THE EPIPHANY...."THE THREE KINGS DAY"...

What is The Epiphany of the Christian Religion?

Epiphany, also known as "Three Kings Day" and "Twelfth Day," is a Christian holiday commemorated on January 6. It falls on the twelfth day after Christmas, and for some denominations signals the conclusion of the twelve days of the Christmas season. Though many different cultural and denominational customs are practiced, in general, the feast celebrates the manifestation of God in the form of human flesh through Jesus Christ, his Son.

The word epiphany means “manifestation” or “revelation" and is commonly linked in Western Christianity with the visit of the wise men (Magi) to the Christ child. Through the Magi, Christ revealed himself to the gentiles. In Eastern Christianity, Epiphany puts emphasis on the baptism of Jesus by John, with Christ revealing himself to the world as God's own Son. Likewise, on Epiphany some denominations commemorate Jesus' miracle of turning water into wine, signifying the manifestation of Christ's divinity as well.

LOVE: FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT...PEACE, HOPE, JOY AND LOVE

STORY OF THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS...

You're all familiar with the Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" I think. To most it's a delightful nonsense rhyme set to music. But it had a quite serious purpose when it was written.

It is a good deal more than just a repetitious melody with pretty phrases and a list of strange gifts.

Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829, when Parliament finally emancipated Catholics in England, were prohibited from ANY practice of their faith by law - private OR public. It was a crime to BE a Catholic.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written in England as one of the "catechism songs" to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith - a memory aid, when to be caught with anything in *writing* indicating adherence to the Catholic faith could not only get you imprisoned, it could get you hanged, or shortened by a head - or hanged, drawn and quartered, a rather peculiar and ghastly punishment I'm not aware was ever practiced anywhere else. Hanging, drawing and quartering involved hanging a person by the neck until they had almost, but not quite, suffocated to death; then the party was taken down from the gallows, and disembowelled while still alive; and while the entrails were still lying on the street, where the executioners stomped all over them, the victim was tied to four large farm horses, and literally torn into five parts - one to each limb and the remaining torso.

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS BIBLE TRANSLATION...

Christmas Carols - 12 Days Of Christmas (Original)

The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so..."

The other symbols mean the following:

1 Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus Christ, Son of God

2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues

4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists

5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.

6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation

7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments

8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments

11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles

12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

ANGEL DELIGHTS...HEALTHY AND EASY TO MAKE...

Angel Delights

WebMD Recipe from EatingWell.com  52 calories in each cookie

Frances Van Vynckt, 78, combined dates, toasted rice cereal and coconut into an easy no-bake treat that won EatingWell’s 2008 cookie contest.

 Ingredients

Prep: 30 | Total Time: 30

•                         1/4 cup
unsalted butter


•                         1 cup
sugar


•                         1 1/2 cups
dates, (8 ounces), chopped pitted


•                         1/8 teaspoon
salt


•                         1 teaspoon
vanilla extract


•                         2 cups
toasted rice cereal,, such as Rice Krispie


•                         1 cup
coconut, shredded


 Instructions

1.             Combine butter, sugar and dates in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted, the sugar is no longer white and the dates are mostly melted, 8 to 15 MINUTES. The mixture should be a shiny, brown sticky mass. Remove from the heat.

2.             Add salt, vanilla, cereal and coconut; stir well to combine.

When cool enough to handle, squeeze and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until chilled.

SECOND CENTURY OF HANUKKAH CELEBRATION...

This evening at sundown marks the beginning of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, which is celebrated for eight days, ending December 24 this year. Hanukkah means ‘dedication,’ and each day, as one of nine candles is lit, people remember the miracle of the lamp that lasted for eight days.

What is a Hanukkah Menorah?

The Hanukkah menorah is a candle holder with nine arms, with each one holding one candle. The eight candles correspond to the eight days of Hanukkah. The ninth candle, usually the middle, is called the shamash and is used to light the other candles of the menorah. There are also menorahs which only have seven arms, but these are typically only a representation of menorahs in the ancient Temple. Today, a menorah can take on many forms and are increasingly decorative. Still, the shamash arm has to be higher than the others in order for the menorah to be kosher.

THE PRODUCTION OF SPANISH MANCHEGO CHEESE....

Olmeda Origenes - How is it made the manchego cheese?

Discover how Olmeda Origenes make the best manchego cheese
Descubre como Olmeda Orígenes hace el mejor queso manchego
www.olmedaorigenes.com

HANUKKAH: THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS...

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah, Chanukah or the Festival of Lights is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days around late November to late December. The name is derived from a Hebrew word meaning "to dedicate," and during Hanukkah, the Jewish people commemorate the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the "Miracle of The Oil."

The Talmud says that after the Temple had been liberated by the Maccabees from Antiochus IV, only a day’s worth of consecrated olive oil was left to to fuel the eternal flame. Miraculously, it remained burning for eight days, which was just enough time to make more of the oil.

When is Hanukkah 2013?

Hanukkah is always the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, and lasts for eight days. On the secular calendar:

2014: Hanukkah 2014 begins on the evening of Tuesday, December 16
and ends on the evening of Wednesday, December 24.

ADVENT: THE SPIRITUALITY OF WAITING...

FATHER BARRON ON ADVENT AND THE SPIRITUALITY OF WAITING

"JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COMING....

GOD SAYS WE WILL FIND "JOY", EVEN IN THE MOST DIFFICULT OF CIRCUMSTANCES, WHEN WE TRUST THAT, "HE",  IS IN CONTROL AND WORKING TO USE THE GOOD AND THE BAD OF OUR LIVES FOR A GREATER PURPOSE. "JOY" IS INSIDE OF US, AND GIVES US A CERTAINTY OF PURPOSE AND A HOPEFUL FUTURE.

WAITING IN JOYFUL HOPE...MEDITATIONS FOR ADVENT

MEDITATIONS FOR ADVENT WITH FATHER BARRON

"OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM"....

Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem ~ Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Jesus Christ was born to Mary in a stable in Bethlehem and laid to rest in swaddling clothes in a manger. Our Lord and Saviour began his mortal life in the most humble of circumstances showing that who He is was and is more important than where he was born or the worldly things He had around Him. The pure lamb of God without blemish or spot. He was the only perfect example of a human life ever to exist. His sacrifice made repentence, resurrection and returning to our Heavenly Father once again possible. Without Him life would have no meaning.

"WINDS THROUGH THE OLIVE TREES"...

Children's Christmas Song - WINDS THROUGH THE OLIVE TREES - Tom Roush

This somewhat short children's Christmas song is much more popular in Europe than in the U.S. Very little is know of it's origin. There's more than a few 'grown-ups' who like this lullaby as well. I felt compelled to give it my own Celtic flavor in the middle of the piece.

'CHESTNUTS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE".....MICHAEL BUBLE

‪Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire By Michael Buble‬

Michael Buble singing Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire with pics of Christmas and wishing you one and all a Merry Christmas. Thanks for viewing my videos all year!

LAWMAKERS IN TEXAS PASS BILL ALLOWING "MERRY CHRISTMAS" ,"HAPPY HANUKAH"....

Lawmakers in Texas are reminding schools in the state that it’s okay to say “Merry Christmas” and to celebrate the yule tide and Hanukah holidays without fear of repercussion.

The law “…allows students and district staff to offer traditional greetings regarding the celebrations, including: ‘Merry Christmas,’ ‘Happy Hanukah,’ and ‘Happy Holidays,” and allows for schools to set up nativity scenes, menorahs, Christmas trees and other “symbols associated with traditional winter celebrations.”

“In today’s world of political correctness run amok, Christmas Trees have been replaced with ‘Holiday Trees’ and simple on-campus greetings such as ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Hanukkah’ can land a student or teacher in hot water,” a message on the Bohac Campaign-sponsored website MerryChristmasBill.com states.

ADVENT A TIME OF PREPARATION....

A LITTLE MEXICAN TREAT FOR THE HOLIDAYS...

Post by World Wide Interweb.

THE LEGEND OF THE POINSETTIA....

POINSETTIA LEGEND

The legend of the poinsettia using the illustrations of  and read by Tomie dePaola

"TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS....

'Twas the Night Before Christmas / animated classic Christmas story read by Otis Jiry

Master storyteller Otis Jiry relates the classic Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore, about the goings on the night before Santa arrives. Pull up a chair, get some popcorn, put your feet up and enjoy this classic tale and then get ready to spend a wonderful day with you and your on this festive occasion. Merry Christmas, everyone!


THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL STRIKES AGAIN...

More ABC US news | ABC World News

ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND PEPPER STIR FRY......YUMLICIOUS!

ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND PEPPER STIR FRY

 

SLICE: 2 LBS HOT/SWEET ITALIAN SAUSAGE

SAUTE: IN HOT SKILLET UNTIL SAUSAGE STARTS TO BROWN(YOU MAY ADD AN OUNCE OF WATER TO RENDER MOISTURE TO INGREDIENTS IN PAN.

ADD: 3 GREEN PEPPERS AND 3 RED PEPPERS CUT INTO STRIPS STIR INTO SAUSAGE AND COOK FOR A FEW MINUTES

ADD: ONE LARGE ONION SLICED INTO RINGS AND STIR CONTINUE TO SAUTE A FEW MORE MINUTES UNTIL ONION STARTS TO SOFTEN.

SERVE WITH CRUSTY ITALIAN BREAD AND ENJOY

"LET IT GO" CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY....

'Let It Go' Christmas Light Display Is So Cool, It Will Freeze You In Your Tracks

This ultra green light display only costs $6 in electricity to run for the entire season.
"Let it Go" mp3 from AMAZON: ‪http://www.amazon.com/Let-It-Go/dp/B0...
What about the cactus? The cactus has been part of our display before there was a display. My wife and I found it alongside the road and fell in place.

"WHATSUPMOMS" NEW MOM ANTHEM....

For All The Moms Who Need Coffee To Make It Through The Day, This Song Is Your New Anthem

WhatsUpMoms is back with their latest video and it's so good! This time they cover TAYLOR Swift's "Blank Space" and you're gonna absolutely love the lyrics.

Taylor Swift - "Blank Space" PARODY (Mom Version)

HAPPY SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT: "PEACE"

"LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH AND LET IT BEGIN WITH ME"

"Peace" SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT....

Second Sunday in Advent

Nordic Choir sings Michael W. Smith's "All Is Well" (Lyrics included on screen). Second Sunday of Advent "Peace"

ADVENT: WAITING IN JOYFUL HOPE...

Waiting in Joyful Hope: Meditations for Advent (CD)

SILENT MONKS SING THE HALLELUJAH...

This group is from the same HIGH SCHOOL that PERFORMED the original video in December 2008, curentlly with over 11 million views!

South Kitsap High School 

Vocal Music 
CHRISTMAS Concert
The Silent Monks - G.F. Handel, Hallelujah Chorus
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
 PORT Orchard, WA

FATHER BARRON ON THE SPIRITUALITY OF ADVENT...

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is an anglicized version of the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming".

DR.OZ 3 DAY SOUP DETOX...DESSERT SOUP

Sweet Potato and Apple Dessert Soup

After all of the savory soups you'll eat during this detox, this sweet dessert soup will seem extra tasty.

Ingredients

•               1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

•               2 medium apples, cored and cut into chunks (leave peel on)

•               1 tbsp chopped ginger

•               1/2 tsp cinnamon

•               1 cup apple cider

•               dried apple chips (optional)

Directions

1. Combine all of the ingredients except for the dried apple chips in a large pot and bring to a boil. 

2. Reduce the HEAT, cover the pot and let simmer for about 30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes and apples are soft. 

3. Let it cool down a bit and then puree in batches in a blender until smooth. 

4. Before serving the soup at your desired temperature, top with a few dried apple chips if desired. Makes 4 cups. 

Dr. Oz's 3-Day Souping Detox Instructions

In this plan, you'll eat soup six times a day. There's no need to count calories and you can have as much soup as you want at each sitting. Print this one-sheet to keep on your fridge to help you with the plan.

DR. OZ 3 DAY DETOX....BASE SOUP

Base Soup

The base soup in the three-day soup cleanse has the core four detox ingredents: mushrooms, broccoli, tomatoes and artichoke hearts. Prep this soup in advance of your cleanse to make mealtime during those three days more efficient. 

Ingredients

•               8 cups vegetable stock

•               3 oz sliced shitakes

•               9 oz artichoke hearts

•               28 oz can chopped tomatoes

•               2 cups broccoli

Directions

Put all ingredients into a large pot, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and let simmer for 1 hour. Makes 14 cups.