Christmas Story

MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS

Luke 2:1-20

New International Version (NIV)

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Do you read the Christmas story at your house on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

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25 Things I Would Want My Chidren and Grandchildren to Know About Christmas

I found this idea over on my face book by one of the pages I follow and I just loved it and thought gee I know there are things I would love my daughters and grandchildren to know about Christmas. So I thought I would do this count as well. You can find the original over at:

Finding Joy On Face Book/ http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/2013/12/25-things-kids-to-know-about-christmas.html

She as well has a blog I follow to but missed this post and saw it on Face Book. Love it. You must check her out. I know you wont be disappointed.

I'm sure some of the items on my list will be repeat what she had on hers. But it is fun to make a list of things that are important to you to share. You see this is important to me as I am giving these pages one day to my family. My oldest grandson asked me once to make a book of my writings and things important to me. He has some idea this is being made. But like most young adults I think they sometimes forget that we do remember what they ask and what is important. So this makes a wonderful sharing story for my family. (One Day!)

1. That Jesus is the reason for the season

2. That its not whats wrapped under the tree; but whats wrapped up in our hearts everyday

3. That Christmas should be celebrated everyday in our lives not just one day

4. That we should love one another as God loves us

5. That giving is more fun than receiving 

5. That doing for those less fortunate than you is a blessing that fills both you and those whom you are blessing. Its never just a once a year act but one that continues year long.

6. Please, and Thank you; goes a long ways as does any act of courtesy and manners. It should be away of life. They are not old fashion

7. Smiles can change someones day even yours (Takes less muscles to smile than it does to frown, grandma said so!) 

8. Being with family and loved ones and hearing the stories of past is their history of who they are and where they came; its your history too. For you to pass on for future generations; take time and listen you may not get that chance again.

9. That over spending isn't Christmas but a trap to keep one in debt over the year. That three presents that represent the three wise men is more than sufficient. Or one representing the Lord as He was the true gift of life ever lasting. A Christmas stocking hang with care filled with treats and small items is a child's delight at any age. It truly doesn't matter how many presents are under the tree or how much was spent; but what the giver was giving from their heart. They took time to think of you. You meant something special to them. 

10. That singing Christmas songs even out of tune will bring joy to all around

11. Believing in Santa Claus is a joy and a gift for small and old a like; brings the child out in all of us

12. That it is a Merry Christmas and do not be ashamed to say it! Its okay what others say.....smile

13. Sharing family tradition's and adding new ones is okay because you are building your own memories and stories to share to fit who you are.

14. Someone always get s the white elephant gift that creates that lasting memory..........laugh and enjoy! its the thought that counted

15. Invite someone to your home for the Christmas season that has no where to go. It gives them a home for Christmas and you the joy of sharing your home with someone who wouldn't have had a place to go other wise.

16. Writing a Christmas letter re-capping the year is fun. It brings a bit of you to them with laughter and love. A message to those far and near of the family happenings that they have missed out on.

17. Leaving cookies and milk for Santa is a must and don't forget the carrots for the reindeer

18. Its about creating the memories of love and family that are important not the hustle and bustle 

19. Driving to look at the Christmas lights is an event to be shared

20. A Charlie Brown tree or an elegant tree all have flaws but are perfect (You see to me it represents the flaws of us humans made perfect in Him through the first gift given on Christmas day the little Lord Jesus)

21. Never take Christmas down until after the epiphany

22. Remember celebrating Christmas is one day on the calendar but all year in your heart. Live daily and live it loud. Be the person that changes the world for Christ by celebrating it everyday of the year

23. Christmas is magically and just because you don't believe in the magic of Christmas doesn't mean others don't. Don't burst their bubble and ruin for others. Go with the flow and enjoy!

24. Classic Christmas movies, popcorn and hot chocolate. Yes they have a message and  "It is a wonderful life"!

25. Don't forget to slow down enjoy the celebration smell the roses and gifts along the path you may only pass this way once. Make it one to remember. He did it for you!

(I so could add so much more to this amazing list too!)

What can you add or what is your list of 25 things you would share with your children?

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31 Things I Want For Christmas

31 Things I Want For Christmas

1. Fresh snow on Christmas day! So I might build a snowman and send a picture to my grandchildren of the snowman I built for them special on Christmas day with love from their mema. Or maybe the snow angel I made as I played all day in the fresh beauty of the Christmas snow from Heaven sent with love from my Father above.

2. My beautiful car paid off in full. That the Lord would provide an amazing miracle that it would be paid off no debit owned. Pink slip in my hand.

3. A family photo of all my children and their families together (That would take an act of God for sure)

4. A grandmothers ring with all ten of the grandchildren and their mothers stones in as well (I have always wanted a mothers ring; so why not incorporate them together)

5. My room magically cleaned with lots of closet space and room to spare ( That would mean a new home. With lots of closets and rooms to hold all of my crazy things)

6. My own home! At least a four bedroom two bath, fireplace, family room, washroom, double car garage with fenced year, with about 2 acres of land.  Paid for in full!

