Merry CHRISTmas 2020 From Our Family to Yours

 Joy, Joy, Joy!!!

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.

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

(Luke 2 )

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Meaningful DIY Christmas Gifts Received

 I felt very merry indeed after receiving these gifts -- made by hand by people whom I love:

Home-made:  Kombucha, Sourdough Bread; 

plus appropriate accoutrements to make our own version of said items.  I am excited!

Our gift to them from Costco: Vacaville Fruit Company, 62 oz. Dried Fruit & Nut Basket 

Sis & hubby planted and arranged these succulents in their home to give as gifts:

Our gift to Sis and BIL:

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, 

and shall bring forth a son, 

and they shall call his name Emmanuel, 

which being interpreted is, God with us

(Matthew 1:23)

KOMBUCHA

Oh, Christmas Tree & the Skunk

 A poor skunk made a mess  out of our Christmas tree while it was stored in our outdoor shed.  The creature became trapped and spewed out its aroma far & wide. Bye, bye artificial xMas tree.

Below is our new birch-branch wall Christmas tree.  It can only accommodate  about 10% of our total ornaments; and I have yet to take out our really nice ornaments from storage.  However, I am beginning to like❤ our tree-- space saver, natural, reusable, simple, affordable -- yay!

Samples of other wall trees:

Wall Christmas Tree

A Saviour is born!

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Year 2020: First Christmas Star in the Heavens in 800 Years

 Wow....I know some have heard about The Christmas Star appearing this year on December 21st. I couldn't help but really take a deeper look at how amazing that this occurrence would be happening in the year 2020.

In the year when Jesus was born, there was violence, chaos, political and social unrest. It was dark.

The Magi found him by way of the star, which was the "meeting" of 3 stars: Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. They followed the star until it rested on where he was and they began to worship him. In a time where is was dark, Light was brought in to our world. Jesus stepped in to the chaos and brought peace.

Fast forward to this year, 2020. It's a time of violence, chaos, political and social unrest. It is dark. Winter Solstice, December 21st, being a time where the day is the shortest and night is the longest...it's literally the "darkest day" and is the beginning of what most would say the cold, dark winter season.

But on the darkest day this year, Jupiter and Saturn meet, giving us the Christmas Star! How fitting...that in the moment of time during the Christmas season that we get to see this beautiful reminder...that even in the darkest of times...Light will, and has, stepped in. In our chaos He is there. In our darkest time, He is there. He brings Light, and makes all things new.

So as you look out on Dec 21st for the Christmas Star, may we be reminded of His power, and His Light that he brings for all mankind. He is perfect at stepping into chaos and bringing it into peace.

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Jupiter & Saturn on Winter Solstice

A Rare Christmas Star 2020

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