It was Christmas Eve at the famed Riverside Church in New York City, and with William Sloan Coffin, Jr. scheduled to preach, the pews were packed. The Christmas Pageant was on and had come to the point where the innkeeper was to say that there was no room at the inn for Joseph and Mary pregnant with Jesus.
The part seemed perfect for Tim, an earnest youth of the congregation who has Down Syndrome. Only one line to memorize and he had practiced it again and again with his parents and with the pageant director. He seemed to have mastered it.
So there Tim stood at the altar, a bathrobe over his clothes, as Mary and Joseph made their way down the center aisle. They approached him, said their lines, and waited for his reply. “There’s no room at the inn,” he boomed out, just as rehearsed.
But then, as Mary and Joseph turned to travel further, Tim suddenly yelled, “Wait!” They turned back startled. “You can stay at my house,” he called.
Hi everybody. I have to start by saying thanks Thanks for a wonderful year Not only to you, to God number one To you number two And for all the wonderful things... You know, when I look at a beautiful day, I’ll say, “God is there.” I say it’s happy because birds are tweetin’ ... Sun i shinnin’ ... Wind’s blowin’ ... The leaves flyin’ ...
A fantastic monologue from the show “A Storm For Christmas.” It was perfect flick while viewing it during our snowstorm. Now back to liquid weather.
Let me share this poem by Rilke posted by Robin Bates.
Without your simplicity, how could this have happened — what shines now in the dark of night? The God who thundered over the nations makes himself mild and through you enters the world
Were you expecting something greater?
What is greatness? He moves straight through all measurements we know, dissolving them away. Even the path of a star is not like that.
Behold: these kings standing here are great and drag into your lap rare treasures that each believes to be the greatest.
Perhaps you are astonished at their gifts. But look into the blanket in your arms, how He already surpasses all of them.
Amber that is traded near and far, rings of gold and costly spices that drift for a moment on the air: these are quickly fading pleasures and leave behind a vague regret.
The gift He brings — as you will see — is joy.
Nativity Scene. Carved by Arnolfo di Cambio in the late 13th century on display in Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Image by Catholic Traveler
I can taste that lasting sweetness what Joy brings. Joy to you all.
As far as business is concerned especially the malls, Yuletide starts as soon after Halloween.
Come Yuletide, the balsam fir is a prime choice for the role of Christmas tree.—Neal Clark
There are so many stories to be told during Christmas gatherings. There is but only one good story written in letter on Christmas Eve 1914 by a soldier…
24/12/14
I have just been through one of the most extraordinary scenes imaginable. To-night is Xmas Eve and I came up into the trenches this evening for my tour of duty in them. Firing was going on all the time and the enemy’s machine guns were at it hard, firing at us. Then about seven the firing stopped.
I was in my dug-out reading a paper and the mail was being dished out. It was reported that the Germans had lighted their trenches up all along our front. We had been calling to one another for some time Xmas wishes and other things. I went out and they shouted “no shooting” and then somehow the scene became a peaceful one. All our men got out of their trenches and sat on the parapet, the Germans did the same, and they talked to one another in English and broken English. I got on top of the trench and talked German and asked them to sing a German Volkslied, which they did, then our men sang quite well and each side clapped and cheered the other.
I asked a German who sang a solo to sing one of Schumann’s songs, so he sang The Two Grenadiers splendidly. Our men were a good audience and really enjoyed his singing.
Then Pope and I walked across and held a conversation with the German officer in command.
One of his men introduced us properly, he asked my name and then presented me to his officer. I gave the latter permission to bury some German dead who are lying in between us, and we agreed to have no shooting until 12 midnight to-morrow. We talked together, 10 or more Germans gathered round. I was almost in their lines within a yard or so. We saluted each other, he thanked me for permission to bury his dead, and we fixed up how many men were to do it, and that otherwise both sides must remain in their trenches.
…
Will try and write more in a day or two. Keep this letter carefully and send copies to all. I think they will be interested. It did feel funny walking over alone towards the enemy’s trenches to meet someone half-way, and then to arrange a Xmas peace. It will be a thing to remember all one’s life.
