31 Devotions for Family For Christmas Day TWENTY-ONE Dec. 21st

FOUR Days Until Christmas

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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
LUKE 2:8-12

Do not be afraid! The holidays can be a time when fear creeps up on us unexpectedly. We can fear for our country, fear the family conflicts that may surface over holiday dinners, fear the state of our finances... and the list goes on. The angel said, "Do no be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." This season, let your focus be on that joyful news. It's for all of us. Jesus' birth gives us hope. We don't have to fear! John 16:33 says, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, Thank You that I never have to be afraid. Forgive me for the times I allow myself to worry about things I cannot control. Thank You for bringing us great joy!
AMEN.

Family Activity:

Focus on the good news of great joy. Consider baking a birthday cake for Jesus or putting candles on your favorite dessert or breakfast coffee cake. Don't forget to sing "Happy Birthday" to Him. Remember that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus all month long. Take turns having family members tell why Jesus' birth is important and what it means to them today.

Stress-Free Tip:

Can't stand the thought of all that wrapping paper being thrown away after packages are opened? Have the kids trace cookie cutters and cut out the shapes from the used wrapping paper. You can use the cutouts for scrapbooks and Christmas cards for next year. WOW I LIKE THIS IDEA!

Recipe:

Mom's Colossal Christmas Cookies

Ingredients

6 eggs
1 pound brown sugar
2 cups white sugar
1/2 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 tablespoon light corn syrup
4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 pound butter(no substitutes)
1 1/2 pounds creamy or crunchy peanut butter
9 cups quick oats
1/2 pound milk chocolate chips
1/2 pound candy coated chocolate pieces(m&m's)

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix ingredients in large mixing bowl in the order given. Using an ice cream scoop, drop onto ungreased cookie sheet and flatten with back of spoon or with hand. Drop 6 cookies per sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Enjoy.