DECEMBER 24th

DECEMBER 24th

• Thought/story: "Twas the Night Before Jesus Came"
• Scripture: Matt. 2:9-12; Luke 2:12-16
Event: Shepherds visited and Wise men brought gifts
The Savior was worshipped

• Recipe: Butterscotch Rolls (these are great for Christmas morning because you make
them tonight and then just pop them into the oven in the morning!)
Ingredients: 18-28 frozen rolls (you can make dough in your bread machine and freeze
it or use Rhoades rolls), 1/2 c. brown sugar (packed), 1/2 c. margarine, 1/2 c. walnuts, 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon, 1/2 bag butterscotch pudding (not instant - 6 oz. Size)
Instructions: Grease bundt pan. Put rolls in pan. Sprinkle with half a package of
pudding (dry) on top. Put brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl with butter on top
and melt. Drizzle on top of rolls. Sprinkle on cinnamon and nuts. Cover with a wet
towel and let raise for 6-8 house, or until the rolls fill the pan full. Cook for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees.

• Tradition:
Since Jesus' birthday is tomorrow, a fun activity to do as a family is to make a birthday cake for Jesus. You could even sing Happy Birthday!

• Small gift idea: It's a little too late for gift making now, but be sure to have some little things on hand in case you get a last minute gift from family or friends.



'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE JESUS CAME

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching The Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!
The light of His face made me over my head
It was Jesus returning just like He had said.
And thought I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth
I cried when I saw him in spite of myself
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved Man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
when He said, "It's not here," my head hung in shame
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem, the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing quite near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Book of Mormon was true after all!



103 CHRISTMAS GIFf "EASTES"

I've already used a couple of these in the book before I found this:

The site is: http://members.tripod.com/pesukone/l03_christmas.htm.

1. M&Ms: Have a Merry and Most wonderful Holiday Season!

2. Soup or soup mix: Wishing you a "Souper" Holiday Season!

3. Frozen or readv to bake pizza: "Warm up" to a wonderful Holiday Season "topped" with Christmas cheer!

4. Apples and Hershey's Hugs: A teacher can't live by apples alone ... she needs "hugs", too!

5. Popcorn balls: Hoping you have a "ball" this Holiday Season

6. Loaf of bread: For being there when you were "kneaded", for "rising" to the occasion, large or small. For never "loafing" on the job, for helping others to "heel" with TLC. No matter how you "slice it", you do a terrific job loving others! Merry Christmas!

7. Jolly Ranchers: Have Holly "Jolly" Christmas

8. Rootbeer: We're "rooting" for you to have a Happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful NewYear!

9. Chex Party Mix: Remember Santa "Chex" his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice .. . so be good for goodness sake! Merry Christmas!

10. Box of Hostess Ho-Hos: Hope a merry "HO-HO-HO" filles your heart the whole year
through (Put a Santa sticker on the label)

11. Wire whisk filled with chocolate kisses: We WHISK you a Merry KISSmas!!

12. Jar of jelly: Jelly is like love - you can't spread it around without getting some on yourself. Merry Christmas!

13. Christmas tray: We sure TRAYsure your friendship! Merry Christmas!

14. Bell: With each chime of this festive bell, maya Christmas wish come true. And bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through! Merry Christmas!

15. Yule log: We send you warm greetings this Christmas Season!

16. Potpourri: May this sweet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmases long ago! Merry Christmas!

17. Cleaners: You add sparkle and make our life brighter! Merry Christmas!

18. Nuts: We're nuts about you! Merry Christmas!

19. Lifesavers: You've been a life saver! Have a great Christmas!

20. A juice pitcher filled with candy canes: We pitcher you raising a little "cane" during the holidays! Have a Merry Christmas!

21. Broom: You're "dust" the finest neighbors we know! Merry Christmas!

22. Paper towels: Blot out your troubles; absorb the Christmas Spirit!

23. Measuring cup or glass measure: Wishing you joy beyond measure!

24. Bananas: If we could choose our friends, and we searched the world through, we'd go bananas trying to find a better bunch than you!

25. Any star ornament: Remember the reason for the season!

26. Chocolate mousse mix: Merry ChristMOUSSE to our DEER friends!

27. Wooden spoon: Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles; you'll find this spoon useful in so many ways. But whatever it's use, it says, "Merry, Merry Christmas from us to you!"

28. Flower: If friends were flowers, we'd pick you! Happy Holidays! (or) You make friendship bloom year round!

29. Heart Christmas ornament: May the joy and love you give away, come back to you on
Christmas day!

30. Cinnamon sprinkles (cinnamon and sugar or cookie sprinkles): May your Christmas be sprinkled with laughter and love! Merry Christmas!

31. Hersheys hugs: A friend always knows when you need a little Hug!

32. Christmas music, CD or tape: May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice (or) May the Merry sounds of Christmas bring joyful Melody to your Holiday season! Merry Christmas!

