Twas The Day After Christmas

Poem Commentary & Related Scripture written by: Timothy Jon Barrett Luke 1: 26-38 ... Luke 2: 1-21 and Matthew 1: 18-25... "Twas The Day After Christmas", may be a little hard to swallow for most parents but never the less, the fact that we lie to our children from birth and make them believe in a Santa Claus that does not exist, is very wrong. We'll tell our children not to lie and even disipline them for lying, yet we are the ones who started the lying in the first place. Are we not being somewhat hypocritical to our children? There are even many Christain parents who still insist on a Santa Claus Christmas. We need to teach our children from the time they are born, that Christmas means the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and that Christmas is a time for for loving and giving gifts(if nessesary)in honor of him. It's time to put Santa in the closet and time to bring Jesus out, Don't you think? "Twas The Day After Christmas" Twas the day after Christmas,our house filled with joy, the trash-cans were full, from unwrapping each toy. We loved both our children, little Brandi and Rick, So glad they were happy, with the gifts from St. Nick. I sat in my chair and stared out the window, as my wife and the children, took turns with Nintindo. I was deeply troubled for some strange reason, something was lacking, in this Holiday Season. Then the answer came, I knew what was wrong, We've lied to our children, for God knows how long. As I thought more about it, I couldn't help crying, they believed in a Santa Claus, we created by lying. We've told our children, every since I can remember, that Christmas means toys and they come in December. If they're good all year and get right to bed, then Santa will come, with his reindeer and sled. When all along we should have taught them to pray, to thank the LORD JESUS, being born on that day. To teach them that Christmas, was a time meant for giving, to share with the needy and be thankful for living. To give from within, then recieving will please us, share the best gift of all and give the LORD JESUS. Caught up in themes, we went along with the rest. but the time had now come to take the parenthood test. I told the children, what I just told you, then they responded like this, when I was finally through. "Thank you Daddy, for telling us this." Wrapped their arms tight around me and gave me a kiss. We've known for a while, that Santa was fake, but we swore not to tell it, for your and Mom's sake." We didn't want Christmas, to be a big flop, and the fun that we have every year to just stop." "And Yes we know Jesus, but thanks just the same, every night when we pray, we call on his name." "And remember last Christmas, when we lost all our toys? We gave them to the orphanage, for the girls and the boys." "And we wrote on each package, each one we would send, Merry Christmas, I Love You, from Jesus your friend." "Is that what you meant, what giving's about? "Sharing with others who are doing without." Yes I told them and patted their heads, gave them a hug and put them in bed. Our talk was now over but I have to admit, they acted so grown, that it scared me a bit. But from this day forward, the truth it shall be, cause God gave me children, who are smarter than me.  Written by..Timothy Jon Barrett

​

 

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

The Christmas Heart - Poem

A few more days and Christmas will be here. The house all decorated, and every one is filled with cheer. There are those who complain it's too much work is overheard, What they need is to take a break and let their hearts be stirred. I have always enjoyed the hustle and bustle of shoppers hurrying through the falling snow nodding and smiling at passerbys people they don't even know. They have a Christmas heart that I wish would last all year for all to see please share a Christmas heart with me I am like a sixty three year old child that looks forward to the stories on the tv like Little Drummer Boy, Frosty and Rudolph and The Christmas Box, my favorite to see. The day after Christmas my heart feels so let down the happy faces of the day before has changed into a frown. Hurry take away the tree put the decorations all away quickly shove the memories aside gone... another Christmas day I want to hang on to each moment and roll it over in my mind looking for another Christmas heart, that has stayed behind. Not packed away with the tinsel to be brought out next year . Lets have Christmas hearts all the time before and after Deck the Halls we hear. Don't put your Christmas smile away with the trim and lights keep a Christmas heart with in you for three hundred and sixty five days and nights. Sandy Griffin© 2003 http://www.our.homewithgod.com/sandra/

 

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

The Christmas Story (Using Candy)

