing of all happened, when for the rest of the night, no one paid for a drink.
Later that night, the angel returned back to heaven and placed in the Lord's hand the wish of a soul for the happiness of another. And as the heavenly host looked on, the Lord smiled.
< Message edited by dianetavegia -- 12/20/2005 7:31:33 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
'Twas The Night Before Jesus Came' - 12/21/2005 2:50:50 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
'Twas The Night Before Jesus Came'
written by Audrey Patricia Woolverton
'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "it's not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional Christmas poems and stories - 12/22/2005 8:05:32 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
Please enjoy these well-known traditional Christmas poems and stories that will certainly bring back memories of your childhood and mine!
Silent Night Stille Nacht
The Real Story Of Silent Night
Christmas 2005 marks the 187th Anniversary of Silent Night
Click to hear the original arrangement.
The History
Many interesting fables abound for the origins of "Silent Night." Most of them are fanciful and untrue.
Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light;
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Silent night, holy night
Wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
The Christmas Eve of 1818 was at hand. Pastor Joseph Mohr of St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf decided that he needed a carol for the Christmas Eve service. The little poem he had written two years earlier while serving at the pilgrim church in Mariapfarr just might work. Perhaps this poem could be set to music. He hurried off to see his friend, Franz Xaver Gruber, who was a schoolteacher and also served as the church's organist and choir master. Maybe he could help. He did.
In a few short hours Franz came up with the hauntingly beautiful melody that is so loved and revered to this day. At the request of Joseph, who had a special love for his guitar, Franz composed the music for guitar accompaniment. Just short hours later, Franz stood with his friend the pastor, Joseph, in front of the altar in St. Nicholas church and introduced "Stille Nacht" to the congregation.
Some Children See Him
By Alfred Burt
Some children see Him lily white
the infant Jesus born this night
Some children see Him lily white
with tresses soft and fair
Some children see Him bronzed and brown
the Lord of heav'n to earth come down
Some children see Him bronzed and brown
with dark and heavy hair (with dark and heavy hair!)
Some children see Him almond-eyed
This Saviour whom we kneel beside
Some children see Him almond-eyed
With skin of yellow hue!
Some children see Him dark as they
Sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray
Some children see Him dark as they
And, ah! they love Him so!
The children in each different place
Will see the Baby Jesus' face
Like theirs but bright with heav'nly grace
And filled with holy light!
O lay aside each earthly thing
and with thy heart as offering
Come worship now the infant King
'tis love that's born tonight!
'tis love that's born tonight!
The Little Match-Seller
By Hans Christian Andersen
It was terribly cold and nearly dark on the last evening of the old year, and the snow was falling fast. In the cold and the darkness, a poor little girl, with bare head and naked feet, roamed through the streets. It is true she had on a pair of slippers when she left home, but they were not of much use. They were very large, so large, indeed, that they had belonged to her mother, and the poor little creature had lost them in running across the street to avoid two carriages that were rolling along at a terrible rate. One of the slippers she could not find, and a boy seized upon the other and ran away with it, saying that he could use it as a cradle, when he had children of his own. So the little girl went on with her little naked feet, which were quite red and blue with the cold. In an old apron she carried a number of matches, and had a bundle of them in her hands. No one had bought anything of her the whole day, nor had anyone given her even a penny. Shivering with cold and hunger, she crept along; poor little child, she looked the picture of misery. The snowflakes fell on her long, fair hair, which hung in curls on her shoulders, but she regarded them not.
Lights were shining from every window, and there was a savory smell of roast goose, for it was New-year's eve—yes, she remembered that. In a corner, between two houses, one of which projected beyond the other, she sank down and huddled herself together. She had drawn her little feet under her, but she could not keep off the cold; and she dared not go home, for she had sold no matches, and could not take home even a penny of money. Her father would certainly beat her; besides, it was almost as cold at home as here, for they had only the roof to cover them, through which the wind howled, although the largest holes had been stopped up with straw and rags. Her little hands were almost frozen with the cold. Ah! perhaps a burning match might be some good, if she could draw it from the bundle and strike it against the wall, just to warm her fingers. She drew one out—“scratch!” how it sputtered as it burnt! It gave a warm, bright light, like a little candle, as she held her hand over it. It was really a wonderful light. It seemed to the little girl that she was sitting by a large iron stove, with polished brass feet and a brass ornament. How the fire burned! and seemed so beautifully warm that the child stretched out her feet as if to warm them, when, lo! the flame of the match went out, the stove vanished, and she had only the remains of the half-burnt match in her hand.
