Merry Christmas!

from one lamb to another,

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas!

May it be full of family and fun,
love and laughter,
carols and cookies,
and may it all be centered around the manger and our Holy Savior,
who is Christ the King.

Christian Glitter Graphics above by www.christianglitter.com

Thankful Thursday ~ Christmas

This week for Thankful Thursday we were asked to share a memory from childhood Christmases. My family did not really celebrate the meaning of Christmas and it was largely a secular and stressful holiday, even so there are many memories of joy. One of the memories from my childhood was the making of pirags. Pirags are a traditional Latvian pastry baked with onion and bacon inside. They are delicious but a lot of work. Somehow the work did not seem like work though. My Omi (grandmother) was Latvian and she lived with us... and she was such a blessing. She had such gentle love. And making pirags with her felt like Christmas to me. Our family would gather at the kitchen counter and make the pirags for hours. We would play Christmas music, the tree was lit, and there was always much laughter. And afterward, the delicious pirags to eat.

Today I celebrate a Christmas that in many ways is very different from what I had growing up. We try to always look to Christ. One thing I continued was the making of pirags with my children. Earlier this month in an attempt to simplify Christmas, I asked the kids what things meant the most to them. Pirags was a top answer for both children. It made me so glad. And yesterday our family sat around the kitchen table forming the dough and filling them with the bacon mixture. Just as during my childhood, Christmas carols were playing. There was much laughter. And soon the smell of baking pirags tantalized us.. and when the first batch came out of the oven we struggled to wait until they would not burn our mouths to taste the first bite. Then we joyfully went back to making the rest. Christmas wouldn't seem like Christmas here without this traditional food.

Merry Christmas to all my friends at Thankful Thursday!

Apollo 8

On December 24, 1968, in what was the most watched television broadcast to date, the crew of Apollo 8 read in turn from the Book of Genesis as they orbited the moon. (From Wikipedia)

William Anders
"We are now approaching lunar sunrise and, for all the people back on Earth, the crew of Apollo 8 has a message that we would like to send to you.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.
And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

Jim Lovell
"And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

Frank Borman
"And God said, Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.

And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas – and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth."

Gazing Upon the Lord

Sometimes the best devotional is not a devotional at all. It is simply God's Word. Today I have chosen to give a clip from Little House's Christmas special. Pa is reading from God's Word. Sometimes it is enough for this lamb to just gaze upon the Lord.

I wish you all a lovely Christmas Eve!

Word Filled Wednesday ~ Christmas edition

Luke 2:8-20 The Shepherds and the Angels

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

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

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."

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

It is Christmas Eve, and it is time to rejoice in our Savior. Look to the Christ child. Let us join in, glorifying and praising God as the angels and the shepherds have done, and believers around the world do every day but even more so as we remember this great gift at Christmastime.

Merry Christmas to all my friends at WFW. What a blessing all of you have been to me!
Find others who are celebrating God's Word at Word-filled Wednesdays.

A Military Christmas

2000 years ago our Savior came to Earth to lay down His life in sacrifice for us that we might be eternally free. Today, on this day, soldiers are willing to lay down their lives for our freedom also. Please take time this busy Christmas season to remember our troops. Pray for them. In service to our country, they are risking all for our sake.

If you want to, do something simple. You can follow my xerox link to the left and send a thank you card. Or go to redcross.org and sign an email card. Or you can do more by bringing cookies to a military family or to veterans. Or to those who serve here at home, our police and firefighters.

Read about how Bush and Cheney have honored our troops during their administration here. Go to http://oldbluejacket.com/militaryxmas.htm to see a Christmas tribute.




And please also pray for the families left behind. Those whose loved ones are serving this Christmas in lands far away to protect the liberty and freedom we hold so dear, and especially for those who have lost their loved ones. May God pour our His love and comfort upon them.

Mythbusters: Christmas Edition

A cute cartoon that discusses the truth of the Christmas story, versus what has become tradition.



If you have never seen the Nativity Story movie, here is the scene of the Nativity itself. (It is not completely accurate but more so than most tellings.)

Menu Plan Monday~ Christmas Week

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Monday, Dec. 22, ~ Chili and cornbread (Chili and soups will be most lunches this busy week.)

