Various Advent/Christmas Crafts & Ideas

[StillJulie]

Craft using Christmas cards

Aunt Annie used her Christmas cards to make placemats by pasting them collage-style onto posterboard. Once the cards were placed & the edges trimmed, she covered the mat in clear contact paper. I used the same idea to make a table runner for a friend pasting the cards to a piece of wrapping paper.

Bonus: These items wipe clean & store flat.

BIG bonus: These items are super inexpensive to make & there's no need to feel badly about throwing them away later!

Just thought I'd pass along the idea for those, like me, who don't want to throw away those beautiful cards, but don't know what to do w/ them.

Any other ideas for Christmas cards?
Free Indeed~
Becky



dedife:
I think I'll have the kids use them this year to make their own thank you cards. I'll just fold a piece of cardstock for them, then they can cut and glue on pictures from the cards.

I've also seen people cut them and use them for gift tags.

Denae



Happyathome:
You could buy the really inexpensive paper gift bags, plain ones, and cut the cards out and paste them to the front of the plain bag. Makes a nice bag to give gifts in.
~Heather



Rhonda96:
DH has an Aunt that cuts off the written on part of the card( where people sign or give a greeting) and then adds lines on the back of the front to make post cards.
..Which is Christ
in you,the hope of Glory.
Colossions 1:27



KristieD:
Another idea if you scrapbook....
If you save your cards, keep the pictures and letters. For the other cards, use a punch to make squares or whatever shape you choose. Then use those pieces to border your page or use as accents for your Christmas pages.

Saw it in a magazine. Can also be done for Baby showers, weddings, birthdays. I'm going to do this for several occassions that I have cards for.
~~Kristie~~


Gift Boxes out of Christmas Cards (http://www.allfreecrafts.com/recycling-crafts/greeting-card-box.shtml)

[StillJulie]

Homemade Advent Calendar Activity
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Advent Countdown
LIST OF GIFTS: (LISTED IN THE ORDER THEY ARE USED)
1. Quarter
2. Grape gum (or candy)
3. Smiley sticker
4. Gummy fish
5. Birthday candle
6. Bell
7. Fish crackers
8. Cotton balls
9. Piece of a map
10. Soap
11. Heart sticker
12. Cross
13. Packet of salt
14. Sand
15. Flowers(silk)
16. Raisins
17. Seeds
18. Christmas carol
19. Small rock
20. Crumpled foil
21. Mustard seed
22. Dove
23. Small scrap of woolly material
24. Blue marble
25. Picture of a baby.

December 1 - A quarter! That equals 25 cents. But 25 also stands for the number of days till Christmas, when God gave us His best present. Jesus told about one woman's gift and the way she gave it. Read: Mark 12:41-44

December 2 - Grape Gum! Grapes make jelly and juice, raisins and wine. But Jesus didn't need grapes to perform His first miracle. Read: John 2:1-10

December 3 - Here's a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many instructions to keep us happy. Read: Matthew 5:1-12.

December 4 - Fish! Well, if you were surprised to find these fish, wait till you read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish, too. Read: Luke 5:4-7

December 5 - A birthday candle? As you know, we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday. However, Jesus talked about something else that is related to this candle. Light! Read: Matthew 5:14-16

December 6 - You could make some noise with this. But it would not have bothered a certain man--until he met Jesus. Read: Mark 7:31-37

December 7 - These would not go very far if you were really hungry! But Jesus could make much out of little. Surely He knew how to multiply! Read: Matthew 14:13-21

December 8 - These cotton balls would be helpful in a thunder storm, wouldn't they? We could use them for ear plugs to muffle the loud noises that thunder makes. But we know someone who doesn't need cotton. Jesus can control the weather. Read: Matthew 8:23-27

December 9 - People needing to use the other parts of this map are in trouble! Don't you get lost today! Read: John 14:1-6

December 10 - It's soap. Do you like to wash? Behind your ears? Washing turned out to be a happy time for a man who met Jesus. Read: John 9:1-7

December 11 - Hearts. Wordlessly, they speak of love, don't they? Jesus spoke some commands about love. Read: Matthew 25:17-41

December 12 - We use the cross as a symbol, representing Jesus. Do you know why? Read: Phillipians 2:1-11
December 13 - Ordinary salt. Yes, Jesus related salt to us and our behavior. He also gave us some advice. Read: Matthew 5:14 and Colossians 4:6. (Notice that He doesn't recommend pepper!).

