ADVENT WITH CHILDREN by Candice Duffy

Day 24

The Cross

 

We finished out our 24 days of advent with Phillipians 2:6-8. This passage takes the Christmas story and wraps it all up into something called "purpose." Only Christ was and is perfect. Only he could be the sacrifice we all desperately need to be holy and pure, blameless in God's sight. He came as as a baby, grew up among all the sin of this world, but remained sinless so that he could save us from an eternity without him. So that we could have a relationship with him. Christ was humble and obedient, even to death. Not only did he die, but he conquered death by coming back to life just as it had been foretold (Romans 6:23, Isaiah 53:4-6, Isaiah 43:25, Revelation 1:18). Christmas is a celebration of what Christ would do on the cross for you and me. As we finish up on New Year's Eve instead of Christmas Eve, I am challenged. Tomorrow starts a new year. Christ came that we might have life and have it to the full!!! May your 2012 be abundant and full of life because He came and because He is working in and through you! To God be the glory, FOREVER!

 

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #3

This week just days before January 1, 2012, we’ve been talking about making New Year’s Resolutions.  We’ve talked about reading our Bibles daily and surrendering to God so that He can change us from the inside out.

Today, Resolution #3 is REMEMBER.

1.  Remember when Jesus brought you out of the bondage of sin.  Remember when you were saved.  “And Moses said to the people: "Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out of this place.”  Ex. 13:3

2.  Remember to go to church. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Ex. 20:8

3. Remember to trust God for every need. Not your education, your job, your bank account, your nationality, your own strength.  “ You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Deut. 8:17-18    “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

4.  Remember what God did in the past. “I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders…” Psalm 77:11-14

5.  Remember when you loved Jesus. Repent and return to Him. “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” Revelation 2:4-5

6.  Remember that your salvation demands obedience, not just lip service. Obey and repent. "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent.”  Revelation 3:1-3

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #2

Yesterday, we talked about making New Year’s Resolutions that will transform our lives.  

Resolution #1 - Daily Bible Reading.  If you missed it, you can read about it here. 

Today’s resolution #2 – Live as one who knows Christ by surrendering to Him each day.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”                 Eph. 4:22 – Eph. 5:4

1.  Quit acting as you did before you were saved. Act as one who was created to be like God.

2.  Watch your tongue. Quit lying and deceiving.  Speak only truth. Do not say anything that is unwholesome, coarse, obscene, or foolish.  Speak with words that will build others up.

3.  Do not give Satan any wiggle room in your life through your anger. Confess and apologize before the sun goes down. Get rid of greed, rage, brawling, and slander.  These characteristics seem to lash out at others.  Learn to listen to others and work with them.

4.  Do not steal. Do honest work.

5.  Do not grieve the Holy Spirit; instead be filled with the Spirit.

6.  Get rid of bitterness.  It doesn’t hurt others; it hurts you.

7.  Be kind, compassionate, forgiving, and loving.

8.  Live a life of sexual purity.  Be holy.

Wow!  Seems like a lot more than one resolution, doesn’t it? Truthfully, it takes a lifetime of surrendering each day to Christ, asking Him to take your actions and thoughts and transform them into His.  I am reminded of that old hymn Spirit of the Living God that asks God to “melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.”  Only God can change a heart and a life to be like Him.  But it takes giving up your rights and surrendering daily, sometimes minute-by-minute, to Him.  

ADVENT WITH CHILDREN by Candice Duffy

Day 23

Scented Ornament

Today we read Matthew 2:1-12 one more time. The wisemen brought three precious gifts. One was gold. It reminds us that Jesus is King. Another was frankincense, which is like a beautful smelling and healing incense. The third gift was myrrh. This is a spice that was used to make healing oils and lovely perfumes. 

You can make your own scented ornament using 1 cup of ground cinnamon and 1 cup of applesauce. Mix them together and pour onto wax paper. Roll out and cut out a shape with cookie cutters. We did a star.  Make a small hole in the top with a straw so you'll be able to hang it up later. Bake it at 200 degrees for about 2 hours. As you smell your ornament, remember the precious smelling gifts the wisemen brought Jesus and then talk about what kind of gift you could give Jesus. Remember, whenever we give or do for others, we give or do for HIM!!

Tomorrow marks our last Advent day. I can't believe we did it (even if it is after Christmas). So excited to see how it concludes! I've thoroughly enjoyed this activity with my children, and I hope you have too!

