Grace His
December 2019
Serving from Coast to Coast
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Table of Contents Merry Christmas
December 2019
"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11
Publisher's Corner............................................................Pages 4, 5 CD in Review.....................................................................Page 6 Prayer Page........................................................................Page 7 Poetry Page........................................................................Pages 8, 9 Book in Review..................................................................Page 10 Athletes for Christ.............................................................Page 12 Walking with Jesus...........................................................Pages 14, 15 Racing with Christ............................................................Pages 16, 17 Recipe Page........................................................................Pages 18 - 21 Featured Artist..................................................................Page 22 In Concert..........................................................................Page 24 Bible Study.........................................................................Page 25 Movie in Review................................................................Page 26
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or email wood.publications.2014@gmail.com
December 2019
Merry Christmas
Merry
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Christmas
Donna and I would like to wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas
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Publisher's Corner...
The First Christmas!
Owner/Publisher: Rob Wood
A
December 2019
nother Christmas is now upon us, and at this time of year, I like to sit back and reflect on the years gone by. I remember being in school waiting for the Christmas holidays to begin, going Christmas shopping with my family, seeing lots of snow outside and all the lights on houses, getting into that Christmas spirit with that wonderful countdown to Christmas day. The closer Christmas got, the more excited I would become. I also remember the smells of all the wonderful baking, from tarts, cookies, pies, trifles, puddings, and then of course the smell of turkey in the oven. We had a small family, it was nice; we actually all fit in the living room to open presents with my Mom, Dad, my sister, Lynne, and my brother, John. Afterwards, we would sit down and have our Christmas dinner. We would eat at noon; that would give us more time later to be with the family, have turkey sandwiches, goodies like cookies, chocolates
and Christmas movies. These are some of the Christmas memories of my past, but this year will be the start of some new traditions for me. This will be my first Christmas away from home, which will be difficult to say the least, for myself and my family back home. I moved a great distance away; earlier this year Donna and I were married, so this will be our first Christmas together with all the trimmings and a time to make many new memories for our future together. As this is our first Christmas together, it makes me think of the very first Christmas, over 2,000 years ago. I wonder sometimes what the weather would have been like at that time? Or how many shepherds came to see Jesus after the angel of the Lord gave them the message of joy? The angel is believed to be Gabriel, as God used him for His messages. Luke 2:8-18 says: 'Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a
Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." 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, goodwill toward men!" So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.' God chose the least of cities to be born in (Bethlehem) for the birth place of His Son. Also, God chose the least in people (shepherds) as first witnesses of the birth of Jesus. Back in the day, shepherds were considered ceremonially unclean, because they had contact with Gentiles during financial transactions. Because of this uncleanliness, they were not allowed to enter the Temple to worship. This was all done so that God could show His love for us; not as a powerful God that He is, but as
December 2019
Merry Christmas
Publisher's Corner... flesh and blood. He humbled Himself as a baby... God born in the flesh. Jesus is God, always has been God and always will be God. Jesus gave up His position in heaven, before He came down to earth as a child. Philippians 2:5-7 says: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men." We have all seen in movies the famous Nativity scene with Jesus, Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, wise men and all the animals, or have them on the coffee table or set up outside churches. But were the wise men actually there the night Jesus was born? There was no mention in the Bible of how many wise men came to see baby Jesus, only that there were three gifts given to Jesus... gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The wise men didn't atually see Jesus in the manger at the stable. They saw Jesus in a house with Mary, and there is no mention of Joseph at that time. The wise men continued to follow the star; it overjoyed them and it lead them to the house were Jesus was. They then gave Him the gifts. Matthew 2:9-11 says: "When they heard the king, they departed; and
The First Christmas!
behold, the star which they had seen 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 exceedingly great joy. And when they had 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 gifts to Him: gold, frankincense and myrrh." The significance of the gifts: Gold: This gift is what would be given to a king and as we know, Jesus Christ is the King of Kings. Frankincense: This gift is utilized in worship and represents that people would worship and praise Jesus. Myrrh: This gift is a fragrance that was used in Israel back in the day on bodies in burial. This represented the persecution that Jesus would suffer on the cross in His death. When the wise men found Jesus and Mary, they would have been in a small house in Bethlehem. At this time, Jesus would have been around one or two years of age. This would be why King Herod, in his anger of being decieved by the wise men, ordered the death of all male children in Bethlehem from the ages of 2 years old and under. Matthew 2:16 says: "Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise
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men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men." I still love watching the Nativity Story every Christmas Eve, and I hope you do too. From His Grace Magazine, we wish you a very merry Christmas.
