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MORE AMAZON CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

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SANTA ALREADY AT WORK

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

Tennessee Ernie Ford, one of the finest voices ever, and a good Christian to boot, gets a little help from his son.
 

And how about Ernie and Hollywood star Gordon Macrae. They don't make 'em like they used to. Both of these clips come from the old Tennessee Ernie Ford show. 

GIFT OF BOOKS

As an avid reader I always urge my family to give books. Here are a few I recommend to those seeking what I call books with some umph...some character.  

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow. A detailed biography of the man known as "His Excellency." Oh this book makes one desperately long for a superman like Mr. Washington. I actually got a bit misty-eyed when I read the last paragraph.

The Richest Man Who Ever Lived: King Solomon's Secrets to Success, Wealth, and Happiness An insurance executive presented me with this book as a gift. It's a good old positive thinking book full of practical wisdom. I just started the book and already it has inspired self reflection.

The New Road to Serfdom: A Letter of Warning to America European Parliament conservative Daniel Hannan emphatically warns us of Europe's less than ideal government. This prophetic indictment makes us proud to live in a uniquely blessed land. No Obama, I do not want to be like Europe and Daniel Hannan impels me to reaffirm this fact.

In the Name of Honor Taking a break from philosophical novels and just picked up this thriller by Richard North Patterson. Mr. Patterson is a master wordsmith who offers us compelling, creative plots as well.

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OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse, provides gifts to children around the world. My church and family often participate in this wonderful ministry. It's one of the great joys we celebrate together both as a church family and as individuals. Listen to the testimony below.

 

Go here to find out how you can participate.

MORE THAN A MANGER SCENE

Chuck Coloson explains that the meaning of Christmas extends far beyond a manger scene:

...but Christmas is about far more than a Child’s birth—even the Savior’s birth. It is about the Incarnation: God Himself, Creator of heaven and earth, invading planet earth, becoming flesh and dwelling among us. It is a staggering thought. Think of it: The Word—that is, Logos in the Greek, which meant all the knowledge that could be known—the plan of creation—that is, ultimate reality—becomes mere man? And that He was not born of an earthly king and queen, but of a virgin of a backwater village named Nazareth? Certainly God delights in confounding worldly wisdom—and human expectations.

Coloson continues implying that those often locked up in prison comprehend Christmas more affectingly than those who fall into the consumeristic trap.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Some of my most cherished Christmas memories revolve around the old Andy Williams' Christmas specials. No one made them better. Below Andy Williams sings a reverent Silent Night.

The late Tennessee Ernie Ford, (of 16 Tons fame) one of the most compelling baritone voices in the business, truly lived the Christian life. He always closed his weekly television show with a gospel song. The producers of his old Tennessee Ernie Ford Show advised Ernie not to sing religious music during the hour. Ernie turned a deaf ear and gospel music became his trademark. Listen as Tennessee Ernie sings a moving rendition of Some Children See Him. That's Jon Provost, star of Timmy and Lassie, sitting in his lap.