Favorite “Christmas Day” things…

Can you name a few of your favorite things about Christmas Day?

I can:

1) the hush that seems to fall over much of the world – it amazes me

2) my family – I love them

3) memories of my father – I miss him

4) mashed potatoes and gravy – I could sit right in the pot, quite happily

5) knowing when a gift was “the perfect gift” - because of the smile, or shriek, that it brings

6) a shortbread cookie - or two, four, six, eight

7) my great big stocking - I’m a December baby, and was brought to my mom on Christmas morning in the hospital in a big red stocking, which I have always used

8) talking to friends – “what did Santa bring you?”

9) watching my mom open her gifts from me

10) going to bed at the end of a busy day – feeling overwhelmingly blessed

I trust a Merry, Merry Christmas Day was enjoyed by you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and especially you!

Lisa

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Take 5 with Kathy - "Following yonder star..."

My new outdoor nativity scene, 2011

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him...After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."[i]

As I was finishing my gift wrapping on Friday, I was thinking a lot about this passage of Scripture. And as many of us exchange and open gifts this Christmas Day, I hope we all pause and give thanks for the greatest gift we have ever been given – the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift[ii].

West End Baptist Church, Halifax

A great deal of mystery surrounds these men from the “East” and many suppositions have been made about them. It has often been assumed there were three men, but Scripture only makes clear there were three gifts. The Magi who are mentioned in Matthew’s account are often traditionally referred to as “wise men” or “kings”. However, they were most likely well-educated “astrologers” who studied the stars. This would explain their keen interest in this new star which suddenly appeared in the night sky. They obviously had some knowledge as well that a new king was to be born to the Jews and they were eager to worship Him. Many have speculated where these men originated from…the Orient, Iran, Iraq…we really don’t know except they came from east of Judea. Also, many people presume the magi visited Jesus at the manger, but Scripture clearly states they found Him in “the house”[iii]. Since we read later that Herod ordered all Hebrew boys two years of age and under to be killed, it is very possible that Jesus was not an infant when the magi worshiped Him.

My favourite nativity scene

The gifts the magi presented to Jesus are significant. Gold…a treasure truly fit for a king. Did they realize that this young child would one day be more than King of the Jews…that God would exalt Him to the highest place and give Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father[iv]? Frankincense…a bitter vegetable resin used primarily as a perfume or for fumigating at sacrifices[v]. Did these visitors from afar have any idea that such a gift might be used to embalm the body of Christ after His death? Myrrh…a bitter gum resin often used as an antiseptic, stimulant, perfume, or to dull pain[vi]. Did these learned men know that this little child would someday refuse this very gift as He hung dying on the cross?[vii]

From my living room to yours!

The star the magi followed must have been very spectacular. They were “overjoyed” to see it. The Amplified Version says they were “thrilled with ecstatic joy” and the King James Version says, “they rejoiced with exceeding great joy”. Don’t you wish, like me, that we could have been there to see that exceptional star?

I love the verse in Luke 2:19 that describes Mary’s response to all that happened surrounding Jesus’ birth, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” I trust that will be my sentiment today and throughout the rest of this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my dear readers!

Until 2012,

Kathy

P.S. Thank you to my sister, Susan, for her gift to me on Friday - the beautiful outdoor nativity scene pictured above that she handcrafted herself! The "Peanuts" characters (Linus, to the right of Lucy, missed being in the picture) were made by my dad about 40 years ago and except for new paint every few years, they're still in pretty good shape!

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[i] Matthew 2:1-2, 9-12 (NIV)

[ii] James 1:17 (NIV)

[iii] Matthew 2:11(NIV)

[iv] Philippians 2:9-11(NIV)

[v] Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, W.E. Vine; Merrill F. Unger; William White, Jr., 1985 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., page255

[vi] Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, W.E. Vine; Merrill F. Unger; William White, Jr., 1985 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., page 423-424

[vii] Mark 15:23

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~Merry Christmas from Take Six~

A Nova Scotia Christmas wish for you!

Merry be your Christmas

Peaceful be your Home

Joyful be your Family

Blessed be each one!

(Subway art - Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage)


Love, Kathy, Lisa, Nicole, Paula,Tanya

Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum...

One of my favorite Christmas songs is Little Drummer Boy.

As far as lyrics go it’s a pretty easy song.

However, it’s a pretty contemplative song as well, as far as lyrics go.

Come, they told me
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Our newborn King to see
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

Our finest gifts we bring
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
To lay before the King
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum,
rum, pa, pum, pum

So to honor Him
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
When we come


Little Baby
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
I am a poor boy too
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum


I have no gift to bring
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
That's fit to give a King
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum, rum, pa, pum, pum


Shall I play for You
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
On my drum, on my drum


I played my drum for Him
For You honored me

Mary nodded
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

I played my drum for Him
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
I played my best for Him
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum, rum, pa, pum, pum


Then He smiled at me
Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Me and my drum


When we come
Me and my drum

Even though I'm neither a boy nor a drummer I feel just like the little drummer boy - so often. I want to bring my best gifts and lay them before my King.