WOOD
Publications
Publisher/Sales Graphic Designer/Writer: Rob Wood
wood.publications.2014@gmail.com
Editor: Donna Wood
wood.publications.2014@gmail.com
Writer: Lynne Wood
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A
Merry Christmas
CD in Review...
Danny Gokey The Greatest Gift...
new Christmas album has been released by Danny Gokey, called "The Greatest Gift." Danny is a Grammy nominee and Dove Award winner. The album, "The Greatest Gift" is now available to download on iTunes as well. Special guests on this album are Kari Jobe, Natalie Grant and fellow American Idol, David Archuleta. This album of Danny Gokey is being described as "Joyful and successful." "The Greatest Gift" a must-add to your Christmas collection. Danny does his own touch on such classics as "Angels We Have Heard On High" and "Joy To The World". "The Greatest Gift" includes some of his original songs that will become Christmas favorites. This album also includes Danny getting together with good friend, Natalie Grant to sing an amazing version of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli's "The Prayer". Danny made sure that his album didn't lose sight of the reason for the season, which is Jesus. Danny, who is from Milwaukee has done well for himself since appearing on season 8 of American Idol. The song called "Until You" is a fan favorite with many of Danny's followers. "Christmas Night" is a song that was written for a big country singer a couple of years ago; it didn't make the cut on her album. When Danny heard the
song, he knew he had to have it on his Christmas album; it really is a beautiful song. Danny's favorite Christmas songs are "Mary, Did You Know", which was on his first Christmas album called Christmas Is Here. That album was released back on October 15, 2015. Everywhere Danny goes, people are asking him to play Danny's second favorite Christmas song, "The Prayer", by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion, especially since Natalie Grant and Danny have been performing this song together. They sing this song at the encore every night during their Christmas show, which they have been performing for the past four years on their Christmas tour. Danny took some of the songs on this album like "Noche De Paz", with fellow American Idol David Archuleta, and "Silent Night," with Kari Jobe. Danny had his son's voice at the end of "Silent
December 2019
Night," as he thought it would be nice touch. The song "Noche De Paz" is sung in Spanish. It's a beautiful sounding song, one that has you relaxed and worshipping our Lord. With a good blend of classic Christmas songs and a few of Danny's own songs. "The Greatest Gift" is a well puttogether Christmas album with a collection that will provide us with all the Christmas songs we all know and love, and a few new ones that we will love for years to come. Danny has the ability to inspire all of his fans and listeners and lift them up through his songs.
The Greatest Gift...
01 "Angels We Have Heard On High" written by Hank Bentley, Ben Glover and Danny Gokey
02 "Until You"
03 "Silent Night" with Kari Jobe
04 "The Holidays Are Here" 05 "Christmas Night"
06 "Joy To The World" 07 "The Prayer"
08 "O Come Let Us Adore Him" 09 "Noche De Paz" with David Archuleta
10 "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
Prayer Page...
December 2019
Merry Christmas
Birth of our Savior
Lord,
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Thank You for the gift of Jesus, our Immanuel, the Word made flesh; Thank You for being the Prince of Peace. You came to save us from our sinful condition and to give us life eternal. Your birth and your death sealed your promise to us forever. Thank You for the life-changing message of Your love for us. We celebrate You as Lord, this Christmas and always, in Jesus’ name.
Amen
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Poetry Page...
Merry Christmas
A Child is Born
December 2019
Two thousand years ago, when Herod ruled Judea, God sent an angel to a young woman in Nazareth. The angel declared, "Peace be to you, Mary!" "For God is pleased, and you have been blessed. "By the Holy Spirit, you will conceive, In Bethlehem, a baby boy will be born. God's very own Son, He will be called Jesus; And His kingdom will rule for evermore." To Joseph in a dream, the same angel came; Now Mary and Joseph were engaged to be wed. "Don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife," "For she has been chosen by God," he said. In order to register for the census, They travelled by donkey to Bethlehem. Mary was now very heavy with child, And there was no room for them in the inn. So in a stable where the animals lay, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born. Shepherds keeping flocks in the fields that night, Saw the glory of the Lord that shone around.
