Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, December 12, 2021
It was Christmas in the 1980s. My cousin came walking up the steps of the porch holding my Christmas gift.
He is five years younger than me. He is currently a Commander in the United States Navy.
But in the 80’s he was a kid holding a Christmas gift for his cousin.
Before I could say anything, he blurted out, “It might look like a baseball bat. But it ain’t. It could be. Just be surprised.”
It was a baseball bat.
A Light Shines in Darkness
Summary and Question
A savior is born. The Magi brings gifts and Herod brings death. Hope-filled dignitaries worship and a tyrant king shakes in fear and mobilizes soldiers to kill innocent children.
In what dark situation at this moment do you need to focus on the light of God’s presence?
Weekly Prayer
God of the light, we are walking toward a silent night while navigating through all the noise of the season. We are being pulled toward the angelic chorus and encouraged by the nudge of your Spirit to love and to serve, to pray and to worship.
You are the God of shining lights and angelic messages and humble infants. O, how thrilling it is to be captivated by your story. Captivate us again. Hold us mesmerized by your grace and your mercy.
You are the God of the journey. We invite you to walk with us in times of trouble, hold us when we cry and be with us when we face our darkness.
Send a glimmer of hope to those in despair, give a ray of possibility to those who have lost their way.
Hear our prayer in the name of Jesus, our newborn king. Amen.
Favorite Holiday Recipe
Submitted by Leslie Miller (recipe comes from her mother-in-law Cecile Miller)
BUCKEYE BALLS
In a large bowl, mix together:
1box (16oz) powdered sugar
12 oz creamy peanut butter
1 1/3 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
Roll into small balls and place on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
Press a toothpick into the top of each ball. Place in refrigerator and chill until firm.
Melt 1/3 bar of paraffin in top of a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, add 12 oz chocolate chips. Stir frequently until smooth.
Dip firm peanut butter balls into chocolate with the toothpick until about 3/4 of the way covered. Let excess chocolate drip off and return to baking sheet.
Chill the buckeyes until firm. Smooth out the hole left by the toothpick. Refrigerate in an airtight container.
Need some Christmas Gift Ideas? What about………..
Do you love fried chicken? Are you from Gainesville, Ga? You cannot go wrong with the Friend Chicken Christmas Ornament. Click here to order.
Or if you are a vegetarian, you can go for the………
Passive Aggressive Nifty Note Pad (Disclaimer: I am not implying vegetarians are passive-aggressive.) Click here to order.
If you are looking for a meaningful gift this Christmas season, check out the Christmas Eve Offering at Gainesville First UMC.
Go to gfumc.com/give to support this wonderful ministry.
Dad Jokes
What do reindeers say before they tell you a joke? This one’s gonna sleigh you!
What’s every elf’s favorite type of music? Wrap!
Photo of the Week (photos taken by me)
Favorite Meme of the Week
Favorite Video
Wood and Nails (feat. Audrey Assad & Josh Garrels)
If you have enjoyed this newsletter, I want to encourage you to like, comment and share it. I will also be publishing a Christmas story and more recipes on Wednesday of each week.