God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ. --Wilda English … [Read more...]
The Second Day of Christmas – Boxing Day
Christmas isn't over yet. Many traditions celebrate the 12 days of Christmas (from the 25th to Epiphany on Jan. 6) with today being number two. Some people call this day Boxing Day. December 26 doesn't get its due other than the madness of after Christmas sales. In some countries this day is St Stephen's Day but many more people celebrate Boxing Day. This tradition started as the day after Christmas was when servants and trades people received their gifts from their bosses called the Christmas box. The term, Boxing Day, has existed since the Middle Ages though no one knows for sure who it began. One theory is that is referred to the Alms Box found in church to collect money to help the poor. One tale implies Boxing Day began with Good King Wenceslas. Remember that carol? Here are the first and last verses: Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen When the snow lay round about Deep and crisp and even Brightly shone the moon that … [Read more...]
Merry Christmas
The true joy of Christmas is the love of Christ, shared with friends and family. May you find his peace, love, and joy in the coming year. … [Read more...]
Christmas Hush – Quote of the Week
Let's approach Christmas with an expectant hush Rather than a last minute rush. Anonymous … [Read more...]
Advent Change
I don't like change. Snuggling deep into my comfort zone, I like to know the what, when and how the future will unfold. Change makes me nervous. Powerless. Not in control. Even the sense of fear creeps in when something new comes or circumstances adjust my well ordered plans. Sigh. I have faced this issue before as you can read in this post. Yet life is change. So is Advent. I wrestle with the question that lingers this time of year: How will my heart be transformed by Advent? I should be writing words about trust, faith, and God is in control, but I want to be honest. Mixing things up, finding new ways, trying different perspectives is all difficult. This morning I played around with different words describing change that may soften my opposition. I know just a silly mind game, but one I am hoping will help. Adapt Alter Correct (YIKES!) Evolve Transform Turn Veer (off track most likely crashing into the unknown) Revamp Shift Then I found … [Read more...]
Advent Calendar Ideas Round Up
I realized this year my grandkids didn't have an advent calendar. I grew up with the traditional paper one and when my kids were younger we hung the same handmade felt calendar up on the wall for many years. I think I was the one who made that well loved calendar from a kit back in my more crafty days. Advent calendars originated in the 19th century in Germany and are used by many families to count and enjoy the days and delight in the anticipation of the birth of the Christ Child. Each day you open one of 24 doors to reveal a Bible verse and/or small treat. The first known Advent Calendar dates back to 1851. Another tradition in Germany was to paint chalk strokes on the door, one per day until Christmas Eve. The first printed Advent Calendar, although without windows to open, published in 1908. Interest in Advent calendars faded during World War II until President Dwight D. Eisenhower appeared in a photograph opening one with his grandchildren. Money … [Read more...]
Advent Prayer – Quote of the Week – Henri Nouwen
Advent Prayer. How will Advent shape your prayers this year? Will you pray about the light of Advent? Hope? The anticipation of the new birth in your Advent prayer? Will all the busy preparations come from a place of chaos and pressure or from a place of Advent prayer? Who is your heart focused on this season? The news? The weather? Or the presence of Jesus? I found peace and stillness in praying the following Advent prayer each day during this time of year. May it bless your season also. Lord Jesus,Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we … [Read more...]
Happy Thanksgiving!!
For those in the United States, Happy Thanksgiving.For my friends living elsewhere and my friends in this country, each day can be a day full of thanks when we pay attention to all the gifts from God.Everything is a gift.Friday is traditionally called "Black Friday" and consumerism conquers character in the mad rush to buy, buy and buy.I saw this article at the Huffington Post and think it is a great idea for all of us this time of year:Thanksgiveaway:Jon Sweeney writes:"Thanksgiveaway (proper noun): The day after Thanksgiving in the United States that describes people's attempt to shun what had become a tradition of shopping furiously for bargains, once known as "Black Friday," with a day devoted to cleaning out extra clothing, unneeded books, rarely used cooking utensils and appliances, and other non-essential or duplicate household items, and giving them away to others who may need them."Let's spread the word about this great idea. … [Read more...]