She rubbed another match on the wall. It burst into a flame, and where its light fell upon the wall it became as transparent as a veil, and she could see into the room. The table was covered with a snowy white table-cloth, on which stood a splendid dinner service, and a steaming roast goose, stuffed with apples and dried plums. And what was still more wonderful, the goose jumped down from the dish and waddled across the floor, with a knife and fork in its breast, to the little girl. Then the match went out, and there remained nothing but the thick, damp, cold wall before her.
She lighted another match, and then she found herself sitting under a beautiful Christmas-tree. It was larger and more beautifully decorated than the one which she had seen through the glass door at the rich merchant's. Thousands of tapers were burning upon the green branches, and colored pictures, like those she had seen in the show-windows, looked down upon it all. The little one stretched out her hand towards them, and the match went out.
The Christmas lights rose higher and higher, till they looked to her like the stars in the sky. Then she saw a star fall, leaving behind it a bright streak of fire. “Someone is dying,” thought the little girl, for her old grandmother, the only one who had ever loved her, and who was now dead, had told her that when a star falls, a soul was going up to God.
She again rubbed a match on the wall, and the light shone round her; in the brightness stood her old grandmother, clear and shining, yet mild and loving in her appearance. “Grandmother,” cried the little one, “O take me with you; I know you will go away when the match burns out; you will vanish like the warm stove, the roast goose, and the large, glorious Christmas-tree.” And she made haste to light the whole bundle of matches, for she wished to keep her grandmother there. And the matches glowed with a light that was brighter than the noon-day, and her grandmother had never appeared so large or so beautiful. She took the little girl in her arms, and they both flew upwards in brightness and joy far above the earth, where there was neither cold nor hunger nor pain, for they were with God.
In the dawn of morning there lay the poor little one, with pale cheeks and smiling mouth, leaning against the wall; she had been frozen to death on the last evening of the year; and the New-year's sun rose and shone upon a little corpse! The child still sat, in the stiffness of death, holding the matches in her hand, one bundle of which was burnt. “She tried to warm herself,” said some. No one imagined what beautiful things she had seen, nor into what glory she had entered with her grandmother, on New-year's day.
 
Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
The New York Sun - 1897
We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:
Dear Editor
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
- Virginia O'Hanlon
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
Diane Tavegia
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph's Letter Home: a Christmas Story - 12/23/2005 8:08:57 PM
|
|
|
dianetavegia
Posts: 1916
Joined: 8/23/2005
From: Southern Baptist, Non Calvinist, Pro Life Ga. girl
Status: offline
|
Joseph's Letter Home: a Christmas Story
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Dear Mom,
We're still in Bethlehem--Mary and I and little Jesus.
There were lots of things I couldn't talk to you about last summer. You wouldn't have believed me then, but maybe I can tell you now. I hope you can understand.
You know, Mom, I've always loved Mary. You and dad used to tease me about her when she was still a girl. She and her brothers used to play on our street. Our families got together for supper. But the hardest day of my life came scarcely a year ago when I was twenty and she only fifteen. You remember that day, don't you?
The trouble started after we were betrothed and signed the marriage agreement at our engagement. That same spring Mary had left abruptly to visit her old cousin Elizabeth in Judea. She was gone three whole months. After she got back, people started wondering out loud if she were pregnant.
It was cloudy the day when I finally confronted her with the gossip. "Mary," I asked at last, "are you going to have a baby?"
Her clear brown eyes met mine. She nodded.
I didn't know what to say. "Who?" I finally stammered.
Mom, Mary and I had never acted improperly--even after we were betrothed.
Mary looked down. "Joseph," she said. "There's no way I can explain. You couldn't understand. But I want you to know I've never cared for anyone but you." She got up, gently took my hands in hers, kissed each of them as if it were the last time she would ever do that again, and then turned towards home. She must have been dying inside. I know I was.
The rest of the day I stumbled through my chores. It's a wonder I didn't hurt myself in the woodshop. At first I was angry and pounded out my frustrations on the doorframe I was making. My thoughts whirled so fast I could hardly keep my mind on my work. At last I decided just to end the marriage contract with a quiet divorce. I loved her too much to make a public scene.
I couldn't talk to you. Or anyone, for that matter. I went to bed early and tried to sleep. Her words came to me over and over. "I've never cared for anyone but you.... I've never cared for anyone but you...." How I wished I could believe her!