Poetry Page...
December 2019
Merry Christmas
A Child is Born
They saw the light and were sore afraid, "Fear not," the angel said to them. "For I bring you good tidings of great joy; Today a Savior is born in Bethlehem." "You will find the babe wrapped in cloths, And lying in a manger He will be." A great company of the heavenly host appeared, Saying, "Glory to God, and to men on earth, peace!" After some time, three wise men followed the star of the east in search of the King. The magi brought gifts and worshipped Him; Found another route home after being warned in a dream. Because of this miraculous birth of our Lord, We are reminded of God's never ending love. I pray that the holidays be turned back in time To reflect and worship our Father above.
Read: (Luke 2:1-20)
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Merry Christmas
Book in Review...
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Defined
December 2019
Who God says you are?
Book by: Alex & Stephen Kendrick Review by: Lynne Wood
D
efined is the latest book by Stephen and Alex Kendrick, which was inspired by their latest movie, "Overcomer". These authors also have two number one New York Times best sellers: "The Love Dare" and "The Battle Plan for Prayer". This is an absolute amazing read regarding your true identity...who God says you are. Every chapter is full of information, scripture and stories of who God created you to be. It is based on the book of Ephesians. We are all on a journey through life trying to find our true identity, and holding on to the wonder of who we are and who we were created to become. Right now at this moment, what do we believe about our own purpose and value for our lives? What do we think? How do we feel? How do we react in certain
circumstances that arise, and how do we come to God through our relationships? So what is showing our core beliefs? Are they thriving and established on solid truth? Or are they always changing with opinions from other people or with our own emotions?
The book Defined is powerful and well put together with some personal stories and with applied wisdom, Defined will challenge you to let go and let God take control, who knows us more than anyone and sets our hearts in the right direction. It's now time for us to start living in His beautiful light of acceptance, joy and strength. What you believe about yourself in your heart will affect how you live your life everyday, and how you treat your family, friends, colleagues and total strangers. Don't let other people define you. Learn to be who your Creator made you to be. Let your past go, soar into the future and live in God's amazing light. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover, and I know you will enjoy it as well.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Merry Christmas
Grace
December 2019
His
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New stories every month! Interesting Christian topics, Great Movie, CD and Book reviews! Get your FREE copy of His Grace magazine today! Call 905-380-4489 wood.publications.2014@gmail.com or check out our magazine on-line @ www.issuu.com/His-Grace
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Merry Christmas
Athletes for Christ...
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December 2019
Ron Ellis A career Maple Leaf finds Jesus...
career Toronto Maple Leaf, Ron Ellis was a consistent player to wear the Maple Leaf on his chest. Ron played every game of his 1,034 career with Toronto. Ron scored an amazing 23 goals for that era of hockey. He dropped down to 19 goals the following season, but then bounced back to have 10 straight seasons of 20 or more goals. Ron was an ultimate right winger who would roam up and down the right side as if it were a roadway. His only Stanley Cup came in 1967...the last time the Toronto Maple Leafs won the cup. In 1972, Ron played in the Summit Series for Team Canada against the Soviet Union. Ron played all of the 8 games, even though he played with a broken collarbone. In 1975, Ron decided
to retire from hockey for 2 years, but then returned to play another 4 years with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ace Bailey respected Ron so much that his jersey number 6 was retired by the Maple Leafs, but when he retired the second
time, the Maple Leafs retired the number 6 for good. After Ron's retirement from the game of hockey, Ron suffered terribly with a serious bout of depression. His trials are found in his book called, "Over the Boards: The Ron Ellis Story". Ron speaks to groups about depression and speaks of his journey through all of the dark times he went through. Ron and his wife, Jan, both became Christians roughly the same time that his teammate Paul Henderson and his wife, Eleanor, did. Laurie Boschman accepted Jesus in his life a few years later, thanks to Ron's solid walk with Jesus Christ and his consistent witnessing with the people in his life.
December 2019
Merry Christmas
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins
Matthew 1:21
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Walking With
Jesus...The Angel of Merry Christmas
December 2019
the Lord The Pre-existence of Jesus Christ...
