Opinion

Body With the plethora of television networks to choose from, there has also been a plethora (I like this word; can you tell?) of Christmas movies, some starting in early fall and I suppose there are many still available now in early January.

Body THIS AND THAT * Kirk Cameron, who is best known for his role as Mike Seaver on the ABC sitcom “Growing Pains” has a new book out, “As You Grow.” * I watched the FIFA World Cup games until my favorite player’s team lost.

Body Two brilliant songwriters—although they never met—together created one of the most lasting songs of Christmas.

Body A NEW YEAR’S BLESSING May God make your year a happy one, Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain, But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes; Not by making your path easy, But by making you sturdy to travel any path; Not by taking hardships from you, But by taking...

Body It would be impossible for me to name my favorite Christmas Carol—they are ALL my favorite! But certain musicians can really knock it out of the park and sometimes make me hit “replay” on the CD.

Body IT’S CHRISTMAS! A Stocking for Jesus We celebrate each Christmas Jesus Christ’s great birth. We remember the gift He is to us And that our souls have worth.

Body On December 24, 1865, Phillips Brooks was half a world away from home and feeling older than his thirty years. Only six years into his ministry, Brooks had been called upon in May to give the funeral message over President Abraham Lincoln.

Body THIS AND THAT * Even though Academy Award winner, singer, actress, songwriter and producer Irene Cara has passed away far too soon, her songs will “Live Forever.” * May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve.

Body “The First Noel” is one of the oldest Christmas ballads still sung today. The song first appeared in print in 1833; however the song goes back at least three hundred years prior to that. The origin is also unknown as both France and England claim it as a part of their heritage.

Body THIS AND THAT * If you are Christmas shopping for me, I am a size seven day Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas and Cocoa Cay. * The Olde Tyme Christmas Parade was absolutely fantastic!