Tuesday, Dec. 23 ~ Chicken pasta, steamed broccoli

Wednesday, Dec. 24 ~ Pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon, pirags, (a Latvian bacon and onion filled pastry; this pirag recipe is as close to my family's that I could find online), sauteed Bavarian sauerkraut with caraway seeds, potato salad, deviled eggs, and apple pie (adapted traditional Latvian Christmas Eve meal)

Thursday, Dec 25 ~ Cinnamon rolls for breakfast; Fried chicken with leftovers pirags, potato salad, and deviled eggs from last night. (Christmas is relaxed because Christmas Eve is the main feast.)

Friday, Dec 26 ~ Pot Roast, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, salad

Saturday, Dec. 27 ~ Left over pot roast made into enchiladas, tortilla soup

Sunday, Dec. 28 ~ Smothered pork chops, mashed potatoes, pea and bacon salad.

Welcome to our World, Precious Jesus (Day 23)

The Advent season is almost over. Christmas is coming. I am eager to celebrate Christ's birth, filled with joy and anticipation. My heart cries "Come Lord Jesus."

In honor of our Christ, and the welcome we offer, here is one of the new modern Christian Christmas songs that stirs my heart. Enjoy.

Advent Devotion ~ How Can This Be? (Day 22)

I was reading through the scripture for the day.... and at first I felt uninspired. I had that moment of wondering if I could do this.. if I could write a devotional, when I felt so dry...and then the Scripture came alive...

To Mary was revealed a huge truth... that she would be with child.. and with the Christ. And her first response was so normal. "How can this be since I am a virgin?" Her response is so understandable to us. I know I can relate. The facts spoke against this revelation. I understood her feeling of incredulity. And I also feel she felt overwhelmed and unprepared.

After all this is how I felt at times, and I have never faced anything of this magnitude. How many times do we ask God how. How can I write this devotional, when I am so uninspired? How can I lead the Sunday school? I don't know enough. How can I be a mentor, when I am so inadequate? How can I ____?

God has plans for each of us. He can use us in wonderful ways both big and small. Throughout God's Word we see God calling people.. and the people saying how can I? But the answer is right here also. "For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

When we are called by God, in the big ways and the small, it is natural, human, to doubt our abilities. And actually that is reasonable. We may not be able to accomplish the deed. But that is not where we need to rest. Our response needs to be as Mary... "I am the Lord's servant." We need to rest in the truth that it is not by our strength or ability that we accomplish God's Will anyway. It is God who is working. "For nothing is impossible with God."

Earlier in a devotional, I posted a lovely Michael Card song that shares this same question... "How can I? How Can it Be?" For those of us who love the Lord, our heart's desire is to follow, but it is our nature to ask how. In some ways it is comforting to know that we are not alone in this. Mary asked how. Joseph also. And David. And Abraham. But after asking how, our hearts need to finish with trusting obedience.

Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

Straight No Chaser, A Capella Group, 12 Days of Christmas

This is not my Then Sings My Soul which you can find here. This is not about the song, the symbolism, deep meaning, or anything remotely serious.... this is just plain fun. I do that sometimes. I hope you enjoy. I know I did. This group is awesome, super talented and FUNNY.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday ~ What Child is This? (Day 21)

No Christmas carol stirs my heart more than this one. In part it is the music of Greensleeves, which truly is a lovely melody, but that is only part of this carol's deep appeal. The words are filled with such a deep sense of awe. They reveal the deepest of mysteries, the almost unbelievable truth that God would send His Son from Heaven to earth as a humble babe, in a humble manger, to man, to save us through His death on the cross and triumphant resurrection. The story of God's redemptive plan is stunning in its beauty and overwhelming as it reveals God's great love for us and His mercy towards us. The carol shares this remarkable story in a way that gives me shivers and drives me to worship my King.

This beautiful carol was written in 1865 by a man in a dark hour of his life. William Chatterton Dix was 29 years old when he was struck with a disabling and near fatal illness. As he spent months in bed, he slipped into deep depression and it seems he came face to face with God as he wrestled his way through this dark time. During this period he wrote several hymns, none more powerful or famous than What Child is This.

(Here are the original lyrics)
What Child is this who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The Cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh;
Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise, the song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby;
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

May my heart enthrone Him, and my life sing His praise.
Merry Christmas!

