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Whispers of Wonder: 30 Quotes About Christmas

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Today we are to relish in the enchanting words of pausing Christmas sentiments that hold a unique power to stir our hearts and kindle the Christmas spirit within. Eloquently capturing the essence of the season, the timeless expressions below promise to illuminate Christmas celebrations and warm the soul. 

The Quotes

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” – Andy Rooney

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” – Burton Hills

“Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it — you feel it, you know it, you believe it.” – Kevin Alan Milne

“Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.” – Washington Irving

“Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.” – Valentine Davies

“A good conscience is a continual Christmas.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Christmas, my child, is love in action.” – Dale Evans

"Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most." — Ruth Carter Stapleton

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” – Hamilton Wright Mabie

“Christmas is not a story of hope. It is hope.” — Craig D. Lounsbrough

“What is Christmas? It is the tenderness of the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future." — Agnes M. Pahro

"May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve.” — Unknown

“Christmas is a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart.” — Freya Stark

 "He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” — Roy L. Smith

“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.” ― Steve Maraboli

“If you want to experience the true meaning of Christmas, give something to someone who can offer nothing in return.” ― Toni Sorenson

“And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans—and all that lives and move upon them.” ― Sigrid Undset

“Christmas waves a magic wand over the world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” —Norman Vincent Peale

“Christmas—that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance—a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.” —Augusta E. Rundel

"It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you."—Saint Teresa of Calcutta

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Weaving together joy, love, and goodwill, may the tidings instill a lingering impression that carries you throughout the remainder of the season and beyond.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with joy, peace, warmth, and promise, 
Your friends at Torrance Church of Christ

A Feast for the Soul: Family Devotionals Before Thanksgiving Dinner

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As the aroma of Thanksgiving feasts fills the air and families gather around tables adorned with gratitude, there's an opportunity to boost the spirit before indulging in the bountiful meal. Today we are sharing four heartwarming devotionals that are designed to usher in a sense of thankfulness and unity. Each devotional provides moments of connection and reflection, deepening bonds as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Thanksgiving in the most meaningful way—with family and a spirit of gratitude.

Devotional 1: "Overflowing Gratitude"

Scripture: Psalm 107:1 (NIV)
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

This devotional, titled "Overflowing Gratitude," centers around Psalm 107:1, urging individuals to give thanks to the Lord for His enduring love. It encourages self-reflection on moments of experiencing God's goodness, emphasizing gratitude beyond positive situations. The devotional suggests actively engaging in sharing examples of blessings and concludes with a prayer for nurturing hearts of gratitude and encouragement to let gratitude transform one's perspective.

Download the PDF here

Devotional 2: "Thanksgiving Joy"

Scripture: Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

The devotional, "Thanksgiving Joy," centers on Philippians 4:4, encouraging individuals to rejoice in the Lord always. It reflects on the connection between gratitude and joy, emphasizing how thanksgiving can bring about a deep sense of rejoicing. The reflection prompts consideration of moments when gratitude has brought joy and challenges readers to find joy in expressing thanks for both blessings and lessons learned. The prayer seeks help in nurturing a spirit of gratitude for lasting joy, and the encouragement wishes for the joy of the Lord to fill hearts as gratitude becomes a testimony of being anchored in His love during Thanksgiving.

Download the PDF here

Devotional 3: "The Table of Thanksgiving"

Scripture: Psalm 23:5 (NIV)
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

The devotional, "The Table of Thanksgiving," draws inspiration from Psalm 23:5, presenting a metaphorical "table of thanksgiving" symbolizing God's provision and abundance. It encourages reflection on areas of abundant provision, moments of feeling God's presence in challenges and recognizing His overflowing love. The application suggests intentionally acknowledging God's presence and sharing stories of His generosity during Thanksgiving, fostering gratitude and appreciation. The prayer expresses thanks for God's blessings and seeks His guidance in recognizing His hand at work. The encouragement wishes for a sense of awe and gratitude to fill hearts at the Thanksgiving table.

Download the PDF here

Devotional 4: "A Thankful Heart"

Scripture: Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

The devotional, "A Thankful Heart," focuses on Colossians 3:15, highlighting the connection between gratitude and the peace of Christ. It encourages reflection on moments when gratitude has brought inner peace and suggests considering how a thankful attitude can impact relationships. Individuals are encouraged to commit to nurturing a grateful heart as a daily habit, extending peace and gratitude to others, and fostering unity within the community. The prayer expresses gratitude for the peace that comes from a thankful heart and seeks guidance in expressing gratitude in all circumstances. The encouragement emphasizes letting gratitude be the key to opening the door to inner peace and unity.

Download the PDF here

May your Thanksgiving Celebration be Abundant in Love, Faith, and the Warmth of Family

As you incorporate these family devotionals into your Thanksgiving traditions, may the moments of reflection and gratitude become threads weaving the fabric of togetherness through shared faith and love. May the essence of thanksgiving linger in your hearts, transforming the gathering around your table into a truly blessed and joy-filled occasion. Let these moments of devotion be a foundation for lasting memories, reinforcing the significance of gratitude not just during the holiday season but throughout the entire year. 

Happy Thanksgiving,

Your Friends from Torrance Church of Christ

 

 

 

 

Faith in Action: Christian Values and Veterans Day

As we celebrate Veterans Day, let us remember that the values we hold as Christians—service, gratitude, unity, and protection—resonate with the dedication and sacrifice of our veterans. Take a moment to express your appreciation and, in doing so, live out the call to love one another and honor those who have served with distinction and honor.

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Sacrifice and Service: The Bible emphasizes the value of service and sacrifice. Veterans exemplify these values through their willingness to put their lives on the line to protect their fellow citizens and preserve the freedoms we hold dear. The ultimate act of sacrifice is often seen as a reflection of Jesus' teachings about selflessness and love for others.

Gratitude and Thankfulness: The Bible encourages us to be thankful and express gratitude. Veterans Day is a chance for us to extend our appreciation to those who have served, acknowledging their dedication and the sacrifices they and their families have made.

Promoting Peace: Believers are called to be peacemakers, veterans contribute to the cause of peace through their commitment to safeguard and defend their nation and its values, helping to maintain harmony, stability, and security in a world often fraught with conflict.

Unity and Brotherhood: Christianity underscores the significance of unity and brotherhood among all people. The military is a place where individuals from various backgrounds come together and stand united with the common goal of safeguarding our nation, mirroring Christ’s teaching about loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Protecting and Defending: The Bible acknowledges the role of protectors and defenders. Veterans have held very important roles to protect and defend their nations. This idea aligns with the principles of protecting and advocating for the vulnerable.

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As Christians, we have a unique opportunity to extend Christ's love and support to our veterans. We can assist them through acts of service, gratitude, and advocacy. Below are examples of ways that you can make a difference in a veteran's life. We’ve included some links and invite you to take a moment to explore the valuable resources and information contained in the links below. These resources cover a range of topics, from educational content to support for veterans and their families. Your involvement can make a difference, so please click on these links and discover the opportunities they offer. Join us in learning, supporting, and honoring those who have served. Together, we can create positive change and make a meaningful impact. 
***If you find a link particularly inspiring, share it with your friends, family, and social network.***

Say "Thank You": When you encounter a veteran, a simple "thank you for your service" can mean a lot. It shows your appreciation and recognition of their sacrifices.
Helpful information about sending thank you letters and more!
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Listen to Their Stories: Veterans often have unique experiences to share. Listening to their stories honors their service and provides an opportunity to learn from their wisdom.
There are many stories to hear
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Show Compassion: Be empathetic to veterans' unique challenges. Sometimes, simply being a compassionate and understanding friend or neighbor can have a positive impact.

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses: Look for local businesses owned by veterans and make an effort to support them. This can include restaurants, shops, or service providers.
Find a Veteran Owned Business in your State
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Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to veteran-focused organizations or local veterans' hospitals. Even a few hours of your time can make a difference in the lives of veterans.
There are so many diverse ways you can volunteer. Check out the many different ways below. You might be surprised by the different ways you can help. 
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Assist with Household Chores: If you know a veteran who may need help with yard work, home repairs, or other tasks, offer your assistance. Small acts of kindness can be very meaningful.

Send Care Packages: Send care packages to active-duty service members. Organizations often facilitate this, or you can send packages directly to deployed troops.
Learn more about sending a care package
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Attend an Event: Participate in local Veterans Day parades, Memorial Day events, and other gatherings that honor veterans. Your presence shows your support.
Find events in your area
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Donate to Veterans' Charities: Contribute to reputable charities that support veterans and their families. Even small donations can make a difference.
There are so many different ways to donate. You can donate directly to a family with a specific need, set up a monthly donation to a charity, and so much more. 
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Assist with Benefits: If a veteran you know is navigating the VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) system, offer to help with paperwork or accompany them to appointments.

Hire Veterans: If you're in a position to hire employees, consider veterans for job opportunities. Their unique skills and discipline can be valuable to your organization.
Share employment opportunities with Vets
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Educate Yourself: Learn about veterans' issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), homelessness, and employment challenges. Understanding these issues can help you be more supportive.
There are so many educational resources 
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Offer a Ride: If you know a veteran who has trouble with transportation, offer to give them a ride to medical appointments, shopping, or other necessary errands.

Advocate for Veterans: Support policies and programs that benefit veterans. Contact your local representatives and advocate for veterans' rights and well-being.
Learn more about becoming an advocate 
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Respect Military Customs: If you're attending a military ceremony, funeral, or other event, familiarize yourself with military customs and etiquette to show respect.
Learn more about military traditions and customs 
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Whether we offer a listening ear, engage in local initiatives, or provide practical assistance, our appreciation encourages and uplifts. By standing for policies and programs prioritizing veterans' well-being, we demonstrate our commitment to caring for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Above all, let's remember to pray for veterans and their families, asking for God's peace and blessings upon those who have served. By showing kindness and support, we reflect the love of Christ in action, honoring the sacrifices made by our veterans and embracing the opportunity to be a source of comfort and encouragement to those who have served. Thank you for your time and commitment to making a difference in the lives of veterans. 

- Torrance Church of Christ

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