December in a Small Town

December

Santa and Frosty came from the Marathon gas station in Lynchburg

wreaths,

candy canes grace

small town

Main Street.

Santa's coming,

Jingle Bells plays,

Nativity's in place.

Carolers jostle down the street 

Christmas tea.

Evergreens twinkle 

in windows,

on street corners.

Christmas lives

in small town.

Small town.

My town.

Your town.

Grow up

And grow memories

In small town.

This is part of the poem "Small Town" I wrote about growing up and raising my children in Lynchburg, Ohio.

To read the whole poem go to: 

http://www.pennyfrostmcginnis.com/p/small-town-oem.html

Oh Christmas Tree

Luke 2:11
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Christmas trees adorn the windows of the stores and businesses. Some twinkle with white lights, others don red ribbons. I've even seen a few pink ones. In the morning, while the dark still covers the day, tree lights peek from behind curtains. In our home a silver tree lights the corner with multi-colored lights. And what a fun sight to see a car zipping along the highway with a fresh cut tree tied to the top.

The evergreen tree has been a symbol of hope since ancient times; a reminder that spring followed winter. Since the evergreen doesn't lose its leaves and remains green all winter, it's also a great symbol of life. Because Jesus Christ died on a wooden cross, sometimes referred to as a tree, I'm reminded of his sacrifice every time I see a Christmas tree. The evergreen has life through the winter when other trees stand stark. Jesus offers life in heaven, where God reigns and life flows abundantly. This Christmas as I look at the beautifully decorated trees at a time when I celebrate Jesus birth, I'm reminded of his death and resurrection. Praise God for his son.

Merry Christmas! May peace and joy fill your days.

Merry Christmas!

Tim & I wish everyone a Christmas filled with peace & joy!

Children's Book Review: Angels in the Bible Storybook by Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Alida Massari

Book Description:

Where were the angels when God created the world? Why did an angel force a donkey off a road? Who did the angels get out of jail twice? Young readers will find answers to these and other questions in this exciting storybook, written by bestselling author Allia Zobel Nolan with illustrations by Alida Massari. Angels in the Bible Storybook gives children a fascinating look into how God’s powerful behind-the-scenes helpers interacted with Bible greats from Abraham, Lot, and Gideon to Zechariah, Mary, and Jesus himself, acting as messengers, protectors, warriors, and more.

TheAngels in the Bible Storybook, written by bestselling author Allia Zobel Nolan and illustrated by Alida Massari, is filled with vibrant illustrations and engaging text that brings beloved Bible stories to life.

My Review:
This sweet book filled with amazing stories about the angels in the Bible will entertain young people. Nolan has done an excellent job telling the stories of the incredible miracles the angels were a part of. I think as humans we forget the part the angels have played and continue to play in the lives of believers. The narratives have everything a child would want from a story; excitement, entertainment, and truth. Massari's whimsical art adds beauty to the stories. I'd recommend Angels in the Bible Storybook for children 10+. My grandmother loved the stories of the angels and often shared them with me. This would be a great way to share angels with a special young person in your life.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Christmas Magic

Twinkle and Sparkle

John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Along the village streets twinkling wreaths hang from the light poles. The new trees in the medians are decked with strings of multi-colored beauty. Greenery twined with lights drapes along the concrete bridge. I get to see this beautiful sight every morning on my way to work. The other night Tim and I took a spin around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights. Some homes looked like gingerbread houses. Sparkling trees peeked through the windows.

Every light I see reminds me of why we celebrate Christmas. The true light of the world came as a baby and grew into the man who would sacrifice his life so I might have grace. I love what Jesus said to the people, "Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Even when circumstances bring despair and gloom, I have Jesus' light inside me. He guides my path with his light. Praise God for light!

Those Brown Paper Bags

We were shopping after church at Aldi's today. As usual we bought more than we had boxes for. My husband grabbed two paper bags and placed them on the conveyer belt. At that moment, I flashed back in time.

As a child, I remember going to William's grocery store with my mom in December. My little girl eyes sparkled when I watched the bagger place bread and milk in brown paper bags stamped with Merry Christmas, and the baby in the manger, Santa, or a Christmas tree.

Those simple brown paper bags, printed with an offset holiday design, ushered in the beginning of the Christmas season. I knew they'd be filled with chocolate chips, marshmallow cream and butter for my mom's fudge. Candy canes and the smell of popcorn would soon fill our home. Just the sight of them brought joy to this little girl's heart. The magic of the season had begun.

That moment of memory reminded me of the childlike joy I love at Christmas. Amidst the hustle and bustle, I want to keep my eye out for the simplest touches of the season. The ones that remind to keep a smile on my face.

I love finding the beauty in every day things.

What simple Christmas memories do you have?