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s we continue this month in the book of Judges, we see all of the visits from the Angel of the Lord...hundreds of years before His birth in Bethlehem. So let's take that walk with Him. The more we grow in wisdom and know that, not only is Jesus the Son of God, but He is God; God born in the flesh, the stronger we will grow in our relationship with Him. Manoah’s wife also had to share in the Nazirite vow during the time she carried Samson. When the Angel of the Lord said, “He shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines”, this suggested that Samson’s ultimate failure was as certainly foreknown as was his opportunity. Manoah’s wife reported the appearance of the Angel of the LORD to her husband. She indicated that the Angel of the Lord appeared to be Man; yet His countenance was like the countenance of the Angel of God. The impact the appearance of the Man of God had upon Manoah’s wife was very profound. He was very awesome; so much so that she did not ask questions about where He was from or what His name was. Judges 13:6 says: 'So the woman came and told her husband, saying, "A Man of God came to me, and His countenance was like the countenance of the Angel of God, very awesome; but I did not ask Him where He was from, and He did not tell me His name."'
The Angel of the LORD then announced the birth of Samson to Manoah. Manoah already knew what God wanted him to do because the Angel of the LORD already told him, but he asked for confirmation of the word previously spoken. God honored Manoah’s request for confirmation; but He did not answer this request to know the future. He simply called Manoah and his wife to obey what God already told them to do. Judges 13:8-11 says: 'Then Manoah prayed to the Lord, and said "O my Lord, please let the Man of God whom You sent come to us again and teach us what we shall do for the child who will be born." And God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the Angel of God came to the woman again as she was sitting in the field; but Manoah her husband was not with her. Then the woman ran in haste and told her husband, and said to him, "Look, the Man who came to me the other day has just now appeared to me!" So Manoah arose and followed his wife. When he came to the Man, he said to Him, "Are You the Man who spoke to this woman?" And He said, "I am."' Once again the Angel of God said He was "I am", as He told Moses to tell the Israelites that "I am" sent me. Next month, we will continue to look at more encounters of the Angel of the Lord in the book of Judges. Manoah offered the Angel of the LORD a meal and he also asked Him His name.
Walking With Jesus... December 2019
Merry Christmas
The book of Luke Christ as the Son of God...
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he author of the Gospel of Luke does not appear in the book, but much unmistakable evidence points to Luke. He was probably a Gentile by birth, born in Antioch, well educated in Greek culture, a physician by profession and a disciple of Paul. Bible scholars generally agree that the Gospel of Luke was written between 59 and 70 A.D. Even though this Gospel is specifically directed to Theophilus (possibly Luke's patron, responsible for seeing that the writings were published), we know that it was written to strengthen the faith of all believers and to answer the attacks of unbelievers. Luke also wrote the Acts of the Apostles, which is an account of the growth and expansion of Christianity after the death and resurrection of Jesus down through close to the end of the ministry of Paul. The Gospel of Luke tells of the origins, birth, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. It clearly establishes that Jesus Christ is the Messiah that was prophesied throughout the Old Testament. It proves that Jesus is the Son of God as He claims. (Luke 22:70) says: 'Then they all said, "Are You then the Son of God?" So He said to them, "You rightly say that I am."' and it confirms that He has complete authority over everything in the world, including overcoming evil, as it says in Luke 4:12: 'And Jesus answered and said to him, "It
has been said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord yur God."' (Luke 4:35) says: 'But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him.' and in Luke 9:38: 'Suddenly a man from the multitude cried out, saying, "Teacher, I implore You, look on my son, for he is my only child.' Also, Luke11:14 says: "And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. So it was, when the demon had gone out, that the mute spoke; and the multitudes marveled." Jesus has complete authority in controlling nature, as it says in Luke 8:22-25: 'Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake." And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, "Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!"' In our walk with Jesus next month, we will continue in the Gospel of Luke, as Luke saw Jesus as the Son of God.
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Merry Christmas
Racing with Christ...
