[O Holy Night]

I am so sorry I have been on a blogging hiatus (although I still have been reading your blogs)! From crazy Christmas responsibilities between school and home, as well as being sick for a week, blogging has definitely taken the back burner. If I wasn't working at school, I was resting and/or working at home getting things ready for our travels this holiday season.

However, now that we are with family, it is time to stop and truly realize what we are celebrating. It is not shopping, not gifts, not trees or wreaths or ornaments. It is the time to celebrate the birth of our Savior! God sent His son to earth in the humblest of settings: a stable, in the hay, with animals. He was born to one day grow up and save us from our sins by dying on a cross for us and rising again on the third day.

Tonight, I am reflecting on that holy night: the night before Christ was born. As you read the lyrics to "O Holy Night" below, use the words to create an image in your mind of what that night could have been like. We will never truly know, on this side of heaven anyways, what that night was like for Mary and Joseph as they awaited the birth of our Savior. But reflect and give thanks to God for this amazing gift!

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices
O night divine!
O night when Christ was born
O night divine!
O night, O night divine!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains He shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name

Christ is the Lord!
Their name forever praise we
Noel, Noel
O night, O night divine
Noel, Noel
O night, O night divine
Noel, Noel
O night, O holy night 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Enjoy the time with family and celebrating the birth of our Savior!

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.' When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.' So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." Luke 2:13-20

[make] Ornament Swag

Who else enjoys holiday seasons for the crafty projects? I do, I do!

On Pinterest, I found Upside Down Grace and Madeline's ornament garland. It was adorable and oh-so simple to do.

You will need:
long-enough-for-your-project ribbon (the plainer, the better: your ornaments won't get stuck!)
ornaments; I used 100 shatterproof ornaments

I found a package of 50 ornaments from Walmart that had reds/greens/golds, which is what my color scheme for Christmas is, so I purchased two to make a swag of 100 ornaments. It turned out so cute! My friend Bonnie came over and we had a wonderful time of catching up and crafting!

String your first ornament onto your ribbon and tie a knot. Continue to string on ornaments and they will start to fall/lay the way they look on the swag. When you are satisfied with the length, tie a knot at the last ornament as well. Easy! Go to Madeline's blog for more step-by-step photos. Thanks for the inspiration!

See where I link up: Monday Made it @ 4th Grade Frolics, Blog Hop @ Naptime Review, Tips & Tricks @ Stringtown Home, What I Whipped Up Wednesday @ Sugar and Dots, Craft-O-Manic Monday @ Craft-O-Manic, Link Party @ Uncommon, Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts, Show Me What Ya Got Linky Party @ Not JUST A Housewife, {Wow Me Wednesday} @ Ginger Snap Crafts, Link Party @ Destination: Craft, The Creative Spark @ Clean & Scentsible, Before & After Party @ Thrifty Decor Chick, Weekend Wrap-Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello, What I Wore Wednesday @ The Pleated Poppy

Happy Monday! I'm home sick with tonsillitis and a bad cough today. I've had a fever off/on all weekend as well. I've been prescribed some medications, so because of this, I had to cancel my wisdom teeth appointment for this Thursday. Wahoo! Haha, it's rescheduled for January, but at least I won't have to dread this entire week/weekend! I have a few more weeks before I have to start stressing out again. 

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16