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Quite often, the New Year ushers in a host of resolutions. Ways that we're going to change our lives for the better: Lose weight. Begin an exercise program. Be more organized. Set a budget and live by it. Give up junk food. Get out of debt. Save more money. Quit smoking or drinking. Manage stress better.

While these are quite admirable things to strive for, I would like to suggest another list of New Year's resolutions. These resolutions will truly change your life and transform you into becoming more like Christ day by day.

  

Resolution #1: Be in the Word on a daily basis.  Why? Because of just a few reasons God gives:

1.  to keep from sinning - "I have hidden thy word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Ps. 119:11

2.  to know what direction in life to take - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Ps. 119:105

3.  for protection - "You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word." Ps. 119:114

4.  for understanding - "The unfolding of your words gives light: it gives understanding to the simple." Ps. 119:130

5.  because God works to change you through his word - "For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any two-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Heb. 4:12

6.  because God uses his word to change us and equip us - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for  every good work." 2 Tim. 3:16-17

So, how do you get in the Word on a daily basis?  Perhaps you've tried and failed.  Here are some ideas.  See if one works for you:

1.  Join a Bible Study.  There are so many options.  It seems every church has a women's Bible Study group that offers group study, fellowship, and accountability.  (Look to the sidebar to see what our church is offering in the daytime and evening in 2012)

2.  But if it is difficult for you to attend a Bible Study at a set time each week, there are many opportunities for online study.  Here are just a few to choose from:

*Made to Crave Bible Study - http://melissataylor.org/and-more/

*Psalm Study - http://wendypope.org/psalm-study/

*Lots of online Bible Studies through Lifeway -   http://www.lifeway.com/n/Bible-Study/Downloads-&-Online-Studies?intcmp=iTeam1-MerchText-BibleStudy-Category-DownloadsAndOnline

3.  Another option is to download the Bible app on your mobile phone. You can browse different plans for studying the Bible. Some last for only a few days while others last for weeks or months. There are numerous topics of study. To download, go to www.youversion.com

4.  Read a chapter a day of whatever book of the Bible you like - Pick Esther or Ruth. They're short and you can finish them in 10 and 4 days, respectively. Or choose Proverbs. It will take about a month to complete it. If you have time, write down one verse to meditate on. Just one. Write what this verse means to you or how you could implement this verse in your life.

5.  Reading through the Bible in a year could be your goal - You can download a plan at  http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/  You will read an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage, a passage from Psalms, and a passage from Proverbs. You could also use The One Year Bible for the kindle, or you can find a one year Bible plan on the YouVersion Bible app for your mobile phone.

6.  You may be thinking, "Read through the Bible?! I hardly have time to eat, let alone read through the ENTIRE Bible!" Okay, start simple. Read one verse a day. Start in Psalms or Proverbs or John. Just start.  Read one verse. Only one. Think on that verse during the day. Pray about that verse and ask God to use it in your life. He will, you know. 

Just get started. Don't wait for January 1. Do it today.

Tomorrow, I'll share another resolution that could transform your life in 2012. 

PUTTING AWAY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS by Stacy McSpadden

I decked my halls.  Now do I really have to take it all down and put it away?

So it's 3 days after Christmas and I had a great weekend of food, family, gifts, and all around good cheer.  I have spent countless hours in the kitchen preparing the next meal or wrapping another gift or cleaning up another mess.  I finally have an evening to sit and relax, and all I can think is that I have to put away all the decorations.  That is exactly what came across my mind last night.  

I hosted the last family gathering at my house on Monday night.  Being employed in the retail business, I do not get to experience the luxury of Christmas break, so my day began early to prepare for our post-holiday sale.  I was quite tired, so I sat on the sofa, called my best friend, and then it hit me....YOU NOW HAVE TO CLEAN UP ALL THIS MESS!!!

Christmas decorations are fairly easy to keep organized, especially the ornaments.  All you need is a good selection of Rubbermaid boxes.  I purchased one of the ornament organizers a few years ago.  They are very nice because they keep my things from getting crushed. If you don't have a lovely pre-lit tree, then you have to find somewhere to store all of those lights.  If you wrap them tight and in tight balls, then they can be stacked in a box.  Just be organized and label the items so that if you decide not to use everything next year, you don't have to take down all the boxes from the attic.  These big containers are great, too, for storing those once-a-year serving pieces and dishes that take up so much space in those top cabinets in the kitchen.

              

What about the mess of all the gift wrap and ribbon and tissue?  You can either purchase the wrapping paper storage bins, or if you have extra space in a closet or room, you can use these great ideas from Pinterest.