33. Filled basket: Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings!

34. Salsa: Add a little spice to your holidays' Merry Christmas!

35. Stocking or filled jar: Have a fun-filled Christmas this year!

36. Lamb: Have "eweself' a Merry little Christmas!

37. Calendar: May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year bright!

38. Holly: Happy HOLLYdays!

39. Calendar: Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!

40. Shaped sugar cookies: Rolling out a batch of Christmas Cheer, for someone we think is very dear!

41. Cherry 7-up: Just a little Christmas cheer from Happy Hearts this time of year! Merry Christmas!

42. Sparkling cider: Wishing you a Sparkling Holiday Season!

43. Warm casserole or bread: Bundled up with warm wishes!

44. Popcorn or caramel corn: Just POPPING by wish a Holiday Hi! (or) May your Holidays be Poppin'!

45. Seasoning mix: Seasoned with love! Merry Christmas!

46. Eggbeater: Have an EGGSTRA special Holiday!

47. Hersheys Hugs and Kisses: Christmas Hugs and Kisses to You (or) Holiday Hugs and
Kisses to you!

48. Apple Pie or Apple Crisp: Wishing you a Scrumptious Christmas!

49. Fruit basket: May your New Year be Festive and Fruitful!

50. Any sweet treat: Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!

51. Oranges: "Orange" you glad we're friends? Merry Christmas!

52. Chocolate orange: "Orange" you glad it's Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a sweet one!

53. Sprite: May your Christmas be merry and sprite!

54. Ice cream snowballs and hot fudge: Here's some packaged "snowball" treats _just drizzle hot fudge and it's ready to eat! Enjoy!

55. Snicker bar: Don't "snicker", just be glad you got something!

56. Mints: Friends like you are worth a mint! Merry Christmas!

57. Matches: No one matches you as neighbors! Merry Christmas!

58. Strainer (with a Christmas bow): Would couldn't restrain ourselves from wishing you a Merry Christmas!

59. Box of light bulbs: Have a bright and radiant Christmas!

60. Bubble gum or bubble bath: May your holidays "bubble" over with fun!

61. Pencil and notepad: Merry Christmas from our pad to yours (or) Merry Christmas to a NOTEWORTHY friend

62. Jar of pickles: Just in brine, our wish for a Merry Christmas!

63. Grater and cheese: To a grate neighbor! Merry Christmas!

64. Ice cream: Have a "cool" yule!

65. Bear shaped honey: Have a bear-y sweet Christmas!

66. Santa: Ho-Ho-Hoping your Christmas is Heavenly!

67. Angel: Hoping you have a Heavenly Christmas!

68. Eggnog: Have an UDDERL Y MOOY ALDUS Christmas!

69. Gingerbread house: Nibble, nibble like a mouse, we hope you'll nibble at this house! Merry Christmas!

70. Mugs with Hot Chocolate mix: To our special friends who are so Dear, We wish you all a cup of cheer! One mug would also be a special gift for a teacher. To a special teacher dear, wishing you a "Cup of Cheer!"

71. Cocoa Mix: Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas"

72. Muffins or muffin mix: You're getting MUFFIN for Christmas!

73. Gum: By gum, you're a great neighbor! Have a Merry Christmas!

74. Veggies and dip: Dip into a wonderful Holiday season and a Healthy New Year!"

75. Christmas-shaped pasta (or any pasta and a bottle of sauce): Have a Pasta-tively Happy Holiday!

76. Jar of jam: Hoping you have a Holiday Jammed packed with fun! (or) Have a Berry nice holiday season (or) Hoping your Christmas is "Jampacked" with Christmas Cheer!

77. Cookie dough: Here's a little extra "dough" for Christmas (or) Everyone needs a little extra "dough" for Christmas!

78. Homemade frozen rolls: Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter, that's all you do! Warm Holiday greetings to you!

79. Brownie mix (or any mix): Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a "rich" Holiday season (Be sure to attach the recipe!)

80. Homemade caramels: Hoping you have a "rich" and "wonderful" Holiday!

81. Pie: Just a "Holiday Hi" and a tasty Pie! Happy Holidays!

82. Divinity: May your Christmas be "Divine" and your Holidays so Fine! Sweet Christmas wishes!

83. Rice Krispie Treats: Snap, Crackle, Pop! We really think you're tops!

84. Toffee or Brittle: Any way you break it, we think you're the greatest!

85. Fudge: "Fudge" a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday Season!

86. Cheese ball and crackers: We don't mean to sound "cheesy", but we just hope you have a "ball" this Holiday Season! (or) "Spread a little Christmas cheer this Holiday season"

87. Apple anything (pie, cobbler, crisp, muffins, etc): Sending you a "bushel" of love this Holiday Season (or) You are the apple of my eye, teacher!

88. Banana bread: Banana bread just for you, because you have so much to do ... we also loveyou whole "bunch" too! Merry Christmas!

89. Cinnamon rolls: Here's a sweet treat "rolled" up with warm holiday wishes! Merry
Christmas!

90. Homemade chocolates: You're so sweet ... having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!

91. Cake or cupcakes: You take the cake neighbor ... we think you're first rate! Happy Holidays to you!

92. Cornbread or mix: We're not trying to be corny we just want you to have a Merry
Christmas!

93. Carrot cake: I really "carrot" a lot about you! Merry Christmas!

94. Spiced drink mixes: Hoping your Holidays are "Spiced" just right!

95. Homemade ice cream or a frozen treat: Here's the scoop: Hoping your Holidays are a "Blizzard" offun!

96. Recipe: Just like you, friend, it's tried and true, just for you! Happy Holiday Baking or Merry Christmas Cooking!

97. Pizza: Hope your Holiday has a touch of "Pizza-z"! Merry Christmas!

98. Candle: You light up my life! Thanks for your friendship! May your Christmas be Merry and Bright!

99. Crayons and Coloring Book: Hope your Holidays are Colorful!
100. Plant: The kindness you show makes our friendship grow and grow! Hope you have a
Happy Holiday!

101. Soda pop: I'd "soda" like to wish you a Merry Christmas!

102. Stuffed animal: "Pawsing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!

103. Donuts: "Donut" you know we love you? Have a happy Holiday!