Why Jesus and not Santa is the Reason for this Season!

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I found this awesome piece last Christmas and just had to bring it back again this year as we celebrate the joys of Christmas


Why Jesus is the Reason for this Season!
(Credit: The Jesus site)

Santa lives at the North Pole ...
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh ...
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year ...
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies ...
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney...
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa ...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap ...
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy (or girl,) what's your name?" ...
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly ...
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO ...
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You'd better not cry" ...
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys ...
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa is a "big jolly old elf"
JESUS is the King of Kings

Santa may make you chuckle but ...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree ...
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas,
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Yes, Jesus is better, oh so much better than Santa Claus.


From my family to yours...

Merry CHRISTmas!

God bless!

Labels: Christmas

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 12:25 AM 5 Comments

2 more sleeps till Christmas

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2 more sleeps till Christmas!
I know I'm such a Late Latif but I'd rather be late than never start a new tradition of baking with my little Bunny girl. We have an ambitious list of goodies we plan to whip up later this evening once Daddy comes home after work. We may not do all we want to but we will do something and have fun with it!

I hope your evening will be special, surrounded by family and loved ones.
May the beauties of this wonderful season remind you of God's Precious Gift to us, our LORD Jesus.



I ask that sometime during the evening you will stop and as a unit lift up those who are hurting this Christmas (Please especially think of Dana and her precious family) and remember those in need.

The 30 Day Giving Challenge may be officially over but your family can continue giving as the LORD leads.
Invite someone over for a Christmas meal, bake some Christmas goodies and bless on someone in a Old Persons home or just take time out to pray for somebody God places in your heart.

I pray that Christ may be alive in your heart and home this Christmas and always.
Be Blessed.

Labels: 30 Day Giving Challenge, Christmas

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 4:32 PM 1 Comments

A Social Network Christmas

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My sweet friend Lana over at I Love My 5 Kids shared this in a post yesterday and I loved every second of the video.
(Thank God for creative people in this world!)

Do take a few minutes out to watch this. You will be blessed.





And as always, here's a loving whisper to remind us not to forget that....

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THIS GLORIOUS SEASON!

Labels: Christian, Christmas

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 8:10 AM 0 Comments

CLOSED: A Christmas Present from DaySpring (A 50 GC Gift Card) - ends 12/25

* Click here to view the name(s) of the winner(s)*

There are a few 'brands' that have a special place in my heart and one of them is DaySpring. I've loved DaySpring cards since, hmmm lets say forever! I even still remember the day I found their gift store online...boy, was I like a child let loose in a candy shop!

When I think of DaySpring the first word that comes to mind is "encouragement".
Truly, if you're in the market looking for a card or a gift that will build someone up in their Christian faith, you will not be disappointed with what DaySpring has to offer.

This Christmas, as an extension of the 30 Day Giving Challenge, we decided to bless our courier and post representatives with small but memorable Christmas presents. We wanted to find something that would be a reminder of Christ's Birth this season and as always DaySpring had just what we wanted......

Beautiful "Tree to Cross" Christmas ornaments



that were originally priced at 14.99 US$,



clearanced down to 3.99 US$.

The ornament is beautiful and the price made it a steal, so that pushed me to buy a few for Bunny girl's teachers too!

By now, you'd know that I have a fetish for buying things at a bargain so to really stretch out the gift certificate I did a little more shopping in the Clearance and Sale sections and was thrilled to find a Daily Bread- Promise Box ,



filled with 240 King James Version Scriptures.....



a great way to encourage Bunny girl to hear (and understand) a new verse from the Word every day.

Also found an inspirational journal for one of my best buddies and a 28 month planner for the new year.



Another favorite in our order list was the Really Woolly Comfort figurine that reached us a week before a friend's father went Home to be with the Lord.


The little figurine has the verse "Your Rod and Your Staff Comfort Me" (Psalm 23) inscribed on the mound and we honestly pray it will bring encouragement and strength to our friend each time she looks at it and is reminded that her Heavenly Father is watching over her.
(This, again, was a clearanced down product and was bought at a price of 3.25 US$ only)

If you still have a few names on the Christmas list, why don't you consider finding a meaningful gift from the DaySpring store? I can stand testament to the fact that each product sold in their store is a reflection of their vision....

"Connecting people with the heart of God through messages of hope and encouragement every day, everywhere."


Win it:

One reader will have the opportunity to win a 50$ DaySpring gift certificate that may be used towards anything on their site.


