Right now life is a challenge. So much to do when all I want to do is reflect, remember, and worship God who loves us unconditionally in our lowest of state and gave His Son to bear the punishment of our sin in order to have that relationship that is beyond all comparison. When I think of the type of love we all crave and search for, I know that God is the only one who can give me that relationship....unconditionally. I don't have to be pretty, smart, the best hostess, the best Christian, or just plain perfect. Matter-of-fact, God loves me warts and all. Well, that's my reflection of Christmas.
Now I have a challenge to catch up on.
Challenge Question #10: Candy Canes, traditional or flavored? Or Chocolate Covered Cherries?
I don't eat Candy Canes anymore. But the rest of the family love the traditional candy cane. Not the hard ones we often hang on the tree or put in a stocking or gift. My husband especially likes the ole' time candy canes that are round, fat sticks that are soft. One thing I do have to watch out for is Hershey Kisses that are Chocolate Covered Cherry flavored. Oh my how I could go through the bags of it last year!
Finally a red stripe was added to represent the blood Christ shed for the sins of the world, and three thinner red stripes for the stripes He received on our behalf when the Roman soldiers whipped Him. Sometimes a green stripe is added as a reminder that Jesus is a gift from God.
The flavor of the cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. Jesus is the pure Lamb of God, come to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world.
So, every time you see a candy cane, remember the message of the candy maker: Jesus is the Christ!
Challenge Questions #11: What's your favorite holiday goodie to make and share?
From my husband, he makes homemade sugar cookies.
From my mother, she makes candies peanuts
From me, I make Sweet Potato Crunch for every dinner and party around
Adam and Jacob, Toll House cookies quick!
Challenge Question #12: What's your favorite Christmas song?
I have several favorites. Paul and Paula singing "Rock-A-Round the Christmas Tree." Or a childhood favorite "O Tanna Baum" from when I lived in Germany. Let's see I love singing "Silent Night" in German, what I can remember of it. Most of all I love singing any Christmas song that the whole family can sing and laugh about.
Challenge Question #13: When did you learn the truth about the "magic" of Christmas?
What truth about the "magic" of Christmas. Oh yeah, I've heard the myth that there is not a Santa Claus. But I believe in the "magic" of Christmas now at mmmmmm years old. Christmas is not just about the hoopla, but it is about the "magic" of giving, family, lights, smiles, songs, food, and love.
Challenge Question #14: Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
As a child we would open one gift: our Christmas PJs. When my children were smaller we did the same thing. Since the kids are grown they won't let me pick out their PJs! Starting this year we will be opening some presents on Christmas Eve at my grandchildren's house.
Challenge Question #15: Is there a special ornament or Christmas decoration that you wouldn't feel like Christmas without?
My whole tree is made up of Christmas memories. So I guess my Christmas Tree with all the memories to laugh and smile about.
Up to Date, whew!
Gratitude List:
1. Kind faces
2. Holding open doors
3. Warm weather
4. Lights
5. God's very breath He gives me to make it day by day!
Sights of the Holiday:
Now I have a challenge to catch up on.
Challenge Question #10: Candy Canes, traditional or flavored? Or Chocolate Covered Cherries?
I don't eat Candy Canes anymore. But the rest of the family love the traditional candy cane. Not the hard ones we often hang on the tree or put in a stocking or gift. My husband especially likes the ole' time candy canes that are round, fat sticks that are soft. One thing I do have to watch out for is Hershey Kisses that are Chocolate Covered Cherry flavored. Oh my how I could go through the bags of it last year!
The Legend of the Candy Cane
According to legend there was a candy maker who wanted to invent a candy that was a witness to Christ.
First of all, he used a hard candy because Christ is the rock of ages. This hard candy was shaped so that it would resemble a “J” for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd’s staff. He made it white to represent the purity of Christ.
According to legend there was a candy maker who wanted to invent a candy that was a witness to Christ.
First of all, he used a hard candy because Christ is the rock of ages. This hard candy was shaped so that it would resemble a “J” for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd’s staff. He made it white to represent the purity of Christ.
Finally a red stripe was added to represent the blood Christ shed for the sins of the world, and three thinner red stripes for the stripes He received on our behalf when the Roman soldiers whipped Him. Sometimes a green stripe is added as a reminder that Jesus is a gift from God.
The flavor of the cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. Jesus is the pure Lamb of God, come to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world.
So, every time you see a candy cane, remember the message of the candy maker: Jesus is the Christ!
Challenge Questions #11: What's your favorite holiday goodie to make and share?
From my husband, he makes homemade sugar cookies.
From my mother, she makes candies peanuts
From me, I make Sweet Potato Crunch for every dinner and party around
Adam and Jacob, Toll House cookies quick!
Challenge Question #12: What's your favorite Christmas song?
I have several favorites. Paul and Paula singing "Rock-A-Round the Christmas Tree." Or a childhood favorite "O Tanna Baum" from when I lived in Germany. Let's see I love singing "Silent Night" in German, what I can remember of it. Most of all I love singing any Christmas song that the whole family can sing and laugh about.
Challenge Question #13: When did you learn the truth about the "magic" of Christmas?
What truth about the "magic" of Christmas. Oh yeah, I've heard the myth that there is not a Santa Claus. But I believe in the "magic" of Christmas now at mmmmmm years old. Christmas is not just about the hoopla, but it is about the "magic" of giving, family, lights, smiles, songs, food, and love.
Challenge Question #14: Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
As a child we would open one gift: our Christmas PJs. When my children were smaller we did the same thing. Since the kids are grown they won't let me pick out their PJs! Starting this year we will be opening some presents on Christmas Eve at my grandchildren's house.
Challenge Question #15: Is there a special ornament or Christmas decoration that you wouldn't feel like Christmas without?
My whole tree is made up of Christmas memories. So I guess my Christmas Tree with all the memories to laugh and smile about.
Up to Date, whew!
Gratitude List:
1. Kind faces
2. Holding open doors
3. Warm weather
4. Lights
5. God's very breath He gives me to make it day by day!
Sights of the Holiday:
Love you first paragraph most of all. Amen, sister!
ReplyDeleteLove,
a sister in Christ.