December 2019
Jordan Anderson Jordan gave his life to Jesus at 6 years old... J
ordan Anderson began his racing career at the age of eight. He always felt blessed for the chance to race; something he has always had a passion for. When Jordan was just 6 years old, he gave his life to Jesus. He sees every day as a blessing. Everything he does in his life... all of the decisions he makes, the things he says, the things he thinks and whatever he does are all the things he has learned by reading his Bible daily and learning God's word. Jordan holds on to the scripture of 1 Timothy 1:12; he puts it close to his heart. He thinks as if it's his lifeline. 1 Timothy 1:12 says: "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry." Jordan says
that, as a Christian, he is a servant of God, a child of the Lord Jesus and a recipient of salvation. Jordan takes all three of these things as a blessing and he is so thankful to God, who called him to be His servant. Everyday, Jordan praises God for sending us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to this world where He lived a perfect life pleasing to God and gave Himself up for sacrifice on the cross, so
that our sins are forgiven. Jordan also says, "It gives him deep pain to think of his sin, yet gives him hope to know that God's mercy is so great." Jordan handles his racing program as a ministry. He uses it to talk to God and sees how He works through his life. Jordan has used his racing career to grow his faith and relationship with Jesus and he uses it to share God's word with other drivers. Jordan knows that, whether you're racing cars or doing something else for a living, at some point you will experience trials, tribulations and successes. He realizes that God uses all these things in his life as a way to have him grow in God's word, and to show him how mighty He is. At a young age, Jordan raced gocarts at a number of local tracks.
December 2019
Merry Christmas
Racing with Christ...
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Jordan Anderson Jesus hands are all over him...
hen at the age of 11, he started to race Bandolero Cars. When Jordan was 12 years old, he started racing legends cars. All through Jordan's racing career, the Lord has blessed him with many championships and race victories, giving Jordan the opportunities to praise God wherever he raced. Back in 2007 and 2008, God's hand was all over Jordan and He blessed him with the Charlotte Motor Speedway Pro Division Summer Shootout Championship both years. During these two championship years, Jordan's faith in Jesus grew very strong. Jordan had races where everything had gone right and races where everything went wrong. Matthew 17:20 says: 'So Jesus said to them, "Because of
your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." The years 2009 and 2010 were exciting times for Jordan; he started racing Dirt Late Model after racing for 10 years on asphalt. Switching from asphalt to dirt is a huge challenge for drivers, but God kept Jordan from losing control of the car. At the start of the racing season, Jordan struggled on dirt, but he kept his faith. He started gaining experience and the last lap of that season, he made a pass between a lap car on the bottom of the track and won the race by 3 feet. Jordan watched the video
over again after the race. The pass was too close and the only way that the pass was made without an accident was with the hand of Jesus all over him. This moment for Jordan was amazing, and it was a statement from God that this season was what God wanted, and Jordan was where he needed to be in his life and in his faith. Jordan has a dream to one day race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Jordan prays that God will provide opportunities so that he may use his racing career to declare His name wherever he goes. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: " Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."
Recipes...
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Merry Christmas
December 2019
Christmas Dinner Menu
• Turkey • Ham • Mashed Potatoes • Scalloped Potatoes • Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes • Baked Cabbage •Green Bean Bake • Vegetable Supreme • Maple Glazed Carrots • Turnip Casserole • Cranberry-Onion Relish • Turkey Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes:
10 med. Potatoes, cut in chunks ½ pkg. Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cubed 2 tbsp Butter 2 tbsp fresh Thyme, chopped
1 cup Sour Cream ¼ cup Milk 1 pkg. (227 gram) sliced fresh Mushrooms
• Cook and drain potatoes • Add sour cream, cream cheese and milk • Mash; spoon into casserole dish • Melt butter in large skillet on med. high heat; add mushrooms • Cook approx. 5 min, stirring frequently • Top potatoes with mushrooms, sprinkle with Thyme • Keep warm in oven until ready to serve. Makes 12 servings (Can be prepared a day ahead; in that case, heat just before serving)
Scalloped Potatoes:
6 med. Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 3 tbsp Flour ¼ tsp Pepper 1 small Onion, finely chopped
4 tbsp Butter 1 tsp Salt 2 ½ cups Milk
• Preheat oven to 325 deg. • Heat 3 tbsp. butter in saucepan over low heat until melted • Blend in flour, salt and pepper • Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbly • Gradually stir in milk, ½ cup at a time • Heat to boiling; boil and stir 1 minute • Arrange potatoes in greased 2-quart casserole in 3 layers, topping each layer with portion of chopped onion sauce • Dot the top with remaining 1 tbsp butter, broken into little pieces • Cover and bake until potatoes are tender, about 60-70 minutes • Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving. Serves 6
Recipes...