A Modern Christmas ~ How things have changed

This was an ad in a movie theater.... the first part looks familiar to us all.. selling gift certificates. That happens even today. But continue to watch... and then wonder about how this nation has changed. Would you see this today?

What is Christmas All About Anyway? (Day 20)

For weeks I have been talking about focusing on the real meaning of Christmas. Then I came across a sermon by John MacArthur that said it far more eloquently than all my stumbling about. I was so convicted, once again, and wanted to share part of the sermon with you.

"At Christmas, we are confronted again, and I'm sure you're aware of it, with the sometimes very difficult task of separating the reality of Christmas from the clutter that surrounds that reality. There is so much confusion that sometimes you feel like the real Christmas story is like a diamond lost in a haystack‑‑it just seems impossible to find.

Christmas has really become a hopeless muddle of confusion. The humility and the poverty of the stable are somehow confused with the wealth and indulgence and selfishness of gift giving. The quietness of Bethlehem is mingled with the din of shopping malls and freeway traffic. The soberness of the incarnation is somehow mixed with the drunkenness of this season. Blinking colored lights somehow have some connection to the star of Bethlehem. The room in the inn, so obscure, so dirty with such meager fare, somehow embraces the thought of a warm house, a fireplace and opulent feasting. Cheap plastic toys for little kids with which to play out their follies are mixed with the true value of the gifts given by wise men. Salesmen somehow get mixed up with shepherds. Angels are confused with flying reindeer, one of which even has a red nose. The pain of childbirth is mixed with the parties. The filth of the stable is confounded with the whiteness of fresh snow. And then there's Mary, Joseph, Perry Como and Bing Crosby. And so it goes.

The great reality of Christmas, which is the glory of the Lord being revealed, is obscured by so much tinsel and activity and commercialism. And I think it's true that Santa Claus really has become the focus of Christmas for most people. And I've noted in the years that I've been ministering, that more and more each year, Santa Claus takes a dominant place. In fact, it's amazing but I think some people have trouble confusing Santa Claus with Jesus...if you can imagine that."

In the myriad of Christmas specials so few get it right. Linus had it right. Enjoy.

The Holly and the Ivy

This is a song I must have heard a hundred times, and yet never had I listened to the words until it was posted on Barbara's blog, Mommy Life. She always has the neatest posts with great info or a laugh or an inspiration. She has several youtube videos of different versions of the song if you are interested. Anyway, the song... WOW. The words tell so beautifully about Christ.

The Holly and the Ivy

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir



As I am prone to doing, after hearing this carol with new ears, I wanted to learn its story and so I turned to internet searches. This is an anonymous hymn, rather old it seems, maybe 17th or 18th centuries, and may have ties to winter's pre-christian (pagan) celebratory plant, holly, and certainly seems to be derived in part to ancient songs and poems about the rivalry of holly and ivy. In this song ivy is barely mentioned and all potentially pagan references disappear. Instead, the hymnist reclaims this and writes this beautiful carol full of religious symbolism telling of our Christ. (According to Medieval tradition the cross was made of holly.) Read the hymn again and enjoy through symbolism the story of our Lord's gift to us.

Bishop's Wife sermon

I had already posted about one of my favorite Christmas movies, The Bishop's Wife, (here) but I couldn't leave it be with one post. The movie is sooooo good. And I find that it is one that many have never seen or even heard of. Cary Grant is almost enough of a reason to watch any movie, but he has nothing to do with my love of this sweet film. Here we have a holiday film proclaiming the meaning of Christmas.

This is the Christmas sermon from the end of the film. Short. Sweet. And wonderful.

Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.

Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child's cry, a blazing star hung over a stable, and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, with the sound of bells, and with gifts.

But especially with gifts. You give me a book, I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry can do with a new pipe. For we forget nobody, adult or child.

All the stockings are filled, all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. Its His birthday we're celebrating. Don't let us ever forget that.

Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. And then, let each put in his share: loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth.

I also love it when the boy's choir sings, O Sing to God (Noel)



The focus of the world IS the gifts, the decorations, the business, and Santa, and seemingly everything but the Christ child. My heart is that my focus would always be Jesus. That my life would be lived out for Him. To bring Him joy and glory. That I would live out my life singing out hymns of adoration, all year long.

