By the time I get this written, it will be here!  The kids are finally in bed, and Christmas eve was very nice. 

Today, we were cleaning and cooking, getting ready for some relatives to come over for dinner, and I was watching the birds out on the feeder.  Mostly sparrows, a few juncos and some nasty but beautiful blue-jays have been hanging around lately.  But today, I looked out and saw two very odd birds!  In 12 years in this house, we have never seen these before. 

We have had white winged doves, mourning doves, rock doves, but this is the first time we have seen these.....and I thought "Turtle Doves!"  Two turtle doves have visited us on Christmas Eve! 

Have you read the book "The Real 12  Days of Christmas?"  It is such a wonderful book, explaining the meanings behind the gifts.  I always hated that song!  It's kind of like "100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall."  It just gets on your nerves.  Well, once you know what the hidden meanings are of all those crazy gifts, it isn't so crazy after all. Although, there is much speculation about the song and that it may not even be true!  Argh.  We just love the book and well, it's possible that it just might be a figment of someone's imagination.....somebody ought to look into it!

 "Sources" say that the two turtle doves stand for the Old and New Testament, but according to the book, they are the doves used as the sacrifice that Mary and Joseph made for the baby Jesus.  I really like that explanation.

Aren't they pretty?  I looked them up in our field guide, and was just sure they are turtle doves.  But, I think they may just be Eurasian Collard Doves instead.  Was it really Turtle Doves were what Mary and Joseph brought to the temple as a sacrifice when Jesus was born? Time to get out my Bible.  I think I will just believe that these were the same kind of birds, and that the Lord just had them fly in to remind us of what we are trying SO hard to celebrate.

It always helps to have your focus renewed!

Blessed CHRISTmas!

Nancy