But, who am I?

Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

All I can do is play my best for Him.

Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

And, He smiles at me.

Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum

He smiles at you, too.

Pa, rum, pa, pum, pum
Rum, pa, pum, pum, rum, pa, pum, pum

Lisa

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Take a read...

 

Luke 2:1-20 NASB

 ¹ Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. ² This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³ And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. ⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, ⁵ in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. ⁶ While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. ⁷ And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

 ⁸ In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;¹¹ for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

 ¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

 ¹⁵ When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Lisa

Birthday Gingerbread

My mother has 4 grandchildren.  Every year, for many years, one of our special traditions has been helping the grandchildren make gingerbread houses on the afternoon that we celebrate Grammie's birthday.  In all reality, there is absolutely no help needed any more.  However, it is still fun to watch the creations unfold as they do it on their own.  This year was no exception.  Mom's birthday fell on a Sunday this year, and we all gathered for gingerbread houses and a birthday dinner.  I decided a tablescape in keeping with the theme of the day was definitely in order!




I pulled the red color from the gingerbread house kits, and brown from actual gingerbread.  These, I decided, would be the colors!  The table would be set for 10.  Since there are not often 10 people at our table, I didn't have 10 of either of the place mat colors (Dollarama).  I decided that alternating the colors would be the way to go.  I also alternated the napkin colors.  



My cute little gingerbread man tree ornaments are the applesauce cinnamon cut outs.  Have you ever made them?  They smell so good.  I pack mine away in an air tight bag or container each year and have them for a long time.  I made this batch last year.  They would be a sweet place card, or a take home favor for your guests.  

Apple Sauce Cinnamon Ornaments


1C Cinnamon
1 tbsp ground cloves
1 tbsp ground nutmeg
3/4C apple sauce
2 tbsp white glue


Combine ingredients, knead until smooth.  Roll out to 1/4" thickness.  Use Christmas cookie cutters to cut out.  Poke a straw into the top to make a hole for a ribbon to hang it with.  Let air dry for at least 24 hours, turn them over a couple times.  OR bake at 200 degrees for a couple hours until dried out.  I have done this both ways...and MUCH prefer the air dried method.  I found the oven drying method faded the color out and I prefer darker ornaments.  (You can see the difference in color in the above picture.)



The floral arrangement is in a vintage flour canister that I picked up last year at a second hand store.  I bought four Gerber daisies and a bundle of lime green mums at the grocery store.  The pine, spruce, and berries are from my back yard.  I place a large vase in the canister and put all the greenery in first.  Then the mums and daisies were added and lastly the berries.  I don't think I have ever done a floral arrangement in my life!  So I was pleased.  A couple shots of gold glitter hairspray finished it off nicely!  (Note:  Use the glitter hairspray BEFORE you put your dishes on the table ;0)




Two gingerbread house kits were leaning on each side of the floral arrangement.  Do you see the little set of battery operated wire ball mini lights draped across the box?  They are so cute.  I found those at Home Hardware.  I went back for a couple more sets a few days later and they were all gone!!!



I scattered several of my gingerbread man cookie cutters on the table, as well as little dishes of "decorating candy"!!



This is a mold for making your own gingerbread house (Lee Valley).  I confess that I have never been motivated enough to use it.  Buying the kits are just so much more of a time saver for me!  I used it as a plate for the cream and sugar.

Peppermint pillows...they have chocolate in the middle!

Cinnamon sticks and candy cane tree ornaments were placed  on the napkins.  White dinner plates were perfect with the red and brown accessories.  You can see the mugs that match my Christmas dishes better in the first and last picture.  They are Bordello Majolica.  It is a reasonably priced pottery made in Portugal.  I got mine at Home Sense several years ago.  You can see the dessert plates used in another tablescape HERE.



My gingerbread man muffin pan (Home Hardware), came in so handy to hold extra "decorating candy".



We had a great afternoon and evening together celebrating our mother and grandmother.  We are so blessed to have a Godly matriarch with whom we have always been able to learn by example!

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed..."  Proverbs 31:28

Thank you Nicole for the beautiful pictures.

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The Story of Christmas...from the Beginning

Take 5 with Kathy - "Angels from the realms of glory..."

While the shepherds were tending their flocks that night so long ago, “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified.” [i]

In the story of Christ’s birth, angels played a pivotal role. Not only did an angel appear to the shepherds near Bethlehem, one also came to Mary, and Joseph was visited three times by an angel. They brought messages of reassurance, proclamations from God, warnings and instructions, greetings, good news of joy and peace, and words of praise and worship to God.

