Shepherds Hear Joyful News of Messiah Birth
Luke 2 16 recounts shepherds in fields near Bethlehem who are visited by an angel and a host of heaven. The message proclaims the Savior has been born and directs them to find a baby wrapped in a manger. The shepherds hurry to Mary Joseph and the infant Jesus in the manger.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Savior
Messiah
Bethlehem
Heaven
Mary and
Joseph
Galilee
Nazareth
Judea
David
Mary Hhis
Fuards
Dewids
Christ the Lord
St Lukes
Feast of Lights and Twelfth Night Traditions
The Feast of Lights marks Epiphany on January 6 as the Twelve Days of Christmas unfold in Merrie England. Kings opened revels by dice with stakes noted by Charles I, plum cake beans crowned aBean and a pea crowned King and Queen, toasts followed, and miseltoe kisses closed the season as greens were cleared before sunrise to ban goblins.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Council of Tours
England
Charles I
Why December 25th Became Christmas Day
The text explains debates over Christ's birth date and notes no record of a celebrations before four centuries after his death. It cites sun worship origins, imperial edict closures of theatres in Rome, and authorities proposing January 6 March 25 and December 25 before the winter solstice date was chosen in 440 AD.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christ
Rome
Communications Speed Holiday Mailings
The U S Postal Service activates a nationwide communications network linking headquarters with five regional offices to keep holiday mail moving. An electronic transmission system conveys weather and mail- movement information from ninety three control points to headquarters within minutes during the Christmas season.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
U. S. Postal Service
Postal Service
Father Christmas Saint Origins and Traditions
Father Christmas or Santa Claus traces to St. Nicholas of Myra, a fourth century bishop whose feast is December 6. He is revered as patron of Russia Aberdeen clerks scholars pawnbrokers and small boys, with legends of gifts saving daughters from prostitution and reviving three lads cut up and pickled.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Father Christmas
Santa Claus
Nicholas of
Patara
Myra
Christendom
Russia
Aberdeen
Father Christmas's Sleigh Ride Ties to Odin and Sleipnir
The passage traces Father Christmas to earlier Northern myths, noting Odin the Old Gift Bringer rode the sky with Sleipnir, distributing rewards and punishments. By the nineteenth century these figures merged into the modern Santa Claus, a nocturnal visitor associated with chimneys and winter sleighs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
England
Odin
Sleipnir
Father Christmas
Selfridges
Hostess Tips On Planning A Relaxed Party
The successful hostess does her homework and plans ahead. She cooks ahead as much as possible to ensure a relaxed gathering. Freezing tips include dips and some cooked vegetables, with cookbooks guiding how far ahead to prepare and whether freezing is suitable.
Plan A Carol Party For Holiday Fun
A festive suggestion to host a carol singing party with friends. Ensure enough song sheets for all and have a willing pianist if available. Serve holiday punch to keep the mood lively as guests sing into the night.
Let's Keep Christmas by Peter Marshall
A reflective Christmas message contrasts holiday stress with the true spirit of the season. It urges people to value love, understanding, help, smiles, and prayers over crowds and shopping, noting Christmas resides in the heart rather than in stores.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Peter Marshall
Ecological Gift Ideas for a Greener Christmas
A guide encourages environmentally friendly giving with practical options. Purchase camping fuel stoves for backpackers, field guides for conservation audiences, and memberships in environmental groups. Emphasizes minimal wrapping and recycled paper usage.
Dear Santa Children Request Various Gifts
A set of handwritten notes from multiple children request toys and gifts. Shayne Layman asks for a gun and a doll for his sister, while another child asks for toys and a hotrod. Cecil seeks a rope. Tommy Weatherman is noted as six years old in Kindergarten.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa
Shayne Layman
Cecil
Tommy Weatherman
Also Mentioned on This Page
Shepherds
Merrie Old England
Earth
Central
Texas
William Lane & Son
N. Cole
Pho
Comanche
Bethel
North
West Side Motors
Gary Don
Caes Augustus
Cyrinus
Lytid
Moorman Manufacturing CO
MoorMans
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