Verse of the Week: Luke 2:19

What an honor to be the one God chose to bring Jesus into the world. I think we all have different ideas of what Mary was like. From her looks to her inner most thought, artists and writers have depicted her from a sturdy farm girl to a delicate maid. But I think we learn the most about Mary in Luke.2:19 “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart”

We see her response to all that has transpired. She kept it private and mused on these amazing happenings. How uncharacteristic for a teenage girl! Even the shepherds were so compelled by what they experienced that they HAD to tell everyone of what they had seen. I wonder what exactly Mary thought of all these things? I’m sure she must have been overjoyed, and yet filled with wonder at the same time! When I read this verse my first thought how often to I “ponder” all God has done for me? Am I filled with the same emotions over my salvation? Does it fill me with joy and wonder?

Let’s remember Mary’s greatest joy: her firstborn son Jesus.  My theme this week is to be rejoicing in Gods greatest gift!

Last weekend I was shopping for Christmas presents with my sisters. We were in and out of stores, shopping our little hearts out. We were definitely in the Christmas spirit. Yet, as we shopped, we didn’t hear any of the seasonal favorites. Nights were not holy and no joy was being repeated. I must admit I am a Christmas song pure-ist. I love the old standards, and tend to disdain any of the new modern songs that seem to be a lot of fluff and no substance.

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The stage is set. A dusky field near Bethlehem, the sun has just set, leaving a glow on the horizon. Sheep scattered here and there on the meadow, like white cloud puffs in a blue sky. Shepherds linger talking to each other about the days events, yet still watchful.

In my mind’s eye, I see this quiet field, suddenly filled with a blaze of light! The angels begin to herald the birth of Jesus. The jubilant hallelujahs, and the glorias, that must have rang! The hills echoed the joy of the Lord!

Let’s see what happens next in Luke 2:15
“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us”

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This is a guest post from Isaac Wildrick. Thanks for sending this in Isaac!

photo by carstenfonsdal

Christmas #1
“Up on the housetop reindeer pause, out jumps good old Santa Claus, down the thru the chimney with lots of toys, all for the little ones Christmas joys……..He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh…….Santa Claus has got a toy for every good girl and good little boy…he’ll have a big fat pack upon his back, filled with goodies for you and me…..He’s got a bag that filled with toys for the girls and boys again…….I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me, please have snow and mistletoe and presents under the tree…….Presents and cards are here, my world is filled with cheer and you (not Christ)…….Toys galore, scattered on the floor, there’s no room for more, and it’s all because of Santa Claus…….A scooter for Jimmy, a dolly for Sue, the kind that will even say how do you do?…….a pair of hop-a-long boots and a pistol that shoots is the wish of Barney and Ben, dolls that will talk and go for a walk are the hope of Janice and Jen…….Johnny wants a pair of skates, Susie wants a dolly, Nellie wants a story book…..…I want a hippopotamus for Christmas…….Want a plane that loops the loop, me, I want a hula hoop…….All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth…….Slip a sable under the tree, a ’54 convertible too, light blue, I want a yacht, one little thing I really need – the deed to a platinum mine, fill my stocking with a duplex and checks, trim my Christmas tree with some decorations bought at Tiffany’s, a ring…..…12 drummers drumming, 11 pipers piping, 10 lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans  a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, a partridge in a pear tree…….You better be good, whatever you do, cause if you’re bad, I’m warning you, you’ll get nuttin for Christmas”

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My wedding is coming up quick and will be just after the holidays (March 26) so I wrote out a list of “must do’s” during the holiday feasting times. I used some of them during Thanksgiving, and wanted to share them in time for Christmas and New Years!

Go Easy on Seconds.
I won’t make a blanket statement, and not allow myself to have seconds of my favorite dish (mom’s cranberry sauce) but, I make sure my portion is MUCH smaller. In addition to that, my second portion of potatoes and turkey were sans gravy. (Gravy is filled with sodium!)

Say “No thanks” to Leftovers
Give away a lot of the leftovers. If you taking some home with you, do so sparingly. Leftovers can turn 1 day of indulgence into 7!

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Laughing Squid via Flickr

What should I serve for a holiday party?
Don’t cook something for the first time when you’re having guests. Choose recipes that you’ve made before and have mastered. Presentation is key to wowing guests, not fancy food you have never prepared.

What are some shortcuts when entertaining for large crowds?
A common mistake is trying to cook too many things. Ask guests to bring their specialties. If they don’t cook, ask them to bring some good bread or rolls. Keep an eye out for bakery shops in your area. Everything doesn’t have to be homemade.

What can I do ahead of time so I’m not trapped in the kitchen?
I am a list maker. This helps tremendously when hosting a party. Make a plan, and write out your menu. Don’t forget to include what other people will be bringing. Go to the grocery store early for your nonperishable groceries to avoid the holiday grocery store rush and empty shelves. Buy your fresh ingredients the day before. Set the table before your guests arrive if you’re planning a sit down meal.

What are some unique touches to wow my guests?
Serve appetizers around a decorated kitchen island. Serve coffee in chic, large mugs. Purchase flavor syrups for the coffee, like Starbucks.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
My family always gets together for a pie baking day. We split the cost of ingredients and pie tins. We bake and laugh together, and when the day’s over, we all have several apple pies for our freezers that last through the year!

Do you have any no-fuss ideas for throwing a holiday party?
Try hosting a dessert party. Fill hurricane lamps with festive candies and sweets of all varieties: dark chocolates, candy canes, peppermint pinwheels, and caramels. Serve a warm pie a la mode or bake a gorgeous holiday cake. End the evening with a warm cup of coffee, cider, or cocoa.