DECEMBER DELIGHTS

DECEMBER: A new month.

It's several days after my 'upload' challenge.  For some reason the
silly upload now works.  I made this ginger house a few years
ago - when I had oodles of time.  This year I simply remember
those quiet days when I was not working.

A new year to follow the life of Christ as we anticipate his birth.

You know how I love to add my photos.
Won't work today.
No way, no how.

I must laugh.
 I tried to upload a picture of my favorite scripture.
Perhaps God is telling me something.
It says . . . BE  
 S T I L L    and
  K N O W     that I AM . . . GOD.

SO, I still my soul, write a note to Google and wait.

I love this pottery crèche that my sister gave me
years ago, before I lived where they make the figures.
It's simple, elegant, and tells the TRUE message
of Christ-mass.   The Christ Celebration!

After All, that is what ADVENT is all about.                                                  
ADVENT is greek for COMING.
We wait for the coming of the Lord.

I wait for new inventions to work as I wait.

Always something new.

I still my soul.

I write another note.

I wait.

It's that 'pregnant pause' that is so difficult.

I often think of Mother Mary, filled to fullness in her ninth month of pregnancy.
Filled with the Son of God.
Filled with joy as she carries this weight that will grow heavier over the years.

Perhaps I can carry the weight of impatience.
B R E A T H E . . . I say to myself.
New is good.
Just like new birth is good.
The birth of Jesus changed the world.
Perhaps the insights in this blog may change a heart.

12.02:: A maze of appointments, meetings, obligations, spinning, whirling, pressing on and I am ready to BE STILL.  Oh JOY.  Sitting still so late at night, when all is silent . . .  sleep, sweet sleep overtakes me.

Tea time is so daily.
It's a time to give rest to the soul
and give thanks for special gifts - like this tea cup.

12.03::  Type, file, scroll, study, mark, take notes, observe, contemplate, create.  Pieces of paper roll out of my printer as I study dozens of e-files.
 The amazing work of these computers overwhelms my soul.  I take a moment to re-read one of many blogs sent to me to embrace the presence of the Lord.
 I love other's insights into scripture after I spend my own time meditating on God's Word.

12.4::  Home all day!  Sifting through files of affirming words to remind the women joining our Women of Worth gathering on Sunday that they are truly AMAZING!
 It's a time to slow down, notice the gifts God has given each of us, drink in love and sweet affirmations from each other as the Lord guides us.
 Treats for the tummy, treats for the soul and the rare treat of time together.
 I can't wait!
 We are 'Queen for the day!" and so deserving of the title.  My favorite cup reminds me of this.

12.5::  "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" rings through me head as I read prophecy from Malachi 3 and the song of Zechariah in the Gospel of Luke.  The expectation is heightened when John, the baptizer comes on the scene.  DRAMA, explosive words, excitement in the tight environs of the

I love my wreath, always ready to hang for winter.

hebrew people.  Anticipation . . .   I get excited every year as the story unfolds.  I never tire of that 'expectant' feeling that a mother has just before giving birth.  The celebration of the birth of the King of Kings is getting closer and I'm EXCITED!

12.6::  2nd Sunday of Advent.
We seem to balance our lives so tightly it's like dancing on the head of a pin.
 If one more item is added to our agenda, something will fall off that tiny place of balance . . . perhaps it's me who will fall off.

Zechariah, father of John the baptizer, raised his son to make a 'space' in his life to invite the 'ONE who is to come' into his life.  John grows up and God calls him into a mighty task . . .  make a  pathway so that the "'One' who was and is and is to come" can make his way into our hearts.  John yells to the endless crowds coming to see him, "Make way for the Lord!  Repent! Turn around!
 Find a special pathway to invite God's Presence back into your heart!"

A great idea if no candles are allowed.  Birch twigs in greens.
To make an Advent wreath, place 4 on greens and pin
a red 'winterberry' on each advent candle as the
season of Advent unfolds.

Let's light another candle that will pierce the darkness and remind us of the light of Christ who seeps into our souls when we invite Him to do so.

