I hunger for many things in life, like to see my loved ones follow Jesus, to travel the world, to disciple others. What do you hunger for? What occupies your imagination late at night?
I find that during the Christmas season, the worldly cravings intensify. We desire a Hallmark holiday, so we overspend, overeat, and over-expect perfect family time. But when we take a moment to sit in a quiet chair and listen to our souls, we still feel hungry. And whether it’s Christmas or any time of year, the reality is that whatever we pursue to satisfy the hunger of our souls—that is not Christ Himself—will leave us wanting.
This is what I think Jesus touched on when He addressed the crowds. Hungry people trekked in droves to witness this miracle worker after He multiplied a few loaves and fishes to feed thousands. But it sounds like, rather than hungering for Jesus, they desired a party with their friends and to witness another multiplying of bread. Some of them wanted stomachs full of sweet wheat, but they didn’t want Jesus Himself.
Sometimes our Christmas season looks a lot like this too. We put up a manger in our home but spend all our mental energy creating confections to impress friends at the holiday party. Yet all the cookies and crafting can leave us void of Christ. More than insta-worthy Christmas trees and table settings, Christ nourishes the deepest parts of our souls as the bread of life who came from heaven and gives life to the world. Unlike the manna in the wilderness that dissolved in one day (John 6:33, Exodus 16:1–12), we are promised that if we come to Him we will never be hungry or thirsty (John 6:35).
Now, of course, our stomachs will still growl if we skip breakfast. Jesus is not actual bread we bake in the oven. Even the Jewish leaders couldn’t understand how Jesus could be bread. “Was Jesus a cannibal?” they probably thought (vv.52–58). But the hunger Jesus satisfies is much more than a yearning for loaves of bread—and different than eating actual flesh. He offers the flesh of His body as a sacrifice for our sin (Romans 5:6–8), and He satisfies our longing for eternal life (John 6:40). Eating communion bread is a demonstration of our faith in the One God has sent (John 6:29).
It is this bread—the offering of Jesus as our provision and for the forgiveness of sin—that we can believe in and delight in this Christmas. May Christ be our deepest craving. He is our feast for the taking.
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100 thoughts on "Bread of Life, Come"
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“May Christ be my deepest craving!”
Bread of heaven, feed me til I want no more ❤️
I love the song “Sitting at the Feet of Jesus”, which is my desire, but yet I fill my days with so many things that don’t contribute to that closeness. Thanks for the reminder that eating of the Bread of Life is our choice, and that nothing else will fill us.
I couldn’t agree more with the second paragraph. We want and want and want but are so inclined to fill void with everything but the savior. Jesus awaken our hearts and let us turn to you always for fulfillment.
May I want more of You, Jesus, not merely family and friend time, not merely gatherings of singing Christ-mas songs, eating holiday treats, not merely listening to favorite podcasters and preachers repeating the Baby Jesus story in many different ways—but You. Jesus—full of grace, love, and truth that overfills my soul.
May Christ be my deepest craving❤️
and gives life to the world.
Thank you Jesus for nourishing the deepest parts of my soul as the bread of life who came from heaven
Hello, after reading this awesome article i am also glad to share my experience here with friends.
What a great reminder in a busy season that He is the only way we feel full
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Love the reminder to return to taking communion by myself!
I was thinking about the presents I need to buy and the cards I need to send before this reading. Thank you Lord for this space that shifts my focus on what really matters during Christmas; YOU!
So many good comments here. Thank you for all who prayed for me and my family last week. We are all on the mend and I am happy to have some strength back.
Happy Monday ladies! I feel so absent from the comments lately as I have been so busy. Praying I can stop and take moments to take in the advent season more. We lost my sweet uncle last week so I’ve been dealing with that. Along with more holiday makeup bag orders. It seems our family can’t catch a break! Praying for you all
Sometimes I get so caught up in everyday life that I lose my craving for Jesus. This advent study has been amazing so far in reminding me each day long for Jesus in a fresh and new way. May we long for Christ as our daily bread everyday and not just this holiday season.
