A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-19 to 25 -07....Merry Christmas 2007

December 19, 2007 | DollyCali

[DollyCali]

A Few of FR's Finest
Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

1. In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3. And everyone went to his own town to register.

4. 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. 5. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7. and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15. 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."

16. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18. and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Magi - Wisemen

We know there were three gifts. We do NOT know how many Magi made the journey to Bethlehem. The term Magi is from old Persian language, a priest of Zarathustra (Zoroaster). The Bible gives us the direction, East and the legend states that the wise men were from Persia (Iran) - thus being priests of Zarathustra religion, the mages. Obviously the pilgrimage had some religious significance for these men, otherwise they would not have taken the trouble and risk of traveling so far. But what was it? An astrological phenomenon, the Star? In the first century they were the mystics & the origin of the word “magic” is from their name.

Matthew 2:1 - After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi [*] from the east came to Jerusalem." (* Footnote: Traditionally Wise Men). Matthew 2:7 - Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.

Snowflakes

Snowflakes and snow crystals are made of ice, and pretty much nothing more. A snow crystal, as the name implies, is a single crystal of ice. A snowflake is a more general term; it can mean an individual snow crystal, or a few snow crystals stuck together, or large agglomerations of snow crystals that form "puff-balls" that float down from the clouds.

it is indeed extremely unlikely that two complex snowflakes will look exactly alike. It's so extremely unlikely, in fact, that even if you looked at every one ever made you would not find any exact duplicates.

Information & Actual photos of snowflakes

In ancient times, the mistletoe was thought of as the plant of peace and friendship. If enemies met under a tree on which mistletoe grew, they would lay down their arms and call a truce for the rest of the day. If friends met beneath a tree bearing mistletoe, they would consider their friendship to be blessed with good luck.

Kissing under the mistletoe has come from a custom that was once found only in England. Foreign visitors to England in the sixteenth century were often surprised how often man and woman exchanged kisses in greeting and in parting. Perhaps it was this practice, as well as the belief that mistletoe was a plant of friendship, that led to the Christmas tradition.

A large bough of mistletoe would be picked to form the centre of a huge garland to be hung in a room or hall. Any young woman who stood beneath the garland (or kissing bough) would expect to receive a kiss. It would bring her luck and ensure her of marriage. She also had the right to pluck a berry from the mistletoe for every kiss she received. Once the sprig had no more berries, it was no longer lucky to kiss under it. After Twelfth Night the mistletoe would be burned, otherwise the young men and women who kissed under it might never marry.

In some places one sprig of mistletoe would be put away to be kept all year to bring luck to the household. If a baby was born, a piece of the mistletoe would be placed in the cradle to keep the child from harm. Sometimes a sprig of mistletoe would be given to a cow that had calved to bring good luck to the herd.

An ancient name for mistletoe is ‘the wood of the holy cross.’ Mistletoe was never taken into a church at any time. This was because of a legend that tells how mistletoe wood was used to make a cross on which Christ died. Afterwards, all mistletoe shrank to its present size in shame and anguish.

Mistletoe was also very important to the Druids. The Arch Druid was said to cut the mistletoe with a golden sickle every November. It was caught in a white cloth by four virgins and utilized in the ritual sacrifice of white oxen, thought to be an alternative to human sacrifice.

Dean Martin - Silver Bells   

Whitney Houston ~ Joy To The World

Josh Groban ~ O Holy Night   

Clay Aiken ~ Mary Did You Know

Mann ~Carol Of The Bells

Boston Pops~Sleigh Ride

Josh Groban ~ Believe ….The Polar Express ~ Main Theme

Trans- Siberian Orchestra - Pachelbel's Christmas

Mormon Tabernacle Choir ~ Gloria, In Excelsis Deo





Vienna Boys Choir ~ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Pavarotti ~Ave Maria       Nat King Cole ~ Noel

Michael Buble ~ I'll Be Home

   Natalie Cole ~ Caroling Caroling

Martina McBride ~ The Gift  

Tony Bennett ~ Christmas Songs(mix)

D Bowie & B Crosby ~ Peace On EarthLittle Drummer Boy

Barbara Mandrell ~ Must Have Been the Mistletoe

George Winston ~ The Holly & The Ivy Bing Crosy ~ Silent Night

Dave Koz & Brenda Russell ~ Get Here

John Tesh ~ Homecoming

Charlie Brown ~ Christmas Time Is Here

The Grinch ~ Whoville Carol

Johnny Mathis ~ We Need A Little Christmas

V Williams & B Caldwel ~ Baby It's Cold Outside

Nat King Cole ~ The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)

Harry Connick Jr. ~ Let It Snow 

Andy Williams ~ Happy Holidays

Natalie Cole ~ Grown Up Christmas List

Mannheim Steamroller ~ God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Bing Crosby ~ Hawaiian Christmas Song, Melekalikimaka

Bobby Darin ~ Auld Lang Syne

Music will be up until December 26, 2007 – save it NOW if you want it!