12.7::  Crisp, sunny with frosty ground . . . a perfect backdrop for winterberry bushes blooming with bright red fruit.
 I snuggle into my favorite chair and wonder at all the activity I see around me.  Decorations still going up and friends walking by in warm coats, hats and scarves.
 I wonder as I read from Isaiah and Amos . . .  Prophecy, foretelling of what is to come, words of encouragement or exhortation, all good, all meant for my soul.
 Where am I in my walk?
Do I simply move forward with the natural momentum of the week or do I step out, charge myself up a bit and give beyond my norm?
 Give of myself?  Give of my abundance?
Give of my knowledge (what little I have)?  YES!

A carved 'Charlie Brown' tree sits in front
of closed curtains.  The angel my sister
made decades ago is lovely in the sunlight.

It's the season of giving of self,  heart and soul.
Think big - do good- BE in Christ.

12.8:: Up early to open the house to fix-it guys.  One leaves and another enters.  We're ready for winter.
 Words on paper, emails galore, business, thinking, swirling in music, remembering for a report.
Ahhhhh, so nice to be done . . . for the day.
Sun hides behind dark skies as sun-rays flicker on empty corn fields.
 A nice day to remember the reason for the season.
Oh joy!

12.9:: Early up again to meet the ol' doc.  All is well with this old body . . .  as long as I follow the rules . . . so many rules.
 BUT God is good, Life is good, WE are good.
Hubby and I keep chugging along with errands, some breathing time and a tiny bit of pre-Christmas enjoyment.

12.10:: Lists, agendas, deadlines, meetings into the night.
A long day is slated.  B R E A T H E . . . be still . . .  know the Lord is guiding my every step.  Jeremiah 29 comes to mind, "I know the plans that I have for

you," declares the Lord. "Plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."
His plans are my plan.  Praise Him that He PLANNED the presence of His Son from the very beginning . . . even before creation.  God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. AMEN

12.11:: Hazy skies fade into sparkle as temps rise.  It's like a gorgeous fall day!  I love it.  A very long meeting last night left me drained but the beauty of this day revives my soul.  I "press on toward the goal of the upward call of Christ Jesus," as I remain focused on my Lord.  My desire to quit is strong as my body limps along.  Yet, I feel 'called' to stand the test and press into the challenges set before me.  God is so good.  I must focus on those faithful encouragers who are with me every step of the way.  JOY comes in the midst of adversity because my JOY is in my Lord, Jesus Christ.

12.12:: I create a poem on JOY to add to the gift package tomorrow from St. Nicholas.  A wonderful tradition is to share the legend of this devout Christian who came from a wealthy home but chose to give all he had away to give JOY to others.

Christmas cookies are my favorite way to celebrate
this season of giving and sharing the love of Christ.

JOY is a choice made daily, like turning on a light.
It makes life seem brighter instead of dark as night.
We can look at each letter to help us understand
the meaning of the season the focus of this land.
The J reminds us of Jesus,
the O reminds us of Others.
The Y means YOU are loved by Christ
who lives in us forever.
So when you make Jesus 1st,
on your list of things to do,
then it is no wonder that others see JOY in you!

12.13:: JOY Sunday is a time in Advent to 'lighten up.'  We add a light spray of flowers and invite the children to participate in the service.

I love trees filled with food for birds and even
some close-to-the-ground food for bunnies.

The third, JOY,  candle is lit on the Advent wreath and brings a tad more light into our worship space. Light piercing the dark but very warm day reminds us of the Hope of Christ and the reason for this season of celebration . . . we are getting closer to the end of this pregnant pause.

12.14:: Balmy days invite us outside but the drizzle gives us pause.  I'm not complaining.  So far, the 'winter' seems like spring!  Yet, as I am driving home mid-afternoon, with ever darkening skies, I enjoy the sparkle of Christmas lights that dance in front of homes.  Some inside trees are lit inviting my quick glance into a bit of celebration.  NICE!

12.15:: Nothing beats a decorated 'outside' tree.  Munchies for birds and ornaments from nature.  God provides everything we need.  Birds and squirrels and bunnies (and even the skunks that visit us at midnight) never seem to worry about tomorrow.  Why should we?  As I try to meet endless deadlines I am also trying to take a 'time-out' each week.  Hubby and I are excited to have received FREE tickets to Longwood Gardens, a bit of a drive for us but OH SO BEAUTIFULLY decorated for Christmas.  JOY comes in 'natural' packages.

