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 ?

[Diver Dave]

Wishing one and all Warm CHRISTmas Greetings. Heading out for a Great Family Gathering shortly.

[luvie]

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.
Then he said, "Its really all right, I'm out here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,'
Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas Gram
I'll always remember.'
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.

A prayer over our casket as they lay us to rest.
Or, as you pass in life say, "Thanks! You did your best."
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Author Unknown

Bing Crosby~I'll Be Home For Christmas

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!

[MEG33]

Glory to God in the highest
and on earth
peace, good will toward men.

~Wishing You The Joy Of Christmas~

[MEG33]

Amen,LUV..I love this.

[The Mayor]

[MEG33]

Lovely Thank you, mayor.

[The Mayor]

Have a nice Christmas Meg, we are leaving now for the in laws and I won’t be back on till tomorrow to post coffee.

[luvie]

Thank you! God bless our troops!

[luvie]

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

God bless!

[The Mayor]

Thanks, we did. Just now got home and it’s time for bed.

See ya for coffee.
Merry Christmas.

[luvie]

Sweet dreams, Mayor...and Mrs. Mayor!

See you in the morning, I’ll betcha!

Merry Christmas.

[The Mayor]

Sweet dreams my friend.

[EsmeraldaA]

{{{HUGS}}}

[GailA]

Good morning ALL, and a very Merry CHRISTmas from Memphis.

[DollyCali]

[mylife]

Merry Christmas Dolly!

[alwaysconservative]

Morning and Merry Christmas, Dolly! May you have a wonderful and blessed day!

[jan in Colorado]

MERRY CHRISTMAS LUV W!

[The Mayor]

December 25, 2007

The Blessing Tree

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Luke 1:46-55

He who is mighty has done great things for me. —Luke 1:49

I read about a young couple whose business had failed, and they had little money to spend at Christmas. They were going to have to move out of their house after the new year. But they didn’t want their holiday season to be spoiled because of it. So they decided to throw a party. When the guests arrived, they saw a cedar tree decorated with one string of lights and small rolled-up pieces of paper tied to the limbs with ribbon.

“Welcome to our ‘blessing tree’!” they said, beaming. “In spite of hard times, God has blessed us in so many ways that we decided to dedicate our tree to Him. Each piece of paper describes a blessing He has given us this year.”

This couple has faced more trials since then, but they have chosen to stay focused on the Lord. They often remark that the Christmas with the “blessing tree” was one of their most beautiful, because they could testify as Mary did: “My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. . . . He who is mighty has done great things for me” (Luke 1:47-49).

Whatever your difficulties, they needn’t spoil Christmas, for nothing can spoil Christ! Stay focused on Jesus and seek ways to share His blessings with others—perhaps through your own “blessing tree.”

Jesus came—and came for me!
Simple words, and yet expressing
Depths of holy mystery,
Depths of wondrous love and blessing.  —Havergal

To give meaning to Christmas, give Christ first place.

Bible in One Year:   Zephaniah 1-3; Revelation 16

[potlatch]

Merry Christmas Dolly