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Christmas Gift Guide 2024
Unique, Affordable Gift Ideas for Everyone Hey friends, can you believe that Christmas is around the corner? Every year I tell myself that I’m not going to be last minute with my gift buying. But no matter how great your intentions, there will always be that person who’s tough to buy for, or the unexpected need for a hostess gift. That’s why I love browsing gift guides and this year I decided to share some of my favorite ideas with you all. These are all either gifts that I have given, received, or are on-trend for Christmas 2024. If you have any great gift ideas, PLEASE share below in the…
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Emmanuel
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark, the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King." Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Matt. 1:23). God, manifest in the flesh, with us in a sin-sick world. Almighty Lord and Creator of heaven and earth, left His glory and took on human flesh. God, inside a human body. He did not stop being God; rather, He became fully God and fully man. One night in Bethlehem, the…
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7 Festive Ways to Wrap Christmas Gifts On a Budget
Hey friends! It is officially the Christmas season, one of my favorite times of the year, and I’m planning to live it to the full! Am I the only one who feels torn between wanting to do everything during the season but not becoming so busy that I miss the beauty and wonder? It sure is a balancing act, and I recommend planning your month out ahead and learning to say no if the extra activities are piling up. As you probably know, I’m all about making the ordinary special. In the ideas below, I share ways that you can elevate your gift wrapping without breaking the bank. A scrounge…
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Christmas Book + Audio Favorites
Hey friends! It’s hard to believe that Christmas will be here in less than two weeks! This is one of my favorite seasons of the year—I love the lights, the music, the shopping, the memories, the church outreaches. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite books and audio resources that I have enjoyed during the Christmas season. Maybe they can become a part of your family’s Christmas traditions and memories. Disclaimer: Just because I recommend a resource does not mean that I agree with everything written therein or endorse everything the author has written. As always, read with discretion and compare everything to God’s word.…
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Beyond the Manger
Beyond the manger shines a star, Its glory bright against the sky, To soon be dimmed and blotted out; A Baby had been born to die. Deep buried in His mother’s heart, There trembles fear of future loss. The sword of grief would rend apart; Beyond the manger is a cross. He gave His life, His sinless life, His precious blood, an offering; He was the needed sacrifice, That God and man together brings. Above in dazzling glory bright, Brighter than dawning ever shone, In majesty to blind the sight; Beyond the cross, there is a throne. And round that throne, all dressed in white, The blood-washed souls He died…
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Christmas Meditations
Hello to all of my readers! Today I am so excited to be able to introduce a guest writer–the very first on Upheld by His Grace. This guest writer is a wife, mama, one of my very best friends, and…my older sister! She wrote these thoughts several years ago while expecting her first little one. Thank you so much for sharing, Emily! This year at Christmas, as I wait for the birth of my first child, only a few weeks away, the familiar story of Jesus’ birth takes on new meaning to me. I feel a new understanding and appreciation for Mary, the woman God chose to be the vessel…
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Christmas Music Favorites
Hi all! This is the time of year when we think about how Jesus came to earth as a baby. We also think about why He came–so that we could be redeemed and forgiven! One thing that can help us to focus on Him in this season is godly music about His coming. I’d like to share three of my favorite music cd’s to enjoy: Redemption Dawns by Anna Ferraro. You’ll enjoy this lovely piano cd with beautiful arrangements of hymns such as “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” and “O Holy Night”, arranged and played by talented musician Anna Ferraro. The selection of songs is skillfully designed to help you…