Perhaps this was a leaky fountain but now it is a
great place to nurture succulents.  Lights
stream down each tier like running water.

12.16:: A long journey that was filled with DECEMBER DELIGHTS filled our souls for a long time to come.  A special luncheon began the day and then we drove to the gardens.  Endless vignettes of beauty filled our sightline as we moved through acres of enchantment. I should have taken more pictures but the black night popped with the color of lights and water dancing to music.  Mild weather enabled us to walk for three hours as we drank in the beauty of the season.  I think it is the BEST year we have had at the gardens even though every year is amazing.  I thank the Lord every day that I have eyes to see, ears to hear and an open soul to receive such blessings.

12.17::  A time to send greetings to those we love.  This is often the only time of year we share with friends we have known but have not seen for years. I love hearing about friends' children and family adventures.  It's a time to 'connect' and a time to refresh our memories of days gone by.  NICE.

12.18:: SUN!  Oh JOY! It's amazing, as the days grow darker and sun hides behind thick clouds, how my body seems to shut down.

My camera moved in this night shot but the blue lights
were spectacular as we entered the conservatory
so beautifully decorated with LIGHTS!

 I exercise more slowly and begin my day sluggishly.
I'm ready for bed an hour early.
 LIGHT shining through the darkness does make a difference.
 No wonder we celebrate the Light of Christ and His birth during the darkest time of the year.
 HE makes all the difference in this dark world . . .  and in my life!
Thank you God for sending Your Son to US!

12.19:: "My soul MAGNIFIES the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior."  Words from Mary after Elizabeth greets her with BLESSING!  Two women bonding together as each carries a miracle of life within them.  The power of the Holy Spirit communicates to Mary and Elizabeth the awesomeness of this moment.  No need for conversation.  They KNOW the spirit of the Lord is upon them and filling them to overflowing with JOY and grace.  AMEN!

12.20:: My nephew's birthday, another year to celebrate the life of this precious soul in Christ.

Open the doors and majestic trees greet the eye.

Advent 4, a very dark beginning to the day, as days continue to become the shortest in the year.  FOUR candles of light brighten a dim corner of the church.  JOY rings out as we rejoice in the story of the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth.  God graces two women with life.  Each carries that life that belongs to God and is God, respectively.  They burst forth with joy as their bodies burst forth with new life in God's due time.  John is a miracle to Elizabeth in her very old age.  The seed of God within Mary is a miracle for all humanity who will soon be born, will live a very short but productive life, and will be crucified so that we who believe in Him might have eternal life.

12.21:: The longest day of the year is pretty mild but sun has yet to peak through cloudy skies.  We hide inside and recall the glorious concert of carols we enjoyed yesterday.  Oboe, bassoon, clarinet, flute, french horn produced delicate tunes that danced in our hearts.  The grand piano duets and the choir anthem were a grand addition.  NICE.  Music gives rest tot he soul, especially for the listener.

Our little manger at church.  It's a perfect size for our little church.

12.22:: Just when the Light of Christ pierces through the darkness in celebration of His birth, we begin to see four minutes more light each day.  Wise men thought of the perfect time of year to celebrate.  Balmy weather with gray, dark skies confuses the mind.  It seems like spring!  We have been so blessed so far.  Tonight we drive around the neighborhoods basking in the luxury of outdoor decorations and lights and who knows what.  It's a fun time of year even if it is a bit busy.  We make time to be quiet, listen, wait, contemplate God's Word and simply breath in new discoveries daily.

12.23:: The day before Christmas Eve and all through the house, the rain was pouring far more than a douse.  The mantle was filled with all matter of things, the manger, the stocking and a wooden man who sends out puff-rings.  A dark, quiet day.  A time to say THANK YOU to friends who care enough to write a message, purchase a stamp and send their love.  I am way behind on this part but at least I try to respond to each person before the new year.  My mind dances with words for tomorrow.
The Lamb of God, born in the midst of sheep herders' flocks.  Sheep raised for required sacrifices and a little Lamb of God destined in the same way. . . for us.  An incredible gift  . . . for us.