GRAMSIESUE SUE… Springfield, MO or IL or…? Continued prayers for you and Steve.
“We put up a manger in our home but spend all our mental energy creating connections to impress our friends at the holiday party.” PREACH!
Needed this one today ♥️
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Jesus is the reason for the season. As I read the scriptures and tried to understand them I asked God for a deeper understanding of the scriptures so I can spread the Good News.
Thankful for the reminder that the Lord is the bread of life.
Hmmmmm
A Hallmark Christmas
Is that our goal?
Or do we just want to be closer to the reason we celebrate Christmas?
And certainly a Hallmark Christmas isn’t a bad thing. It’s good too.
But is it the BEST?
My mind is just swirling so forgive the rambling.
We’ve just been told that Steve will be treated for Mononeuritis Multiplex associated with Vasculitis. That’s a lot of big words that must immediately be googled. LOL
Good news…there’s a treatment and we may be heading back to Springfield in a couple of days.
Not so good news…he goes from here to a Rehab hospital.
Could be there 2-3 weeks.
What will this Christmas look like?
Christmas Eve service? Not likely at church.
Gifts under the tree? Maybe
Family together? Maybe
Prayers of praise and thanksgiving? Oh Yes!!!
Hugs and tears? Oh yes!!!!
And hugs to all of you!! ❤️
GramsieSue I am praying for you and Steve I am glad you have a diagnosis and treatment.
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What a wonderful and timely study today. Followed by deep and touching comments from all my SRT sisters. It seems lots of us are feeling the need to be filled by Jesus this Christmas. I had decided to do a year of special decorations even before I found out my diagnosis. But the truth is, that’s a lot of work to celebrate the pagan side of Christmas. I have a collection of manger scenes, and got them out yesterday. I put two wooden ones made from the wood of trees in Jerusalem under one of the trees I had put up. Those, as well as others I displayed throughout the living room brought more of the true meaning of Christmas than any of the fancy, shiny lights. It is so true that we cannot be satisfied by anything or anyone other than the Bread of Life. It is my prayer that I keep my eyes and heart on Him this season, as well as throughout all the other times of my life.
HALLELUJAH! May we be satisfied in You alone, O LORD. @LENNEA PEREZ, YES. “Satisfied” by Jordan Feliz is perfect! Such a wonderful tribute to our King. Thank you for sharing.
During Christmas time I can get so distracted with so many things; Christmas lights, delicious food, fun events and presents. I have such unrealistic expectations for Christmas; maybe it’s all of those hallmark movies. I pray that I would focus on Christ to satisfy those deepest desires of my heart; to feel loved. ❤️ happy Monday she’s! May you all experience God’s peace and love this Christmas and always!
I’m reminded of the song Satisfied by Jordan Feliz. It’s not a Christmas song, but still perfect for today’s reading.
I had to bring out my study Bible to help with some commentary for John 6:53-58, and I found it to be really helpful, so I’ll put what it says here:
“Jesus answered the question the people asked (6:52). His words hinted at the Lord’s Supper yet to come. Since “flesh and blood” was a Jewish idiom for the whole person, Jesus might have been calling people to consume him fully by completely believing in him. Some Christian traditions see the bread as Christ’s literal flesh broken for us and the wine his literal blood poured out for us. Others take the meaning in more purely spiritual terms. Either way, receiving communion means no less than embracing Jesus’ life-giving sacrifice.”
– (NLT Illustrated Study Bible)
I had been struggling with understanding the “flesh and blood” and bread stuff, but now it makes total sense!
Great thoughts @Cee Gee thank you for sharing!
I too look at Christmas differently now. I do put up some decorations because I think they are pretty and remind me of when I was young. My mom made Christmas so special. But my focus is more on God than ever. My husbands kids have never gone to church or really know about God. They are more into Colorado ways. Worshipping yoga, the earth, etc. I struggle around them. They don’t want to hear about me beliefs. I hope someday they see the faith I have in God.
Beautiful devotion.