                                         

                      

The last thing is what to do about those wreaths, arrangements, and garlands that collect so much dust and are so hard to store?  The best thing to do with these things is to place them loosely in large plastic trash bags and try to lay them across a flat place in the attic.  If it is a wreath or door swag, hang a large nail on the wall of rafters so that they can hang upright.  Your bows with wired ribbon should be removed and tied to coat hangers.  Also, cover these and hang them on a large nail in the attic.  If you didn't use wired ribbon, chances are your bows will only last one year.  Raoul Stephenson did an amazing job helping us get organized in the attic at the church.  If you would like a tour of the attic, then let me know and I will be glad to take you up there one Sunday or Wednesday.

It always feels great to start the New Year out all clean and organized! We will start talking about trends for the new year and start thinking of new ideas in the weeks to come.  Happy New Year to you all.

In Him,

Stacy 

Stacy McSpadden

Manager of Interior Design Services

Chestnut Hall Interiors

3075 Forest Hill Irene Road

Germantown, Tennessee 38138

901.753.8515

stacy@chestnuthall.com

ADVENT WITH CHILDREN by Candice Duffy

Day 22

The Wisemen Come

 

Today we read Matthew 2:1-12 again. We took a closer look at the wisemen. The Bible doesn't say there were only three wisemen who came, but that there were three gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). The wisemen made a very long journey to find Jesus. We talked about what it must have been like to leave home, not knowing exactly where you were going, only that you were following a star. We saw that the wisemen listened to God and obeyed him. After they saw King Herod and told him why they had come, they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, not to tell him where the Christ child lived, but to go home a different way. They didn't question it, they only obeyed. There is much we can learn from the wisemen who visited Jesus.

 

CHRISTMAS LEFTOVERS by Paula Roten

Do you still have leftover turkey and ham from Christmas day?  Perhaps you can "repurpose" those meats into a completely different dish!


Chicken Spaghetti
Cook:
7 oz. vermicelli (and drain)


In a small skillet, saute:
2 cups chopped onions
2 diced bell peppers
1 1/2 sticks margarine


In a saucepan, simmer for 10 minutes:
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 can diced Rotel tomatoes
1 large can sliced mushrooms


Add to saucepan and allow to melt:
2 lbs. Velveeta, chopped


Add all ingredients together and add in 6-8 cooked and chopped chicken breasts, (3-4 cups chopped chicken, or in this case, turkey).  Mix well. This is enough for 2 large casserole dishes.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes.


NOTE: This recipe obviously uses a lot of dishes, but it is so worth it!  Delicious!


Basic Ham and Bean Soup
1 pound dry great Northern beans (or Navy beans)
8 cups water 
1/2 tsp. salt
1 ham hock
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 stalk celery, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. mustard powder
2 bay leaves
2 cups chopped ham
1/2 tsp. ground white pepper


1.  Rinse the beans, sorting out any broken or discolored ones.  In a large pot over high heat, bring the water to a boil.  Add the salt and the beans and remove from the heat.  Let beans sit in the hot water for at least 60 minutes.  
2.  After the 60 minutes of soaking, return the pot to high heat and place the ham bone, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, mustard, and bay leaves  in the pot.  Stir well, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 60 more minutes. 
3.  Remove ham bone and discard.  Stir in the chopped ham and simmer for 30 more minutes.  Season with ground white pepper to taste.


NOTE:
*When I make this, I use 4 cups chicken broth and 4 cups water.
*I do not use a ham hock because it seems to make the soup greasy to me.
*Serve with cornbread.

ADVENT WITH CHILDREN by Candice Duffy

Day 21 

The Star

 

Today we read Matthew 2:1-12. Not only did God send angels, but he also sent a star on the night Jesus was born. It was a huge bright star that stayed right over the place where Jesus lived. The wise men followed this star in order to find the newborn king. The Bible says that when the wisemen saw this star they were filled with joy! We made a star today and hung it over our baby Jesus ornament.

 

WORD FOR THE WEEK

We spend months preparing to celebrate and remember Christ’s first coming. How much more should we seek to be ready for the day of His second coming? That day, too, is a reality, an absolute certainty. Unlike Christmas Day, which we know to expect every 25th of December, only the Father knows the day and hour His Son will return, but He is coming. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Beloved One, will return to the earth. It has been promised.

