O Holy Night

As I've mentioned before, one of the things I get the biggest kick out of with blogging, is watching the little map on the right side of my blog light up. I am amazed that someone on every single continent with the exception of Antarctica has viewed my blog. I find it even cooler to see all the countries represented when I click on the map. So, it occurred to me the other day, as I was pulling out my 1,457th Christmas decoration, that all those Chinese people who make so many of my newer Christmas decorations and ornaments most likely do not even get to celebrate Christmas, or even know why we do, and I felt a little twinge of sadness that they labor making such beautiful things, but don't even get to celebrate. So, if any of you are looking at my blog today, I hope you will be able to translate it into English. (I'm not smart enough to do that for you!)

Our Christmas, in the U.S., is the celebration of the birth of Christ, many, many years ago. Christians believe in the Bible and it says....

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10, 11

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called wonderful...The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

That's why many of us display nativity scenes in our home. Here are a few of mine. If you should have any questions about our traditions, feel free to go to my profile, and send me an e-mail, and I will try to answer them.

This one use to go on my mantel, but since we have one of those tv holes above the fireplace, so we can no longer put it there. It's now in the dining room, and the table is placed so it's hard for me to get a good photo, but here it is...(click on it to enlarge)

As I mentioned previously, I never knew my grandmothers because they died before I was born (not a good sign for me, is it?), but this was given to me by a friend that was like a grandmother to me, a few years before she died. (It's pouring rain here today, so sorry for the shadows!)

This water globe is one of the 1st decorations I bought when we first got married (in Smithfield, Lynette :O) ).

And an ornament....

Now, if you get the chance, please go over to my Australian friend, David McMahon's blog, and take a look at this story http://david-mcmahon.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-angels-in-sky.html. It will link you to a touching story he did about Christmas, but this tells the background 1st. If you haven't already, please feel free to sign my guestbook below!


AND REMEMBER............................