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Celebrating the Joy of Living & Home Making ~

Baking, Cooking, Decorating, Tea Time, and taking Inspiration from those I love and the world around me...

A sharing of my heart and my home from a Christian perspective

...with a wee bit of whimsy added.

Friday 11 December 2015

The Little Drummer Boy Comes to Tea

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and makes everything more beautiful. ~ Norman Vincent Peale


Hello dear friends. I really love Christmas and I know most of you do too. I pretty much have all the decorating done that I'm going to do. How about you?


The wreath I made for the patio doors in the dining room.


Throughout the busyness of this season, we, including me, can easily get distracted by the baking and decorating, buying and wrapping presents, attending parties and Christmas concerts. So on and so on. Oftentimes, we lose sight of what the real reason for celebrating Christmas is because we're too busy.


But, let's stop for just a moment and imagine a world without Christmas! 

There would be no beautiful Christmas carols or Christmas cards, no Christmas concerts, no Christmas trees or beautiful decorations. There would be no Hope! 

Because Christ came, we are enjoying the Season of Hope and all these beautiful sights and sounds that accompany it. I believe the world is kinder and more giving because He came. Those who are lonely have a Friend who is closer than a brother. Those who have made mistakes, and we all have, have forgiveness when we ask for it. We have so many gifts from Him because He came. He is the reason we celebrate. Without Him, there would be no CHRISTmas.

So, let's slow down and enjoy the season. It only comes once a year, after all, and God wants us to enjoy it.


For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 NLT 



A number of years ago when my youngest son was in the school band he played, "The Little Drummer Boy" on the snare drum. It was a moving and magical Christmas band concert that evening. I was so proud of my boy!

That same Christmas my hubby gifted me with the Little Drummer Boy. I was collecting porcelain dolls at the time and this one was so appropriate that year. Hasn't he got a sweet little face? So pensive as he played his drum for the King!



Wind him up and he plays "The Little Drummer Boy" while his arms move to the music and he beats on his little drum. I named him Yarden which is Hebrew for Jordan.



He is dressed like a little shepherd boy and he will be joining us for tea today. 

You all know the story of the little drummer boy. The song is a classic written by the American classical music composer and teacher, Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941.

In the lyrics the singer relates how, as a poor young boy, he was summoned by the Magi to the nativity where, without a gift for the infant Jesus, he played his drum with all his heart. 
Mary approved, and he remembers, "I played my best for Him" and "He smiled at me."

The magic of Christmas is not in the presents but in his Presence. ~ unknown


It's only a song but a very poignant one, a favourite every year. What can we bring Him this Christmas? The best I think we can give Him is our heart. He wants to take all our baggage and dispose of it. He can make us brand new so we can be of good service to Him and others. He can give us a brand new life. He surely is worthy to be worshipped. May we all be like the Little Drummer Boy!




"I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum....,"


Now how about a nice cup of tea?

...Perhaps that is the true gift of a teatime celebration: It fills our cups with joy and warmth and friendship. May the echo of the teacup's message be heard not only at Christmas, not only on special occasions, but anytime friends come together. ~ Emilie Barnes

My teacups are both special because I only bring them out during the month of December. 

The holly teacup I found at the 70 mile yard sale years ago. It is made by Royal Stafford of England. I think I paid a couple dollars for it.



The Royal Albert December Christmas Rose I found at an antique shop.



The teapot holds Murchie's Christmas Blend tea which was a gift from a blogger friend. 



Please help yourself to my fruit scones drizzled with almond icing. I make scones year round but I usually only make these at Christmastime. They are light and filled with spices and fruit; a treat with a cup of tea.




I am sure I have shared the recipe before but I will share it again on the weekend.



Thank you for blessing me with your company today and please come back and join me on Monday for No Place Like Home



Have a delightful weekend everyone and God bless you!



The first snowfall is not only an event but it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up to find yourself in another quite different and if this is not enchantment, where is it to be found? ~ J B Priestley



























You should always be the best decoration in your own house.~ Phoebe Howard 


I am joining these wonderful parties ~

 Tuesday Cuppa Tea
 Bernideen's Tea Time, Cottage and Garden Blog Party
 Tea Cup Tuesday
 Share Your Cup Thursday
 Home Sweet Home

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi