Merry Christmas

By charmed_4eva_2008

 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And everyone went to their own town to register.

  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,  and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 

Merry Christmas!

Tis the Season

Wow. Where has November gone? I’m not complaining. Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of my favorite holidays. I love gathering friends and family together, eating our holiday favorites, staying up way too late catching up, and laughing until our sides hurt.

I also enjoy getting the mail in November and December. There is nothing better than going to your mailbox, seeing all those pretty envelopes, and catching up with old friends via their Christmas Cards. Traditional cards are great, but my favorite cards are photo cards. They tell such a great story, especially paired with a year-end Christmas letter. I can't wait to get photo cards this year since Sophie is old enough to recognize faces and say some names. We will be using the photos for a project after the holidays :).

Shutterfly makes choosing your family Christmas Card so easy. I have never been disappointed with their quality or service. I have trusted Shutterfly with Sophie’s birth announcements, photo books documenting Sophie’s first year and a half of life as well as family vacations, and our Christmas cards last year. I am always impressed with the quality of the items. As I was searching for possible Christmas gifts, I came across these awesome Canvas Wall Art prints from your own pictures! I already have some pictures in mind that I would love to put in our stairway.

As for our Christmas card, well you'll have to wait to see it ;). But I'll tell you that the hardest part was choosing the card. There were so many great formats! I really liked the multiple picture cards that tell a story. Then there were the cards that include a space for your Family Christmas Letter. And I love this Top Ten Memories card. 

So if you're in search of the perfect family Christmas Card, look no further than Shutterfly. You won't be disappointed!

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From Our Family To Yours...

Merry Christmas!

"On this side of eternity, Christmas is still a promise. Yes, the Savior has come, and with him peace on earth, but the story is not finished. Yes, there is peace in our hearts, but we long for peace in our world.
    Every Christmas is still a 'turning of the page' until Jesus returns. Every December 25 marks another year that draws us closer to the fulfillment of the ages, that draws us closer to... home.

    When we realize that Jesus is the answer to our deepest longing, even Christmas longings, each Advent brings us closer to his glorious return to earth. When we see him as he is, King of kings and Lord of lords, that will be 'Christmas' indeed!'"

-- Joni Eareckson Tada, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas