Everyday Living

A Thrill Of Hope

~ Christmas, Decorating, Faith, Holidays

 “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the angels’ voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine o night, O night divine”

Happy Thursday dear friends!  I hope in all of the busyness that comes with this time of year, you have taken time to reflect on the REASON we celebrate Christmas!  The most important and world changing event that we celebrate — a young girl giving birth to the baby Jesus who was born to save us from our sins, with faithful Joseph by their side.  Now that is the reason why we can be joyful everyday of our lives!    

Christmas memories are some of the most vivid and precious memories that I have.  For that reason, I use the same decorations from year to year.  Whenever I unwrap the decorations that stay tucked away for months out of the year, it’s like they are old friends coming back to visit!  I normally move things around each year, but some have a permanent place during the Christmas season because that is where I like to see them.  The nativity in front of our fireplace is one of those, because it is the center of our home…representing the place in our lives that the Christmas story tells.  This time of year brings the Thrill Of Hope that our weary world longs for each and every day of the year!

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 *  If you are a long-time reader, you’ll notice that I have placed the Christmas tree in its usual spot.  Three years ago, I down-sized our tree…and it’s much easier to decorate!

  *

  When I downsized the tree, I decided to move my large-7 piece Nativity to the hearth where several stars “light up” that Holy Night in Bethlehem…

  …I have had many questions as to where I found it.  I bought it in a local shop many years ago, and it is no longer available..

  The details are beautiful…

  …one of the three wise men bearing gifts…

  … and the reason we celebrate…Baby Jesus!

  This collection of Precious Moments Bible Story plates belonged to my Mother!  They were a limited edition and my sweet Daddy told me a couple of weeks ago to take them home and enjoy!  

  “Come Let Us Adore Him” is one of 7 plates depicting the life of Jesus.  I only used 5 of them on my silk-skirted table.

  Mr. and Mrs. Claus made by my sweet Mother’s loving hands..

  …tend to move around from year to year.

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  The porcelain dolls were also made by Mother.

  Byers Choice Carolers have been all over the house…

  …making a stop in the family room this year.  With a full choir of 22, they make a joyful sound!

  Vintage “Victoria” doll by Madame Alexander sits in a doll chair.

  I hope you are enjoying this holiday season.  It is our prayer that in the midst of the hustle and bustle, you are remembering why we celebrate.  There is hope for our weary world through the birth of Jesus!  Thank you for your lovely visits and comments, they make my day! 

  Linking with:
 Pieced Pastimes, Life on Lakeshore Drive,Coastal Charm, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Katherines Corner,Vintage Mama’s Cottage, Marilyn’s Treats, Peonies & Orange Blossoms, Eclectic Red Barn, Share Your Cup,21 Rosemary Lane,The Vintage Nest, The Essence Of Home, Feathering My Empty Nest, Kingsbury Brook Farm,  The Red Painted Cottage, Love Of Home,My Soulful Home, Celebrating Everyday Life, Little Farmstead, Starfish Cottage,  Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined,The Freckled Rose, Life and Linda, DIY 180, The Stonybrook House, Celebrate & Decorate, Sweet Sensations, The Dedicated House, Jodie Fitz

 

Comments

  1. Lovely post this morning. I too was blessed with wonderful parents like you. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  4. Your home looks lovely, Pam. So nice of your father to pass along more of your mother’s collections. Any of those from your mother, esp those she handmade, would be my most treasured. I’m sure they are for you as well.

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  5. Such a beautiful post, sweet friend! I remember that beautiful nativity from last year. I have visited the Precious Moments chapel several times, and your Mother’s plates remind me of the murals in the chapel. The murals and stories with them always touch my heart. Your living room is gorgeous, and I am swooning over that fireplace screen. Merry Christmas, dear friend!!!

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  6. Such a most beautiful message Pam…so many beautiful, beautiful Christmas items to adorn your room…How wonderful to have those exquisite porcelain dolls made by your mother and of course the cute Mr and Mrs Claus…what treasures!!! Love seeing your most elegant home for Christmas….truly in the utmost of Holiday traditions….Merry Christmas to you and your family Pam!

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  7. Beautiful post. The most important is your commentary on the real reason for the season. Your room is gorgeous and your large beautiful nativity is so lovely on your hearth. Your needlepoint bench, firescreen and fireplace make a wonderful focal point to the nativity.
    Thanks for sharing your mother’s handmade Christmas items and collections of yours. I know how you miss her as I miss my mother.

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  8. I don’t know how words can do justice to the beauty and the message of this post. They cannot. The nativity scene is the most beautiful I have ever seen. The Precious Moments plates that belonged to your Mother, the dolls she made, Victoria, the carolers, your house! Love was born at Christmas and I see Jesus in everything you do and say. Touched my soul. I will go back and look at this many times!

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  9. This is so beautiful, so elegant and yet so warm. Your nativity knocks me over. It is a showstopper — so beautiful. I’m glad you have the perfect space to feature it so well. And all the details are just wonderful, from the lovely tree to the mantle and more. What a gift you have for decorating, Pam.