Craft... Add each kind of candy (enough for everyone to have a piece) in a festive Christmas bag along with the corresponding Bible verse for a festive way to share The Christmas Story by using assorted candy and chocolates. Example below of verse & candy     Rocky Road® (Journey of Joseph and Mary) 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:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. Luke 2:4-5   Sugar Babies® (Baby Jesus) 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.   Luke 2:7   Candy Cane (The Shepherds) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. Luke 2:8-9   Almond Joy® (The Angel’s Announcement) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:10-12   Dove® (Peace) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13-14   Smarties® (The Wise Men) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Matthew 1:1-2   Starburst® (The Christmas Star) When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Matthew 2:9-10 Hershey’s Treasures® or Foil Wrapped Coin Candy (The Gifts From the Wise Men) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11   Reison® (Jesus is the Reason for the Season) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Adapted from: The Courageous Christian Father    Including A Free Printable Version.

Version #2 - Roads To Everywhere

or Maybe you'd like to try a Candy Bar Christmas Story instead from A Children's Ministry Deals.

Womens Ministries- also has numerous Delicious Christmas party favors that tell the christmas story

Julia Bettencourt - A Sweet Christmas Candy Devotional - Printable PDF
Christmas Candy Scriptures | MamasGirls

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

The Keeper Of The Bridge - A Story

It was on the Mississippi, Where the great draw-bridge was known, And the keeper had great honor - Far from his Oklahoma home. It was in the dark depression days. He'd headed toward the east, But, found this most prestigious post To feed his family. When the ships came down the river Then, he pulled the lever hard And the bridge split in the middle, Raised and stood like giant guards ... Letting pass the ships of cargo, Going north and south each day, The captains highly trusted him - This keeper of the way. Now, the trains that crossed the river Sounded out a whistle shrill. The engineers had confidence In the keeper, down the hill. So, they bustled on, so speedily. They knew this bridge would hold All their merchandise and passengers, All their many forms of gold. It happened on a sunny day, The keeper took his only son - Let him watch him do his duty, Let him see a job well done. They had lunch down on the walkway, Jutting out into the deep. For from there, the bridge looked awesome, Like a giant he must keep. They saw the cogs and pins, The gears all polished bright. The keeper pointed out the turns they made, To make the bridge raise right. Then, engrossed in their discussion, Came a sound of great alarm! 'Twas the whistle of the engineer' Signaling to keep from harm. The keeper leapt to scale the wall And pull the lever fast! He dare not waste a moment, for The train, too soon, would pass! So, he ran and grabbed the lever - Just glancing up to see His son, not waiting on the dock Where he was told to be. His eyes fell on the gear box, His son, in agony, Had fallen there and caught up tight In the gears of that machine! Four hundred souls are racing, To crash into the bridge! Four hundred people, he would choose, To sacrifice or live! There was no time to warn the train, Nor rescue safe his son, And so he did the only thing ... And wept when it was done. The train sped by, unheeding The keeper weeping there. He looked up, saw the faces Of passengers, so fair ... A little girl with ice cream, A man in tall grand hat. A woman, with companion, Engaged in friendly chat. They never knew, as they swept by, The sacrifice it cost. The keeper, weeping bitterly, So loved the boy he lost! I cannot help but think the day That God gave up His Son ... The world, goes rushing on its way, Unaware of what He's done. He built a bridge that spans the gulf From here to Heaven's shore. He sacrificed His Only Son. He opened Heaven's door! Oh, Keeper, how can I repay That Heart that loves us true? Dear Keeper of the Bridge of Love, I give my life to You! Author:Joan Clifton Costner http://underhiswings0.tripod.com

 Image: Contemporary Artist - Rusty Rust - The Northern Express~

 