December 14 - Don't try to eat this! It's sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about architecture, about buildings--and building lives. See His instructions: Matthew 7:24-29.

December 15 - Flowers are pretty, aren't they? Jesus used flowers to teach us a reassuring lesson. Read: Matthew 6:28-34.

December 16 - Raisins! Many children are given raisins instead of candy for a snack. That's because they are a health-promoting and delicious fruit. Jesus told us how we can produce good fruit. Read: John 15:1-5.

December 17 - Jesus told a story about seeds that man planted. Then He explained it, revealing its deep meaning. Read: Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23.

December 18 -Christmas is just about a week away. And here is an appropriate song. Sing it loudly! Read: Psalms 100.

December 19 - A hard stone! Can you change this stone into a piece of bread? Do you think Jesus could? Jesus was asked to do just that. Do know how He handled it? Read: Matthew 4:1-4.

December 20 - Try to smooth out this piece of aluminum foil and use it as a mirror. It's hard to see your reflection plainly, isn't it? Many circumstances are hard to understand, but someday everything will be clear. Read: 1 Corinthians 13:12.

December 21 - The mustard seed is the smallest there is! When it sprouts, it grows into one of the largest plants! See what Jesus said. Read: Matthew 17:20.

December 22 - We've learned that the cross represents Christ, but do you know what the dove stands for? Read: Matthew 3:13-17.

December 23 - The threads that compose this fabric came from the wool of a sheep. Jesus called Himself the good shepherd. Do you know who His sheep are? Read: John 10:7-18.

December 24 - A marble! Do you know what is sometimes called the "Big Blue Marble"? The world. God made the world for us. What does God continue doing to the world? And who is the world? Read: John 3:16.

December 25 - Isn't this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy. Jesus was born a baby, too. He came to make the whole world happy. Read: Luke 2:1-20. Enjoy your celebration today. Continue to learn about Jesus--and love Him forever!

Sent in by Nance in Reno

Comments about Ths Craft:

We used the Advent Countdown idea using cardboard egg cartons in our recent Advent Rotation. First, I painted all of the egg cartons. This took some time, so plan ahead. Then I took circle-shaped labels from the dollar store and numbered them 1 - 24, and placed one in each holder. Finally, we set up an assembly line and had the children put each item in a holder. As we went along, we briefly talked about what story the item could be representing. I typed out the list of what the items represented and the scripture reference to take home. The kids all enjoyed the activity, especially trying to guess which Bible story was represented by the items.

[StillJulie]

A fun christmas craft for the kids...

buy sugar cubes and vanilla frosting. fill sandwich bags with frosting and cut a tiny corner off. Let the kids build snow forts, castles, etc. Buy little candies to decorate. We are doing this, this year and I have already starting buying supplies!

[StillJulie]

Snowflake Maker (http://snowflakes.lookandfeel.com/)

[StillJulie]

First, we celebrate Advent at our church (we've not always gone to churches that "did" the Advent thing). Last night, our family led the Advent part. My daughter read the Scripture, and my son lit the candle (with daddy's help - he's only 4 LOL), I read the devotional thought about the first candle, and then my husband led the prayer. It was really neat to be able to do that!

Then, this year we're reading the book "Jotham's Journey". It's a fictional book set in Biblical times that instead of chapters, it has a reading for every night of Advent. There is also a short devotional thought at the end of every section. There are 3 books in this series, and each one of them is set up the same way. The author is Arnold Ytreeide.

We're also going to be making a Jesse Tree. (ours will be made out of paper:-) And so we'll have a little bit of Scripture reading along with that.