“Yet all the cookies and cravings can lead us void of Christ” – I reread that about 10 times. So true. I love reading all your comments, she’s ! ❤️
CEE GEE- this statement drove the study home for me: Eating is a personal act. No one eat bread or anything else for me. In order to live (physically), I must eat at regular intervals.
Believing that Jesus is the Son of God/the BREAD of Life is a personal act. In order to live (spiritually) I must believe, trust, and abide. I love this so much! Helped me visualize better what the readings were saying.
Thank you Jesus ♥️
Wow! Today has been a wake up call. Whilst I’m busy scribbling on the calendar and moaning at my husband about special moments with the kids, this maybe an Instagram perfect Christmas but where is the Christ centered Christmas? I needed this wake up call!! Thank you.
Amen! Thank you Lord! ❤️
FOMO has hit extra hard this year. Being a mom has changed things. For example, this is the last year he will be 3 and they change so much in a year. The little years have been so fleeting and so busy, and the world definitely puts those heavy expectations of producing the perfect full family holiday experiences with your families while your kids are young. Trying to force myself to slow down and focus on the only one who actually fulfills me.
Jesus is truly the bread of life❤️
SEANA SCOTT – Thanks for this beautiful and convicting devo! “… whatever we pursue to satisfy the hunger of our souls —that is not Christ Himself— will leave us wanting.”
John 6:40 – “… For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.”
Eating is a personal act. No one eat bread or anything else for me. In order to live (physically), I must eat at regular intervals.
Believing that Jesus is the Son of God/the BREAD of Life is a personal act. In order to live (spiritually) I must believe, trust, and abide. Kind of a ramble this morning, but it is Monday! ☺
Continued prayers for all SHES and thankful for all updates!
MARI V – Praying for your daughter’s success today!
LYNDA, SEARCHING, ADRIENNE – ❤
Yesterday I had met with two old friends for a holiday luncheon. It was beautiful; beautiful restaurant, beautiful food, beautiful ambiance BUT most important it was beautiful company! These ladies I have known for 25 +/- and we have walked all sorts of paths together. It’s exciting to see God at work in our lives. I can look back and see where God provided the bread in this situation or that situation. My biggest regret is not sharing enough glory to God at that luncheon! Lord I pray for the courage to speak up more. You are my rock and savior and I am so grateful for the “fullness” in my heart!
Jesus – the Bread of Life that truly satisfies our real hunger. I am reminded of a couple recent Christmases that were very much less than the Hallmark Christmas. 2020. That was a very strange Christmas. People didn’t gather much, everyone was scared of getting sick. And last year, here in Northern Michigan we had a true blizzard. I mean, a real one. Not just a lot of snow, but TONS of snow and wind. Sustained winds at 60mph… it was crazy. Flights were canceled. People were asked not to travel on the roads. My family didn’t gather except for us who live within 20 miles of each other. That meant only me and one son. So, I am looking forward to this year when 2 of my 4 kids will be here, 3 of my 4 grandkids will be here. Yes, I want a Hallmark Christmas because it means so much to me to have as many of my family together as possible. BUT, that said, I know without a doubt that the true bread of life, the true Christmas spirit comes from a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Himself. Yes, I want my family around, I want pretty decorations, I want to give gifts to my kid/grandkids, I want good food and lots of cookies… but I also know that Jesus truly is the life-giving source for pure joy, real contentment, deep down peace. He gives meaning and depth to all the other blessings in life. Because of Him I can truly enjoy the other things life gives us.
The main thing that stuck out today : being hungry for Christ . I love that !
Amen!! Only Jesus our Savior truly satisfies ❤️
This message has been something I’ve heard my whole life. But this is different. I pray that I hunger for Jesus over anything else this season.
Amen. This is so true. It really hits home in this context!
