WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS FULL OF CHRIST!
A thought provoking Christmas card was once published with the title, "If Christ had not come." It was founded up on our Savior's words, "If I had not come." The story is told of a pastor falling into a short deep sleep in his study on Christmas morning and dreaming of a world into which Jesus had never come. In his dream, he found himself looking through his home but there were no little stockings in the chimney corner, no Christmas bells or wreaths of holly, and no Christ to comfort and to save. He walked out to the street but there was no church with its spire pointing to heaven. He came in and sat down in his library but he realized every book about the Savior had disappeared.
The doorbell rang and the messenger asked the preacher to visit his poor, dying mother. He hastened with the weeping child and as he reached the home, he sat down and said, "I have something here that will comfort you." He opened his bible to look for a familiar promise but it was empty. There was no Gospel, no promise of hope and salvation, and he could only bow his head and weep with her in bitter despair. Two days later, he stood beside her coffin and conducted the funeral service. There was no message of hope, no mention of heaven and no consolation or comfort to share.
As Larry and I read this story, our hearts were gripped and challenged by the reality of how tragic life wouldbe "without Christ"! It was just a terrible dream, a terrifying nightmare, but how much worse are those who know Christ came and yet live as though he did not. How different would your life and my life been this past year if Christ had not come?? When we receive bad news-a doctor's fear-inducing report , the heartbreaking loss of a spouse, child, sibling, the devastation of losing a job and finances, the constant weight of broken relationships-if Jesus had not come, how could we make it through the dark days of discouragement, loneliness and tears? There would have been NO hope, NO joy, NO answers, and nothing but a dismal future to look forward to…BUT…CHRIST HAS COME! Because He lives, we live also!
We have received the greatest Christmas gift…Jesus Christ! He is a gift who keeps unwrapping His goodness, faithfulness, and love which He continues to pour out upon us. Aren't we all grateful and thankful that JESUS CAME! As you celebrate this Christmas season, may you truly know the GREATEST GIFT OF ALL!
Gloria
A fun look back at Christmas memories....
THEN:
NOW:
{Quote}
"O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above your deep and dreamless sleep,
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light,
The hopes and fears of all the years,
Are met in thee tonight."
{Chuckle/Reflection}
May the Christmas presents remind you of God's greatest gift, His only Begotten Son. (John 3:16)
May the Christmas candles remind you of Him who is the Light of the World. (John 1:9)
May the Christmas tree remind you of another tree on which He died for you. (1 Corinthians 15:3)
May the Christmas cheer remind you of Him who said, "Be of good cheer." (John 16:33)
May the Christmas feast remind you of Him who is the Bread of Life. (John 6:35)
May the Christmas snow remind us of the cleansing power of Christ. (Isaiah 1:18)
May the Christmas bells remind you of the glorious proclamation to all mankind. (Luke 2:10-11)
May the Christmas carols remind you of His glad tiding which we are to proclaim to all mankind. (Mark 16:15)
May the Christmas season remind you in every of Jesus Christ ...YOUR KING! (Isaiah 9:6)
{Recipe}
Never Fail Fudge
3 cups sugar
1 cup milk
1/2 cup white syrup
3 Tbsp cocoa
7 large marshmallows, cut up
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
Cook the sugar, milk, white syrup, cocoa and marshmallows to soft ball stage. Add the butter and vanilla. Let cool. You can add nuts at this point if desired. Put in well-greased glass dish.
{Household Hint}
Barometric pressure and humidity greatly affect candymaking: My advice is to never make candy on a humid day!