We never get a break from bad news. This Christmas there is much to focus on. Don't focus on mistakes, problems, old habits or sins.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Glenn Mollette
We never get a break from bad news. In recent days we have heard of people being killed at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. There have been more school shootings from Brown University to Kentucky State University. Russia continues to bomb Ukraine and groceries continue to assault Americans’ pocketbooks.
Yet, at Christmas time the overriding theme is good news. In a world of so much bad news comes the holiday of good news. The angel who appeared to the Shepherds who were watching their flock said, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord,” Luke 2:10-11.
The central person of the good news is Jesus. He is the one the angels celebrated. His birth gave them reason to appear and make the wonderful announcement that brought joy to the shepherds and all who would be impacted by the birth of Jesus.
This Christmas you are probably one of many who welcomes good news. Maybe you have buried a wife, a husband or a child. At times, the loneliness and grief are unbearable and you wonder how you will ever survive your missing loved one. People are suffering financial stress from the cost of everyday living Sickness invades our lives at one time or another impacting us or someone we love. Life is filled with stressful situations that often rob us of peace.
The good news of Christmas is God has come in the flesh to love us, walk with us and bring joy that nothing or no one else can give. Jesus said “My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, but give I unto you,” John 14:27.
This Christmas there is much to focus on. You can spend your day focused on the Democrats or the Republicans. You can focus on our President or members of Congress. You can focus on all that you do not have or all that you wish you did not have. You can focus on your situation, your age, your health or you can focus on everyone else. Will this bring you joy?
Do not focus on regrets. Do not focus on mistakes, problems, old habits or sins. Jesus came to help us overcome all of these and more. Because of his life, death and resurrection we have a Savior who has given us every reason to look up and forward instead of down and back.
Jesus told his disciples in John 16:33, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.”
While the media is filled with bad news, take heart, the message of Christmas is good news. Therefore, as Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled.” May we all be filled with the good news of the great story of Christmas.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
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Family Features - With all the work ahead on magnificent main courses, stunning sides and decadent desserts, there’s one element of the holiday meal that should remain easy and effortless: the appetizer table.
Photo provided
However, “easy” doesn’t have to mean “plain.” Start the celebration with delicious hors d’oeuvres like Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheeseballs with just the right amount of spice to light up the crowd without overwhelming.
Of course, you can always turn to classic Deviled Eggs and Bacon for a no-brainer recipe that’s ready in advance. Just garnish with celery curls and mini radish sticks at the last moment for an appetizer that’s as visually appealing as it is delightfully simple and tasty.
With a legacy of quality, innovation and consistency in celery cultivation for almost 100 years, Duda Farm Fresh Foods has redefined what celery can be. Crispier, sweeter and less stringy for superior taste and bite, Dandy Celery is perfect for holiday snacking and incorporating into your family’s favorite dishes.
In addition, it’s packaged fresh and crisp with no preservatives. Celery is low in calories, high in fiber and packed with flavor, making it a smart choice for snacking and cooking during an otherwise indulgent season.
Here are two delicious recipes from culinary.net to wow guest this holiday season. Discover more ways to simplify holiday prep, visit DudaFresh.com.
Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheeseballs
Yield: 8 cheeseballs
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1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon canned, diced jalapeno peppers, drained
2 tablespoons minced fresh jalapeno, divided
1/2 cup green onions, chopped, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 slices (about 2/3 cup) cooked bacon, chopped, divided
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dandy Celery Sticks
Dandy Radish Coins To make cheeseballs: Combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cumin, onion powder, canned jalapenos, 1 tablespoon fresh jalapenos, 1/4 cup green onions, salt, pepper and 1/3 cup chopped bacon. Using spoon or rubber spatula, mix thoroughly.
To make coating: In small bowl or plate, combine remaining green onion (green parts only), parsley, remaining fresh jalapenos and remaining bacon.
Using 2-ounce ice cream scoop, portion eight equal balls, placing in shallow bowl to roll and cover with coating.
Serve with celery sticks and radish coins.
Deviled Eggs and Bacon
Servings: 8-12
Photo provided
12 cage-free eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 green onions, roughly chopped
2 stalks Dandy Celery, julienned
1 package Dandy Radish Ministicks
4 slices bacon, cooked to crisp and cut into 24 pieces
ground Aleppo pepper or paprika
sea salt flakes
Slice eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in food processor bowl. Add mayonnaise, mustard, sour cream, whipping cream, salt, pepper and green onions. Mix until smooth, scraping down sides between pulses. Remove from food processor and place mixture in piping bag fitted with star tip.
Pipe filling into each egg white half. Display filled eggs on platter before applying toppings.
To prepare celery, place in water to curl cut celery. Set aside leaves for garnish.
Place celery curls, radish sticks and crispy bacon on top of each egg. Sprinkle with Aleppo pepper and sea salt. Garnish with celery leaves, if desired.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Family Features - With all the work ahead on magnificent main courses, stunning sides and decadent desserts, there’s one element of the holiday meal that should remain easy and effortless: the appetizer table.