Oh, and my daughter made us a little Advent wreath to go on our table.



WE ahve an advent wreath on our table that has a daily devotional to go with it.

We also have a calendar for the kids with felt pieces that stick on - we always choose the Star first as that is what we are Focusing on - "the LIGHT that takes us to Christ".

We also "prepare" for His birth with lots of music and singing and decorating the house.

Its also our time of year for stripping out the old and making things new - so we do a "toys and things" purge from the biggest to the smallest!!!



At home we read Advent devotions and do an Adornament tree. I also bought that gorgeous Advent book (www.Adventbook.com) last year at the Rochester conference and we enjoy opening each door in the days prior to Christmas.


I love the anticipation and the waiting, the knowing that God had a wonderful plan that he unfolded from the beginning of the Old Testament all the way to the birth of Jesus, so the story could continue to his ultimate death and resurrection.

We do the Jesse Tree at our house. We copied the symbols off the internet and colored, cut and laminated them. We have a dowel tree that we use to hang the ornaments on as the days go by until Christmas...reading the stories and seeing how they all fit into God's timeline and plan.

We also use Lisa Welchel's book, The ADVENTURE of Christmas. It's wonderful for talking about the symbols of Christmas and why we decorate with the things we do, what all the meaning is behind them.

We have a pocket banner with the little Christmas symbols to take from the pocket and put onto the tree that is on the banner. This is fun to do every day, too.

And we light the advent candles on the wreath on Sundays in Advent.

Here are some links to some of the things we use:

www.domestic-church.com has the symbols to print and color, scripture references are included to print out, too. Wonderful link for this! Look on the side-bar for the link that says advent, its on there.

Online Jesse Tree is at

www.geosites.com/Heartland/7202/advent.html


Also, there is a Jesse Tree Poster that we got from God's World news....our boys' weekly reader.

The website for that is www.gwnews.com

It's a cool poster!


Well, we've done a variety of things as the boys have grown
This year I'm typing up a daily advent letter to the boys and putting it in a cute little mailbox in our entry. They get the letter out each morning and read it. The letter talks about a few scriptures and how we can look for symbols in our celebrations to represent what the scriptures mean. Last night we talked about the shoot of Jesse and how we could remember that verse when looking at our tree. Today was the Branch of David, also relating to the tree. In the past we've done advent calendars, wreaths, candles. Last year we used an advent lesson plan for our homeschooling as all of our lessons. Was fun, but needed to keep plugging away this year, so we're just adding in the letter in the morning.

editing to add link to a great site: www.teachingmom.com . Click on the Advent calendar. It's great!


My boys are just 3 and 5, so we keep it simple! We made a paper chain at church, and everyday until Chritmas we rip one off, each has a short bible reading, a couple questions, and a prayer. Yesterday was the first day, we lit the candles and did it as we were sitting down for dinner. At the top of the chain is a picture of baby Jesus. It's a great visual reminder to them of what we are counting down to!

We did sticker Advent calendars last year.


I have the book The Twenty Five Days of Christmas (http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=918359&netp_id=338053&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW)


Quote:
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This classic and timeless Christmas devotional brings together stories, devotional readings, scripture passages and prayers in a delightfully illustrated format that is perfect for family time together during the holiday season. Families will love the unique features of this special Advent book. Each day includes scripture readings, sidebar stories, prayers, quotes, and unique facts about Christmas, making this perfect for all parents and kids of all ages. Contributors include Billy Graham, Frederick Buechner, Max Lucado, Madeleine L'Engle, Eugene Peterson, Walter Wangerin, and many others. Start a Christmas tradition with your family this year as you rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
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I bought it at Family Christian Bookstore. I also make up my own "calendar" with craft activities to do each day or field trips to take.

We haven't done the candles. I really love the idea of slowing down and focusing on Christ for an entire month before Christmas. Really puts things into perspective.


We have an advent wreath that i plan to use each week on Sunday evenings. I also plan to have us eat in our dining room to mark the specialness of that.