December 2019
Merry Christmas
Christmas Dinner Menu
Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
6 small Sweet Potatoes, cut into spears ½ cup Zesty Italian Dressing ¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese 2 tbsp fresh Parsley, chopped •Preheat oven to 375 deg • Lightly grease baking sheet • Toss sweet potatoes with dressing • Roast 30 min., turn and cook an additional 30 min., sprinkling with cheese during the last 5 minutes • Sprinkle with parsley. Makes 8 servings
Baked Cabbage:
1 head green Cabbage 1 small white Onion, chopped ½ tsp Salt 1/8 tsp Cumin 1/8 cup Chicken stock
4 small red Tomatoes, diced ½ tsp Garlic Powder 1 tsp black Pepper 1/8 tsp Caraway Seed
• Preheat oven to 325 deg. • Quarter cabbage; boil for 10 minutes • Drain and place in shallow baking dish • Combine remaining ingredients in small bowl ; pour over cabbage • Bake covered for 30 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed, turning halfway through cooking time • Serves 4
Green Bean Bake:
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup 1/4 cup Milk 1 tsp Onion Powder 1/8 tsp Pepper 1 tsp Soy Sauce 3 cups Green Beans 2 tbsp canned French’s French Fried Onions, crushed • In 1 ½ qt. casserole dish, mix all ingredients except French fried onions. • Bake at 350 deg. for 25 minutes or until hot • Top with French fried onions; bake 5 more minutes or until onions are golden
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Merry Christmas
Recipes...
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December 2019
Christmas Dinner Menu
Vegetable Supreme:
2 cups fresh Broccoli florets and stems 2 Eggs 1 med. Onion, finely chopped 1 cup sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated 1 box seasoned Croutons, crushed
2 cups fresh Cauliflower florets ½ cup Mayonnaise 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup ½ cup Butter, melted
• Preheat oven to 350 deg • Cook vegetables separately in salted boiling water for 5 minutes; drain thoroughly • Distribute evenly in lightly buttered 11 x 7 dish • Beat eggs; combine with mayonnaise, onion, mushroom soup and ½ cup grated cheese • Pour evenly over vegetables • Sprinkle remaining cheese over top and gently level with back of spoon • Pour melted butter over entire top of casserole • Sprinkle crushed croutons over melted butter • Bake for 40 minutes. Serves 12 (Can be prepared a day ahead; in that case, bake just before serving)
Maple Glazed Baby Carrots:
2 pkg. (340g each) baby Carrots ¼ cup Maple Syrup ½ cup Pecan pieces, toasted
¼ cup calorie-wise Catalina Dressing 1 tbsp Butter
• Cook carrots in water 12-14 minutes or until tender; drain and set aside • Mix dressing and syrup in saucepan; cook on med. heat until bubbly, stirring occasionally • Add carrots; cook until glaze is thickened to desired consistency, stirring frequently • Add butter; stir until melted • Stir in pecans • Makes 10 servings
Turnip Casserole:
1 large Turnip 2 Apples Dash Cinnamon
1 tbsp Butter ¼ cup Brown Sugar
• Cook turnip; mash • Add butter; mash • Peel and dice apples; toss with brown sugar and cinnamon • Arrange in layers in greased casserole dish
For Topping, combine: 1/3 cup Flour
1/3 cup Brown Sugar
• Spread on top of turnip • Bake at 350 deg. for 1 hour
2 tbsp Butter
Recipes...
December 2019
Merry Christmas
Christmas Dinner Menu
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Cranberry-Onion Relish: 1 tbsp Butter 1 tsp minced Garlic ½ tsp Ginger ¼ tsp ground Nutmeg ½ cup Orange Juice 2 tsp grated Orange Zest
1 cup Onions, diced 1/3 cup packed Brown Sugar ¼ tsp ground Cinnamon 3 ½ cups (340 g bag) frozen whole Cranberries 1/3 cup raisins
• Melt butter in 10” non-stick skillet over med. heat • Add onions and garlic; cook and stir until tender (5 min.) • Add brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg, cooking and stirring until brown sugar melts • Stir in cranberries, orange juice, raisins and orange zest; bring to a boil • Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until cranberries begin to pop open • Remove from heat; cover and cool in refrigerator completely before serving
Turkey Stuffing:
4 cups stale Breadcrumbs ¼ cup Butter 1/2 cup chopped Celery 1 tsp Sage ¼ tsp Savory ¼ tsp Pepper
2 tsp Parsley ¾ cup Onion, chopped ¼ tsp Fennel ¼ tsp Salt ¼ tsp Marjoram 1/8 tsp Thyme
• In large frying pan, sauté all ingredients except breadcrumbs and parsley for 10 minutes • Add breadcrumbs and parsley, toss • Set aside until cool; stuff in turkey
Luke 2:13-14
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, goodwill toward men!”
