Creating Creative Creativity....

Print out Christmas Coloring Pages & Ornaments

I am excited as to what this new year brings. I am currently working on more artwork this week.  I really enjoyed blogging here at homeschoolblogger.  It will be a year on Christmas Eve that I signed up with this blog, and started Theophania Channah Arts, and all in the very same day! Wow!!  Ok, got to get back to work. 

Have a great Monday everyone!

-Theophania

Dosie Doe Pictures....

Dosie Doe all packed up!

Dosie Doe stopping and smelling the flowers.

More stuff to come soon! Have a great day!


-Theophania :)

A quick Hi! & Howdy!

It feels like it should be January already!  We decorated and put up lights at our place so early this year (Mid-November), I like that we decided to put up the festive stuff ahead of December.  On the first day of December, we can relax and not worry about having to get all of the deco stuff out.   I think we made a new tradition this year!
 
Now that the weather is not as hot, I leave our balcony door cracked open all day so that Dosie Doe can go out to look at all of the "wee-little-people O' the ground level" (sorry-couldn't help putting in a little "Irish" twang! hahaha!) from the third floor.  I don't think anyone notices her.  She looks like a little muppet baby puppet sitting quietly on the concrete balcony.  She has developed a habit to go outside and look for my husband in the evening.  One evening she actually recognized our car, spotted my husband walking up the stairs and started jumping up and down before my husband ever reached the front door! She is becoming a good guard dog also, she barks at anyone at our front door  (except for my husband) before they even knock! Amazing!

Well, I have lots of little projects to finish and start this morning. I like to keep to a schedule. Not only am I artistic, but I am very methodical at how I approach organization and planning. A good habit to pick up. I am really enjoying my visual communications business here!

I'll probably post again soon. I'll include some pictures we took from our recent Thanksgiving trip, especially with Dosie Doe in it! (For those who think I'm being over obsessive about talking about our dog, well, we don't have any kids yet to brag about, so she's it for now!! And unlike kids, it's OK to spoil her!! hahaha!).


Ya'll have a great day!
Theophania :)

 

Happy Chanukah!

 I love this verse:
Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation
to every one that believeth; to the Jew first,
and also to the Greek”.

John Parsons, has a page in his website that clearly explains the origin of Chanukah, click here, the traditions and meanings involved, and how it ties to Jesus Christ. 

Ok, I better go for today.  I have lots of little creative design projects that are popping up in my head.  It's a lot of hard work, but it's also a delight to have this opportunity to create Biblically based art, graphic designing, and an occasional Interior Design project with friends and family!
As always, I give credit to God. Before I attempt any design or graphic design project, I pray for God's guidance and blessing to help me put together ideas to accomplish whatever goal I had to do for a design project.  I've noticed, if I first wait on Him and in prayer, He helps me through the entire project.  That is why I am just the tool, and God is the Designer.

Ok, now I'm going...

To all of my Jewish Friends & Readers:
Happy Chanukah!

-Theophania

Pretty Pink Puppy...

I like to take Dosie out on the balcony early in the morning so she can play and enjoy the sunshine. 

(Don't worry y'all!! My husband  installed and attached metal fencing to our railing so she won't crawl under, jump, or wiggle through the railing and fall three stories down. Yep, Dosie is a VERY small puppy!)

It was so cold, I had to put Dosie's new sweater on her!  We bought this sweater on sale at the beginning of spring .  It was way too big for her and it was starting to warm up, so I just stored it for her to use later.  I was shocked that the sweater actually fits her now.  Poor thing, Dosie at first did not know what it was and walked so funny in the sweater!  After wearing it a couple of times she got used to this big bulky fuzzy sweater. 

Here's a picture of her sitting on the balcony. 
I wonder what's she is thinking. hmmmm....

Today, while Dosie's on the porch playing, I have been working on my little business.  It has grown leaps and bounds within a year's time.  Each day I come up with more creative stuff to add and offer to others.  So I better get back to work. 

Y'all take care!
Theophania ;)

Yeah! It's getting cooler outside!!!