Our church observes advent and hangs banners for each week. We also have a lighting of the advent wreath in church. A different family each week lights it.

We have a long-standing tradition of "hiding" baby Jesus during advent and then bringing him out to put in the nativity scene's manger. It is tradition that the youngest member of the family puts him in the manger.

We have used advent calendars over the years. I currently have one hanging in my kitchen that is a stuffed Santa head. Little Guy will be moving the "trees" into their pockets on that one as each day goes by.

As far as linking advent to my decorating, I use the candles in the windows which symbolize lighting the way for the coming Christ child. I think that is neat.


Plum Pudding is another fun advent activity. This tradition and recipe is in my ECW cook-book....

It says it is an English recipe from 1517 or earlier. They call the first Sunday in Advent "Stir-Up Sunday" and that is the day the family prepares its plum pudding for the coming Christmas. Everyone helps chop up the ingredients; then the unbaked pudding is passed around the table. Everyone gives it a stir and makes his/her Christmas wish. The pudding, which will be even better in a month, is then steamed and put away for Christmas. This custom goes along with their collect for the day which begins..."Stir up Thy might, we beg thee, O Lord..."

I wonder what they did with the pudding to keep it cool for a month when they didn't have refrigeration, though. I guess, if they didn't have heating, their pantries or cellars were quite cool.

Anyway..it's an interesting tradition!

[StillJulie]

Easy to Make Glass Snowmen Ornaments
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This is a detailed instruction list...but we made these with kids and work fine. Hope the 'instructions' give you some ideas on what you can use.

You will need

6 white or silvery-white glass ornament balls
acrylic paint in black, pink, and orange
scraps of fabric - I used felt pieces
4 pairs of pom poms, your choice of colors
2- 14" long strips cut from flannel or an old scarf - again used felt
craft or hot glue small paint brush

Instructions
Keep ornaments in their tray if possible to make for a sturdy placeholder while you work. Use a styrofoam cup for a holder for individual kids

Faces
Using paint brush and black paint, paint on simple dot eyes and mouths. Use orange paint to give each snowman a nose, and splotch on pink paint for cheeks.

Earmuffs
Using scraps of solid colored fabric, fashion headband for earmuffs, glue in place across top of ornament, just below the top of the ornament. Glue pom poms at each end of the headband to form earmuffs. You may need to trim one side of each pom pom to "flatten" it a bit to allow for easier application.

Scarved Snowmen
For the snowmen that are wearing scarves, follow instructions above for faces. Next, at the middle of the strip of scarf, glue to the top of the ornament, above the snowman's eyes. Carefully glue in place, working your way around the face on both sides until both ends meet near the bottom of the ornament. Tie together and glue any areas that are out of place.



Ornament Ideas (http://www.makingfriends.com/xmas_ornaments.htm#Beaded%20Pipe%20Cleaner%20Ornam ents)

[StillJulie]

My First Christmas In Heaven

I've had my first Christmas in heaven,

A glorious, wonderful day.

I stood with the saints of the ages

Who found Christ the truth & the way.

I sang with the heavenly choir.

Just think, I joined in to sing!

And oh, what a celestial music

We brought to our Savior & King.

We sang the glad songs of redemption,

How Jesus to Bethlehem came.

And how they call His Name Jesus,

That all might be saved by His Name.

We sang once again with the angels

The message they sent that blest morn

When the shepherds first heard the glad story

that Jesus the Savior was born.

Oh dear ones I wish you had been there;

No Christmas on earth could compare

With the rapture & glory

we witnessed in heaven so fair.

You know how I always loved Christmas.

It seemed such a wonderful day

with all my loved ones around me

the children so happy & gay.

Yes, now I can see why I loved it.

And oh what a joy it will be

When you & my loved ones are with me

To share the glories I see!

So dear ones on earth here's my greetings.

Look up till the Day dawn appears.

Oh, what a Christmas awaits us

Beyond our parting of tears."





