Everyone, rich or poor, must bow at the entrance to the Holy Cave where Christ was born, because the entrance to this sacred place is quite low.
In Bethlehem, the present Church of the Nativity was built in the year 595, over the blessed cave.
Steps from the Church descend into the area where the original manger stood.
Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, made a pilgrimage to the site of the Nativity in the 18th Century.
She brought with her a large icon, called the Panagia (holy one) of Bethlehem.
Apparently, after being in this holy and humble place, she made a decision to never wear lavish jewellery again.
The beautiful icon now hangs near the entrance to the birthplace of our Lord.
In the photo is a small replica of the famous icon, which I purchased in Bethlehem. For me, it brings back memories of kneeling at the site where the manger stood.
It has been a challenging year, and Christmas may be different for all of us. Perhaps it will be simpler, and less materialistic.
God is with us in all our difficulties, and so we proclaim :
‘O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord’.
This is my last blog post.
Thank-you for following this blog.
I have greatly enjoyed reading your blog posts.
Merry Christmas, and may God continue to richly bless you, and guide you.

Thank you for your work, Sally. Will miss you. Hope all is well. Merry Christmas.
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Thank you, Sally, I will miss your wonderful words. God bless. -C.D.
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Sally I am shocked and upset at this being your last post. Your posts have been great spiritual reading and encouragement in the short time I have been following you. Please feel free to contact me privately anytime Sally. I pray that our Father God will enable you in His strength and wisdom, that you will know the peace of His Spirit always.
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Sally, wishing you and your family and very blessed holy season. It has been a delight to interact with you and I wish you and your family the very best life has to offer. God bless you.
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I am sad to know this is your last post.π I greatly enjoyed your writing. Godβs best to you, always, Sally.
In regard to what you wrote today, perhaps, as you said, Christmas 2020 will be at least a little more like the first one.
Idea: you could always keep writing and turn off the like and comment buttons. Just say what Jesus puts on your heart; we can read it and be blessed.π
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Last this year or last as in last last forever π₯΄?
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Merry Christmas. Why are you leaving if you don’t mind my asking?
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Hi Sally,
Thank you for your thoughtful and gentle spirit, for timely reflections on life as a Christian, and for a taste of what life is like in rural Newfoundland. It has been a pleasure following your blog, and I know that the notification will be a welcome sight should you choose to resume posting in the future.
God bless,
Craig
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You will be missed in my blogging world.
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Merry Christmas, Sally! May the Lord continue to bless you with His peace and draw you close in His love. Thank you for sharing a bit with us from your little “corner” of the world. β€
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Sally, I will miss you. I LOVE seeing your posts. You are like a spiritual mother to so many. Such a comfort and inspiration. I wish you every blessing in 2021 … And perhaps, one day, you will start posting again. Thank you for your ministry.
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Thank you for writing what you have. Blessings!
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I love what you wrote. I always do. You have a gift and I pray you continue that in some way. And I will sincerely miss your thought sharing and stories with wisdom and insights. Please keep in touch if God leads you tonyalalonde@gmail.com. May God bless you richly, friend and sister in Christ!πβ€
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Be well, Sally. I am pleased to have had this comparatively brief time to get to know you.
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I’m also sorry to hear this is your last post … for a while …? π
This story reminds me of when Queen Victoria said she hoped Jesus would return in her lifetime. When asked why, she said “Oh, sir, that I may lay my crown at His feet!” β€
God bless you, Sally, and have a wonderful Christmas.
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I found your blog not too long ago and have read a number of your posts. I felt so peaceful after reading them and even imagined that I was sitting in your house looking out at the water to amplify that peacefulness. You have a special way with words conveying thoughts about our lives with our Lord. I’m sorry that you won’t be blogging but I sure enjoyed what I did read. Diane
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Sally, please donβt go.
Your words help more than you know.
Newfoundland lighthouse.
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Thank you for the history story. For those of us that may never have a chance to visit the church and place of the original manger, this is precious information. πππ£
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Hey Sally…
It’s sad to hear that this may be your last post. I hope you meant just for 2020. Either way, your posts were very inspiring and many of them were very enriching. Wishing you a joyous and peace filled Christmas filled with blessings of abundance, love and grace.
Hugs….Rue
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Wow! Your last blog! I just started following you and have enjoyed reading your perspective. I really have liked the photographs you share. Looking over the many comments here, I can see you have devoted followers. Best of grace and health for you and your loved ones. Thank you, also, for “liking” my blogs. Very encouraging to see your appreciation. God bless.
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I will miss your posts Sally. They are very unique and enjoyable. May God bless you always. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! β€οΈ
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Enjoyed your posts, Sally, and I’ll miss them. Thank you for all your words, wisdom, and encouragement to press on. Blessings!
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What a lovely post. Iβm sorry to find that this is your last post as Iβm just a recent reader of your inspiring work.
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Merry Christmas Sally. Miss you. I was just passing by to see what’s new then I remembered this was your last blog this year. Stay blessed.
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Thank you, Sally, for your thoughtful and faith-filled writing, and blessings to you as you continue to serve our Lord in new ways.
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May God keep you Always Sally in His loving care! Stay strong in Him and He will guide and direct your path. Be Blessed.
Julia
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Thanks, Julia ! God does work marvelously.
Just today my husband and were discussing our move to another part of Canada, British Columbia.
Thanks for your kind encouragement ! π€
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Happy New Year and remain safe and blessed in all endeavors.
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Thanks, Tangie, and God’s richest blessings to you as well. π€
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Sally, I will miss your blogs and hearing from you. May God bless your next venture. Know you are loved.
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Happy New Year! I love you.
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Happy New Year and best wishes to you and your family.
I continue to pray for you. I really like the wall hangings that you have created.
You are continually being inspired by the Holy Spirit. βπ€πΌ
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Thank you grandma! π₯°
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Hey Sally,
I loved your blog and it felt really great to read something nice just after waking up in the morning.
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