A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-23,24,25,26-04...Let Us Rejoice (Our Christmas Thread)

Billie

[Billie]

(The following excerpts are from Better Homes & Gardens 1993
"Holiday Celebrations"; information & Christmas Cards furnished
by Hallmark Cards, Inc.)

Although the Christmas season has been celebrated for centuries, it wasn't until the last half of the 19th century that printed cards were widely exchanged. Until that time, only a few people sent hand-written Christmas messages - those who could read and write, and afford to pay a messenger. This changed in the mid-1800s, when many people were learning to read and write through free public schools.

The passage of the Penny Postage Act in England in 1840 finally put the price of mailing letters within almost everyone's reach.

The idea of Christmas cards came only three years after England's postal reform. Henry Cole, a London businessman, originated the practice in 1843 when he asked John Calcott Horsley, an artist in the Royal Academy, to design a card conveying his Christmas wishes. The card is believed to be the first commercially-printed Christmas card.

The first-known Christmas card, designed in 1843 by British
artist John Horsley. Only a dozen specimens of the first card
are known to exist. Two of these, including one that has never
been used, are part of the Hallmark Historical Collection in
Kansas City, Missouri.

Several of England's early greeting card companies were established in the 1860s. Cards manufactured from 1860 theough the 1890s by Publisher Charles Goodall & Son and other English competitors - Marcus Ward & Co., De La Rue & Co., and Raphael Tuck & Co. (later called Raphael Tuck & Sons) - are highly sought by collectors because of their limited availability. These cars were exported to the United States and are usually as easy to find here as the domestic cards of the same period.

Sending holiday greeting cards was slow to spread to America. For more than 30 years, the only ones available in this country were imported. Then in 1875, German immigrant Louis Prang, of Boston, began publishing an American version of the popular English missives. By 1881, only six years after the production of his first Christmas cards, Prang was printing 5 million cards a year - most of them Christmas cards. In order to acquire excellent designs, he sponsored contests for artists, with prizes up to $4,000!

Louis Prang, the "father of the American Christmas card",
published this sweet child gracing the cover of a collection
of hymns in 1888.

Prang is credited with establishing card designs with which
we're familiar today. His cards were works of art, often
incorporating as many as 20 different colors.

In the 1890s, the penny-postcard craze hit America, and soon inexpensive German-made postcards flooded the market. Although the cards were crude, the price was right. Until World War I, Germany monopolized the business.

This penny postcard, published in Germany in 1909, features
robins - popular because, according to legend, a small brown
bird fanned a fire to keep the Christ child warm. During the
vigil, the bird's breast was seared scarlet.

The modern greeting card industry began in the early 1900s with the birth of such companies as Hallmark Cards (then known as Hall brothers, Inc.), Rustcraft, Buzza, and American Greetings. Even during the Depression, printed greetings were popular. Money was scarce, so many people sent cards instead of gifts.

World War II shortages curtailed the paper supply. Giltter became more scarce than gold, but still greeting cards survived. The cards became very patriotic - the use of the flag was popular, and even often carried by Santa. Special cards were created for soldiers overseas. "Across the miles" and "Missing you" sentiments reflected the somber reality of the day.

The American flag and the Statute of Liberty are united
for freedom in this inspiring 1942 greeting card.

The Christmas card custom has weathered war, economic turmoil, and social changes spanning well over a century. It serves the timeless human need to stay close, to share special thoughts with friends far and near during our most cherished holiday seasons.

Cards have come a long way since 1843. Designs are more sophisticated; production processes have been refined. But the message on that first Christmas card is as relevant today as it was then ..... "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you".

From all of us to all of you, it is our wish that this Christmas is your best one yet; that your blessings are many; your loved ones are with you; and most of all, that Christ is in your heart.

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 12-20-04 Military Monday 12-21-04 Welcome Home, Allegra 12-22-04 Deck The Finest Halls!

