Thursday, December 17, 2015

Once Upon the Prairie





“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled…3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And 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 lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6  And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
  8  And in that region there were shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. 9  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filed with fear. 10  And the angel said to them, ‘Be not afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all people; 11  for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12  And this will be a sign for you: you will find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger,” 13  And suddenly there was 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.’”

                            (Revised Standard Version Luke 2:1, 3-14)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Up the Family Tree




Merry Christmas!
                                                                              by Judy

As Christians we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We will spend Christmas with our families and friends. There will be church services to attend and gatherings with friends to enjoy. On Christmas day there will be stories told of Christmases past. We will hug our grandchildren and enjoy our grown children. We will have good food to eat, Christmas greetings, either on Facebook or on a card to read, and presents to open. We are blessed.

For some, Christmas day will include a call or a Skype session from family members unable to spend Christmas at home. (Technology is a wonderful thing!) Some families have members far away keeping our nation safe. Those absent in our homes will be in our hearts, and as Christians, we will keep them in our prayers. As Christians, too, we pray for those who are hungry, homeless, or alone on Christmas day.

We pray, too, for “peace on earth.”

Storytellers"s Corner


Christmas
                                         by Collette

 
C- means the Christ child and church are at the heart of this word and season to
        me. There is something to be thankful for every day during this time.         Having my family gathered with me to celebrate our faith is the greatest blessing
        of all.

H-This stands for holy as I see the family. Seeing baby Jesus surrounded by his
      family and ensconced in a stable reminds me of his humble beginnings and
      how He is the savior of us all.

R-represents the reason we celebrate. It’s a perfect time to reflect on the past
       year and anticipate the future.

I-symbolizes intention. To plan intentionally how to help others and give of
       ourselves is what the Christ child inspires me to do.

S-reminds me to search for ways to ease suffering in the world. I cannot affect
     the entire globe, but can assist in the little part where I dwell.

T-requires time on my part. Planning is needed and the time to act on my
     intentions is vital. I firmly believe you make time to do what you really want
     to do. The season is not the time to be too busy to pay it forward.

M-means to meditate on the word of God. I love to read the four Gospel accounts
        of the birth of Christ and reflect on how they are different and alike. I find
        something new each time I read them.

A-is apply. I want to try and apply the reason for the season for the next years.
         Like a resolution, I sometimes get off course, but can see how much better
        my life is when I apply Christ’s love every day.

S-is sharing the story of Christmas with all I meet. Whether it is in the classroom,
      with friends or with my grandchildren as we are talking. There is no better
       way to bond than by “sharing the story.”