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

The Power Of Words

Words fitly spoken are like apples of gold In pictures of silver, on display. Words can encourage and edify others As they walk along life's narrow way. Cruel words are like stones which are thrown As they wound and harm one's soul. Cruel words destroy and cannot lead one To the safety of the Good Shepherd's fold. When we seek to be like our Savior, Our lives will be changed and anew. Thoughts and words will be chosen To help see others make it through. No matter how low a person may sink In sin or the depths of despair, We can share God's grace and love; And tell them Jesus will always be there. We are to do good to those who hate Or seem to always put us down. Their words are not what matter in this life. We have God's love, which always abounds. Words of love and life Can help their sin sick soul. The Word of God still redeems and sets free. Our Lord will save and make one whole. We must return good for evil And pray to bless the souls of others. God extends, to them, salvation And commands us to love one another. In Christ, there is no condemnation. Old things have passed away. If you don't know the Savior's love, Won't you heed His call and come to Him today? Blessings In Christ, © 2005 by Jo Ann Kelly J. P.'s Inspirations

 

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

The Monk And The Peasant

A peasant once unthinkingly Spread tales about a friend; But later found the rumors false And hoped to make amend. He sought the counsel of a monk, A man esteemed and wise, Who heard the peasant's story through and felt He must advise. The kind monk said: "If you would have a mind again at peace, I have a plan whereby you may from trouble find release." "Go fill a bag with chicken-down and to each door-yard go. Lay one fluffy feather where the streams of gossip flow." The peasant did as he was told And to the monk returned, Elated that his penance was a thing so quickly earned. "Not yet," the old monk sternly said, "Take up your bag once more and gather up the feathers that were placed at every door." The peasant, egar to atone, Went hastening to obey; No feathers met his sight, the wind had blown them all away. By Margaret E. Bruner

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

God's Light

As I stood and watched  The darkness take over the light, Our bright sunny day Had now turned into night. I saw the wonder of an awesome God, Who has the world in His hand, As He turned off the sun And gave the moon command. He sprinkled the sky with stars, Oh, so many over here and there, As I viewed the heavens Twinkling stars were everywhere. My heart began to race, My soul filled up with joy, 'Cause He allowed me to see, His wonders and His glory.> Then my mind remembered, How it was with man, When He came to earth, And brought salvation's plan. He took away the darkness, And filled us with His light, A wonderful miracle too, Like turning the day into the night.   Betty Hill © 2005

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep - Linda Ann Henry

As I knelt by my bed, this is the prayer I said. "Now I lay me down to sleep I pray O Lord, my mom won't weep, I heard her call my name today It was just a whisper, then went away. In my dreams I see her clear I may never meet her, yet she is so very dear She no longer remembers the family she once knew I guess even me, she has forgotten too. As I lay me down to sleep Her soul may rest, as she closes her eyes In my dreams I will carry her to the skies, Jesus, wanted to bless her soul Mom is love, that much I know. To be part of her again Is a gift, my own soul sends As I lay me down to sleep I see a dove, sweetly singing deep A love song I have always known Mom is my treasure, the gift she has shown. The true beauty, life gives to all If only we will answer love's first call As I finish the little I pray, I can go to sleep in peace Mom maybe miles away But Jesus sent her love to me this day.   Linda Ann Henry © 2005

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

Just God and I - Poem

Sometimes when I'm weary And feel I can't go on, I sneak off to my "special place " In the light of early dawn. My place is deep in woodlands; " God's Country " it's called by some. When my burden gets too heavy, I hear my place call, " Come ". I go there when I'm saddened, And my heart is aching so; The beauty and serenity Help to ease my pain, I know. It's there that I find comfort; Sometimes I need solitude. I feel so much closer to God, And He gently lifts my mood. I don't know if it's my special place, Or the Lord above, Himself; But somehow when I leave there,vI feel that I have wealth. Perhaps it's just my being there;vOr maybe it's God's own way, Of telling me to try again;vIt's the dawning of a new day. ~Author Unknown~

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

God's Cardinal

Flying softly in the breeze The color filled with life Blink your eye and you will see God's bird of such delight Flying in a special way With presence everywhere Pick him out like royalty Colors can't compare Smile will come across your face As gently he will land Presence of such majesty In any place he stands Creation of such beauty Flies within our sight Looking at the awe of him Gliding like great light Look to see his presence Amongst the trees so tall Never hard to find him there Gift of love to all Royal red with special crown Gift we always treasure Nature's gift for all to see Presence of God's splendor ~ Francine Pucillo ~ ©used with permission POETRY~EMOTION