CHRISTMAS
STORIES

The Nativity Story (2006) The Nativity Story chronicles the arduous journey of two people, Mary and Joseph, a miraculous pregnancy, and the history-defining birth of Jesus. The dramatic and compelling film traces the perilous journey of a young couple who must travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem, Joseph's ancestral home, to register for a census ordered by King Herod. It is a journey of over 100 miles, through treacherous terrain, made much more difficult by the fact that Mary is nine months pregnant. This is a beautifully done movie which captures the historicity and the humanity of the story. The music is wonderfully done.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS (2004) Imagine a year without Christmas. No crowded malls, no corny office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That’s just what Luther (Allen) and Nora Krank (Curtis) have in mind when they decide that, just this once, they’ll skip the holiday altogether, despite the fact that they’re usually the most fanatical about it. They might as well, since it won’t be the same without their daughter, who’s away in the tropics.

They get the idea to JOIN their daughter in sunny paradise as a surprise, and thus, theirs will be the only house on Hemlock Street without a rooftop Frosty; they won’t be hosting their annual Christmas Eve bash; they aren’t even going to have a tree. But when their daughter surprises THEM by cutting her trip short and returning home for Christmas, there’s a mad scramble to prepare themselves to have the traditional Christmas fanfare on extremely short notice.”

Noelle (2007) This is a wonderful holiday movie that will make you laugh, get angry, cry, reflect & appreciate. Attractive cast & gorgeous cinematography of New England with a good score add to the story line. Mr Wall created a beautiful Christmas flick. . The humanity of the priesthood is warmly presented with David Wall -- a dead ringer for a young Robert Redford -- as one of the two priests in the movie who find their way to serve their fellow man & God in the course of the movie .

It is an independent, low budget & uses the local talent of the Cape Cod area where it was completely filmed, The Wall's young daughter is gorgeous & adds an eerie mystical touch to the heavy issue movie. br>

Polar Express (2005) In THE POLAR EXPRESS, live action and animation have merged seamlessly, resulting in sparkling super-realism. A landmark technique Zemeckis and his Sony Pictures Imageworks team call "Performance Capture" perfectly suits the tenor of this wondrous children's Christmas story by Chris Van Allsburg. A disillusioned little boy, just old enough to doubt the existence of Santa Claus, has the adventure of a lifetime one fateful Christmas Eve

. Clad in his pajamas, he climbs aboard a magic train to the North Pole, driven by a kindly train conductor (voiced by Tom Hanks who starred in both of Zemeckis's Academy-Award winning films FORREST GUMP and CASTAWAY). Among myriad jaw-dropping moments, the train plummets brakeless through crystalline mountains in a simulated roller coaster ride. Going off the rails, skidding sideways, and snaking violently across a frozen lake, the train arrives at the North Pole (a vast, glowing city of brick buildings). At that moment, the car carrying the kids detaches and they're sent tumbling down never-ending chutes and slides until they land in the middle of Santa's Workshop. With its fascinating tale and impressive technical frolics, THE POLAR EXPRESS is destined to become both a holiday classic and a new turning point in the art of animated cinema.

Fred Claus (2007) Sibling rivalry takes on a new dimension ever since his younger brother, Nicholas was born, it seems that nothing Fred Claus does is good enough. Nicholas literally becomes a saint and is beloved by millions worldwide, but Fred is just a regular Joe. When Fred finds himself in need of big money in a hurry for bail, little brother Santa is the only one he can turn to. Soon, Fred is working at the North Pole to earn some quick cash and shaking things up with the elves to the delight of efficiency expert Clyde Northcutt (Kevin Spacey), who is on a mission to close down Santa’s operation. Can the dueling Claus brothers work together to save Christmas?

