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...]
Do the Right Thing – Lectio Divina
"Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream an said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus...' When Joseph awoke from sleep he did as the angel of the Lord commend him." Matthew 1: 18-21, 24 Joseph did the right thing. Lord, that isn't always easy or popular. Joseph sounds like a thoughtful, godly man -one who considered options thoroughly before preceding, like planning a project in his carpenter shop. Joseph made a decision but waited before taking action. Did he pray, Lord? … [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...]
What are Antiphons? – An Advent Tradition
"It's time for the O's!" "I love the O's. They really get me ready for Christmas." "Oh, what are you two talking about?" I asked my friends. Not only did I hear the answer, but I learned a new Advent tradition. The O's they were referring to are the Antiphons or sometimes spelled O'Antiphones. These are seven prayers chanted in the evening the seven days before Christmas. Actually the Antiphons ritual begins December 17 until December 23. Their strange name, Antiphons, originates from the Greek language meaning responsive singing. What is special about these sentences is that each one is a title for the coming Messiah. They are, O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel. Each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah. The Seven Antiphons December 17 "O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most … [Read more...]
The Opposite of Optimism – Lessons in Change
The opposite of optimism is not pessimism. The opposite of optimism is helplessness. I read this statement the other day and it lingered in my thoughts and heart. When a word or phrase jumps out like that I have learned to listen to its wisdom. Usually it means God is teaching me something if I pay attention to the lesson. As you all know, this blog transferred last week to a new platform called Wordpress. While I was optimistic the move would be successful, I was nervous, uncomfortable and filled with self-doubt about the decision. Yes I felt helpless. This has been a reflective lesson in how I cope with any change in life. How does the change feel now? I sense I am living in a new house. You know what it is like to buy a new home. We have some of the same structures - bedroom, doors, bathrooms but the details are strange and new. We don't know our way around in the dark or which light switch works where. We can't find what we want since it is still in boxes and who knows … [Read more...]
Pilgrimage – A Book Review
Travel. Vacations. Pilgrimages. Whatever you call it - the time away from the routines and ordinary duties refreshes the body, mind and spirit if we intentionally seek deeper nourishment. I like the word "Pilgrimage" which originally meant, "to go through a field." Often this term refers not only the physical trip to a special place, but an inward journey also. We venture out on a tour paying attention to where God speaks and beckons and we come home transformed by his grace and wonder. On a pilgrimage, we see the world from a new perspective and discover new wonders. A pilgrimage can be to any place where we find God, even the stillness of our own backyards. But "thin" places also exist in multiple sacred locations throughout the world. Perhaps that's why the title of a new book by Lynn Austin intrigued me - "Pilgrimage - My Journey to a Deep Faith in the Land Where Jesus Walked." Her journey to the Holy Lands renewed her passion for prayer and encouraged her … [Read more...]