Siloutte of geese flying behind my parent's new home at 6 am.

Driving down the road just outside of town, while the sun was setting.

It's nice to see my family and my little brother again, living in different states apart from my family is hard, but I know that God has a plan for all of this and the hardship we have to go through by not being able to see each other often.

This week I had just updated my store with Christmas Cards and more related artwork.  I like to create artwork that's elegant to look at,  yet it sends out a deep and powerful message.

I'll be posting more pictures soon! 

Have a great day!!
-Theophania

Dosie Doe Update!!

Hi Y'all!

Here's some pictures of Dosie Doe.  She loves to play in the grass, especially with her favorite Teddy Bear.  She has many other little miniature puppy toys, but she seems to like her Teddy bear the best somehow.  Yep, she is spoiled. Oh, well.  She is so sweet natured and such an adorable puppy! 

this week.  Ya'll have a blessed day!

-Theophania

Talent on loan from God....

Hi Y'all!

Wow, time sure has flown by fast again!  I have been at my "virtual drawing board" and have created some pretty cool stuff for my new online store.  I have enjoyed every moment creating  my art and painstakingly (and prayerfully) researching the right Bible verse to place on each of them!

It has been a blessing to work on our goal for me launching my home business in order to help with our plans so that I can be a stay at home mom & home educator someday, when we have kids!  My husband has been very supportive and extremely patient with our plans. Proverbs 31:10-31 is one of my favorite Bible verses that inspire me in my daily walk as a Christian wife. Knowing that whatever I do, I do it to serve my Lord Jesus Christ and for God's will in my life.

I also have been blessed by having such wonderful parents, and I am extremely grateful that they decided early on to homeschool my twin sister and I and our younger brother (who's 12 years younger than us).  I enjoyed being homeschooled while growing up.  Learning about God and His mighty works and His Creation in all levels and subjects of education has built a solid foundation in my belief and faith in Jesus Christ.

I am still putting together more art to add to my store. Lots of cute and expressive ideas are popping up in my head! And I give credit to our Lord God for making this all possible!

Here's a few pictures of the illustrations used for the canvas bag, I was impressed at how well it came out!

front of bag

back of bag

If you want to see more creative artistic items, please checkout my website.

I will be posting some more pictures of our puppy Dosie Doe later, possibly this coming weekend.  She's so cute and friendly to everyone!  Dosie is about 8 mos. old now. This past couple of weeks she has learned the art of barking! She has been barking at the wind and when people come to the door.  But, she is still very obedient to us and still very friendly to people! 

Y'all have a great weekend!

-Theophania 

Long time, no write...

Howdy!

Wow, it's summer already!? Time sure has flown by! 

It's hot out there!  However, I love seeing the summer evening skies. 

I have been extremely busy with getting my little home business off the ground.  A lot of cool and creative artwork coming together! 

Our puppy, Dosie Doe is doing fine.  She has grown a little bit, she is getting more fluffy by the day.  Here's a recent picture of her, at six months of age:

Well, that's it for now, I  have to get back to the "drawing board".  

Stay cool out there! :)

-Theophania :)

The Chronicles of Dosie Doe - Chapter Two

"Me and my Teddy Bear, we like to play and play all day!".

Dosie Doe is doing great, these pictures show her at 13 weeks of age.  She has the sweetest character and does love to play all day! She's in what we consider Pre-K, and yes SHE IS BEING HOMESCHOOLED!!!!!  Both "Mom & Dad" (my husband and I) are teaching her the three fundamental subjects that all toddlers.... ahem... puppies should know:  Sit, Stand, and Walk (with a leash).  She occasionally gets extra-curricular homeschool training from her "aunt" (my twin sister) whenever she comes over!  And boy, Dosie LOVES to see her aunt!

Anyway, please enjoy the pictures of Dosie Doe!

Looking out the window at ALL of the "little" people (we are on the 3rd Floor).

Posing with her Teddy Bear, it looks more like her Teddy Bear is her Body Guard! Ha!