Here's how you can win it:

1. Mandatory entry (without this, all other entries will be disqualified)-

Look through the DaySpring shop and tell me something you would buy if you win the gift certificate.


2. Love on the Sponsor-

- Follow DaySpring on Twitter

- Follow Incourage on Twitter

- Like DaySpring on Facebook

- Follow me on Twitter and tweet once daily...

RT @ebmommy #Win a 50$ #Giftcertificate from @DaySpringCards for #Christmas at EBMR's (12/25) http://bit.ly/eFmbfF #christian @incourage


3. Six additional entries: (1 entry each)-

- Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

- "Like" me on Facebook.

- Follow my feed via RSS

- Subscribe via email to receive EBMR's blog updates

-Snag my Blog button

-Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your blog post)


* Please ensure your Blogger Profile holds your email address. If it's set to private or your email address does not show, please add the same in your comments*


This giveaway is open to US Residents only, 18 years and above. 1 winner will be chosen with the random.org generator on December 25, 2010 at 10 pm Central time.




** EBMR Disclaimer: Dayspring sent me a gift certificate for review purposes only. This post has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: Christian, Christmas, Christmas Giveaways, Dayspring, More giveaways, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 8:31 AM 151 Comments

An Explosion of Winners from the 29 Christmas Carnival Giveaways

To make things simple for everybody, I've just listed the names of the winners beside each giveaway.
(I know, lazy ol' me but with 29 giveaways to close.....whew....there had to be a shortcut somewhere!)

Now for the drumroll....

Here are the winners for the 29 Christmas Carnival giveaways....

Chuggington Training Yard Loop Set - #248 : Qtpies7



Dr Seuss Christmas Games Pack -2 winners : #292- Rosannepm and #86- Freddie



Lalaloopsy Doll - #546 : Svale


Fisher Price Lil' Zoomers Spinnin' Sounds Speedway -#135: Lina



Aurora Gift Stuffers: Dreamy Eyes, Carmen and Pet Pals- 3 winners - #18: Katy (Carmen), #69: Bombtastic Belle (Dreamy Eyes), #29: Kpintn (Fancy Pals Pet Carriers)



Paddywhack Lane Gift Pack-Playset & Book -#97: For Their Future



National Geographic Kids Personalized Atlas - #155:Skgaff


A Baby Bible Christmas Storybook -#22: Andrea


Scholastic Book Package-7 books - #61: Maureen



3 Tommy Nelson Christmas Books - #15: Mframe



Veggie Tales Christmas Pack- 2 DVDs & 1 CD -#110: Tiffany



Dinosaur Train DVD:Dinosaurs in the Snow - # 12: A49erfangirl



A Very Merry Nick Jr Christmas Pack -3 winners (incl. Dora, Kailan & the Backyardigans) - #194: Danielle, #123:Kerry, #236: Sweetpea08



Mia Carina Rudolph Holiday Tutu Set for girls - #57: Chelsei


Christopher Radko Christmas Ornament + 25$ Kmart GC - #73: Ape2016




Tassimo Bosch T20 Home Brewing System -#939: Kellie Conklin



Seagate GoFlex Ultra Portable Hard Drive - #661:WCC



Fellowes P-8C Cross-Cut Shredder - #63: Mom2anutball



189 US$ PearlParadise.com necklace - #384: Kit



Winter Baby Bunch Bouquet -#80 Brandi Elam




Moody Mamas Winter Dress - #55: manthas24



Clic-It Diaper Bag and accessories - #17: Savannahs Smiles




50$ Mikarose Gift Certificate - #146: Michelle



50$ Sir Bingley Gift Certificate -#104: Love Katy Did



75$ Novica Gift Certificate - #213 : jmcghee2024



75$ HearthSong Toys Gift Certificate - #529: CJ's Mommy



100$ Elephantito Clothes gift certificate -#245: Kaye



165$ Milson Road gift certificate -#243: Living for God




NOTE:

* If any winner does not get back to me 48 hours after his or her name has been posted/ emailed, I will pick a new winner

* All winners are chosen using the Random.org generator.

Labels: Christmas, Christmas Carnival 2010, More giveaways, Reviews / Giveaways, Winners

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 4:27 PM 8 Comments

CLOSED: Tommy Nelson's Christmas Treasures (Christmas Carnival Giveaway #48)

This post is a 'Christmas Carnival' feature...The Carnival of Giveaways (or should I say Christmas prezzies?) on Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports from November 1- mid December 2010.
For a list of all the live giveaways visit 'The Christmas Carnival Center'


* Click here to view the name(s) of the winner(s)*

Do you have any special Christmas traditions that involve reading Christmas books to your little ones?
We do!...And I love that Tommy Nelson has some Christmas Treasures that you will love to read with your little one, snuggled upon a warm couch sipping cups of hot cocoa swimming with marshmallows.


