The Night Before Christmas

The Christmas Story

Love Has Come - Matt Maher

With one voice the Angels sing;
songs that make creation ring
Prophets hear and call us
to live in spirit and in truth

Father Yahweh, Elohim;
voice of thunder, spirit wind
Breathe on me your very life;
Grace will make the darkness bright

Word of God enthroned,
dwell in us forevermore;
Love has come to show the way
Hallelujah, peace be with us
Love has come to show the way

God of covenant divine,
lead us to the end of time
Beyond sorrow, beyond fear;
beyond pride and earthen tears

Word of God enthroned,
dwell in us forevermore;
Love has come to show the way
Hallelujah, peace be with us
Love has come to show the way

Keeper of the sacrifice,
manifest in Jesus Christ
Born to die and wake the dead
As we hunger, keep us fed

Now salvation has come
in the New Jerusalem
Dancers dance and singers roar;
proclaiming Jesus Christ is Lord

Word of God enthroned,
dwell in us forevermore;
Love has come to show the way
Hallelujah, peace be with us
Love has come to show the way

Word of God enthroned,
dwell in us forevermore;
Love has come to show the way
Hallelujah, peace be with us
Love has come to show the way

A Flavor Explosion!

My mom introduced me to this appetizer around this time last year, and it has fast become one of my favorites.

There are a lot of different ways to make this, google it and you'll see what I mean, but this recipe suits my tastes just fine. It's really easy to make - there's no cooking, only chopping involved. I've modified it a little from the original recipe my mom uses. Here's how it goes:

Cranberry-Jalapeno Relish
1 bag of cranberries
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded
zest and juice of 1/2 lime
1/3 bunch of cilantro
1/2 cup sugar
cream cheese
crackers

Finely chop up the cranberries, jalapeno, and cilantro in a food processor. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and sugar. Chill for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld, then serve on crackers topped with cream cheese.

Mmmm. Super delicious and flavorful.

Notes: Instead of making up individual crackers for an appetizer tray, this can also be served by pouring the cranberry relish over the cream cheese with the crackers on the side. I've also made this with frozen cranberries, and it comes out just as well as with the fresh. You can also add more or less of any of the ingredients. I really cut back on the cilantro since a little of that flavor goes a long way with me. If you want it spicier or sweeter add more jalapenos or sugar.