A sweet lesson is thrown in amongst the sibling rivalry and hijinx: there are really no naughty children at Christmas, just kids who may need a little or love or a second chance

This Christmas (2007) Like many holiday films, THIS CHRISTMAS mines the ample humor and drama of a family Christmas. Ma'Dere is the matriarch to the large and loving Whitfield family, which consists of her three daughters--Kelli Lisa, and Mel and her sons--Michael Claude and Quentin They are an extremely attractive and successful bunch, but no sooner have they shared their first meal together than the hidden tensions begin to boil to the surface.

Long-kept secrets come tumbling out, and the Whitfields soon engender enough drama to support several spin-off soap operas. There's interracial marriage, infidelity, gambling debts, an AWOL soldier, and repressed dreams of musical stardom, to name just a few of the issues they are forced to tackle in between stuffing the turkey and decorating the tree. Will their many problems and misunderstandings be resolved by Christmas day? Since this is a family holiday flick, the odds are, of course, quite good.

Despite the often heavy subject matter, the film has the glow and sheen of a lighthearted romantic comedy. The characters may be awash in drama, but they contend with their troubles in impeccable wardrobes and settings, so that even the barroom brawls have an almost cozy look to them. While some might feel the packed storyline was in more need of trimming than the tree, the tidy ending makes for perfect feel-good holiday fare. If only all family discord could end with a dance-off to Kool & the Gang!

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (1965) tells us what the TRUE meaning of Christmas is when Linus recites the Gospel of Luke and that Christmas is not about commercialism and Christmas lights. One of the most endearing of all Peanuts' specials finds Charlie Brown nurturing the thinnest, scraggliest Christmas tree ever. At first the gang makes fun of Charlie for choosing such an ugly tree for the holiday but a timely assist from Linus makes the true message of the season come shining through. Everyone realizes in the end that a little affection can make all the difference in the world... even to a tree..br>

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1951) Ebeneezer Scrooge (Alastair Sim) contentedly meanders through his life as a cruel miser until one fateful Christmas Eve when he is visited by three ghosts. The spirits show him how his behavior has degenerated over the years as his heart has become colder. Using events from Scrooge's idealistic past, dreary present and dismal future, the apparitions try their best to melt his steely soul. Will Scrooge see the error of his ways and learn the true meaning of Christmas? Many critics widely consider this the definitive film version of Charles Dickens' cherished novel.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (2000) Based on the book by the famous Dr. Seuss. Inside a snowflake exists the magical land of Whoville. In Whoville, live the Who's, an almost mutated sort of munchkinlike people. All the Who's love Christmas, yet just outside of their beloved Whoville lives the Grinch. The Grinch is a nasty creature that hates Christmas, and plots to steal it away from the Whos which he equally abhors

This is a film a treat for adults and children alike.

The candy-colored set design for the town of Whoville and the jubilant score contribute to the overall feeling of innocuous fantasy that the Grinch disrupts with his dastardly deeds. The familiar story of the Grinch stealing every present in town on Christmas Eve has been expanded to incorporate flashbacks to the Grinch's childhood, which serve to explain his hostility toward the Whos. As Cindy Lou-Who, a little girl so sweet she sees goodness even in the Grinch, young Taylor Momsen strikes just the right note of adorable ingenuousness. Howard gets the performance the film needs from her, as her character makes the Grinch's eventual change of heart both believable and touching.

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (1947) This, the original version of the classic Holiday story, is carefully written so that it neither confirms nor denies the existence of Santa Claus, making it watchable for families no matter what they tell their children about Santa. It's available in B&W or colorized.

Tim Burton's holiday classic, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993), makes a return to the big screen each holiday season.The dazzling new make-over of the musical-fantasy was led by writer/producer Tim Burton and the technical wizards at Industrial Light + Magic.

Audiences will get closer than ever to Halloweentown's beloved Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, as he attempts to take over the Christmas holiday. Against the advice of Sally, a lonely rag doll who has feelings for him, Jack enlists three mischievous trick-or-treaters – Lock, Shock, and Barrel – to help him kidnap Santa Claus. Jack eventually realizes his mistake but has to contend with the evil Oogie Boogie before he can make things right and restore the Christmas holiday. Fueled by an unforgettable soundtrack featuring ten ghoulishly delightful songs by Danny Elfman who also provided the singing voice for Jack.