Whoa! Close up!

Dosie and her "Regal Pose", Teddy Bear is Taking a Nap.

Our Family voted on this last picture as the "Best Picture of Dosie for her 13th Week pics".
Which one do you like best?



© Copyright 2007 Theophania Channah Arts.

The Chronicles of Dosie Doe - Chapter One

It's a GIRL!

...(....ahem...I mean...puppy girl )

Dosie Doe at 9 weeks of age, riding in the car with "Mommy" & "Daddy" taking her home for the first time.

Puppy Dosie Doe at 10 weeks of age, contemplating a sudden attack on her fabric rattle toy.

Puppy Dosie Doe at 11 weeks of age, showing off in front of the camera!!

Dosie Doe being a regular "cowgirl" or should I say "cow-dog-girl" chewin' on her bone. Yee-Haw!

Dosie with her "Bunny Ears", 12 weeks old.

Dosie Doe at 12 weeks old, and yep you guessed it, she's pretending to be a Bunny again.

Ok, that's chapter one of The Chronicles of Dosie Doe!

I'll post more later on!

-Theophania :)

Triplet B-day!!!

Copyright 2007 Theophania Channah Arts

Yep, that's right it's the "Triplet" Birthday Day! 

My twin sister and I get to share our Birthday with my Husband on the same day!  Now we split our B-day cake three ways!!!   It almost feel like it's a small holiday!  This is a fun/weird day for all of us, including my parents, our brother, and inlaws!   It's fun thinking and giving to others on your own B-day (inside info for those of who don't share b-day days with a family member or a friend).

So....I want to wish a very

Happy Birthday

to my Twin Sis' and to my Hubby !!!

Real Love...

~*~
© 2007 Theophania Channah Arts.

First Day of February! :)

~*~
© 2007 Theophania Channah Arts.

Apple-Cream Cheese Breakfast/Dessert Recipe!

Hello Y’all! 

Well a couple weeks back I had good amounts of cream cheese, apples, and oatmeal in my pantry.  I decided to then “Google” a recipe that uses all three of these ingredients that are nut-free and coconut free.  And Yes, as many of you all know, I’m the one in the family (including my Dad) allergic to specific kinds of nuts and seeds. My husband chooses to become as he says,  “also allergic by default”.  He is very sweet and supportive about it though! 

Yep, I finally found another interesting recipe, and it has been a hit ever since.  This site is new to me, http://www.thatsmyhome.com/, I usually use www.foodnetwork.com, but this other one seems to have interesting recipes though. My husband and I have been having portions of this apple-cream cheese-oatmeal-crisp (now say that again fives times and faster! ) for breakfast or as a dessert with coffee. 

Cream Cheese Apple Crisp
http://www.thatsmyhome.com/

Topping
1 1/2 Cups quick cooking oatmeal
1 1/3 Cups flour
1 Cup packed brown sugar [I used 1/4 cup instead]
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 Cup butter, chilled & cut up

Apples
6 Cups peeled, chopped Apples
1/3 Cup sugar [I used 1/4 Brown Sugar instead]
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

Filling
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened
1/2 Cup sugar [I used about 1/4 Brown Sugar instead here also]
2 eggs
2 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp milk

 
Heat oven to 350. In large bowl stir together oatmeal, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Press half the mixture in the bottom of 13x9 inch glass baking dish; reserve remaining mixture for topping.

In large bowl toss together all apple ingredients until apples are coated. Spread over crust.

In large bowl beat cream cheese and sugar at medium speed until smooth. Add eggs, flour & milk; beat until combined. Spread over apple mixture; sprinkle with reserved oatmeal mixture.
Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown & apples are tender. Cool on wire rack.

Makes 12 servings.