A New Night Before Christmas
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Twas the night before Christmas


Not a sign of Baby Jesus

was anywhere to be found.


The people were all busy

with Christmas time chores

Like decorating, and baking,

and shopping in stores.


No one sang "Away in a manger,

no crib for a bed".

Instead, they sang of Santa

dressed-up in bright red.


Mama watched Martha Stewart,

Papa drank beer from a tap.

As hour upon hour

the presents they'd wrap


When what from the T.V.

did they suddenly hear?

'Cept an ad.. which told

of a big sale at Sears.


So away to the mall

they all flew like a flash...

Buying things on credit...

and others with cash!


And, as they made their way home

From their trip to the mall,

Did they think about Jesus?

Oh, no... not at all.


Their lives were so busy

with their Christmas time things

No time to remember

Christ Jesus, the King.


There were presents to wrap

and cookies to bake.

How could they stop and remember

who died for their sake?


To pray to the Savior...

they had no time to stop.

Because they needed more time

to "Shop til they dropped!"


On Wal-mart! On K-mart!

On Target! On Penney's!

On Hallmark! On Zales!

A quick lunch at Denny's


From the big stores downtown

to the stores at the mall

They would dash away, dash away,

and visit them all!


And up on the roof,

there arose such a clatter

As grandpa hung icicle lights

up on his brand new step ladder.


He hung lights that would flash.

He hung lights that would twirl.

Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus...

Light of the World.


Christ's eyes... how they twinkle!

Christ's Spirit... how merry!

Christ's love... how enormous!

All our burdens... He'll carry!


So instead of being busy,

overworked, and uptight

Let's put Christ back in

Christmas and enjoy

some good nights!





Holiday-Proofing Your Marriage
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I copied this from the Heart to Heart section of the bb last yr. Unfortunately, I did not copy the author's name.

"The following are some simple 'marriage first moments' you can ease into an already over-cheduled December:

1. Snuggle on the couch w/ only the lights of the Christmas tree glowing in the room.

2. Suggest trading Christmas tasks--he cleans the kitchen after making cookies w/ the kids while she hangs the outdoor wreath.

3. Secretly meet for hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, & conversation once the kids are asleep-even for just ten minutes.

4. Specifically tell your spouse how much you appreciate what they do to make the holidays merrier.

5. Give her flowers. Put his favorite Christmas cookies in his briefcase or lunchbox. Don't forget to write a love note.

6. Play some romatic Christmas music like 'Merry Christmas Darling' or 'White Christmas' while you slow dance in front of the lighted tree.

7. Help w/ a Christmas task your spouse does not enjoy-even if you don't enjoy doing it either.

8. Wrap Christmas gifts together in secret for the kids while watching your favorite Christmas movie on video.

9. Treat your in-laws w/ respect & affirmation. It shows how much you love your spouse.

10. Give your spouse a samll token prior to Christmas Day & underneath the mistletoe if at all possible.

11. Run errands like going to the post office, picking up some items for the holiday party, or shipping packages.

12. Hold hands while you view the neighborhood light displays. If driving, reach over & gently squeeze his arm.

13. Make some romantic New Year's Eve plan right now.

14. Give your spouse the gift of a nap when stress takes over & then do a household task while they rest.

15. Tell your spouse how blessed they are to have so many family members & countless friends in their lives hwo will receive Christmas cards this yr.

16. Help with the Christmas cards & give your spouse a neck rub when finished.

17. Take the kids for an afternoon-to the children's museum, a movie or Christmas shopping to give her a break.

18. Give her some scente4d candles. Give him some new aftershave. Do it when you're alone & before Christmas.

19. Shop together-even if just for a couple of hours. Point out things you would like to receive only from your spouse.

20. Pray out loud for each other. If you do so in front of your children, you will leave them with a lasting legacy of their parents love & respect for each other."




A Candymaker's Witness (Legend of the Candy Cane)
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This little story came attached to a candy cane I received several yrs ago. Perhaps you can put it to use.

"A candymaker wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the Christmas candy cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, & death of Jesus Christ.