In the fullness of time, He will split the sky and descend to destroy all wickedness, receive the worship that is rightfully His, and usher in a new age – one free of sin, suffering, disappointment and fear. On that day, the children of God will walk in full-hearted belief and unrestrained delight as we see our Beloved face to face. We will be free from the sin and the brokenness of this world. And that will be wonderful, but the real treasure is Jesus. His return marks the beginning of unbroken, unending fellowship with Him. It is a day we should believe in, think about, look to and prepare for with joy, anticipation, hope and holy fear.

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, 

that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, 

and a thousand years as one day. 

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness,     but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, 

but that all should reach repentance. 

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, 

and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, 

and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, 

and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.       Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, 

what sort of people ought you to be 

in lives of holiness and godliness, 

waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, 

because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, 

and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 

But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens 

and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 

Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, 

be diligent to be found by him 

without spot or blemish, 

and at peace. 

II Peter 3:8-14

As this Christmas season comes to a close, take some time to reflect upon how the reality of Jesus’ return affects the way you live. May your heart be full and your eyes bright as you hope in all things in Christ and look to His coming. Take heart, beloved. It won’t be long.

(Taken from Advent Guide: The Village Church 2011)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The Word became flesh 

and made his dwelling among us.  

We have seen his glory, 

the glory of the One and Only, 

who came from the Father, 

full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

ADVENT WITH CHILDREN by Candice Duffy

Day 20

The Temple

 

I just want to start this entry with a special story! Tonight is Christmas Eve and we went to our church's Christmas Eve service. As we were sitting there, one of our teaching pastors read the Christmas story, and as he did, Noah excitedly and quite enthusiastically whispered to me, "Joseph, Jesus!!! It's the SAME! Mommy, ANGELS!!! It's the same!!" I knew exactly what he meant. He recognized the story from our advent lessons. It made me so happy because I'll be honest, most days, I really didn't think he was paying much attention. I mean he IS three. I nearly had tears as I elbowed my husband so he could hear our precious boy exclaim his excitement over the Christmas Story. If you remember, my prayer when I started this activity was that Christ would be in the forefront of our minds, that our actions and attitudes would be evidence of that. Specifically, I prayed that God would use this activity to call my children to him. While Noah is only three, I have seen such differences in him especially this month. I truly believe he KNOWS the Christmas story. The reason Christ came. The foundation is being built. As he learns more about our wonderful Lord and sees Christ in believers' lives around him, I pray he will come to trust Him as his Savior one day. I have seen him be notably kinder to his siblings. I have seen him do random acts of kindness expecting nothing in return. I watched today as everyone opened gifts at my mom's - he was genuinely excited for each person and told them how "cool" their gift was (even his girl cousin's Angelina Ballerina DVD). After opening a simple puzzle, he raced over to Granna (my mom) and THREW his arms around her and said, "THANK YOU GRANNA!! I LOVE IT!" Any parent can understand when I say I was beaming!!!! My heart was so happy to see such deep genuine thanksgiving coming from such a tiny little person. So, this Christmas eve, I am thankful that God answered my prayer. I have enjoyed learning with my children, and I have enjoyed watching God work his good in their lives through our time spent in his Word.

 

We missed a few days due to sickness and such, so we are a bit behind. There are 24 total days, and I plan to finish even though Christmas is upon us :) So, tonight we dove into Luke 2:21-40 and learned that Mary and Joseph took Jesus to be dedicated at the temple. Simeon and Anna were two people at the temple who recognized Jesus for who he was - God's Son. They believed and praised God for keeping his promise of sending Jesus. Simeon specifically said, "He is a light to reveal God to the nations..." There it is again - Jesus is the light!! We took some time to remember our first day and everything we knew about Jesus being the light. We made a temple out of some scrapbook paper and drew Mary and Joseph at the entrance.

 

May your family thoroughly enjoy celebrating our greatest gift tomorrow - Jesus! We have four more advent days to go!! I'm excited to see this to the end. Thank you for learning and participating with my family!! Merry Christmas to you all.

 

 

CHRISTMAS EVE

Because of God's tender mercy,

the morning light from Heaven 

is about to break upon us, 

to give light to those 

who sit in the darkness 

and in the shadow of death, 

and to guide us to the path of peace.

Luke 1:78-79

TODAY'S THOUGHT

ADVENT WITH CHILDREN by Candice Duffy

Day 19

The Shepherds Tell the Good News

 

Again we are in Luke 2:8-20 today. We focused mostly on the shepherds today. After the angel told them how to find baby Jesus, they left their sheep and went to find him. Everything was just as the angel had told them. Baby Jesus was wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Their Messiah. The one who had been prophesied was here. Their Savior. The very one who would redeem them from all their sin. The shepherds left the Christ child and immediately went and began spreading the good news. 