Recipe From: http://www.thatsmyhome.com/sweetspot/cream-cheese-apple-crisp.htm

Homemade Whipped-Cream Topping (Nut/Coconut Free!!!)
AKA -  Topping for the Topping ;)
2 Cups Whipping Cream
3-4 packets of Artificial Sweetner (or 3 Tablespoons of sugar)

While the Apple Crisp is baking mix up a good portion of Homemade Whipping Cream that can be used immediately or for storage in the refridge.  Place all Whipping Cream Ingredients in a mixing bowl, hand mix or beat using an electric mixer until the ingrededients become thick and fluffy.  Be sure to not mix too much or you would most likely have 2 cups (give or take a few ounces) of butter instead!

~Y’all Enjoy!

Pioneer Corn Bread - "Theophania Pioneer Recipe Series" ;)

Cornbread Ingredients:
3 three cups of Cornmeal or Mesa Flour
1 cup of All-Purpose White flour (keeps the Corn Bread from crumbling too much).
1/2 TBSP Baking Powder
2 eggs
Pinch of Salt
½ cup of brown sugar
1-2 cup(s) of chopped onion (whichever variety and quantity you like best!)
Water*, depending on the thickness/consistency you want – about a cup to 2 cups.
*use milk you if you don’t want to use water.

Mixing Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, adding the water or the milk last and gradually to get it to a consistency between a pancake mixture and bread dough consistency.  If you accidentally add too much liquid, it can be easily fixed by adding more All-Purpose flour. Place mixed ingredients in a greased large loaf pan, oven proof casserole dish (Pyrex), or a cast-iron dutch oven (pre-greased).


Pioneer-Frontier-Dutch-Oven-Cooking Method:
Start a fire with good dry wood in an appropriate setting, like a camp, pioneer log cabin kitchen, and etc (chopped thick log-wood the best, not twigs.).  Don’t try this method in your modern kitchen unless you have the appropriate fireplace outfitted for such a job!

Once there are enough hot coals, dig some out from the bottom portion or sides of the fire. Place them in a small circle in a cleared area next to the fire (but not in the fire) about the same diameter as the Dutch oven you will be using to cook the corn bread in.  Judge the heat  by placing your had above the coals by a couple of feet, if you hand gets too hot too quickly, then you might burn your cornbread, wait for the coals to get to a medium heat (about 325°F -350°F) the feel you get when you open your modern kitchen oven when  placing items in there when cooking. Take the cornbread and pour it into the already greased Dutch oven, cover the Dutch oven with its lid.  Then place the Dutch oven on top of the coals. Then with the appropriate campfire equipment, scoop some coals and place on top of the lid to create the oven effect.  Make sure you do not put too many coals on top or on the bottom or your cornbread might burn into charcoal itself.  With a special metal/wrought iron hook, occasional lift the lid balancing it to not spill the coal into the bread mixture or on the ground to check how the bread is cooking.  Cook over and under the coals until the bread is a golden brown color and not doughy in the middle. This takes about 30-45 minutes to cook.


Modern Kitchen Oven Method:
While mixing ingredients turn the oven on to 350°F (man, modern amenities are a lot easier than out on the Frontier!), place pan/dish uncovered and cook until the top of the cornbread is a golden brown color (about 30-45 minutes).

Enjoy!

Cranberry-Apple-Stuffing Meatloaf Recipe

If any of y'all are not used to cooking meatloaf, here’s an article that gives you helpful suggestions that follows Alton Brown’s tips, which I find very helpful!  

What I did was I used my Apple Meatloaf Recipe to build the basics of the meat loaf and then I modified it by adding and or switching out the following ingredients for the Cranberry-Apple Stuffing version.

Please Note: I did not use the mustard, horseradish, or ketchup that is in the Apple Meatloaf recipe version.

See the following ingredients used for the Holiday/Winter Meatloaf:

Meatloaf Ingredients:
2 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef (I used Frozen Sirloin Meat Patties that I buy in bulk, allow time for the frozen meat de-thaw if you use this kind).
1 can of whole cranberry sauce
1 1/2 c. – 3 cups of  packaged stuffing mix, (Pepperidge Farm’s Stuffing seems to be the best).
2 c. finely chopped apples, you can use whichever kind you like best.
3 eggs
2 t. salt (I used Kosher Salt)
1 large red onion, chopped (for onion lovers out there, add as much as you want!)
½ cup (or 1 small can) of chopped pineapples with juice drained out.
1 cup of milk (if you don't want to use milk, use 1 cup of *Chicken Broth instead)
*Chicken broth, to moisten it further if you want to add more stuffing to your desired amount.
Freshly ground pepper to taste.