He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the virgin birth & the sinlessness of of Jesus, & hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, & firmness of the promises of God.

The candymaker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also repreesnt the staff of the "Good Shepherd" with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who all, like sheep, have gone astray.

Thinking that the cany was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

Unfortunately, the candy became known as a Candy Cane-a meaningless decoration seen at Christmastime. But the meaning is still there for those who "have eyes to see & ears to hear". I pray that this symbol will again be used to witness to the wonder of Jesus & His great love that came down at Christmas & remains the ultimate & dominant force in the universe today."

[StillJulie]

Another "Night Before" Poem
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Here's a little card I found amongst our Christmas decorations.

"Twas the night before Jesus came & all through the house

Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,

Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And Mom in her rocker with the baby on her lap

Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the east there arose such a clatter,

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash

Tore open the shutters & threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

But angles proclaiming that Jesus was here.

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray

I knew in a moment this must be The Day!

The light of His face made me cover my head

It was Jesus! Returning just like He said

And though I possessed worldly wisdom & wealth,

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand

Was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as He searched for my name,

When he said, 'It's not here' my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love

He gathered to take to His Father above.

With those who were ready He rose without a sound

While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was toolate;

I had waited too long & thus sealed my fate.

I stood & I cried as they rose out of sight;

Oh, if only we had been ready tonight.

In the words of the poem the meaning is clear;

The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There's only one life & when comes the last call

We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

Author Unknown"





12 Days of CHRISTmas!
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When you think of the Christmas song, "The Twelve days of Christmas" what thoughts come to mind (other than how to avoid singing it!)? Perhaps you think: "Boy that's a long song!" Or, "What's with those Lords a leaping, anyway?" But what most people don't realize is that the "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was created to be a teaching aid. The song is an allegory. Each of the items in the song represents something of religious significance. The hidden meaning of each gift was designed to help young Christians learn their faith during a time of persecution.

The song goes, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..." The "true love" represents God and the "me" who receives these presents is the Christian.


The "partridge in a pear tree" was Jesus Christ who died on a tree as a gift from God.

The "two turtle doves" were the Old and New Testaments - another gift from God.

The "three French hens" were faith hope and love - the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (1 Corinthians 13).

The "four calling birds" were the four Gospels which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

The "five golden rings" were the first five books of the Bible also called the "Books of Moses."

The "six geese a-laying" were the six days of creation.

The "seven swans a swimming" were "seven gifts of the Holy Spirit"(I Cor 12:8-11, Rom 12, Eph 4, 1 Pet 4:10-11).

The "eight maids a milking" were the eight beatitudes.

The "nine ladies dancing" were nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

The "ten lords a-leaping" were the Ten Commandments.

The "eleven pipers piping" were the eleven faithful disciples.

The "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.
I bet you're surprised that this otherwise non-religious sounding song is really a song born out of the Christian faith. I like surprises like that. Why? Because it reminds me that even though much of the sacred of Christmas has been covered with the secular, the covering is only paper thin! All we have to do is pull off garish garnish and the tarnished tinsel to reveal the brilliant, golden truth. Just beneath the surface of the most crass Christmas imaginable continues to beat the pure, loving heart of Christ!

Please take time out of your busy schedule to remember the birth of Jesus!




A good one from Jeanie P
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The REAL Night Before Christmas
(By Parents)

'Twas the night before Christmas
when all through the house
I searched for the tools
to hand to my spouse

Instructions were studied
and we were inspired,
in hopes we could manage
"Some Assembly Required."

The children were quiet (not asleep) in their beds,
while Dad and I faced the evening with dread:
a kitchen, two bikes, Barbie's townhouse to boot!
And now, thanks to Grandpa, a train with a toot!

We opened the boxes,
my heart skipped a beat -
let no parts be missing
or parts incomplete!

Too late for last-minute returns or replacement;
if we can't get it right, it goes straight to the basement!
When what to my worrying eyes should appear
but 50 sheets of directions, concise, but not clear,

With each part numbered and every slot named,
so if we failed, only we could be blamed.
More rapid than eagles the parts then fell out,
all over the carpet they were scattered about.