I asked my children today to tell me one new thing they had learned about the birth of Christ. Eli's answer was Zechariah and how his disobedience gave him big consequences (his words, not mine!). Ella Kate didn't know that Mary had a cousin, Elizabeth.  Noah said Jesus is light. I was most amazed to hear my sweet little 3 year old remember the most important part of the Christmas story. I asked him why Jesus was light and he said (NO LIE), "Cause it's dark!!!" I tell you, I am praising God because even a 3 year old...MY 3 year old...has truly grasped during our advent lessons that Jesus is the light and only He can fill our dark world with His light and hope. I encouraged them to each tell someone they know about the Christmas story or about the new thing they had learned just like the shepherds went and told others.

 

DISCOVERING YOUR STYLE by Stacy McSpadden

You CAN afford to decorate for Christmas!

So I know you all are thinking that it's 3 days before Christmas, so why should we talk about spending money on Christmas decorating?  Well, now is the time to really consider how you want to add to or upgrade your current decor.  I was out finishing a lot of those last minute errands and gift buying today, and I noticed that several of the specialty stores in our area still have a lot of Christmas inventory.  Most all of these stores will be making drastic markdowns on their merchandise on Monday, if not before.  This is the time to take advantage of making next year's Christmas decorating purchases.  You haven't packed up everything yet, so putting the new things away won't be so difficult.  

Here are some suggestions for shopping for bargains over the next few days:  

Home Decor Outlet (next to Kroger at Getwell and Goodman) does the most beautiful trees and garlands.  They also sell beautiful floral accents.  

Ultimate Gifts (next door to Gracie Bleu and around the corner from Home Decor) carries a lot of ornaments and fun door hangers.

The Paisley Pineapple (on Goodman in Olive Branch next to Kyoto) had a lot of cute ornaments and the new "Burlee" door decorations that are so popular.

The Purple Pickle (on Old 78 right where you used to turn in to go to what used to be Maywood) is a new store that a lot of people are still discovering.  They have great ornaments and garland accents.  They have a whole room in the back of the store devoted to Christmas.  If you haven't been in there, try it.  They have really fun stuff!

If you are in the Germantown area, Diane's Gift Emporium on Poplar Pike next to Germantown Day Spa had some great Christmas serving pieces and dishes.  

And, of course, if you are going to Germantown, you should stop by Chestnut Hall.  We have actually already marked our Christmas florals 50% off.  Our floral designer is so talented, and she has made really nice pieces.

I would say that you shouldn't really waste your time on stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby.  They take such drastic markdowns and when I was in there last week, they had very little inventory left.  

If you need to stock up on wrapping paper, Christmas cards, boxes, and the like, stop by Target if you dare!

Most of my favorite Christmas decor has been purchased at the end of the season.  You can get some fun things at half the price and really create a beautiful Christmas home!  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend celebrating the birth of our Lord!  Merry Christmas!

In Him,
Stacy 

Stacy McSpadden

Manager of Interior Design Services

Chestnut Hall Interiors

3075 Forest Hill Irene Road

Germantown, Tennessee 38138

901.753.8515

stacy@chestnuthall.com

ADVENT WITH CHILDREN by Candice Duffy

Day 18

The Angels Sang

 

Luke 2:8-20 tells us that Angels were the first to announce that Jesus had been born. Scripture says an angel appeared, telling the shepherds to not be afraid.  Can you imagine being in a dark field when all of a sudden "the radiance of God's glory surrounds you?" God's word says the shepherds were "terrified."  It definitely wasn't something the shepherds had ever experienced. After the angel assured them they were safe, he told them exactly who had been born and how to find him. Then scripture says "the angel was joined by a vast host of others - the armies of heaven - praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those whom God is pleased." My children talked about what it must have been like to be a shepherd that night. An ARMY of angels?? That is A LOT of angels!! We wondered what the glory of God looked like. Was it so bright the shepherds had to turn away? Or did they stand there in a trance, unable to take their eyes off the angels? We talked about one day being able to hear an angel choir in heaven and how it must be the most beautiful sound. I encouraged them to sing their own praises. God is worthy of our songs, too. So, today we sing, excited that God loves us, so much so that he sent his only Son to live among us. We also sing because we are thankful that just as he surrounded the shepherds with his glory, he can surround us, too.  Today we made a (small) host of angels. Eli hung them at the very tip top of our garland :)

 

 

TODAY'S LAUGH