Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child. 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.

2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

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. 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!

Blogging about The Advent

I just have to share this blog with y'all!

Ice Shavings and Shinny. Craig is an awesome writer and he is doing a series on his blog this month called The Advent. So far I love it! I can't wait for the next installment and it's only Day Two!! Make sure you go back and read his Caveman Chronicles too.

I remember my mother bringing one of those little Advent calendars home every year and how excited my sister and I would get over opening the next little door. We made a big production out of it, always after we ate our supper and the dishes were done, we would head over to the little calendar and take our turn opening the door. One night I got to open, one night Linda got to open and I think even one year Mom took a turn opening the little doors. That was such a simple little *tradition* yet we looked forward to it every year.

We did the little Advent calendar for our kids as well, only by then it seemed it was impossible to find the calendars like we had, the ones with the little pictures behind the door. All we could find were the ones with candy behind the door. Mom came up with the idea to make our own one year so Jake and I spent the day making a cloth one right after Thanksgiving that year. We sewed little squares onto a panel and Jake took a marker and numbered the days on each square. Next we made little clothespin reindeer or snowmen to add to each square, that worked very well that year and it gave us some mother/son bonding time together. He remembers doing all that and even remembers how to make the little clothespin reindeer and snowmen.

I have a few of those left that I use as decorations on the tree now. Each time I pull those little clothespins out, I remember the day when my little boy WAS a little boy and we sat together making those little things. What wonderful memories for me. Jake tells me he remembers that day every time he sees those little worn ornaments as well and since that is what I was hoping would happen, mission accomplished.

Anyway, be sure to head over to Craig's blog and read his series, you will not be disappointed. While you are there, be sure to click the *follow* button, he always has some awesome posts over there.

Enjoy and blessings to each and every one of you!