12:24:: "And the glory of the Lord shone upon them . . . "  The Eve of the Nativity of our Lord, Jesus Christ is when we have our grand celebration.
The children take over the first service with the Pageant, narrated by the Youth.  This service is packed and rowdy and wonderful.  The time for carols before the later Festive service is my favorite.  In our tradition we can finally usher in Christmas with all those traditional songs.
The Festive Service with incense is fabulous, regal, filled with the Glory of the Lord as we are swept into the story of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and, of course, the birth of Christ Jesus.

The Moravian star is a standard
symbol of light piercing the darkness.

This is the first crescendo of our liturgical year.
 This lofty beginning will hold us through Lent, Holy Week and, of course, the grand crescendo of the year, Resurrection Sunday.
CELEBRATE!
Celebrate Life!
Celebrate Life in Christ eternal, that we each may know and understand our own, personal relationship with God in Christ and rejoice in resurrected life.

12:25 Celebrate quietly . . . B R E A T H E . . . let the foggy, dark day envelope us like a blanket as we bask in the glory of last night's celebration of our Lord's birth.  Crazy, wild children's pageant with deep meaning, packed church and joyous embrace.  The second service, formal, traditional, a bit staid, was loved by that crowd too.  It's the Jesus story, heard year after year, given a new twist each time but remaining with the same traditions that draws people together.  It did help that our 70 degree weather drew more people than we'd imagined.  The true meaning of Christ-mas was presented, received, and given to the glory of God.  Hubby and I rejoice in His Holiness.

12.26:: In the beginning . . .  God . . . breathed words and that powerful breath created this microcosm

Each year we put up hubby's manger from when he was
a child.  His dad bought it in Germany during WWII.

in which we live.  Then God breathed his presence into a handful of dirt and man was created.  Then God provided parameters for his human creation.  We know how well that worked.  John 1:1 introduces us to God's new plan for us, Jesus Christ, who has been part of creation from the beginning.  I'm meditating on the words, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God . . .  and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."  There is dynamite-power in these in these words.

12.27:: We celebrate the first Sunday after Christmas.  The little tree that the children trimmed with Christian symbols toppled over in the night so we gathered a few early-birds (before the 8am service) to whisk away the tree and clean the plethora of pine needles left behind.  The tree, symbolized life, new life, with candy cane shepherd's crooks and all sorts of wonderful ornaments to remind us of Jesus' birth.  Life happens, as they say.  The poinsettias surround the manger as we recognize the "Word made flesh among us."  Christmas songs ring out and w rejoice at His coming.

Even our small church goes all out for Christmas.
We don't decorate until Christmas-eve and all
remains up until Epiphany,
12 days after Christmas.

12.28:: This old gal caught the Christmas spirit along with loads of germs.  Sore throat is now a full fledged cold.  It's not as bad as it could be as I gargled with Listerine every two hours as soon as I came home yesterday.  So much to do but the body moves slowly through the day.  I rejoice that hubby is making sure I am well cared for.

12.29:: I slog slowly and take mini-naps as I work through year-end reports and study by-laws.  Rain plops pellets of pearly pieces hard on window sills as temperatures continue to hover high.  No complaints here.  Although I rather enjoy shoveling snow, my body is just not up to it today.  Thank you, God, for so much rain.

12.30:: Feel a bit more perky as I plow through lovely Christmas cards, notes from friends, wonderful annual stories.  Our notes to friends will have to wait a few weeks, perhaps February would be nice.

This was last year's shot of the church.
No problem with snow this year . . .  so far.
Balmy days with little rain on Sundays.

 Major meetings and year-end expectations will, by then, be nicely tucked into files as we move into another season.  I've been off milk products for several days - so miss my yogurt but it helps to keep my nose from running too much.

12.31:: I awake to wonders that never cease.  Hubby is so creative.  Sparkle-stripes cover top hats and blow-whistles sit ready to celebrate the BIG day!  Nicely decorated envelopes with surprise-cards inside greet me as I move about the house in the early hour of the morning.  No wonder he staid up a little later last night, well after I was zoned out.  He sure knows how to celebrate the end of the year, and my birthday!  Happy Birthday to ME.  The sun even peeked out of gray skies for an hour.  I'm ready to celebrate . . . in spirit.  My body still slogs slow but is enthused to move a bit faster.  I'll write more next year!