Today is such a great reminder to check what our heart is truly longing for this Christmas. Not perfection, not beautiful decorations or giving everyone everything they want. Jesus was born in a manager not a fancy house or castle. I need to desire the Bread of Life not the things the world offers. ”“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?“
Matthew 6:25 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.6.25.NIV
Lord, thank you for this reading this morning, reminding me, “He offered the flesh of His body as a sacrifice for my/our sins.” A “bread” like no other given with love. Gayle C. continued prayers on another journey. Prayers and blessings dear sisters.
The BREAD of LIFE! Good morning sweet She’s and Happy Monday! Did I say that? Happy Monday? Didn’t sleep very much as I stayed up with my daughter (in support) while she did homework. Please pray as she missed a few days last week (she was sick and still is) and was working on an assignment with tears and miserable. She’s pushing herself as she has a test today. My mama’s heart reached out to a few friends to pray for her to give her strength. She doesn’t want to miss another day and is pushing herself to do well in her government test so she she doesn’t have to do the FINAL. Please pray for her health and that she does well today. We got about 5 hours or less of sleep. BUT GOD…even though I didn’t sleep much I still CRAVED this BREAD and join all you my beautiful sisters as we read the WORD together. As I end this comment, I can hear my daughter coughing. Please pray for her. Good thing is we both tested negative for covid last night. Also she was given a new inhaler (and VERY expensive, like hundreds), please pray that doctor can have an alternate just as effective as I was only able to get her a partial of her prescription or that my GOD will provide as He ALWAYS does. I trust HIM!
Happy Monday Mari! I think that should be a thing, it might make getting up for Mondays easier!
Im praying for your daughter and her test today and for the provision of sensibly priced medication to help get her back on track! Sending out love from the UK!
MARI V – I’m praying for you daughter to get well very soon, and to do well on her test and other school work. I pray she feels Jesus walking by her side every step of the way. I also pray that God will provide the medication she needs in order to get well and stay well. I am so amazed at the prices insurance companies and pharmacies expect us to pay for life-sustaining medication. I pray you’ll have a full prescription for her soon.
“Christ nourishes the deepest parts of our souls as the bread of life who came from heaven and gives life to the world.” As I read these words it reminded me of an old hymn that we sang years ago in the church I grew up in – “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”, this is the first verse and chorus:
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven,
Feed me now and evermore;
Bread of heaven,
Feed me now and evermore.
Just as manna (bread of heaven) came down from above to fill the longing of the people, Jesus, our Bread of Heaven came down to this earth to fill our longing hearts.
My hope for this Christmas season is that I will “sit in a quite chair” and meditate on the gift of salvation that Christ offers to all who will receive Him and what that gift includes…
Love – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1John 3:1
Joy – “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…” 1 Peter 1:8
Peace – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Hope – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” 1 Peter 1:3
@Rhonda J – so happy to hear that your study of “Free of Me” went well! I am not familiar with the next study you chose, but it sounds good too!
@Gayle Craik – I will be praying for you! May God put His healing hand upon you and if it be His will completely remove you “c” forever.
@my She Sisters – praying for all your requests – May this new week fill you with the love, joy, peace and hope of Christ! ❤️
That is one of my favorite hymns!
Amen @Sue D – learning to see God in even material cravings… He is in everything. May we be satisfied by Him in all things.
Adrienne – ❤️
Searching – ❤️
Tina – ❤️
This devotional is so good. I don’t want to long for a perfect Christmas. Over the years, I have spent Christmas trying to get my family focused on Christ. I wrote a skit once on the birth of Jesus, and made them read it before opening gifts. It was fun but they definitely weren’t thrilled leading up to it. I tried reading the story of Christ in the gospel of Luke, another year.
I believe God was part of all that with me. But I am learning now to silently observe, intercede, and speak when prompted. I do not always do it perfectly. Sometimes, I speak out of my flesh. But I’m thankful for the ways I see God working in my family. I trust He loves us all and wants their salvation and minds open to Him more than me.
I do believe some of them really are saved, just don’t fully see His character because of lack of knowledge.
My prayer is that truth would prevail and their hearts would be full of His peace. God, You can do anything. I wait on You and trust You, despite the outcomes. I know I do not understand the whole story. I am here and thankful to be part of it.