7. All of my debit to be paid off in full! To be completely debit free!

8. All of my children and their families here with me on Christmas morning. 

9. All of my family healthy and sickness and disease far from them. That they might have a long life ...My brother wants to live to be one hundred....So this gift for sure for him....and all the others to the ripe age of until the Lord calls them home in OLD AGE!! Free from anything that would keep them from enjoying their longevity of life.

10. For my two oldest daughters to find true happiness and the man of their dreams that would love them and their children to the end of their days. That he would provide and love them as if the moon and stars were hang for them only.
Just as Christ loves the church and is the head and that is my wish come true for them.

11. For all those who have nowhere to go, a place to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in love, hope and warmth of a loving home. That their bellies would be filled with food, their heart with hope, and the joy of knowing our Savior!

12. That I would hear my husband sing "Amazing Grace" at church and know that he has truly given his all to Him who first loved him.

13. To be able to give each lady and gentleman in the facilities where I work a gift to brighten their spirits and know that they weren't forgotten but deeply loved and cherished. Wrapped with love to open on Christmas day.
(Every year I wrap as many hand lotions as possible to with mittens or socks to be given. It is hard to do that with so many. So as the Lord blesses me I try to put aside a bit to give back.)

14. For my mom and dad both to be pain free and set free from the pain that is weakening their bodies. That they would enjoy their old age. That they would be able to travel and do the things they desire in retirement.
That they would have more than enough cash flow to see the places they have dreamed of going and seeing.
That both their homes would be paid off and their vehicles , with no lack but plenty. 
That they would not worry and be stress free.

15. To buy each one of the grandchildren exactly what they want for Christmas with no thought of cost. I have always dreamed that would be so wonderful to do for them.

16. To see the Northern lights

17. A new pick up for my hubby all signed sealed and delivered paid in full 

18. To go to Christmas service with my hubby at midnight at the Grotto

19. To have the best Christmas sells ever in my Mary Kay business.
http://www.marykay.com/ehernandez1 

20. To have the most wonderful month in my hair salon's existence; better yet the coming year and year beyond. Being a service to those who could not other wise get out and get their hair done. 

21. To see the Christmas Parade at Disney World and the Christmas lights (I have been given the wonderful gift of being in Florida the second week of December. This would be like icing on the cake! Believing God will provide all that I need and so much more for this amazing trip that I have been gifted with.)

22. To spend a weekend at a bed and breakfast on the coast
http://www.obbg.org/inns/BenjaminYoungBedBreakfast_Astoria-bed-breakfast.html

23. A weekend at Mt. Hood Lodge with sky lessons
http://timberlinelodge11-px.trvlclick.com/

24. A candle light dinner for two at Salty's on the Columbia River Gorge 
http://saltys.com/portland

25. To have a real ever green Christmas tree this year. Maybe even go cut our own in the snow up in the mountain's somewhere around Mt. Hood

26. Hot chocolate and Christmas songs around the fireplace

27. A eye exam and new glasses; so my eyes wont hurt any longer. (The prices are so high and am saving so I can get them checked. Need to be able to purchase new lens at least if I cannot get the frames) 

28. To fill my moms, sisters and my three daughters wish to publish some of my writings in a book (I haven't the first clue how to publish my poetry they so want me to do)

29. To have all of my teeth fixed so they don't hurt any more. Along with being pain free from all the pain I suffer in my body. That I wouldn't have to wear the braces on my back, ankle, elbow or my wrist. Oh to be free from pain! Thank you Jesus!!!

30. To be able to re-do both salons in the Assisted Home at Parkview and to have the one at the Village nursing home redone as well. Both salons have salon furniture that is falling apart. I thank God for each one and for the furniture. But I know that they are both sorely in need of help and up grading. Both are furnished in the late 60's and early 70's. I pray over them all the time! I thank you Lord for both these places to be able to be a servant and to make a living at them Lord. It is a blessing and I love the work that I have been given. 
http://www.obrh.org/Assisted%20Campus%20New.html
http://www.villagehc.com/#!

31. To have a huge celebration party at year end rejoicing in all the good the Lord has done for us in this year and the hope of the coming year and what he will do for us. To celebrate with friends and loved ones far and near. 

And I know I could add more...but I thought this was fun thing to do. Hope you all enjoyed the list.

Make yours and share it! I know mine would change everyday with my mood and the situation at hand.

Some would stay the same I'm sure.

I have noticed as i have looked back over post and some that are similar how things have changed or how I feel. It is an amazing way to track and share with family as well.

Many blessing's during this Christmas season.

May the Lord bless you each richly in His name!

Mary Christmas to your house from ours 

What does your Christmas list have on it?

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