Throughout the ages, mankind has had keen interest in, and often a preoccupation with, “spirit beings”. Indeed, angels are spiritual beings which have no human form, although they sometimes are manifested in human likeness. We only have to explore literature, art, and film to see people’s fascination with these supernatural entities. Television series have profiled angelic beings who come to the aid of humans. Artists have illustrated their interpretations of angels. Musicians have featured angels in masterful compositions. But what about the angels who appeared around the time of Christ’s birth? Who were they? What was their purpose?

We know from the Bible that angels are created by God, sent to minister to believers, are able to change their appearance, are mentioned almost 300 times, number in the tens of thousands (likely millions), express emotions, speak and sing praises to God, are superior to humans but inferior to God, appear in a brilliance and beauty beyond human comprehension, and are called holy.[ii] They are “God’s messengers whose chief business is to carry out His orders in the world.”[iii]

It is no wonder, then, that when the angels appeared to Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds they were quick to reassure them with the words, “Do not be afraid.”

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”[iv] What comfort the angel brought to a young groom-to-be distraught over what he no doubt believed was the infidelity of his fiancée.

“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.”[v] The angel, Gabriel, gave assurance to this young girl that what was about to happen was from the Holy Spirit of God and she had been chosen to be the mother of the promised Messiah. What confidence the angel inspired within her soul!

“Do not be afraid,” the angel told the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.”[vi] Once again, one angel, and later a host of angels, calmed the shepherds enabling them to hear the amazing message of Christ’s birth and search with great enthusiasm for the baby in the manger.

The angels in the Christmas story also proclaimed a message that would change the course of human history. Until then, those who believed God had only the prophecies which foretold of a Messiah who would bring salvation and deliverance. Their faith looked forward to that day.

To Joseph, the angel declared, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”[vii]

To Mary, Gabriel announced, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord will give Him the throne of His father, David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end.”[viii]

To the shepherds, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”[ix]

Another great truth about God’s angels is their desire to bring praise and glory to their Creator instead of drawing attention to themselves. In all angelic appearances in Scripture, angels seek to focus our hearts and minds on our Almighty God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Let us rejoice with the angels this Christmas season and worship the Lord saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”[x]

Until Christmas Day,

Kathy

P.S. Hope you enjoyed some of my angel collection.

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[i] Luke 2:9

[ii] Mark 8:38; Luke 2:14;15:10; 24:4; Acts 10:3, 30; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:14; 2:7; Revelation 5:11

[iii] Billy Graham, Angels: God’s Secret Agents, 1975, 1986, page 26

[iv] Matthew 1:20

[v] Luke 1:30

[vi] Luke 2:10

[vii] Matthew 1:21

[viii] Luke 1:32

[ix] Luke 2:11

[x] Luke 2:14

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Sights and Sounds of Christmas 2011

Each year at Christmas time, the ladies of our church gather for a special night to kick off the Christmas season.  Sights and Sounds of Christmas is so much fun.  Our focus is on the real reason for the season, and that makes such a joyful evening.  We enjoy beautiful music, a cooking demo, lots of yummy refreshments, and a decorating/craft demo.  This year, "yours truly" did a demonstration on all the different ways you can decorate with Epsom Salts.



My daughter was there and snapped these pictures of me.  I commented that I could have used a little less facial expression.  She said, "Mom, these were the pictures with less facial expression"!!  Well, I guess you can tell we were having fun!

#1 - Mason Jar Luminaries

So easy!  Just put a few inches of Epsom Salts in the bottom of your jar and place a votive candle inside.  You can tie some fabric, raffia, or hemp string around the edge.  Add some greenery, jingle bells, or any decorations you have on hand.  These are so pretty lining your walkway, front steps, or inside the house going up a staircase!

#2 - Epsom Salt Tea Light Holders

Collect some old jars.  Any size goes.  I wanted smaller ones since I was using it for a table centerpiece.  Paint the outside of your jars with Mod Podge, and roll in Epsom Salts.    Let them dry overnight.  Put a tea light inside, and place on a plate, platter, or right on your table.  At Sights and Sounds, we lined the center of the food tables with the mason jar luminaries and these tea light holders.  They were sweet with some fresh greenery and pine cones around them.

#3 - Epsom Salt Ornament

These take seconds to make.  Using a funnel (make one from paper), pour some Epsom Salts in the ornament and replace the top.  Tie on a ribbon and if you wish, put a letter sticker on as a monogram.

#4 - Snowballs 

Pick up a package of styrofoam balls from the Dollar Store.  Paint them with Mod Podge and roll in Epsom Salts.  As you can see in the picture below, I also used some much smaller ones and strung them on ribbon for a garland on my winter tree.  When Christmas is over and all the decorations get packed away, I find everything looks so bare.  So that is the time that I get out my snowmen, skates, sleds, snowflakes and decorate again!