Kiss the babies and give them my love. Write me a long letter and tell me all the news. I hope the photos come out all-right. Probably you will see them in some paper.
Today is Winter Solstice marks the beginning of winter. It is the shortest day that celebrates light triumphing over darkness, and as the day ends, we prepare for a new year.
In 2018, we welcomed the winter solstice at Stonehenge, UK. We said goodbye to long days of darkness and rejoice in the coming of Christmas.
Lights of Hope
Let there be Light of Hope is the message of St. Paul’s Hospital Church. It’s the time of year that we remind the Star of Bethlehem shone brightly to light up the path for the three wise men. This year, the Star of Bethlehem will be visible on the horizon. Jupiter and Saturn will align in the night sky on Dec. 21, also referred to as the “Christmas Star” — marking the planets’ closest encounter in nearly 400 years. The two planets may appear as a bright light point that will be easily visible in the night sky.
Christmas Decorations
Every year, my sister sets up Christmas decorations for the children equipped with Santa’s workshop, electric train, angels, snow, christmas carols. Here’s little Jimmie is so proud to show off his twinkle toes.
Little born Henrik
To see a baby snuggly ensconced with a knitted baby blanket smiling in his sleep is the centerpiece that makes the Christmas atmosphere peaceful. But in reality, we were all gogo-gaga around Henrik, making noises to wake him so that we can all take turns to carry and play with him.
We are a family
Family: A crazy bunch of people who deeply care for each other, who live, laugh, forgive, dance and love together.
Mother
I think this is the last Christmas photo of my mother. Christmas for us is all about celebrating the birth of Infant Jesus.
Susan Hauck at the Church of Nativity, Holy Land
My sister is a Jesus freak in a good way. Here she is at the Church of Nativity carrying Infant Jesus. She managed to have her photo taken before the guardian of the church said to the crowd that the statue is off-limits to visitors. Too funny, that she was the only one who got away with holding the infant. When it comes to telling me the story, it’s really difficult for her to share stories of miracles about her experiences as a servant of Infant Jesus.
The center of the holiday season in my family is Christ-mas. It’s all about the birth of Jesus whether we lose faith, we always return to Him.
On Christmas, we gather around telling tales, jokes, memories, eating, drinking, singing. There is one great story of my sister Susan on lost and found.
One thing that I find miraculous is when I lost my mini statue in Mexico in 1997. While in Mexico, I went to church daily and prayed to Our Lady of Guadalupe that I want my Baby Jesus back. I was so heartbroken leaving Mexico without him. Many years passed, in 1999, my friend contacted me if I am interested in receiving bales of clothing coming from Montreal for free. My first thought was it would be great to sell them for fundraising to pay for Novena booklets’ production. So I accepted 19 bales of clothing. I discovered when I opened the bales, they were second-hand clothing and not brand new. I was disappointed, left the clothes for three months, and did not do anything about them. My daughter and her friends opened two bales just for fun to check them out. My daughter found some clothing for her and left it on the kitchen table. I moved the clothes to another area of the house, and something fell off. It was a mini statue of the Infant, and I just put it with the rest of my alter. This happened on Holy Thursday. On Easter Sunday morning, I was praying the rosary. When I reached the 4th mystery, The Presentation of Child Jesus at the Temple, I heard a voice: “I came back to you.” I ignored it and returned to my prayers. As I recited the 5th Joyful Mystery, “Finding Jesus in the Temple,” I heard the voice again: “I came back to you. Remember, you’ve lost me?” When I listened to this, I remembered the statue that fell off from the clothing, and I quickly went down to look at it. When I honestly look at the figure, my Baby Jesus I lost in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, three years ago. I checked all the clothing tags to appease me, and it said: “Made in Mexico.” With the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Baby Jesus came back to me.
Christmas 2019
From my family to yours, we wish everyone a Blessed Christmas. We made it this far!