"Now bolt it! Now twist it! Attach it right there!
Slide on the seats, and staple the stair!
Hammer the shelves, and nail to the stand."
"Honey," said hubby, "you just glued my hand."

And then in a twinkling, I knew for a fact
that all the toy dealers had indeed made a pact
to keep parents busy all Christmas Eve night
with "assembly required" till morning's first light.

We spoke not a word, but kept bent at our work,
till our eyes, they went blurry; our fingers all hurt.
The coffee went cold and the night, it wore thin
before we attached the last rod and last pin.

Then laying the tools away in the chest,
we fell into bed for a well-deserved rest.
But I said to my husband just before I passed out,
"This will be the best Christmas, without any doubt.

Tomorrow we'll cheer, let the holiday ring,
and not run to the store for one single thing!
We did it! We did it! The toys are all set
for the perfect, most magical, Christmas, I bet!"

Then off to dreamland and sweet repose
I gratefully went, though I suppose
there's something to say for those self-deluded-
I'd forgotten that BATTERIES are never included!

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh






~ An Invitation For You
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You are cordially invited to

A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!

Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Every day. Traditionally, December 25
but He's always around, so the date is flexible....

Time: Whenever you're ready.
(Please don't be late, though, or you'll miss out on all the fun!)

Place: In your heart.... He'll meet you there.
(You'll hear Him knock.)


Attire: Come as you are... grubbies are okay.
He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about
new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Admission is free. He's
already paid for everyone...
(He says you wouldn't have been
able to afford it anyway...
it cost Him everything He had. But
you do need to accept the ticket!!

Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a
far-out drink He calls "Living Water,"
followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!

Gift Suggestions: ; Your life. He's one of those
people who already has everything else.
(He's very generous in return though.
Just wait until you see what He has for you!)

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth,
Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness,
Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power,
Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more!
(All "G" rated, so bring your family and friends.)

R.S.V.P. Very Important!
He must know ahead so He can
reserve a spot for you at the table.
Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future
reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life."

Party being given by His Kids (that's us!!)!
Hope to see you there! For those of you whom I will
see at the party, share this with someone today!

[StillJulie]

Christmas Carol Game & Answers
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These are popular Christmas carols. Can you name them? I'll post the answers on the Holiday Section, but don't peek until you've reeeeally tried.

1. move hitherward the entire assembly of those who are loyal in their belief

2. listen, the celestial messengers produce harmonious sounds

3. nocturnal timespan of unbroken quietness

4. an emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good given to the terrestial sphere

5. embellish the interior passageways

6. heavenly beings from exalted surroundings

7. 12 o'clock on a clement night witnessed its occurence

8. tintinabulation of vacillating pendulums in inverted, metallic resonant cups

9. small municipality in Judea southeast of Jerusalem

10. diminutive masculine master of skin-covered percussionistic cylinders

11. omnipotent supreme being who elicits respite to ecstatic, distinguished male persons

12. natal celebration devoid of colour

13. in awe of the nocturnal timespan characterized by religious consecration

14. locomotion thru' a geographical state of fantasy during the season of nature's dormancy

15. the first person nominative plural of triumvirate of far eastern heads of state

16. in a distant location the existence of an impoverished unit of newborn children's slumber furniture

17. proceed forth & make declaration upon a specific geological formation

18. jovial yuletide desired for the second person singular or plural by us
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Answers:

1. o come all ye faithful

2. hark the herald angels sing

3. silent night

4. joy to the world

5. deck the halls

6. angels we have heard on high

7. it came upon a midnight clear

8. jingle bells

9. o little town of bethlehem

10. little drummer boy

11. God rest ye merry gentlemen

12. white christmas

13. o holy night

14. walking in a winter wonderland

15. we three kings of orient

16. away in a manger

17. go tell it on the mountain

18. we wish you a merry christmas

[EllieFunt]

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