We’d love to read your comments: which building is your favorite? There will be several shots of each.

Victorian Cottage.

Notice this house even has lighting. Yes, it's true. Real lights shining through noodle windows.

Those Rice Chex roof tiles are nice.

The fence is amazing.

Calvary Church.

This was no small church. Notice even the cross at the top.

The stained glass windows are very creative, and the icicles? Wow.

Gingerville Zoo. Quite a creative one. Notice the water is made of blue M&Ms.

Animals crackers make great animals. Nice cage too.

Gingerville Grocery Store. The gingerbread walls are sided with pretzel "logs." Notice the porch supports?

Nice red-hot Christmas lights.

What is a store without fruit?

Back door is for deliveries.

Mayor's House. Notice the snow blower out front?!

A bush made out of chow mein noodles.

I guess the mayor must have people over for s'mores and a bonfire.

JH Tower. Notice the Christmas lights going up it, as well as the flashing light on the top?

Lights here too.

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: . . .” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Remember how I said now having the grandchildren added the cute factor to our Christmas caroling? Yes, that is true, but I had not taken into consideration that my two sweet little nieces are finishing out colds, and it would not be a good thing to have them outside much even on an unseasonably warm night. Abby and Nathan joined us for about fifteen minutes, but that was all they wanted her out. Anna also had a cold, so she drove the van from place to place and stayed in the van. She was sad to miss out, but after having a bad sinus infection a few weeks ago, she needed to be careful.

Sunday afternoon, we girls and Mom had a sweet time in the kitchen. Anna added finishing touches to her shortbread, Mom made fudge, and then we compiled boxes. Anna had carefully planned how much to put in each box of the different things made. We ended up having enough goodies for thirty-four boxes. The boxes contained: shortbread cookies, double-chocolate chip cookies, Andes mint cookies, Thin Mints, and Buckeyes.

About 5:15, we were ready to begin. The van had been loaded, we were lightly bundled, and our hearts were anxious to share with others. Sunday nights prove to be an effective time to catch people at home. House after house we shared through music, smiles, and a red-striped box.

I love to watch our listeners. Some of them get teary-eyed; some simply beam; some say they look forward to us coming each year; some ask the family how we are doing (or they say we are looking great), which affords opportunities to share about the new babies on the way; some ask if we are going on a trip soon; one had a present ready and waiting at the door for when we came; another quickly put together a container of goodies she planned to give us when we arrived.

It is such a delight to bring joy to others. We love our neighbors, and this yearly tradition has been one small way of showing our love. The evening was a real blessing for us as well.

Yes, it was a beautiful time!

Love,

Sarah

Anna added the finishing touches to the shortbread cookies.

Mom made fudge.

Anna was the master planner. Her boxes were arranged beautifully!

John (with Dad in the background) carrying out loaded boxes.

Caroling!

Dad and Mom

Joseph made it all sound good.

John and me

Christopher and Anna Marie (and Junior)

Anna

“My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed” (Psalms 71:23).

“And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour” (Luke 1:47).

A church in town, Open Door, puts on a “Walk Thru Bethlehem” for three evenings in December. This is their second year, and they contacted us to see if we could do music one evening. While people wait to be taken on their tour of “Bethlehem,” they sit in the sanctuary and listen to music. So, our Maxwell Group (MG) had about an hour and a half on Saturday evening to share through music and testimony. The MG had worked extremely hard over the last few weeks arranging songs, practicing, and more practicing as we didn’t have any Christmas music that we normally play. I am very partial to their music myself.

The night arrived, and we wanted to experience the walk thru before music. I wasn’t expecting anything very big, but I was completely shocked by it all. It really felt like a scene in the Bible times. We had a guide, Benjamin, someone we’ve known for many years, who did an excellent job of being very real-to-the time while taking us through the city of Bethlehem. Every single part was stunningly well done. If you’re in the Kansas City area next year, you really should plan to attend the Walk Thru Bethlehem.

So, about 6:30, the MG was up. It was a delightful thing to listen to them share through beautifully arranged songs and personal testimonies. Abby even joined her aunts and uncles singing Silent Night. Our whole family was there, including the married brothers, and Grandad and GiGi.

I have to say that my favorite spot was in the back of the sanctuary. I could observe those listening, and the MG was a well-appreciated group. We were grateful for the opportunity to share with those the Lord brought!

Afterward, Christopher and Anna Marie had us over for snacks. It was a delightful time of talking about the evening!

Christmas is a special time of the year, but may we all remember to lift those up in prayer who are hurting: those who have lost a loved one, who are experiencing major trials, who are facing health challenges, and so much more.

Love,
Sarah

Abby sang "Silent Night", and Mary sang lead. I guess Anna was Abby's emotional support.

Cute Rice Krispy treats.

Our friend, Jonathan D. from Idaho, has been out. He had some business in Nebraska, and he was with us up in Omaha, and also Saturday.

The two John's enjoying floats!

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).