Christmas links

Here are some Christmas links I have come across the past few weeks.

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

Gingerbread nativity

I am hoping to make an adapted version of this gingerbread nativity to give to my neighbours. I might also use bits of this design as well. I wil post some pictures!

Christmas crackers

We always make our own crackers each year. Our kids like to make them and give them out to their friends on Christmas eve. Here is a good idea of putting bible verses inside instead of jokes.

Easy Christmas ornaments

We made these easy angel and wreath ornaments in about 10 minutes this morning. Pretty and easy for kids to do. They put them on their own Christmas tree in the playroom.

I think we will also try these paper lanterns with some of my scrapbooking paper.

These tinsel stars can also be made out of glitter piper cleaners and beads.

GIFT WRAPS AND BOWS

Here are some easy handmade gift bows.

And some pretty gift wraps and bows.

INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTMAS READING

Distracted or downcast?

If you find yourself distracted or downcast this Christmas listen to the sermon at this post.

5 Keys to joy at Christmas

Here is a series of posts about 5 keys to joy at Christmas.

Christmas books to read

The Nativity - Angela Hunt. This is a novelization of the 'Nativity Story' movie.

God in the Manger: The miraculous birth of Christ - John MacArthur. MacArthur explores the miracle and mystery of the birth of Christ.

Stories behind Christmas; Stories behind the best loved Christmas Songs; and More stories behind the best loved Christmas Songs - Ace Collins. Stories behind Christmas explains the history of the common Christmas traditions such as the origin of Christmas, the Christmas tree, advent, candy canes, Santa Claus.

Immanuel: Praying the Names of God through the Christmas Season - Ann Spangler. This book provides daily devotionals for 6 weeks over the Christmas season.