A Story of Christmas!

Once upon a time, in a far away land ....

                      The Tale of Three Trees                           The Countdown to Christmas 

              Retold by Angela Elwell Hunt              Written and Illustrated 

             Illustrations by Tim Jonke                                    by Bill Peet

          If  you are looking for wonderfull Christmas books, look into these! They are currently my favorite and even though my siblings and I are all gown adults, our Mom reads "The Tale of Three Trees"  every year on Christmas Eve. And every year she tears up because it's a story that penetrates the heart! The "Countdown to Christmas" by Bill Peet is just a silly favorite!

        Also, a sweet friend of mine put together the following Advent readings. She was excited that I wanted to post it and I am happy to share it with you (thank you Emily!). It starts with December 1st and goes through to Christmas Eve following the Bible's account leading up to the birth of Jesus and through his birth. I know, it's December 12th and I am just now posting this so there's some catching up to do. To be honest with you, I haven't read any yet but it's short verses, easy to catch up (for an audible Bible app go HERE ). ENJOY!

Dec 1:

The Word Became Flesh - beginning

 1 John 1:1-5  

Dec 2:

For Unto Us A Child Is Born 

Isaiah 9:2-7  

Dec 3: 

The Righteous Reign of the Branch

Isaiah 11:1-10

Dec 4: 

The Lord's Eternal Covenant with David

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Dec 5: 

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold - part 1

Luke 1:5-10 

A Story of Thanksgiving

Luke 17:11 - 19

"On the way to Jerusalem he (Jesus) was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests". And as they went on their way they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaratian. Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."

 As we think over this past year if there is even just one thing that you are thankful for may it cause you to turn to Jesus. No matter what others around you are doing and no matter your current physical or spiritual state, even if you feel far off, he will hear you!

Happy Thanksgiving!