Think of a Nativity Play without angels.
It's just not possible, right?
The Christmas Story has angels from beginning to end and Gwen Ellis has re-told the story in Christmas Angels just for little ones to see how wonderfully God sends His Angels to bring His Children important news, glad tidings and warnings.

Christmas Angels is a larger sized, 24 paged Board Book with bold pictures that is perfect for little ones to hold, handle and enjoy.

If you're looking for a book that narrates the story of Jesus birth and be more than just a book, then The Christmas Baby should be on your list. Why you ask?


Well this is the only children's Christmas book I've ever seen that first welcomes your child with a 25 flap window Advent calendar and then leads your child through the events that lead to Jesus birth. The book ends like Christmas concerts do...with a memorable finale, which in this case is a beautiful Nativity Pop Up that we've put out on display at home. A sweet reminder to both young and old that Jesus is the Real (and Only) Reason that we celebrate this wonderful Season.

The King's Christmas List is our family's new favorite Christmas book for the year.


Emma and her little dog Shu-Shu were thrilled to be invited to the King’s birthday party. But what do you get a King for his birthday? Emma and Shu-Shu have no gift, but they bring the Christmas cake they made with Mom and put on their Sunday best as they dash to the King’s carriage. And of course, Emma couldn’t go anywhere without her beloved Cherry-Bear. On the way, they have encounters that lead them to bestow their cake, winter-cape, and even Cherry-Bear, on others. Now they’re chilly, rumpled, and empty-handed—what will the King think? Emma frets, but when they finally meet the King at his palace, they discover they gave the King exactly what he wanted.

Children and parents will be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas, and that the greatest gifts we can offer to the Savior are gifts to the least of his brothers and sisters (based on Matthew 25:40)
If you need a book to remind your child about why we celebrate Christmas and the importance of giving, then this book is a must to add to your child's collection and even pick up as Christmas gifts for the little ones you know.

This 32 paged book is so beautifully written and well conveyed that even Bunny girl immediately pointed out that the King was Jesus. We've been so blessed by it that we find ourselves reading it together, atleast once in every three days!


Buy it:

You can buy

• The Christmas Angels Board Book for 12.99 US$
• The Christmas Baby for 12.99 US$
  
• The King's Christmas List for 14.99 US$
  

Win it:

One reader will have the opportunity to win a Tommy Nelson Christmas Treasures Pack that will include:

• The Christmas Angels Board Book
• The Christmas Baby
  
• The King's Christmas List

Here's how you can win it:

1. Mandatory entry (without this, all other entries will be disqualified)-

Tell me which Tommy Nelson Christmas book you'd love to read with your little one.


2. Love on the Sponsor-

- Follow Tommy Nelson on Twitter

- Fan/Like Tommy Nelson on Facebook

- Follow me on Twitter and tweet once daily...

RT @ebmommy @TommyNelson #Win 3 #Christmas #Books for the #Kids at EBMR's #Giveaway (12/15) http://bit.ly/eWve0K #christian #giving


3. Six additional entries: (1 entry each)-

- Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

- "Like" me on Facebook.

- Follow my feed via RSS

- Subscribe via email to receive EBMR's blog updates

-Snag my Blog button

-Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your blog post)


* Please ensure your Blogger Profile holds your email address. If it's set to private or your email address does not show, please add the same in your comments*


This giveaway is open to US Residents only, 18 years and above. 1 winner will be chosen with the random.org generator on December 15 2010 at 10 pm Central time.






** EBMR Disclaimer: Tommy Nelson sent me the featured products for review purposes only. This post has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: Christian, Christmas, Christmas Carnival 2010, More giveaways, Reviews / Giveaways, Tommy Nelson

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 7:51 AM 90 Comments

A Colossal Disney Pack: Mickey Mote, Mickey and Handy Manny! (Christmas Carnival Review)

This post is a 'Christmas Carnival' feature...The Carnival of Giveaways (or should I say Christmas prezzies?) on Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports from November 1- mid December 2010.
For a list of all the live giveaways visit 'The Christmas Carnival Center'

Labels: Christmas, Christmas Carnival 2010, handy manny, mickey mote., Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 4:27 PM 1 Comments