Merry Christmas 2021, magnolia bloom, our tree and Bounce

 

John 3:16 is often quoted around Christmas time, and for the best reasons. In it we read that the birth of Jesus signals to us that the gift of eternal life is available to all those who believe in Jesus,  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, That whosoever believeth in Him shall have eternal life." This promise makes me happy, knowing that Jesus is preparing a home in heaven for me. I know many of you love that promise too.

Another promise is that when we ask truly for forgiveness of sins our sins will be forgiven and we can start anew with a clean slate in life. "If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things are gone, everything is new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. 

 

Bounce adds his greetings of hope and joy to all his friends and fans! Merry Christmas to All.

My Christmas tree this year was brought to me by my sons who drove a truck to a Christmas tree farm with Bounce to help pick out a tree. They met friendly goats and big dogs on the farm which was a treat for Mr. B. The tree is 7 feet tall.

 

And a surprise in my yard, my purple magnolia is in bloom, here in California. It is actually called Black Tulip magnolia. I recall reading that it is the darkest red, closest to purple or black, of all the magnolias.

Wishing you all the joys of the season and a Merry Christmas to you both near and far.

Our new Christmas Angel is Flying Our Way

Our new Christmas Angel above is flying our way. Isn't she lovely?
I ordered her today online.
I am sad to retire our 20 year old angel but I noticed scorch marks around her lights, so it sounds dangerous. I will keep her and display her but not plugged in. Quite a few of you blog friends have commented on her being retired, and I realized, I am retired too. Now she (we) can sit back and enjoy the season.
Here is our graceful older angel below.

Lane brought over our beautiful tree. He went to three Christmas tree sales places, then went back to the second one and made the purchase. He also used a kit and made an ornament with Bounce's footprints on it.

The first two ornaments I put on the tree were Bounce's above and one that Colt gave me in church yesterday. His neighbor is short on money so sold ornaments she paints and he bought five. They are very pretty. He also bought one and gave it to my friend Carole in church. That was the first time he met her. The one I chose, below, has a cute whiskered gnome and a mushroom on it.

Our new Christmas angel arrived 3 days after I ordered her so today she is at home on the top of our tree. This Sunday Dec. 15 we will have a Christmas party at church with a white elephant gift exchange. You do NOT buy a gift, but bring something from your house that you don't want and wrap it up to exchange. I think then after you open your gift anyone can claim it. It sounds entertaining and I will let you know how it goes. Plus everyone brings food to share, I am buying a fruit tart to bring. The party will be after the first service, in our Bible study group, usually 20 people show up, but lots more might come for this gathering.
I am excited about this holy season and church is a great preparation for it, full of lights and joy. I hope your December is a good one.