Cranberry Glaze Topping Ingredients:
2 Cans of Jellied Cranberry Sauce.
1 Can of Chicken Broth

Meatloaf Mixture Directions:
In a large pan, sauté (using 1 TBSP of butter) the onions, chopped apples, and pineapple together.  Season gingerly with pepper. Once ready, set aside to allow for it to cool down.

In a large bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients, with the eggs and milk last, mixing well.  If the mixture seems to be too dry, or you added too much stuffing add a little bit of chicken broth, be careful to not get it too moist though! Once the meatloaf mixture is at the desired consistency, pack into a greased casserole pan/Pyrex dish, or medium to large loaf pan. Sear it at close to 375°F or 400°F (whatever you are comfortable with) for 15-20 minutes. 

While that is searing in the oven, mix together the ingredients for the meatloaf glaze in a bowl. 

Glaze Directions:
Mix the two ingredients together in a large bowl, add the chicken broth gradually while mashing down the cranberry jelly sauce. Mash and stir until two ingredients become more blended together.  Note: If you want thicker glaze add less chicken broth.

Take out the meatloaf after the searing process, add the newly mixed glaze and spread it around the top and sides and place back into the oven at 350°F for 1.5-2.5 hours, you will have to judge when it will be done. If you are not sure, read the article on Alton Brown's meatloaf tips so you will have a better idea on the duration of cooking the meatloaf.

After cooking in the oven, place meatloaf on the counter to cool down and to allow the meatloaf’s juices to seep back in.

 
Enjoy!

~*~

007!?!

~~*~~
Happy New Year!
We have arrived to the year Double 0-7!?!

We are looking forward to exploring this adventurous New Year,
For God is calling us all to be his "Agents" to Spread the Good News!
Wahoo!
There is nothing to fear! For God is always near!
Choose to comfort one another through prayer and blessings this year!

~*~

The new year is a great time to start fresh, to encourage growth or change in many areas of our life and our walk with God our Father. The New Year can be compared to symbolically as God giving us second chances with his forgiveness of our sins.  We have this new start to approach things in life as it comes to us in a more Christ-like way.  Why not make this year a year to stand up for Jesus Christ, to not give in to fear of life's situations, and to know that our Lord God is ever present and will never forsake us if and or when this 2007 season gets tough.

Nahum 1:7, KJV
"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him".

II Corinthians 4:8-9, KJV
"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed..."

II Corinthians 1:3-4, KJV
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God".

~*~

Making Do, more than just Thanksgiving Soup!

This section was created to post inspirational recipes to help those who are having to “make-do” with what they are limited in using as far as ingredients goes due to budget and or severe nut allergies. 

I love to cook, however, I had recently inherited the well known severe nut allergies from my Dad’s side of the family.   Not just any nuts, but ALL and any kind of nuts, from coconut to sesame seeds!  So I have to learn and make up new recipe’s while having to be on a tight budget!  So instead of eating my favorite, pecan pie, for the Holiday’s, I learned to make sweet potato pie with a melted marsh-mellow topping! ;) MMMM!

Warning, I usually cook without really measuring it out….I call it guesstimating….and I make up a lot of my recipes, a bad habit     that had developed due to my experience of Dutch oven cooking out at a Living History Ranch as a pioneer reenactor.

So as an experienced living history reenactor, I learned the trade of constantly having to make-do with what I can use. Let’s see, for an example: I learned to make from scratch corn bread, roasted corn on the cobs, corn soup, mashed corn and cream (breakfast), beef stew and corn (lunch), cornbread green bean casserole, and uhh….iced corn latte shakes …no, no, just kidding on that last one!

I hope y’all will check back, I will be posting some recipes soon!