A CHRISTMAS STORY (1985) is humorist Jean Shepard's vignette-laden, nostalgic view of Christmastime in Indiana during the 1940s.

The main story involves nine-year-old Ralphie, who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas -- and is waging an all-out campaign to convince his reluctant parents that the toy will be safe in his hands. Meanwhile, Ralphie prepares for the big day with his rather idiosyncratic family. For example, his brother has a strange relationship with food, and his dad is obsessed with a crossword puzzle contest. But the most important question of all is...when Christmas Day arrives, will Ralphie be the proud (and careful) owner of a Red Ryder BB Gun?

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all - and it's Christmas ! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn't been for all his good deeds over the years. Will Clarence be able to convince George to return to his family and forget about suicide ?

[DollyCali]

[The Mayor]

December 19, 2007

A Real Christmas

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Luke 2:25-35

This Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against. —Luke 2:34

A quotation in our church’s Advent devotional guide caused me to rethink my approach to Christmas:

“Let us at all costs avoid the temptation to make our Christmas worship a withdrawal from the stress and sorrow of life into a realm of unreal beauty. It was into the real world that Christ came, into the city where there was no room for Him, and into a country where Herod, the murderer of innocents, was king.

“He comes to us, not to shield us from the harshness of the world but to give us the courage and strength to bear it; not to snatch us away by some miracle from the conflict of life, but to give us peace—His peace—in our hearts, by which we may be calmly steadfast while the conflict rages, and be able to bring to the torn world the healing that is peace.”

When Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus to the Lord, Simeon said to them: “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35).

Christmas is not a retreat from reality but an advance into it alongside the Prince of Peace.

Christ did not come to shield us from
The grief and pain of life;
But those who have His peace inside
Can thrive within the strife.  —Sper

Jesus came to give light to a dark world.

Bible in One Year:   Jonah 1-4; Revelation 10

[DollyCali]

I apologize if you are getting multiple OR unwanted pings .. having some computer difficulties & finding the "official list" has not been possible.as it is on another computer harddrive.

I do hope you will drop by one or more of the 6 days to share your hello to your Free Republic FRiends..

as usual for Wednesday your kidz & petz pix are most welcome... A Warm Fuzzy Pre-Christmas Wednesday

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

Here's a jolly old project of mine...

Please Wish Me A Merry Christmas.org

Print and wear one of these free buttons this particular HolyDay season....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[MEG33]

~Good Morning~
This is just beautiful, Dolly!
Thank you for such a wonderful Christmas Thread!

[4integrity]

Dolly, THANK YOU for this fantastic post! You dedication, patriotism and hard work are very much appreciated!

I can’t even recall how I became aware of FR so many years ago, but, I am SO GRATEFUL that I found this place with so many good, patriotic people! And, FR is usually first to report important news!

Merry Christmas to all and I pray the New Year brings happiness, good health and prosperity to all. I pray, too, that GOD will bring peace to Iraq and all places of fighting, so our troops can return safely to their families and to all of us who love and support them. And, may GOD continue to bless and protect our dear President and beautiful First Lady.

[ConorMacNessa]

Good morning, Dolly! Great thread and Pledge - it looks like quite a bit of work went into it!

[MEG33]

~Joy To The World~

Good Tidings Of Great Joy

[ConorMacNessa]

A Happy and Blessed Christmas to the Finest

[MEG33]

Lovely, Conor!

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Thanks for the ping
Merry Christmas

[MEG33]

Thank you for all your support of our woumded warriors
and their families.

[jaycee]

Dolly, what an absolute gorgeous thread. I intend to spend some time here later today when I have time. Some real work went into this and I sincerely thank you! You are something else........!!! Thanks so much!

[jaycee]

Thank you, Mr. Mayor for our Bible reading and lesson for today. Its wonderful~~~

[jaycee]

THIS IS TOO BEAUTIFUL NOT TO SEE AND HEAR AT CHRISTMAS!

http://www.andiesisle.com/didsheknow.html

Merry CHRISTmas!!

[potlatch]

 
Merry Christmas

[jaycee]

Thanks so much....will listen to a lot of your music later. Just listened to most of Elvis’s. Lovely site~~~!!

[potlatch]

Thank you jaycee. Devolve had that music page set up last year and I added a few and put in my gifs. Enjoy!

[MEG33]

I love this..Thank you,Jaycee!