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
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[The Thin Man]

Merry Christmas, O Letter Thief --

Lady, that's very charitable of you after all that scoundrel has done to you this past year (wiping tear from my eye). :-)

[The Thin Man]

A Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

[deadhead]

Merry Christmas TTM

[deadhead]

Good Night

[Temple Owl]

That is really nice! Thank you.

[The Thin Man]

Merry Christmas, deadhead!

Nice tree.

[Diver Dave]

What a wonderful presentation you've given us today, Billie. Truly worthy a Hallmark Crown.

The Christmas rush has caused my late arrival, but I'm the richer for it after reading through the thread.

'Tis a GREAT family gathered here at The Finest... extending Christmas greetings to one another and sharing the thoughts and prayers on each heart. Makes me glad to be related to this GREAT "Family."

With all the hustle and bustle of the season, it is my prayer that Jesus Christ be remembered and glorified.

[MEG33]

I just posted this on the Canteen..

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

So there you have it… the greatest birth announcement

[Diver Dave]

So there you have it… the greatest birth announcement

Greatest birth announcement indeed.

Thanks, Meg.

[mista science]

I didn't suggest or intend to suggest that "t'wit" was a misspelling of "twit". I was a bit rushed and fatigued (late for my afternoon nap) and made a mistake. The second mention of "twit" should have been "t'wit". My bad. May have been confusing.

It's a double entendre (almost). When spoken but not when written. But you're being coy... that's all I'm going to tell you. Just curious, man/woman? Shouldn't be a problem. A veiled reference to your name...Thomas Witherspoon??

Cheers, and Merry Christmas!

[mista science]

And a Merry Christmas to you, Billie!

[mista science]

Oops. How did that happen - first posted to mista science. Ah well, us newbies do have our problems.
..................
I didn't suggest or intend to suggest that "t'wit" was a misspelling of "twit". I was a bit rushed and fatigued (late for my afternoon nap) and made a mistake. The second mention of "twit" should have been "t'wit". My bad. May have been confusing.

It's a double entendre (almost). When spoken but not when written. But you're being coy... that's all I'm going to tell you. Just curious, man/woman? Shouldn't be a problem. A veiled reference to your name...Thomas Witherspoon?? Cheers, and Merry Christmas!

[T'wit]

And a deliciously merry Christmas to you!

[Jen]

<=====

"I'll be home for Christmas"

Merry Christmas to all our men and women in uniform and FRiends at The Finest.

[The Mayor]

December 24, 2004

Born To Die

Read: Matthew 1:18-25

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. —Matthew 20:28

Bible In One Year: Habakkuk 1-3; Revelation 15

---

Although millions celebrate Jesus' birthday, few seem to be aware of its real significance.

We recognize that His birth was unusual because He was born of a virgin. His life was unique too, for He was the only one who lived without sinning. His death was also unusual. Jesus was not a martyr. He was not the victim of unfortunate circumstances, dying for a worthy cause. Nor did He lay down His life just to set a good example. There's much more to it than that. The Lord Jesus came into this world to be our Savior!

Jesus Himself said that He came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Who are the lost? The Bible tells us that "all have sinned" and that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 3:23; 6:23). In order to save the world, Jesus had to die for it. He came and lived the perfect life and then died the death we should have died. The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus was born to die. Because He was crucified and then rose from the dead, forgiveness of sin and assurance of heaven is now offered to all who believe (John 1:12).

Have you accepted God's gift of salvation? If not, do so today, and this will be your most meaningful Christmas ever. —Richard De Haan

God offers new life;
Yea, what more could He give?
For He sent the Redeemer
That sinners might live! —Morgan

Unless we see the cross overshadowing the cradle, we have lost the real meaning of Christ's birth.

[deadhead]

Sending you get well wishes.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[The Mayor]

Thank you Meg

God Bless you my friend.

[The Mayor]

Thank you Kitty

We are all truly Blessed.

[The Mayor]

Thank you!

I should be better in no time with all the Prayers
and get well wishes.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
wow 2005 already!

[kassie]

What a special picture.