Count Your Blessings on Thankful Thursday(Day 19)

Over the last weeks I have done several clips from Christmas movies... and this one suits so well today. What a joy to be reminded in a Hollywood movie, White Christmas, to count our blessings. That is what we do on Thankful Thursdays!

It is an exercise encouraged by Thankful Thursdays, but I find it an extra blessing at this time of year. When we look to Jesus, we can not help but be thankful. What are you thankful for today?

Blessings for which I am so thankful:
~ Christmas Carols ~ their joyful songs stir my heart, often telling of our Christ, even more a blessing when sung with my family.
~ Christmas Trees ~ Two lovely trees in our house. A large one decorated in white lights, and an eclectic mix of shiny beautiful balls and the treasured ones made by my children and other friends and family. And a small one called the children's tree covered in chocolate ornaments, candy canes, and brightly colored blinking lights. They bring such beauty to our house, all the more treasured because they are here for such a short time.
~ Christmas Cookies ~ yum. The smells and tastes of Christmas are so much of our traditions. Forming and tasting and decorating cookies is a fabulous part of the season.
~ Pirags ~ These traditional Latvian baked pastries are filled with bacon and onion. They take a lot of time and effort to make, but they are worth every bit when you take just one bite. Also the work becomes play when shared with children. Passing on family traditions is a wonderful gift to my kids and to me.
~Vacation ~ With hubby a teacher, and me a stay-at-home homeschooling mom, work stops for a 2 week period. We can focus on family and faith and friends. This is an awesome blessing.
~ The Nativity ~ An ever present reminder of the reason for this whole celebration. Setting it up is always one of the first things we do, and it is a joy. Focusing time during each day on the coming Christ makes it a rich holiday with deep JOY.
~ My Savior ~ Jesus is the most precious gift of all. None of this would be possible without Him.

Word-filled Wednesday ~ JOY (Day 18)

1 Peter 1:8-9 "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

2000 years later we still celebrate Christ. We were not there that special day, but it is recreated in nativities, Christmas plays, and declared in song all around the world.

Knowing the love for Christ that we have even having not been there, and the awe we experience having never seen Him... Can you imagine being there? A shepherd called by angels seeing the long awaited Christ. Wise men come from afar to worship the newborn King. Fishermen called by the Son of God to come and follow Him. Listening and learning at His feet? We may not have experienced these things first hand... but I know that for those who believe He is no less real. And the Scriptures bring so much alive for us. How much greater joy when we meet HIM and can lay our crowns at His feet.

This week, the advent candle is the Joy candle, and for good reason. My heart rejoices as I think of my Savior and His birth. My wish for you, my readers, and for all my brothers and sisters in Christ is we live in that "inexpressible and glorious joy" throughout Christmas and each and every day.

Find others who are celebrating God's Word at Word-filled Wednesdays.

Advent Devotion ~ Its about the Cross (Day 17)

What an unusual Christmas song by the band Go Fish! For years, I have made simple beaded cross ornaments for gifts, and they are among my favorite Christmas ornaments. Whenever I look upon it I am reminded of the gift of God all the more. God come to Earth not just to live, but to die and rise again, so that we can have new life through Him. This is the reason we celebrate. The reason for our joy.

1 Peter 1:3-9 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Advent Devotion ~ Michael Card ~ To the Mystery (Day 16)

Michael Card again... To the Mystery. When I think on the Christ, that God so loved me that He would lay down His life for me? That He would come to be like us.. so we can be more like Him? Ahhhhhh. Yes. Thinking on what the Lord of Lords has done for me can not help but cause me to fall down on my knees before Him!

Let us Rejoice today, praising God for our Savior. This week we look forward to Christmas with great joy.. and it is as it should be. Give thanks to the Lord! Our Abba Father sent His Son from Heaven to Earth, to live a human life, and to be a perfect sacrifice for us. His love for us is so great. Bask in the love of God and praise His Holy Name. The Holy Child of God comes.

TO THE MYSTERY

When the Father longed to show
A love he wanted us to know
He sent his only son and so
Became a holy embryo

That is the Mystery
More than you can see
Give up on your pondering
And fall down on your knees

No fiction as fantastic and wild
A mother made by her own child
The hopeless babe who cried
Was God Incarnate and man deified

Because the fall did devastate
Creator must now recreate
And so to take our sin
Was made like us so we could be like Him