I don't know when I finally fell asleep. Mom, I had a dream from God. An angel of the Lord came to me. His words pulsated through my mind so intensely I can remember them as if it were yesterday.
"Joseph, son of David," he thundered, "do not fear to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."
I couldn't believe my ears, Mom. This was the answer! The angel continued, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
The angel gripped my shoulders with his huge hands. For a long moment his gaze pierced deep within me. Just as he turned to go, I think I saw a smile on his shining face.
I sat bolt upright in bed. No sleep after that! I tossed about for a while, going over the words in my mind. Then I got up and dressed quietly so I wouldn't wake you.
I must have walked for miles beneath the moonless sky. Stars ****ed the blackness like a thousand tiny pinpoints. A warm breeze blew on my face.
I sang to the Lord, Mom. Yes, me, singing, if you can imagine that. I couldn't contain my joy. I told Him that I would take Mary and care for her. I told Him I would watch over her--and the child--no matter what anyone said.
I got back just as the sun kissed the hilltops. I don't know if you still recall that morning, Mom. I can see it in my mind's eye as if it were yesterday. You were feeding the chickens, surprised to see me out. Remember?
"Sit down," I said to you. "I've got to tell you something." I took your arm and helped you find a seat on the big rock out back. "Mom," I said, "I'm going to bring Mary home as my wife. Can you help make a place for her things?"
You were silent a long time. "You do know what they're saying, don't you, son?" you said at last, your eyes glistening.
"Yes, Mom, I know."
Your voice started to rise. "If your father were still alive, he'd have some words, I'll tell you. Going about like that before you are married. Disgracing the family and all. You... you and Mary ought to be ashamed of yourselves!"
You'd never have believed me if I'd tried to explain, so I didn't. Unless the angel had spoken to you, you'd have laughed me to scorn.
"Mom, this is the right thing to do," I said.
And then I started talking to you as if I were the head of the house. "When she comes I don't want one word to her about it," I sputtered. "She's your daughter-in-law, you'll respect her. She'll need your help if she's to bear the neighbors' wagging tongues!"
I'm sorry, Mom. You didn't deserve that. You started to get up in a huff.
"Mom," I murmured, "I need you." You took my hand and got to your feet, but the fire was gone from your eyes.
"You can count on me, Joseph," you told me with a long hug. And you meant it. I never heard another word. No bride could hope for a better mother-in-law than you those next few months.
Mom, after I left you I went up the road to Mary's house and knocked. Her mother glared at me as she opened the door. Loudly, harshly she called into the house, "It's Joseph!" almost spitting out my name as she said it.
My little Mary came out cringing, as if she expected me give her the back of my hand, I suppose. Her eyes were red and puffy. I can just imagine what her parents had said.
We walked a few steps from the house. She looked so young and afraid. "Pack your things, Mary," I told her gently. "I'm taking you home to be my wife."
"Joseph!" She hugged me as tight as she could. Mom, I didn't realize she was so strong.
I told her what I'd been planning. "We'll go to Rabbi Ben-Ezer's house this week and have him perform the ceremony."
I know it was awfully sudden, Mom, but I figured the sooner we got married the better it would be for her, and me, and the baby.
"Mary, even if our friends don't come, at least you and I can pledge our love before God." I paused. "I think my Mom will be there. And maybe your friend Rebecca would come if her dad will let her. How about your parents?"
I could feel Mary's tiny frame shuddering as she sobbed quietly.
"Mary," I said. I could feel myself speaking more boldly. "No matter what anyone says about you, I'm proud you're going to be my wife. I'm going to take good care of you. I've promised God that."
She looked up.
I lowered my voice. "I had a dream last night, Mary. I saw an angel. I know."
The anguish which had gripped her face vanished. She was radiant as we turned away from the house and began to walk up the hill together.
Just then her mother ran out into the yard. "Wait," she called. She must have been listening from behind the door. Tears were streaming down her cheeks.
"I'll get your father," she called, almost giddy with emotion. "We," she cried as she gathered up her skirts. "We," she shouted as she began to run to find her husband. "We ... are going to have a wedding!"
That's how it was, Mom. Thanks for being there for us. I'll write again soon.
Love, Joseph
Burlap, Boys, and Christmas
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
I suppose being a shepherd in Christmas pageants of yore has conditioned me to associate burlap with the Christmas story. You know, that unbleached burlap you buy in craft stores that gives off a sweet "new burlap" smell. Mothers sew it into simple, pullover garments that cover boys' blue jeans and striped T-shirts. Girls get to be angels in white satin dresses, with wings and halos. But boys in their burlap tell the story of Christmas far better than girls in their satin. Let me tell you why.