I hate to burst your bubble. Today is the last day of Christmas. It’s time to put all those decorations away, The manger of tiny figurines of the three wise men, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus All go in the box. … Continue reading →
Time is running out when we only have five days more before Christmas HURRY up should you have not crossed off all the things to do before the event Time is running out with an unclaimed million-dollar lottery ticket … Continue reading →
This past Sunday was the first day of advent, the first day of the liturgical year in Christian tradition for the new year. Our church is decorated with Christmas wreath with five candles representing one candle per week that we … Continue reading →
Just for today, I will be unafraid. I will gather the courage to do what is right and take the responsiblity for my own actions. I will expect nothing from the world, but I will realize that as I give … Continue reading →
Just for today, I will have a quiet half-hour to relax alone. During this time I will reflect on my behavior and will get a better perspective on my life. A year in review of photos with Code of … Continue reading →
Just for today, I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it thereby saving myself from two pests: hurry and indecision. A year in review of photos with Code of Happiness of … Continue reading →
Just for today, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will look as good as I can, dress accordingly, talk softly, act courteously and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I’ll not improve … Continue reading →
Just for today, before I speak I will ask myself, “Is it true? Is it kind?” And if the answer to either of those questions is negative, I won’t say it. A year in review of photos with Code … Continue reading →
Just for today, I’ll do something I’ve been putting off for a long time. I’ll finally write that letter, make that phone call, clean that closet or straighten out those dresser drawers. A year in review of photos with … Continue reading →
Regardless of travel advisory, people from all over the world wants to see where it happened. Regardless of personal belief, they want to visit where it all began. Regardless of culture, pilgrims and tourist mix together. Regardless where they came … Continue reading →
Just for today, I will be totally honest. If someone asks me something I don’t know, I will not bluff; I’ll simply say, “I don’t know.” A year in review of photos with Code of Happiness of Just for Today. … Continue reading →
Just for today, I will do something positive to improve my health. If I am a smoker, I’ll make honest effort to cut down. If I’m overweight, I’ll eat nothing I know is fattening. And I will force myself to … Continue reading →
Just for today, I will improve my mind. I will not be a mental loafer. I will force myself to read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. A year in review of photos with Code of Happiness of … Continue reading →
Just for today, I will be happy. Abraham Lincoln said, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” He was right. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. I will chase … Continue reading →
Cats have the ability to bounce back as if nothing ever bad happened to them especially when it comes to wrapping papers, bows and newspapers. It’s pretty hard to keep them away and start preparing the presents for Christmas. One … Continue reading →
Monks who have taken the oath of silence, sing the Hallelujah Chorus.
This is sooooo funny!! It’s a group of high school students playing silent monks and “singing” the Hallelujah Chorus.
Look at the feet of the monks also! And yes, you do need to turn the sound on to fully appreciate this. It’s a hoot! Plus, who doesn’t like to hear it, at any time of year.
The parade just started when I got off the SkyTrain station at the Quay. Motorcades with signs ‘Season’s Greetings’, ‘Dream, Live, Celebrate’, ‘Merry Xmas’, ‘Only Santa delivers more’ drove carrying Gingerbread Man, Frosty the Snow Man, Rudolph the Red Nose … Continue reading →
Once you’ve tried our traditional Filipino food, that’s it! You are hooked and you’ll be dreaming of it and not white Christmas. Allow me to show you what’s was on my plate in one of our festivals. This makes me … Continue reading →
To keep the younger generations interested what was ‘Then’, we hanged our dirty laundry for show and tell. Now, they are so tickled to see what was then. Good times, good times. https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/now
Having too much of a good time of office party, I left the gathering and went out for a breath of fresh air. Walking late night in the city especially on dark streets is not really a good idea for … Continue reading →
It is a gradual change of transition as we waited patiently with anticipation when the happiest table in our house is redecorated. The decoration then was pumpkin, Chinese lantern flowers and golden maple leaves on Thanksgiving Day. Now the table … Continue reading →
Food. I need food and there’s hardly any food in my fridge. What can I possibly eat the day after our family Christmas party? I did not bring any “to go” even though I supplied all kinds of cheeses, fruits, … Continue reading →
First you have to find a cute child like Baby Jimmy. Wrap him up in a plastic bag, stuff it with toilet paper, use colorful ribbons for a bow tie and paste a round black paper for buttons. Skip the carrot … Continue reading →
When it comes to children, I try to keep the quiet promises I made to myself and not let them know. I promised that I will post this video and today is the day. A Charlie Brown Christmas music played … Continue reading →
Charles Schulz gambled in creating an animated comic strip based on bible verses. Bible is something sacred. It was never done before. But for Schulz bible verses are not just for Church, it’s for everyone. So he put his whole … Continue reading →
The colour of her skin is not yellow. This is my colleague and an activist that deals on issues about races.