Thanks!

-Theophania :)

The Good Shepherd...

~~~*~~~

Today's Allegorical Illustration:

Jesus is the Good Shepherd,

He knows how to tend to His Flock! ;)

John 10:1-30, (KJV)

 (1)
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

 (2)
But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

(3)
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

 (4)
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

 (5)
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

 (6)
This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

 (7)
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

 (8)
All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

 (9)
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

 (10)
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

 (11)
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

 (12)
But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

 (13)
The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

 (14)
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

 (15)
As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

 (16)
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

 (17)
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

 (18)
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

(19)
There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

 (20)
And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

 (21)
Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

 (22)
And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

 (23)
And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

 (24)
Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

 (25)
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

 (26)
But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

 (27)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

 (28)
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

 (29)
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

 (30)
I and my Father are one.
 

~*~

CHRISTmas, 24/7

CHRISTmas!

~~~*~~~
From the Theophania Channah Family,


We wish you PEACE - JOY - and HOPE this Christmas Day!

May God's Holy words comfort and lead you
towards the true meaning of CHRISTmas!


~*~

Christmas Eve, the anticipation of CHRISTmas.

~~~*~~~

Shalom! Post-Happy Chanukah, and Merry Christmas Eve!

The Good News
Christmas Eve can be one of the most memorable and favorite day of the year. It is a day full of eagerness and preparing for Christmas Day. It is filled with feelings of hope, happiness, giddiness, desires (of either giving and receiving presents and/or goodies to eat!), loving fellowship of friends, family/children, and Church family, singing of old hymns, and the traditional Christmas message of Jesus Christ’s birth.

~~~*~~~

PEACE is the MESSIAH,
born through Jewish heritage to save both Jews and Gentiles.

JOHN 8:12-"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the LIGHT of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the LIGHT of LIFE".

The Story of Chanukah
Hanukkah means "dedication", VICTORY of FAITH in God Almighty against the world. The Menorah Lamps is a symbol of the God of Israel, the God of Power and Peace and GODLY RESISTANCE to tyrannical forces of assimilation (key info from, www.hebrew4christians.com).

2 Sam 22:29-“For thou art my LAMP, O LORD: and the LORD will
LIGHTEN my darkness".

~~~*~~~

Christmas Eve’s 
“Allegorical Illustrations of God’s Graciousness”.

Visions of Singing Angels dancing in my head…sorry, no sugar plum fairies here in this story….

Christmas Eve can be used as a symbolic reminder to those of us who are believers in the Lamb of God (both for whom are “asleep” and living) waiting for the rapture of the Church. While we are here on earth waiting for that day, we are commanded to prepare for His call by spreading the Glorious news to all. Salvation that is obtainable through faith to those who believe that Christ Jesus is the Lamb of God.

Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation t
o every one that believeth; to the Jew first,
and also to the Greek”. 

Ephesians 2:8-11, “For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works,
lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath
before ordained that we should walk in them.”

This duty of preparing, this “eve” of time, also conjures up a visual of when Christ was born (Luke 2:8-20).  

The Angels Sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men…”, to the Jewish Shepherds announcing His miraculous arrival. 

“And they [the Shepherds] came with haste,
and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad
the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which
were told them by the shepherds…And the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising  God for all the things that they had heard and seen,
as it was told unto them.”

These shepherds were “transformed” with hope of the Glorious news and came and saw the Savior and worshiped Him.

Just as the Angels appeared suddenly out of no where, may it be in the next few minutes or a couple of centuries, we (the Church) will be unexpectedly called by the Trumpet of the Lord, caught up in the air and transformed with the robe of righteousness and prepared to meet our Savior, all in a twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52 & 1 Corinthians Chapter 15).  

Talk about the fastest and ultimate make-over ever!

The faithful anticipation for that day brings joy, hope, and peace! Be prepared and spread the news of CHRISTmas this Eve!

May God’s Peace be with you!

-Theophania Channah

Shaalu Shalom Yerushaliim
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem”-Psalm 122:6 

~*~