Have a Blessed New Year!

Wise Men Still Seek Him!

Shepherds gathered their flowing robes to hurry to Him; the Magi braved deserts and mountains to find Him; in the blazing noonday sun a defeated Samaritan woman came to Him; a skeptic exclaimed, “my Lord and my God” when he found Him. And today millions on every continent acknowledge with the Apostle Paul that He is “the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Wise men still seek Him; and those who seek find more than they ever imagined. For in Jesus Christ, and Him alone, are to be found forgiveness, inward peace, joys in life today, the promises of life eternal.

The Magi found Him as a young child with Mary His mother. We find Him today as the living Christ, clothed with glory and honor and seated at the right hand of His Father in heaven. He is there because He finished the work He came to do on earth. Of His coming the Bible says, “He was made in the likeness of men: and… He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:7-11).

While it is true that wise men still seek Him, it is more wonderfully true that He still seeks us--whoever we may be. Now, today, from His place in the heavenlies comes His divine invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).

If the President sent you an official invitation, you would surely accept. The Babe of Bethlehem who is now the Christ of Glory is inviting you today. The door is the door of your heart. May you know what it is to respond; and may all His spiritual blessings be yours this Christmas.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Christmas Blessings Snack Mix

This makes a great table favor at Christmas!

2 c. Bugles corn snacks
2 c. “tiny Twists” pretzels
1 c. cinnamon “red hots”
1 c. peanuts
1 c. M & Ms

Mix the above ingredients together in a large bowl. Divide as desired; place into cello bags; attach the following explanation to the bag with ribbon or raffia.


Christmas Blessings Snack Mix

Every ingredient in this mix is symbolic:
Bugles remind us the joyful message of the Heavenly Host,
announcing peace on earth, good will to men.
Pretzels are the symbol of a mother’s loving arms; as Mary wrapped
her Son in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger.
Red Hots symbolize the holly berries which represent the
shed blood of Jesus, who came to save us.
Peanuts are the symbol for planting seeds for peace on earth like
the angels sang.
M & Ms symbolize memories of family and friends who have
enriched our lives.

“He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Christmas Gifts from the Heart That are Fast, Fun and Frugal!

Here are 2 segments from Fox 6's Real Milwaukee show with ideas for a simple, home-made Christmas.

YOU Decide!

Two similar recipes: Oven Caramel Corn and Caramel Pops. Every time I take an "independent poll", it's a 50/50 vote. So, you decide, which do you like better?!

OVEN CARAMEL CORN

I prefer white popcorn over yellow. It pops smaller, but it is not tough like the yellow.
This is for a very large batch, divide ingredients by 3 for a smaller amount. Caramel corn is great for gift-giving.

45 c. popped corn—white is best
3 c. brown sugar
3 sticks real butter
3/4 c. light corn syrup
1 ½ tsp. salt
1 ½ tsp. baking soda
popcorn salt

Divide popped corn between 4 -13x9 pans. Salt lightly with popcorn salt. In saucepan heat brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt. Cook and stir until bubbly around edges. Continue cooking over medium heat 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in soda. Pour on corn and stir until coated. Bake 2 hours at 200˚ stirring every 30 minutes. Store in tightly covered container.


CARAMEL POPS

Corn pops, sometimes called corn puffs, are found near the potato chips/popcorn in the grocery store.

1 bag (8 oz.) corn pops
½ c. real butter
½ c. light corn syrup
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 250˚. Place pops in a large bowl. In a medium saucepan combine butter, corn syrup and brown sugar. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until bubbly around edges. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda. (This will foam up). Pour caramel sauce over corn pops and stir until pops are coated. Pour into 2, 13 x 9 pans. Bake 250˚ for about 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to waxed paper. Break apart into smaller pieces.

Linda's Meatballs

One of my best friends shared this recipe (and many others) with me. Linda is an encourager and truly has the gift of hospitality.
These meatballs would be great as an appetizer during the Christmas season, or served as a main dish along with Cheesy Potatoes.

Sauce:
1 jar (12 oz.) chili sauce
1 jar water
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. canned whole berry cranberry sauce
1 c. sour kraut, rinsed quickly under water and drained

Meatballs:
2 # ground beef
1 pkg. dry onion soup
2 eggs
1 c. plain bread crumbs

Mix meatballs ingredients. Form into small balls. Place them in a sprayed 13 x 9 pan. Mix sauce ingredients and pour over raw meatballs. Bake 325˚ 2 hours, uncovered. Drain grease. This recipe can be made the day ahead, and then just warmed in crock pot.
Makes about 48 meatballs.

Timely good deeds are nicer than afterthoughts.