#5 - Epsom Salt Candles

I simply painted the candles with Mod Podge, as I did the glass jars, and rolled them in Epsom Salts.  I did the same with the snowflake ornaments.  There were 6 in a pkg at the dollar store.  How cute and frosty looking!

#6 Frosting Imitation Greenery

This is plastic greenery from the Dollar Store.  Paint the ends with Mod Podge and dip in Epsom Salts!

#7 - Painted Candle

I decided I wanted a bit of color on one of these candles.  So I wrapped painters tape around, about 3/4 of the way up the tallest candle.  Then I painted it with a brown tole paint.  I let it dry completely before I painted a coat of Mod Podge on it and rolled it in Epsom Salts.  When it was all dry, I took the tape off and tied the gold ribbon around it.  The other two candles just have Mod Podge and Epsom Salts...no paint!


I hope these ideas have inspired you to pick up some Epsom Salts (at the Dollar Store) and have some fun!  If you have any Epsom Salts left over, you can use it up with the Bath Salts Recipe that I posted last week.  


Photos by Nicole!

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Take 5 with Kathy - "While shepherds watched..."

From my nativity scene

Luke 2:8 says, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” (NIV)

In the narrative of the birth of Christ, the shepherds played a significant role. But what do we really know about them? Why did God choose shepherds to be among the first individuals to witness the birth of the Messiah?

On Friday evening, I attended our church’s annual performance of “This Very Night”, a pageant of drama and music portraying the events surrounding this historical event. While the entire presentation was captivating and moving, I was especially struck by the realism as the peasant people of the day walked in with live animals – chickens, goats, a rabbit, a duck, and sheep. As the narrator recounted some of the Biblical account, sheep were “Baaaa…ing” in the background and while it was comical, it made the story spring to life. Another highlight for me was seeing our precious little children dressed up in shepherd and angel costumes and singing with great enthusiasm. Most of them knew every word!

Watching a shepherd in Scotland

Shepherds are referred to many times in Scripture. One of the first professions recorded in human history is that of the shepherd, Abel (Genesis 4:2). Other well-known shepherds were Abraham, Lot, Isaac, Jacob, Rachel, Joseph, David, and Amos. In the Old Testament times, shepherding was a respectable, though humble, calling and sometimes a source of great wealth (Genesis 13:2-6). It was often a lonely and solitary life as they would spend many days, nights, and weeks in distant fields and hillsides tending to their flocks. Since sheep are totally dependent on their shepherd, unable to care for themselves, the welfare of a flock was subject to the attentiveness and caring nature of this person. A dedicated shepherd was willing to risk his own life for his flock by fighting off predators and rescuing lost or wounded sheep.

Taken in village centre of Zermatt, Switzerland

In the time of Jesus’ birth, however, shepherds were a despised class of people, had  a bad reputation as being dishonest and thieves, and were considered “unclean” by Jewish religious leaders. As such, they were unable to observe certain ceremonial rites and could not testify in court. We don’t know if the shepherds in Luke’s account were of such reputation, but they would, at the very most, be looked down upon and treated with suspicion.[i]

This makes me wonder why God would choose for them to be the first to hear of the birth of Christ, the Messiah. Did they know anything of the Old Testament prophecies that caused them to be more open to the good news the angels told? Or were they just curious? Shocked that the angels would appear and speak to them?

What we do know is the shepherds recognized this message came from the Lord, they hurried to find and visit the baby, and then spread the word about Jesus to anyone who would listen. The result…all those who heard the message were amazed at what the shepherds said. (Luke 2:8-18)

Taken in Wengen, Switzerland

I find it very significant that when Jesus grew up and began to minister, He often used sheep and the shepherd to teach people valuable lessons about their relationship between God and themselves. He even referred to Himself as “The Door”, “The Gate”, and “The Good Shepherd” who would give His life for the sheep. Those who choose to believe in Him will have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. (John 10:1-30)

West End Baptist
Halifax, NS

These lowly shepherds who were the first to visit the infant Jesus would later be restored to a place of honour by the Good Shepherd as He repeatedly used this powerful analogy to lead His own flock of believers and disciples. Before He returned to Heaven, Jesus passed along this ministry to Peter saying, “Feed my lambs and take care of them.” (John 21:15-16) As a follower of Christ, I also have this responsibility and it is one I take very seriously and have dedicated my life to this calling. It is an honour to be given the opportunity to shepherd some of God’s flock here on earth!

Here is another of my favourite Christmas carols:

        While shepherds watched
        Their flocks by night
        All seated on the ground
        The angel of the Lord came down
        And glory shone around

Until next Sunday,

Kathy

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[i] http://www.welcometohosanna.com/LIFE_OF_JESUS/005_ShepherdsFields.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherd

http://holyordinary.blogspot.com/2007/12/shepherds-of-sheep-and-lamb-advent.html

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