12 Days of Christmas - Yeshua is the Reason

Oftentimes during the Christmas season, we can sometimes get so bogged down by all the stress and excitement that Christmas time often brings. We can frequently get so busy with the decorating, presents, and family, that we lose sight of what Christmas really means. I know at times I have gotten so stressed that I have for a moment forgotten the real reason. Do we take time to remember the real reason for the season? 

Yeshua (Jesus) is the reason for the season. He came to earth as a tiny baby; and grew up to give His life for you. For me. He is the most precious and amazing gift ever given. During this busy Christmas season, don't forget the one reason we celebrate.

from Pinterest

Merry Christmas! (Don't forget to head over to Faith's blog for her post and other blogger's posts!) :)

12 Days of Christmas - Hallelujah - What does it mean?

Today's post is a little study on the word, "Hallelujah". It isn't exactly Christmas-y, but as I was flipping through Christmas songs and such, it's a common word used throughout songs.

"Hallelujah" is also often something that is shouted in church, and exclaimed in thanksgiving. However, have you ever taken time to really dig into what it means?

"Hallelujah" should be more accurately spelt with a "Y" instead of a "J". Like this: "HalleluYah". Now we are going to break it up into the two Hebrew words it comes from. "Hallelu" means "Praises to" and "Yah" is one of God's Hebrew names. 

"HalleluYah" actually means "Praises to Yah"! Isn't that so cool?! Hallelujah is a very powerful word. Now that you know what it means, keep this in mind as you sing or say, HalleluYah! :) 

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Below I have linked some of my favorite songs and Christmas songs with Hallelujah frequently used in them. ;)

BarlowGirl - Hallelujah (Light has Come) 

Joy Williams - Here With Us

Elevation Worship - Hallelujah Here Below

(Don't forget to head over to Faith's blog and check out her post and other blogger's posts!) :)

12 Days of Christmas - Beyond the Horizon (book review)

Today's post is a book review of one of my favorite Christmas novels! :)

Synopsis

Eliana longs to see the world beyond the mountains that tower above Salzburg, Austria, but knows that dream will never see such adventure- and neither will she. 

Surrounded by a world of cruelty, she lives for the weekly visits of Aron, a boy she met on one of her rambles through the countryside. 

But as the years pass and she begins to grow older, a new and unwelcome world is opened up to her. On a fateful night at a party she vowed she'd never attend, she comes face to face with a shocking truth. 

As the world around her teeters on the brink of war, Eliana struggles to figure out just where her loyalty lies; a decision that will drastically change the course of her life. Will she ever be free to see what lies beyond the horizon? 

My Review

Apparently, I have not read many Christmas novels. However, out of all the ones I have read, this one is definitely among my favorites! :)

Now, the characters. ;) I really liked how Aron was always watching out for Elly, and making sure she took care of herself. 

Elly was a sweet character. Her tendency to run outside in the freezing cold with no coat was hilarious! I loved the part when she discovered her Messiah! 

The setting was December 1938, in Salzburg, Austria. I really enjoyed the setting! The plot twists were very well written and well done; and made it interesting and unpredictable. The little bit of romance woven throughout the book was adorable! 

The way faith was portrayed, was amazing! Overall, I give this book 5/5 stars!

(Don't forget to head over to Faith's blog and check out her post and other blogger's posts!) :)

12 Days of Christmas - Christmas Books

Most people, even adults, like to read a good story book now and then. Today I'm going to show you some of my favorite Christmas ones, along with some of my favorite Christmas novels. :)

Tiny Baby Jesus - I love the illustrations in this one!

The Christmas Story For Children - Again, the illustrations are amazing!

Two From Galilee - It was fascinating to read Mary and Joseph's stories in a novel!

Three From Galilee - I really enjoyed reading more about Jesus in a novel setting!

Operation Christmas Spirit - A sweet little novel especially for younger girls about loving others, and forgiveness.

Beyond the Horizon - Sweet Christmas story! Review to come! :)

Behold - Adorable collection of Christmas short stories! Review here! 

(Don't forget to head over to Faith's blog and check out her post and other blogger's posts!) :)

12 Days of Christmas - Christmas Movies

Today's post is going to be on some of my family's favorite Christmas movies.

This is probably one of the most accurate and well done Nativity movies I have ever watched. The music and singing was great too! 

My family and I have watched this quite a few times over the years we've had it. The sweet family relationships and true meaning of giving was so special! I especially loved the part about the horse! ;)

What I liked about this one was the little bit of humor, and the sense of community in the town. :) 

(Don't forget to head over to Faith's blog and check out her post and other blogger's posts!) :)

12 Days of Christmas - The Blessing (book review)

Today I have a review about a winter-y book. :)

Synopsis

May Somerville has suffered a year worthy of the Bible's Job, and the man who unknowingly prompted all her troubles has fallen in love with her.

Isolated in Colorado's rugged mountains, her beloved family shattered by tragedy and loss, May Somerville questions her Creator amid her struggles to survive. Beset by unexpected storms, both physical and spiritual, May seeks blessings-reasons for hope as she works to restore her family. 