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Merry Christmas
Featured Artist...
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December 2019
For King & Country The Australian Band...
he Smallbone brothers, Joel and Luke, grew up in a Christian home in Austrialia. Music was always present in their home. Their dad, a successful concert promoter at the time, moved his family to Nashville, Tennessee in the nineties. Joel and Luke's sister, Rebecca St. James, released her first album when she was 16 years old; she was on her way to becoming a young Christian singer. Rebecca's brothers became her stage managers. For over ten years, they handled everything for her. When Joel and Luke started talking about having a band of their own, they were learning with the work of their sisters band. When they were running Rebecca's
music ministry, it allowed them to have a view point into the power of music. The Smallbone brothers knows how music impacts people's lives. They want their fans to leave their concerts feeling valued and feeling hopeful.
Joel and Luke actually wrote 150 songs for their first album. Their hit single, "Proof of Your Love", is a song based on 1 Corinthians 13. Joel wrote the song so it would encourage and inspire people. "Proof of Your Love" hit the Top Ten and their video of the song topped the iTunes Christian Video Charts. When Joel and Luke first started their band, they first called themselves "Joel and Luke". They later changed their name to "Austoville". But wanting to have a meaningful name, their producer turned in his chair and said, "What about "For King & Country", after the British battle cry?" With that name, they felt a sense of destiny.
December 2019
Merry Christmas
Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,
which is translated,
God with us.
Matthew 1:23
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Merry Christmas
In Concert with...
December 2019
Chris Tomlin The Christmas Songs of Worship Tour...
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hristian singer, Chris Tomlin, released his concert dates for The Christmas Songs of Worship Tour which he kicked off on December 2nd at the Miller Theatre in Augusta, Georgia and will continue through to December 20th. The twelve date tour will finish for the third year in a row at the
Beacon Theatre in New York on December 20th after playing at Kentucky, Texas, Chicago and more. Chris Tomlin is going back to quite a few cities from his other Christmas tours, in hopes of starting a family atmosphere for the Christmas holiday season. This is an intimate tour with Chris Tomlin; the tour will feature all the Christmas songs we love, and lots of Christmas cookies for his fans. Although there are no Canadian concerts, there is one close to the Canadian border: December 12: Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre December 13: Akron, Ohio Akron Civic Center December 17: Cincinnati, Ohio Taft Theater
December 18: Philadelphia, PA Merriam Theatre December 19: Providence, RI The Vet December 20: New York. NY The Beacon Theatre The Christmas of Songs Worship Tour will follow closely his An Evening of Worship Tour, which was started back in October.
December 2019
Bible Study...
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Merry Christmas
Matthew 1:21
The birth of Jesus...