@Laura Dianne- I pray that you would continue to be honest with the Lord and your local community. I feel with you and relate in some way. May He give you perspective and insight. As I said in my own prayer, God desires these salvations more than you do. He is the Good Shepherd running after His lost ones. Lord, give wisdom and peace, as Laura surrenders it all to you and gives you her burdens daily. ❤️ He is there to carry them, Laura ✝️(Matthew 11:28-30)
Thankful for this reminder. Jesus IS life!! ❤️❤️
As I read about “the Bread of Life”, i am reminded of a song from a few years back that has the phrase, “there’s a God-shaped hole in all of us” that only Jesus can fill… So thankful that my Savior has filled this “hole”…
ECS and TERESA DONLEY, Ecs, I love what you wrote: “You are not your diagnosis.” You are a chosen child of the King! Remember, you are never alone! My Prayers for both of you as you travel the road that was chosen for you. God will show and teach you many things along the way. Be sure to write them down to show the next generation what God can do!
RUBY E – thank you so much for these words. I know I am not my diagnosis, I am a Child of God. Thank you for your prayers, and for the suggestion to be writing about my journey for my kids.
May Christ be my deepest craving.
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John 6:34 … give us this bread ALWAYS! (Emphasis, mine!)
May you crave Him today and always, sweet She’s! And, contrary to what stores and other friends’ houses would have you believe (as evidenced by their beautiful of decorations) a Hallmark Christmas is not what it is cracked up to be❣️ Amen?!?!?!
So beautifully said.
Help my belief that You are the only One who truly satisfies. Fully sufficient and lacking nothing. Christ is enough. ❤️
I have been so focused this season on those in my immediate family who are not following Jesus and who are estranged from our family because of our faith and I have become very cynical. My husband has taken the brunt of it I’m afraid. I know that they have this hunger and I know who can fulfill it. That’s the frustrating part. They are struggling to fill their hunger with other things, when I know what they really desire is Jesus. I feel like I can talk a good talk of waiting on the Lord and having hope, but late at night (like the author said) my mind goes to those I long to see restored to faith, and it keeps me awake. I’m ashamed to admit it. I want to cling to PEACE this Christmas season, knowing that God hears me and knows my heart.
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May Christ be our deepest craving ✨✨
KELLY (NEO) – your heart is so kind for remembering. Her father-in-law (I may have gotten my words mixed up, as it was my daughters’ husband’s dad) left his pain & sickness behind and met his Savior face-to-face before Thanksgiving. His faith, his farm and his family were WHO HE WAS, and the pastor who did his funeral knew him so well, warts and all, that it was one of the best eulogies (if one can say such a thing about that sad time) I’ve heard in recent times. Becoming friends with the parents of the man who married your daughter isn’t always possible, I surely know; but we were blessed that way – we will sorely miss him.
Gayle, praying for you, my sister. Sending much love too. ❤️
Amen. ❤️
This devotion (and Scriptures too) speak so much to the current stage of my life. This Christmas I am yearning for an even deeper connection with Christ. And it’s the first time that I am not having a Hallmark Christmas. This is not to shame anyone who does, by the way. For me though, I find that when I put that expectation and pressure of myself, Jesus becomes second. So this season I am so thankful for the lack of pressure and for keeping things simple, which is allowing me to take a deep breath and embrace all that I am rediscovering through this study. And above all, I love how I feel closer to God by staying focused on the relationship I have with Him. Have a good week, sisters.
Jesus’s promise to be our bread of life is about more than just a way to escape hell. He’s promising us that he will meet our needs forever: in heaven and on earth. Today I was especially struck by John 6:37 “Everyone the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never cast out.” What a beautiful promise Jesus gives us that not only will he be our sustainer and provider, but he will never stop. He will never grow tired of us and cast us out.
Thank you Father for this reminder. As I see boxes of Christmas decorations still needing to go up and a gift list that still needs to be written and filled, my focus needs to be on the Lord and the beautiful gift he has given to us. I appreciate this study that I can read in the early morning that helps me to focus my day on. Calm, centered focus on the Bread of Life.
