White Christmas

Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds in the film HOLIDAY INN (PARAMOUNT PICTURES, 1942) sing the famous Christmas song "White Christmas" from the composer Irving Berlin. Marjorie Reynolds was dubbed by Martha Mears

For all those who think Christmas would be only for Christians it may be interesting to know that one of the most famous Christmas songs ever was written by someone, who was affiliated to the Jewish religion. And isn't it a nice idea that Christmas can bring everyone together no matter what people believe, or do not believe.

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

“From November onwards, it is impossible to forget that Christmas is coming. Colored lights decorate many town centers, houses and shops, along with shiny decorations, and artificial snow painted on shop windows. In streets and shops, “Christmas trees" (real or plastic) will also be decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments. People, I am included, do hope for more than presents at Christmas. We want to somehow return to a time in our childhood or some other good time in the past, when life was simpler and made more sense, before the troubles of adult life arrived. We feel that behind all the fun and decorations, there must be a message. Something more. Some key to life, hope understanding and happiness. Do you want to have the very best Christmas that you have ever had? To have a memorable Christmas this year you need to keep your focus on why you are celebrating this day. Xmas is most of all a birthday party like no other. December 25th is the day set aside to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. The Son of God. A little baby that was born nearly 2000 years ago to be the Savior of the World. Keep that in mind and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.” H.C.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Adaptation of the Classic Poem by

Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and this sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

XMAS RECIPES

EGGNOG




INGREDIENTS
6 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups whole milk or half-and-half
1 cup rum, brandy or bourbon
Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste

METHOD
Using electric mixer, beat egg yolks in large bowl until pale. Gradually beat in sugar. Stir in vanilla and milk. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Mix rum or whiskey (for adults only) into eggnog mixture. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in large bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold 1/3 of egg whites into eggnog mixture. Fold in remaining whites. Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg and serve.

Q: If Santa doesn't have to age, then why has he become old?
A: He only appears to be old. He's an undercover kid.

Q: Why do we wish people a "Merry Christmas" instead of a "Happy Christmas"?
A: The two are about the same, but with "Merry Christmas" an extra twinkle is seen in the eyes.

Q: Why is a Christmas tree that has been chopped down called a "live Christmas tree?"
A: It's dead but doesn't know it, and yet it's having the time of its life.

Q: Why do we wrap our Christmas gifts with paper?
A: Because we like to see surprise and joy (real or kindly faked) in the recipients.

LAUGHTER’S THE BEST MEDICINE

Bad News
Leroy came home from the doctor looking very worried.
His wife said,

- "What's the problem?" He said,
- "The doctor told me I have to take a pill every day for the rest of my life."
- "So what? his wife said. Lots of people have to take a pill every day their whole lives." He said,
- "I know, but he only gave me four pills!"

Hot Temper
A member of the Senate, known for his hot temper and acid
tongue, explodes one day in mid session and begins to shout, "Half of this Senate is made up of cowards and corrupt politicians!"

All the other Senators plead to the angry member that he
withdraw his statement, or be removed from the remainder of the session. After a long pause, the angry member accepted. ”OK" he said, I withdraw what I said. “Half of this Senate is NOT made up of cowards and corrupt politicians!"

"A Bible Lesson"
Nine year old Joey, was asked by his mother
what he had learned in Sunday school.

- "Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent
Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission
to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got
to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a
pontoon bridge and all the people walked across
safely. Then he used his walkie-talkie to radio
headquarters for reinforcements. They sent
bombers to blow up the bridge, and all the
Israelites were saved."

- "Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher
taught you?" his mother asked.

- "Well, no, Mom. But if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"

The Original
How was your blind date?" a college
student asked her roommate.
- "Terrible!" the roommate answered.
"He showed up in his 1932 Rolls Royce."
- "Wow! That's a very expensive car.
What's so bad about that?"
- "He was the original owner."

Rules of Thumb

Idioms using the word "Eat"

Eat like a bird = to eat very little
Eat like a horse = to eat a lot of food and to eat often
Eat your heart = to suffer from jealousy and envy
Eat your words = to take back your words; to apologize for something that you said
Eat out of your hand = to have someone do exactly as you wish
Eat at you = something that irritates or bothers you

Word of The Day

Fun and Games

Function: noun (plural)

Meaning:
Activity that is meant to be enjoyable rather than serious
e.g.:

The family reunion was full of fun and games.
Note: Fun and games is often used in a disapproving way to describe activity that is considered silly and not useful.
e.g.:

The convention is just an excuse for journalistic fun and games.