Seeing her this morning sitting beside a yellow rose bush still blooming in winter made me smile. Last night when she walked into our Christmas party, she immediately sat down and I can’t peel her off the chair to socialize until I left the party.
Too funny to see her again sitting down. Her job as a law enforcer being on her feet most days is just gruesome. But, she always has this smile on her face.
It must be the season of the year that Easter feels way better than Christmas.
After being all coop up inside the house from rainy fall to cold winter, spring fever infected our family. Of course, the adults instigated all these fun and games.
Looking out
Outside
First we imprisoned the young ones and just let them have a look what the outside world looks like. Ha, the bunnies are hopping all over the place.
With the youngest as high as our knees, we make sure that it’s feasible for this young tyke to find all the goodies at his eye level. Basically we just threw the goodies all over the ground. For the older children, they might just have to climb the tree to pluck the egg.
The baby had a good five minutes head start before the older children. We did help baby to find some eggs hidden under the leaves and on the cars but he is more interested on picking the ornaments planted on the ground.
Oh what a crazy family I belong. Crazy that we are, there is so much love, support and faith in this clan.
We were all in the background, cheering and egging one another. Cars have slowed down to watch what’s the commotion was all about. Neighbors were too curious and inquisitive what’s going on. My sister was kind enough to bring them food since they are too shy to join the festivity.
Actually, anyone can join. Easter Egg hunting has nothing to do with race or creed.
stash
food glorious food
cakes laden with liquor
After the ruckus and after 40 days of NPO (nothing per orem), what it means basically is fasting, we have to feast. Food, drinks and fattening stuff to replenish all that fat we shed.
Easter is definitely way better than Christmas. No obligatory presents, no dress up, no sweat. It’s all for the glory of celebrating that rites of a living God.
Today is the twelfth and last day of Christmas. It is also known as Epiphany.
The central figures of the Epiphany story are the three wise men that are also known as the three kings. I don’t think they are really kings, but they are ordinary men that saw a star with great faith. These men were willing and able to see that the star is a great sign to follow even though they don’t know what it means. It led them to a trip of their lifetime to meet the Holy Family: Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.
The story of the three kings also leads into the story of another man: Herod. Herod was the evil king that was so blinded by his self-importance and power to control. He even killed his own family. Being a mad king, he ordered the slaughter of innocent children because of the birth of Jesus.
The story of the three wise men is something that the movie industry retold in the film The Three Godfathers, western American style. One of the major characters was by John Wayne.
How did they become The Three Godfathers?
It was Christmas time, and the three wise men were up to no good thus no peace on earth but out to rob a bank. The robbers went on a run and found a woman giving birth. The woman died giving birth, but before she died, she asked the three men to be the child’s godfathers. She made them promise to take the child back to New Jerusalem.
The godfathers, although macho, as they were, are but far from being wise. However, they fulfilled their promise and put their own freedom on the line to take care of the baby.
This movie is brilliant in some ways in comparison to the Christian story. The western style Three Wise Men story has it all: the heroes to protect the innocent, gunfight and the barren scenery of tumbleweeds bouncing over.
The story of Epiphany challenges me to continue searching the divine in the ordinary and recognize the God of small things in daily existence.
The world misses the lesson because it confuses littleness with weakness, child-likeness with childishness, and humility with an inferiority complex.