hristmas is a time of reflection as well as a time of great joy. It isn't about material gifts under the tree; it's about our Father's gift, the celebration of the birth of Jesus, who died on the cross and rose from the dead, paying the price for our sins. Matthew 1:21, "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins", is the message spoken to Joseph in a dream by an angel. The angel comes to him and tells him of the nature of the Child. Mary's child was more than a child. He would become a "Son". The same angel had already revealed this message to Mary. There is nothing strange, however, in this being the first time Jesus' name is being revealed to Joseph. As per Jewish custom, the bride and bridegroom did not communicate during the betrothal period. The name Jesus means "Savior". His name represents His purpose and in Hebrew means "Jehovah is salvation". Christ being called Jesus was a fulfillment of the prophecy that He should be called Emmanuel. Isaiah 7:14 says: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel." As spoken by the angel to Joseph, it was the answer to prayers and hopes. The angel also spoke
that Joseph was being reputed as Jesus' legal father, and the person under whose protection Christ was placed during His infancy. Joseph probably could not understand that any people other than the Jewish nation could be considered "His people". The Jews were called the people of God because he had chosen them to Himself and regarded them as His special and beloved people. separate from all the nations of the earth. Christians are called the people
of Christ because it was the purpose of the Father to give them to Him (see Isaiah 53:11 and John 6:37). But we know that Jesus would fully gather, save and restore all people, even the Gentiles. And He came to save them from their sins; to redeem them from among men, to Himself. The important message from the angel assured Joseph of the virtue and piety of his beloved espoused Mary, and confirmed his choice of her as his future wife. The angel brought Joseph tidings of a divine
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Savior, a Jesus, an Emmanuel, who should be God with men, and should save His people from their sins. This verse in the book of Matthew shows that Jesus will be far greater than any of the prophets and other holy men. Jesus' great business was not to save people in their sins, but from their sins; saving people by dying to redeem them, by giving the Holy Spirit to renew them; by His power enabling them to overcome their spiritual enemies, in defending them from danger, in guiding them in the path of duty, in sustaining them in trials and in death, and He will raise them up at the last day and exalt them to a world of purity and everlasting love. So, we shall also receive these glad tidings of great joy, designed for all people, and we shall seek Him to save us from our sins. Unless we give up our sins, renounce pride and pleasure of the world, we cannot be considered Children of God. It is impossible that we should be Christians if we indulge in sin and live in the practice of any known iniquity. Let our souls bow to this Emmanuel, our incarnate God, and let us remember His divine glory, and pay Him the worship and service which are undoubtedly His, and His alone.
Merry Christmas
Movie in Review...
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December 2019
The Christmas Candle “A timeless Christmas movie of Faith�
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his movie is based on the best selling author, Max Lucado's novel, The Christmas Candle. It's an inspiring faith based movie with a good ending. It tells the heartwarming story of a Reverend and a small town who are both going through hard times, and both need to regain their faith. The small English village of Gladbury has a beautiful Christmas tradition. For the past two centuries, every 25 years an angel visits the candle maker's workshop and touches one of the candles. That single candle is given to someone in the town that is in need, with the instructions to light the candle and pray. Their prayer
would be answered on Christmas Eve. David Richmond is a young Reverend who stopped preaching God's word because of a past family tragedy. Instead, he left the pulpit and joined the Salvation Army to feed the poor, until a member of the Gladbury church convinces David to come to Gladbury and start preaching again to strengthen the people's faith by becoming their Reverend. By going, David may have his own faith strengthened as well. When arriving in Gladbury, David understands how important the Christmas candle is to the town's people. David starts questioning the Christmas candle as superstition and he tries to change their beliefs on the candle. The candle maker, whose family has had the angel come and bless one candle for two centuries, fights to keep the candle tradition alive, despite changing times. The Christmas Candle is a heartfelt movie. Hans Matheson plays Reverend David and he plays a fantastic role, as does Samantha Barks as the humorous Emily Barstow. All of the other cast members in this movie are
unforgettable, including Susan Boyle in her movie debut. The set, production designs and clothing are all well done to grab that 1800's feeling. The Christmas Candle upholds faith, prayer, God's will and redemption. Reverend David is a caring person to those in need, but he doesn't really believe in God's power in healing because of a family tragedy. But in Gladbury, the people are putting their faith in one candle. By doing this, they are losing sight of God, who can heal anyone at any time. Both views are starting to clash and it is comical at times, but the story is leading everyone to Jesus Christ. The Christmas Candle is an engaging movie for the whole family to enjoy. Starring: Hans Matheson, Samantha Barks, Lesley Manville, Sylvester McCoy, James Cosmo, Susan Boyle, Barbara Flynn, John Hannah, Jude Wright.
Director: John Stephenson. Producers: Hannah Leader, Tom Newman. Executive Producer: Steve Christian, Huw Penalit Jones, Brain Lockhart. Audience: Family, Drama Rating: PG
Run Time: 100 minutes
The Christmas Candle is available on Blue ray and DVD now.
December 2019
Merry Christmas
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... a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord ... You will find a
baby
wrapped in clothes and lying in a
Manger. Luke 2: 11-12
That
Holy Night
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Merry Christmas
December 2019
G GOD O D IS
PLEASE SHARE GOD'S LOVE