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  10. Pam, Katy has that same “Victoria” Madame Alexander Doll. My Mother gave it to her the day she was born. It is still in the box. Everything looks so pretty!

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  11. Pam: I read this early this morning and wanted to go through and read it one more time, before making a comment. Truly, it is such a beautiful post, I didn’t want to miss a single thing. Your home is gorgeous and your dear Mom’s artistic abilities came shinning through in you. I know all the wonderful pieces she made are your true treasures. The Precious Moments plates are lovely and I am sure your Daddy will be happy to see them displayed in your home. And, your Nativity is so beautiful. Like you, I use the same decorations year-after-year. You are correct, “they are our old friends” and you have the most beautiful friends. Thank you for your lovely reminder as to why we celebrate. Blessings to you and your family during this most glorious season.

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    • Sandra, thank you for all of your sweet comments over these months! I feel blessed that we connected this year and I love all the beauty that you share! Wishing you and yours the joy of the Christmas season!

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  12. Thank You for the tour of your lovely, warm home filled with precious memories Pam. I love how you value and treasure ole friends and memories from all the chapters of your life. Your stories and values are inspiring and illustrate that our greatest gifts and talents should be reflected in our home and lived with fully each day with our love ones. Thank You for sharing a piece of your heart with us at Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  13. Such beautiful words Pam surrounding all your treasures…the nativity scene is so breathtaking, and the joy and love you have for your mother’s creations is so evident. Your home is so warm and welcoming and blessed. Just gorgeous!
    Jenna

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  14. I love your decorations…your nativity set is beautiful, as is your tree & the decorations. Love the carolers too…just gorgeous! ??☃️

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  15. Pam, you have let us see your house dressed for the celebration of the Birth of Jesus and I am truly delighted to see so much beauty. The Birth is impressive, each figure is beautiful and every detail is excellent. The total view of the corner of the fireplace with all the Christmas elements is wonderful.
    I keep betting on the choir of singers … they are tender and beautiful, I love them!
    Everything is excellent, everything very endearing, all with good memories, all worthy to receive that Child who changed the world.
    Thank you for inviting us to your home where we have all felt happy, that is a great generosity.
    With love Dolores

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    • Queridísima Dolores, ¡es un placer para mí tener que visitarla virtualmente en mi casa! ¡Siempre escribes las palabras más amables y bonitas! ¡El bebé nacido en Belén nos da la esperanza y la paz de la Navidad! ¡Él ofrece el regalo de la vida eterna! ¡Feliz navidad amigo!

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  16. I agree that Christmas decorations are like old friends even if you don’t get them all out every year. (: As you might guess I very much like your nativity. That is the one thing I’m always keeping my eyes open for hoping to find another that is unique.

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  17. I love the tour of your Christmas decorations. How sweet!
    The traditions from your mom that you have continued to carry on…it is so wonderful. I see little Ella Mae going through all your steps! It is indeed joyous and blessed! ♥️

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  19. The Nativity is precious! Thanks for expressing the reason for CHRISTmas!! May this world realize without Jesus there is no peace! Love all your treasures from your mother. Wishing you and your family a Blessed Christmas!

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  20. I love the carolers’ mouths. Beautiful. Ty for your blog posts. Merry CHRISTmas to y’all. Enjoy with you precious GRAND!

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  23. Beautiful Nativity and the whole room is GORGEOUS ! Your Mother was very talented! Beautiful treasure keepsakes ! Merry Christmas ! Cindy

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  24. All is calm and bright in your home Pam! The reason for the season is often forgotten and there are so many beautiful reminders in your home. What a stunning nativity by your hearth and your mother’s collections are so dear. Merry Christmas Season to you and your family ♥

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  25. OH
    h my goodness, your Christmas looks stunning and almost Dickens, dear friend. Your decoration pieces are beautiful, each one of them, starting from the amazing Nativity, which is the reason for this lovely season, baby Jesus birthday.
    What treasure your mom’s collections are and your father gifted you your dear mom’s plates.
    Have a very happy Christmas season Pam.
    Fabby

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  28. Pam you have so many wonderful and beautiful Christmas treasures. I am so happy to see you highlighting the Nativity. It is easy to get caught up in all of the fun Santa vignettes but we musn’t forget the “thrill of hope” we have, and the true meaning of CHRISTmas! Thanks for sharing for TFT!

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  29. Merry Christmas Pam! Can you imagine how dreary this world would be without the thrill of hope? Your Nativity is fabulous, and all of the family heirlooms are precious! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  31. Pam, not only is your home beautiful and elegant, it is heartfelt! So lovely to have your surroundings filled with mementos from loved ones! And, best of all, for the King of Kings! Thank you for sharing. You are one of the fan favorites at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link to this week’s Showcase. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/sunday-showcase-make-pretty-monday-8-30/ Have a Happy week ahead! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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