It forgets that great moral strength may be hidden in physical weakness, as Omnipotence was wrapped in swaddling bands; and that great Wisdom may be found in simple faith as the Eternal Mind was found in the form of a Babe. There is strength – strength before which the angels trembled, strength before which the stars prostrated, and strength before which the very throne of Herod shook in fear.
“When you got what you wanted, were you happy? Do you remember when you were a child, how ardently you looked forward to Christmas? How happy you thought you would be, with your fill of cakes, your hands glutted with toys, and your eyes dancing with the lights on the tree! Christmas came, and after you had eaten your fill, blown out the last Christmas candle, and played till your toys no longer amused, you climbed into your bed and said, in your own little heart of hearts, that somehow or other it did not quite come up to your expectations. And have you not lived that experience over a thousand times since?” ~Fulton Sheen (You)
Source : Christmas: Our Lady and Sheen
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (Song: Oh Little Town of Bethlehem)It is difficult to express the absolute bliss that I felt during this unique spiritual adventure. As I literally followed the footsteps of Jesus, the journey … Continue reading →
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government
shall be upon His shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6)
Good afternoon, how may I help you?
Hi, Tita Lady.
Hi, Bud. How ya doing?
My tooth came off.
Oh yah, which one?
The front tooth.
It’s a good time to be good today, Bud.
Why?
Because Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy are coming.
Why?
Because if you are good Santa might leave a gift for you.
What about the Tooth Fairy?
The Tooth Fairy might leave a dollar or two under your pillow.
What happens when they run to each other?
I don’t know. It happened before.
Really?
Really. I have to go back to work now, Bud.
Okay, love you.
Love you, too, Bud.
It’s was a busy Christmas night for Santa and the Tooth Fairy.
The very best of all my thoughtsare those that think of you.The very best of all my hopesare those that speak of you.My fondest hopes, my cherished dreams,my prayers to the Lord above,The very best of all theseI offer you my love.
The Holy Land is not so holy when the Israelis occupy the land of the Palestine’s, the Muslims building mosque on top of the Christian church and the Christians are now a minority. There is always trouble yet I went … Continue reading →
Okay, let’s take a break from the thoughts of Christmas.
We are all strangers in the blogging world, right? What can we share about ourselves pretending we are in the pit.
SoulPancake creatively helps strangers connect with one another in this video where they install a ball pit on a random street with questions to ask people who climb in. A stranger getting to know a stranger is a wonderful thing.
My share: Currently, I have a flipper, too. It is now two Christmas in a row that I am waiting for one front tooth and I miss eating all the good food! The dentist promised that the tooth fairy is coming in January 2014.
This is the content of the e-mail about a Christmas song: A beautiful story, read, watch and enjoy.
While at the mall a couple of years ago, my then four year old nephew, Spencer, saw kids lined up to see Santa Claus.
Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, he asked his mom, “where’s the line to see Jesus”? My sister mentioned this to my dad, who immediately became inspired and jotted words down to a song in just a few minutes. After putting music to the words, and doing a quick recording at home, he received a great response from friends.
He sent the song off to without much response, except for a Christian song writer who suggested adding a bridge at the end of the first chorus. My dad then asked if I wanted to record the song to see what we could do with it. I listened to the song, made a few changes to the words to make it flow better, and we headed to Shock City Studios.
It was at the studio where Chris, owner and producer, rewrote the 2nd verse and part of the chorus… with goose bumps and emotions high, we were all hopeful and felt like we had something special. The demo was recorded in just under 2 hours and sent off again to … still no response.
Then 2 weeks before Christmas last year, my cousins Greg and Robbie decided to do a video to see what we could accomplish on YouTube. The first day we had 3000 hits and it soared from there. We received e-mails, phone calls, Facebook messages from people all over asking for the music, CD’s, iTunes, anything… we had nothing.
After a couple of meetings with Chris following the amazing response, we got serious. We headed back into the studio this past spring… this time with guitars, drums, bass, pianos, choirs… the real deal…. and here we are today. Getting iTunes set up, a website put together, and loving that thousands upon thousands of Christians have come together… remembering the true meaning of Christmas.
Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults cannot understand. Hopefully Spencer’s observation will cause people all over to reflect on the love of Jesus, and that one day we will all stand in line to see Him.
We are most thankful to our Heavenly Father to have this chance to share our music with you. Merry Christmas everyone.
Last week of school, the children came to the Board for show and tell. They show us, tell us, and perform for us what they learnt at school. We all look forward to this special event. Working at the head office, we hardly get a chance to see the students. Instead they come to us.
They came to post on the bulletin board their art work of Hanukkah Fingers
They decorated the Christmas tree with plenty of angels and sang Christmas songs in French. These students study in a French Immersion Program in one of the Vancouver public schools.
Lord Byng has a group of students that plays string instrument. They, too, came to perform for us. The Lord Byng String Orchestra is going to perform at Lincoln Center in the spring. Last year, they had the great distinction of being invited to an exclusive festival for American School Orchestras in Atlanta, Georgia. They wowed judges at the festival and received a standing ovation. They took second place. It is likely that they did not win first place as the award probably needed to go to an American school since it was an American competition. Also, as they wear concert black and not school uniforms they were actually docked points from their performance, another reason for not making first place. (All American groups wear school uniforms).
One song that I love the most is Santa Lucia that a group of elementary students with angelic voices sang for us in earlier years. I beg the Maestro for a repeat performance and did not stop begging until he oblige. It was a heavenly sweet delightful song.
The song you just listened to titled “Santa Lucia in Sweden” came from YouTube.
It will be quiet for the next two weeks on the school level while the children are on winter break to celebrate their life in their own traditional ways.
Keeping your sense of humor during the Holidays? Or are you pulling your hair out? Ready to string Santa up by those lights? Or how about running over Rudolph? Thought I would share some fun today, and hopefully put a smile on your face! This…
Thank you Diana for making me smile, prayers and the promise of power in prayers (Oh, 3Ps!). There is wisdom to sharing some laughter.
Look at everything and everyone around you and imagine how a creating and loving God would see what you see. Love the good; do what you can to change what needs to be changed.
— from Advent with St. Francis
Another day at the dental office and another 3.5 hours listening to Christmas music is highly not on the top of the list of having fun. My mouth is still sore from the other day and here I go again feeling kind of masochist and the dentist a sadist. I decided to turned off my mind, recited a mantra and went into the clouds of unknowing. The next thing I knew, soft hands were caressing my face and waking me up gently every time my mouth gradually closes. I really rather be sleeping and pretend that I am somewhere in outer space.
‘Humming a song with the dentist’s fingers, feeling the pain of the drill, feeling my mouth with plaster, feeling me softly with pain’, a song in my head that is not conducive to relieving the agony. So I changed the mental song to ‘Catch a falling star and put in my pocket save it for a rainy day’. Perry Como`s song sounded much better.
Eventually, the session is over only to return next year to finish the job. Left the clinic and went to a floral shop to divert my attention. Just looking, admiring and savouring the scented flowers with no intention of buying until I saw a plant that has the most beautiful white flower. It was a very unusual plant, a species of hydrangea called Shooting Star. With no hesitation, I bought it, took it home and gave the plant to the next door neighbour for no reason at all. But of course, the neighbour always wants a reason and asks why. Before I can give her a chance to ask why, I said: “Here, Merry Christmas.”
The first thing the neighbour exclaimed was “Shooting Star! I dreamt of Shooting Star last night!” Was she ever excited and gave me a bear hug, a kiss on my forehead and never-ending gratitude. Our stars must be aligned is all I can think of to dismiss the coincidence. What I really think is that her angels must have whispered in my ears, the soft still voice that made me buy the plant and gave it to her.
Ain’t life grand? It takes very little to make one happy in turn made me feel joyful.
What Christmas means to me says it all on this song.
Christmas isn’t just another holiday. The word Christmas derived from the name Jesus Christ. Christmas is the time when we celebrate His birth. I’ll stand up in the crowd and proud to say Merry Christmas.