Thank You Father! What a great reminder to stop focusing on a Hallmark Christmas, but to pause and focus on the Greatest Gift we have received.
If we strip everything, the only thing that matters is our relationship with Christ. Keep praying for my health as I am in my 2nd reoccurrence of stage 4 c. I refuse to say the word out loud!
You bet I am praying for you :)
I’m praying for you, Gayle, that you will feel our Savior walking with you every step of the way, and that He will be the Bread of Life that makes you whole. I’m praying for a miraculous healing.
Thank you Teresa!
Thank you for asking KELLY (NEO) and for your prayers – as of last update, still in very critical condition.
Father full me afresh without Holy Spirit and renew my focus on You. In Jesus name, Amen
Bread of Life. My first thought when I read the title was “Christ sustains us.” And on the hardest of days – with our faith in Him and His love for us, we have what we need to keep going, to take the next breath, the next step. In the southern US, out in the country at least, the word sustenance is used on a fairly regular basis as mealtime approaches – as in, I’m ready for some sustenance. Merriam-Webster defines it as means of support, maintenance, or subsistence; the act of sustaining, the state of being sustained; a supplying or being supplied with the necessaries of life; and last but not least, my favorite, something that gives support, endurance, or strength – that’s my Jesus (that, and so much more)! (MARI V, FOSTER MAMA & others ❤️)
ALYSSA SELBY – praying for the job your husband needs, quick restoration of power and other services, comfort for the families, and recovery for the communities affected by the tornadoes.
JENIFER N – praying for your son and the Clarksville community
MICHELLE PATIRE ❤️
Amen. Nothing truer than knowing that the other stuff leaves one hungry, but Jesus fills up the cup and love shines always.
“He is our feast for the taking.”
Give me this day my daily portion of the Bread of Life, that I may do the will of the Father in Your strength.
ALYSSA SELBY – prayers for your family and community.
AIMEE D-R – any updates on your mom?
MENE FAYE – how’s your husband’s recovery?
COLLEEN DEVEAU – how’s your dad?
RHONDA J – how’s your dad?
MAE POUND – how’s your daughter-in-law’s dad?
CHANGED LIFE – how’s your pastor?
KARRIE – howu’s your aunt?
ERB – how’s your friend with brain cancer?
SEARCHING – continuing to pray for your friend’s daughter.
Kelly (NEO), thank you for asking about my husband. He is doing well… improving day by day! thank you all for your prayers.
What a great God we serve indeed. Lord, may we hunger and thirst for more of YOU and not be satisfied with mediocre, lukewarm Christianity. Nope. Not us. We are women in the WORD and we are dependent on YOU.
Amen June Pimpo. We are women gathered together in word and prayer.
I needed this reminder. There has been a lot of loss in my family over the last few years and Christmas celebrations do not look the same at all. I find myself focusing more on that than on Christ. Lord May I hunger for you more than anything else!
I know Jesus wasn’t literally talking about bread, but it made me think. There is nothing I dislike quite as much as the drudgery of having to make lunch boxes every day. It’s a task I’m never done with. I zip up those lunch boxes of ham and cheese with a fleeting sense of accomplishment, knowing that tomorrow I have to do it all over again. And the kids never say thank you- they just expect that lunch box to be there. In fact the only time I get a comment is if I forget said lunch! (See also: whiney Israelites wandering in a desert.) If Jesus showed up and offered the eternal lunch box… I would take it. If he showed up and said, “here, follow me. Your needs will be met. Your lunch box will be filled…” I’d follow that guy.
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What a great analogy!
I love the bread of life idea that never leaves us craving. God knows our every need and we can trust that he will provide them for us. What a great God we serve.
Much-needed reminder that focusing on Him brings true satiation, even in times of difficulty.
Thank you Lord for your sacrifice for me
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Beautiful SEANNA SCOTT. Thank you. ❤