 

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

26 Hidden Books in the Bible Game

Find the names of 26 Books of the Bible that are hidden in the following paragraphs. Joel Daniel made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts and for others it was a big revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books are not all capitalized, but the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. To others, it was a real job. Joshua told his sister, "It's all in the smart gene, Sis." We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require the judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there might be loud lamentations, maybe even a few proverbs spoken, when it is found. One lady says she brews a cup of tea, so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Really now, there are twenty-six names of Books of the Bible hidden in this game. P.S. Alms maybe given in the offering plate. Do not go to the john during this game. Hose all mud off the feet. Make sure you mat the wet feet before entering, then hang your coat on the formica halltree.

ANSWERS TO 26 HIDDEN BOOKS OF THE BIBLE GAME

  Joel Daniel made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts and for others it was a big revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books are not all capitalized, but the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. To others, it was a real job. Joshua told his sister, "It's all in the smart gene, Sis." We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require the judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there might be loud lamentations, maybe even a few proverbs spoken, when it is found. One lady says she brews a cup of tea, so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Really now, there are twenty-six names of Books of the Bible hidden in this game.

P.S. Alms maybe given in the offering plate. Do not go to the john during this game. Hose all mud off the feet. Make sure you mat the wet feet before entering, then hang your coat on the formica halltree.

Source: here

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

Senior Version - Jesus Loves Me

Many years ago, while watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a Church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.  After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium.  Without a note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak. "When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching.  I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heart break and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me......the only thing that would comfort was this verse.  "Jesus loves me this I know.    For the Bible tells me so.   Little ones to him belong,   We are weak but he is strong.....   Yes, Jesus loves me...   The Bible tells me so." When he finished, the church was quiet.  You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair.  I don't believe I will ever forget it. A pastor once stated, "I always noticed that its was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best." - Senior version of Jesus Loves Me - Here is a new version just for us who have white hair, or no hair at all.  For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of  "Jesus Loves Me". It is quite good, so read, sing and enjoy:"     JESUS LOVES ME Jesus loves me, this I know, Though my hair is white as snow. Though my sight is growing dim, Still He bids me trust in Him. (CHORUS) Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. Though my steps are oh, so slow, With my hand in His I’ll go On through life, let come what may, He’ll be there to lead the way. (CHORUS) Though I am no longer young, I have much which He’s begun. Let me serve Christ with a smile, Go with others the extra mile. (CHORUS) When the nights are dark and long, In my heart He puts a song. Telling me in words so clear, “Have no fear, for I am near.” (CHORUS) When my work on earth is done, And life’s victories have been won. He will take me home above, Then I’ll understand His love (CHORUS) I love Jesus , does He know? Have I ever told Him so? Jesus loves to hear me say, That I love Him every day. (Author unknown)   "Jesus Loves Me" is a Christian hymn written by Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). The lyrics first appeared as a poem in the context of an 1860 novel called Say and Seal, written by her older sister Susan Warner (1819–1885), in which the words were spoken as a comforting poem to a dying child. - Wiki

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21:1-9

Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem when palm branches were placed in His path, before His arrest on Holy Thursday and His Crucifixion on Good Friday. It thus marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent, and the week in which Christians celebrate the mystery of their salvation through Christ's Death and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Photo Source: SaphireDesigns and llerrah.com

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. ” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:39-46   Photo Source: Penny Parker

More Easter Greetings: here

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U

The Last Supper - Holy Thursday

The Last Supper 17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. 20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” 23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.” 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.   Matthew 26:17-30

Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday is the day on which Jesus Christ celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples, four days after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Only hours after the Last Supper, Judas would betray Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, setting the stage for Christ's Crucifixion  on Good Friday.

 

Image Source: MoonAndBackGraphics - Artist: Greg Olson

 

Thanks For Visiting
Copyright © 2015 - AngelicDreams4U