Laurel Jean's MusicNotes
                       http://www.laureljean.com

Psalm 121:1-2
     "I will lift up my eyes to the hills.  Where does my help come
from?  My help comes from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth."

Greetings!

     We're getting ready to celebrate Christmas here at "Music By
Laurel Jean" Headquarters with a unique display of decorations in the
office.  Next to our Christmas Tree and a small statue of the Holy
Family is a very confused, but nonetheless happy, Easter Bunny.
Randolph, as we have named this special rabbit, became part of our
Christmas display thanks to Audrey's enthusiasm for inflatable lawn
ornaments.  No matter the season, when we're on the road, we drive a
little slower past those yards adorned with cupids, bunnies, pumpkins,
turkeys, penguins and Santas, to give our fun-spirited sister in
Christ an opportunity to view the displays through her remaining
pinhole of vision. Even I, who lean toward the conservatively
practical side have enjoyed her descriptions of these unique displays
of inflatables as her words bring them to life!
     Originally intended to be an Easter gift from Joan and me to
Audrey, poor Randolph the inflatable Rabbit got lost in the shuffle.
We found him several months later in a storage cabinet, still in the
box, just in time for Audrey's birthday on December 5 and her return
to Illinois on December 6.  It was only right that Randolph, complete
with his big smile and "Happy Easter" banner be included in the
Christmas display.  After all, what is Christmas without Easter!
     As we Christians prepare to celebrate the birthday of Jesus our
Lord and Savior, it is easy to feel a bit like Randolph, confused and
out of place.  On some occasions, amid the fun celebrations and joyful
music, our hearts seem to look more toward Calvary's Cross than
Bethlehem's stable.  At other times, we are so filled with joy and fun
that we forget to recognize the serious side of Christmas.  Sometimes,
we just can't seem to get our act together and aren't sure where we
fit into the Christmas scene.
     It is the Holy Spirit working in each of us Who brings all of
these traits together into One Body that is God's family.  Those of us
who are practical and serious need the merry hearts of our brothers
and sisters who live for the joy and fun of the Season.  Those of us
who fill Christmas with joy and laughter need to be reminded by others
in our Family that Christmas leads to the Cross and that many are
carrying their own Crosses especially during this time of year.  When
we feel overwhelmed and wonder where we fit in, we treasure everyone
else who pulls up a chair for us at the table and welcomes us, saying,
"You're just in time!"  And, when that brother or sister greets us in
our state of confusion, we know that we have also fulfilled a need to
be needed.

*Psalm 133:1*
     "See How Good and pleasant it is for brothers (and sisters) to
live together in unity!"

     I thank God for salvation through His Son, and for all of my
Brothers and Sisters in Christ.  These are the inspirations of two
songs, "I Will Lift Up My Eyes" and "The Communion of Saints", both
part of my "Be Still And Know" project.  Each is an instrumental
meditation accompanied by the sounds of a mountain stream to represent
God's abundant life.  "I Will Lift Up My Eyes" is based on Psalm 121,
while "The Communion of Saints" reflects on Psalm 133.
     To hear samples of these, visit my "Albums, Etcetera" Page.
http://laureljean.com/albums_etcetera.html

     We look forward to wrapping up another year of music and ministry
in East Peoria, IL on Sunday, December 30.  Our thanks to Pastor
Gordon for rescheduling the December 9th service at the First Church
of God!  For details on this and other upcoming events, visit my
Online Calendar:
http://laureljean.com/events.html

     Meanwhile, there's a Birthday Party and you're invited!  Come as
you are!

*Luke 2:15-16*
     "It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky,
that the shepherds said one to another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem, now,
and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to
us.'  They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the
baby was lying in the feeding trough."

     Merry Christmas!  God bless you and keep His song in your heart!

In His Joy, Fellowship and Victory!

Laurel Jean

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