Separated from May by unforeseen circumstances and the expectations of others, Alex Whittier is determined to reverse injustices suffered by the Somervilles. But is it to late to redeem himself for the sake of the courageous young woman he's been unable to forget?

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed The Blessing! The setting was unusual and interesting. After learning that the book was based partly on real life events in the late 1800s, I thought it was even more interesting.

May was an amazing character. She was the usually serious, cautious big sister to her siblings. Her strength after all that happened to her family was incredible.

May's other siblings, Harry, Leonie, Will, and adorable little Andy, were so fun to read about! I loved the family relationships between the kids.

Alex Whittier. At first, I grew exasperated with him. ;) However, as the book continued, I liked him more.

The setting was fascinating! The majority of the book is set in a small mining town in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado; late 1800s.

The Blessing had a strong theme of trusting God and believing that He will help you get through anything. The book did have quite a bit of sad parts in it; but it was really sweet too. 5/5 stars! :)

(Don't forget to head over to Faith's blog and check out her post and other blogger's posts!) :)

12 Days of Christmas - Favorite Christmas Music

Hello! This year I am participating in the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Party, hosted by a fellow blogger, Faith Potts. Be sure to check Faith's blog for her introduction post! :) Here is my first post of the tour! ;)

Today's post is on some of my favorite Christmas music. :)

Barlow Girl - Angelic Proclamation 

For King and Country - Baby Boy

Francesca Battistelli - You're Here

Meredith Andrews - Behold the Savior

BarlowGirl - Hallelujah (Light Has Come)

Francesca Battistelli - Heaven Everywhere

Lauren Daigle - Light of the World 

For King and Country - O Come, O Come Emmanuel

And, there's a giveaway! :)

First Place: The Christmas Secret by Wanda Brunstetter (paperback), Behold by Faith Potts (paperback), Christmas: God with Us (Jeremy Camp CD), surprise goodies

Second place: Seek by Angela R. Watts (paperback) & Coffee Shop Christmas by Ryana Lynn Miller (ebook)

Click here to enter the giveaway!

Behold Blog Tour - Review

Faith Pott's book, Behold, releases today!!! I've had the privilege of reading this sweet little novel for its blog tour! :)

Synopsis 

A collection of short stories honoring the birth of the Savior

From two siblings caught up in the harrowing days of World War II to separated foster children in the US...

From a memorable road trip across the Southeast to the reunion of a war-torn family...

You'll be swept up in the Christmas spirit with the endearing stories tucked inside these pages. The storylines range from family to romance to the bond of community, with settings scattered across America and beyond. 

Behold the beauty of the Savior's birth with this gathering of stories that warm the soul and bless the heart.

Goodreads // Amazon // Kindle

Author Bio

Saved by God's grace, Faith Potts is a teenage writer and homeschool graduate, living with her family and beloved yellow labs in the North Carolina mountains. When she's not weaving stories, consuming large amounts of coffee,  reading stacks of books, or studying American Sign Language, she can be found laughing harder than is healthy, daydreaming and--of course--blowing dandelions. 

Blog // Website // Facebook // Instagram // Goodreads

Review

An adorable collection of Christmas short stories. I arranged this review by writing a little about each short-story. :)

Home by Christmas

A sweet story about two siblings in World War II. I really liked the way things were handled in this story, since Doug (one of the characters) was severely wounded. 

Unexpected Blessing 

Loved this story about three foster siblings- twin girls, and an older brother. The siblings' relationships were so special! 

Christmas Homecoming 

A heartwarming story about a war-torn family reunion. The part where Jamison puts Jamie, his little kid, in his coat was hilarious! ;) The family relationships were so fun!

What Matters

Enjoyable story about what really matters- loving others, the way Jesus loves them, and taking the time out of your day to show others His love.

Overall rating: Definitely 5/5 stars! ;)

I really enjoyed reading each and every one of these short stories, although my favorite is probably Unexpected Blessing. The writing was beautifully done and easy to follow. 5/5 stars! :)

Giveaway 

First Place: paperback copy of Behold

Second Place: ebook copy of Behold

Click here to enter!

Tour Schedule

Wednesday, December 5th 

Brooklyne @ Showers of Blessings >> interview

Abigail McKenna @ Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors >> review

Victoria G. @ Victoria's Book Nook >> spotlight & interview

Jana @ Reviews from the Stacks >> spotlight & review & excerpt

Thursday, December 6th

Janelle @ The Ramblings of a Bookworm >> review
A. Kaylee @ Kaylee's Kind of Writes >> review & interview & excerpt
Kaitlyn Smith @ Maidens for Modesty >> review excerpt
Hannah Marie @ Silver-Lined Ramblings >> review

Friday, December 7th (release day!)

Rebekah @ RebekahAshleigh >> review
Ryana Lynn Miller @ Life of Heritage >> review & interview
Rebekah Morris @ Rebekah's Reading Room >> review & excerpt
Molly Anne @ Qadash - Set Apart, for Him >> review

Saturday, December 8th

Angela Watts @ The Peculiar Messenger >> spotlight
Gracelyn @ Literatura >> spotlight
Serethiel @ The Book Sprite >> spotlight & review
Abigail @ Books, Life, and Christ >> spotlight & review