Angels are clean. Angels are beautiful. They seem almost otherworldly, since girl angels always seem to know their parts better than do boy shepherds. The angelic satin stuff goes pretty well in most Christmas pageants. The problems come with the burlap part.
Do you know what real-life shepherds were like? Townspeople looked down on them. "Herdsmen!" they'd huff derisively. Shepherds would work with sheep all day, sleep outside with the animals at night, and then come into town dirty, sweaty, and smelly. Like boys. Tradesmen in the marketplace would be polite enough. Shopkeepers would wait on them, but everybody was happy when they moved along. Burlap fits the part. It really does.
Angels get clouds and the Hallelujah Chorus for props. Shepherds get a stable. Maybe cattle lowing has a bit of romance. But conjure up the smells and the filth. No stainless steel dairy palace this, but a crude barn, with good reason for straw on the floor. Not exactly the setting you'd choose for a birth if you had the luxury of planning ahead.
But Mary and Joseph have no such luxury. They lumber into Bethlehem as the winter sun is making long afternoon shadows, bone tired after a four-day journey from Nazareth, wet with perspiration under the wool wraps that shield them against the chill wind. No cellular phones to call ahead for a reservation or wangle an invitation from some distant relative. Just overwhelming weariness.
"Innkeeper," says the taller boy playing Joseph, "do you have any vacancies? My wife is going into labor. We've got to find a place to stay the night out of this wind."
The innkeeper shakes his head.
"Nothing?" says Joseph, his voice husky. "We've got to find a place. Anyplace!"
The innkeeper gestures and mumbles something.
"A stable?" Joseph looks over at the Mary, whose robe is distended with padding to simulate pregnancy. Mary nods, but you can see the pain in her face.
And so the innkeeper leads the pair to the stable, moves a few things out of the corner and reaches for the coins Joseph gives him.
This isn't exactly picturesque and the pageant director is struggling as satin gives way to broken tools hanging from the walls. Large gaps under the stable door tease the wind into blowing tiny bits of straw into faces and hair.
Christmas plays always skip over the actual birth, so the next scene opens with scroungy shepherds peering in the door. The satin angel has told them to look for a newborn, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a feeding trough, so they have checked all the stables in town.
And here they find what they have sought: young couple, reclining exhausted in a barn, and a precious little baby, all wrapped up and lying in a manger, just as the angel said.
They push open the stable door to get a better look, and Joseph, hearing the squeak of dry hinges, stirs. "What do you want," he calls.
"The baby, we've come to see the baby," they reply, and then file one-by-one into the barn and kneel on the floor before the manger. The older shepherd removes his headdress in reverence, and other shepherds fumble to do the same.
In the silence and flickering light you can see tears of joy coursing down their cheeks. No Christmas pageant ever shows that part, but it happened, I'm sure.
"How did you know to come?" Joseph asks after a moment.
"Angels told us," is the reply. "They said that tonight in Bethlehem-town would be born a Savior, who is Messiah, the Lord."
"There was thousands ... millions of them angels," recites a young shepherd, whose mother spent all afternoon coaching him on his single line.
Angels seem appropriate to the birth of God's son. But straw and sweat and burlap do not. Why, I ask, would the Son of God Most High enter life amidst the rubble of human existence, at the lowest rung of society, in obscurity and at the stable-edge of rejection even before he is born?
And as hard as I think about it, I come back to one truth. God wanted to make it explicitly clear that He came to save each of us. He comes to the slimy, dark corners of our existence, the desperateness, the loneliness, the rejection, the pain. He comes to unswept barns and cold nights of despair. He comes because he understands them. He knows them intimately and came for the very purpose of delivering us from those raw stables to real Life.
Life that angels proclaim and humans long for. To be loved, actually loved by God in spite of ourselves. God reaches out to us in our misery, not just at an occasional moment of high spirituality. God, who sees us at our worst, offers us His best.
Curtains close, and the crowd stands and applauds. Backstage, Sally is removing her white satin costume while Billy yanks off his headdress and burlap as fast as he can.
"Don't tear it," says the harried pageant director. "We'll need it next year."
Yes, you will need that burlap again, for without it the watchers may just miss the true lesson of Christmas.
http://www.jesuswalk.com/names-god/
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
 Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Tools
Printable Version