At the dental office this morning, I listened to the sound of Christmas songs for two and a half hours while having dental work. This job required local anesthesia. One particular music helped me focus away from the drilling of one of the teeth in order to save it. The music carried me away in meditating about the story of a birth of new-born King.
This song has over 20 million hits. Is it the song or the singer? I hope it’s the song.
Plan A and B failed me. Now I have to shift the focus of this blog to Plan C. C for Christmas and that means advent.
What to expect starting today until the end of the year from this site will be mostly meditations and daily wisdom taken from Facebook. These are post from sites that I subscribed that help me shape my interior life.
Let’s meditate, cogitate, and vegetate: not necessarily in this order.
The way I have a party is to have an open house. The best place for it is here in WordPress. This will give every body a chance to come to the party. Peace requires no invitation. It’s a given. … Continue reading →
Two minutes will explain what Advent is all about. Watch and enjoy.
“Be still:
There is no longer any need of comment.
It was a lucky wind
That blew away his halo with his cares,
A lucky sea that drowned his reputation.”
― Thomas Merton
Source: Busted Halo
Halloween was not even over yet, the Christmas stockings are now on sale. Just a minute, wait until we bury back the dead, the ghosts to return to ghost town and bring out the ghost of Christmas past on Christmas day, not on October 31st.
Recently, a group of little green people accosted me insisting that Santa Claus is already in town. Yah? Really? And where he could be, I asked. They responded in chorus line: Richmond Mall! Hah, there you are, it’s all about going to the mall to entice me in spending money that I don’t have. They even bribed me with candy canes and a button that says “I believe.” No thanks, I still have yet to finish all the Halloween candies.
Passing by Metro Town Mall, look who’s there? Santa Claus. There’s no need for me to go to Richmond since Santa’s doppelganger is right here up my alley.
Seriously! Before Christmas starts, this whole idea will wear out thin. Come to think about it, the twelve day of Christmas does not start until December 25 and it ends on January 6. And real gift giving is on the first Sunday of the following year when the Three Kings arrive to bring the gift of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Hearing Celine Dion sing “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” and Michael Buble’s rendition of “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” while I shop at Safeway makes me want to scream “Will somebody please turn off this music!” I can’t concentrate what to buy for dinner on a rainy day and to come home in an apartment without fire-place.
I must admit Vancouver features many areas where one can go to be in the groove for Christmas. The famous lights in St. Paul’s Hospital, the Christmas train at Stanley Park, the German Market at Queen Elizabeth, the dancing fountain at Van Dusen garden and the many homes that are fully decorated with Christmas lights.
And what do I really believe and celebrate during Christmas season? My answer is one word: Advent
What is Advent?
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin Adventus, which means “coming.” It is a time for quiet reflection, prayer and conversion in anticipation of the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The readings and the liturgies during Advent prepare us for the birth of Jesus, but they also prepare us for the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of the world. The season offers us the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert as we await his Second Coming. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. It ends at sundown on Christmas Eve. Since Christmas falls on different days of the week, Advent can range in duration from 22 days when Christmas falls on a Monday to 28 days when Christmas falls on a Sunday. Advent marks the beginning of the Church year. Unlike the secular year, which marks the passage of time, the liturgical year celebrates the sacred mysteries of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The year begins during Advent in anticipation of the coming of Jesus with reflections on the Hebrew prophecies and the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah.
Christmas is not a holiday. Please don’t greet me with Happy Holidays. Christmas is merry. I will joyfully greet you Merry Christmas. I’m sure I’m not alone to wish you a Merry Christmas and won’t the last.
The month of October is big in our family, too many birthday celebrations. By the end of the month, there goes my savings. Mother and Father must have been so busy just after Christmas and New Year’s. Did I count the gestational months correctly? Nine months of incubation, right?
The first three consecutive days of October 1-2-3 followed by October 10, 17, 28, 30 are the days of birth. I know I’ve missed some dates.
To top this, Canada celebrates Thanksgiving Day the second Monday of October the same as USofA. Thank goodness, we abolished adult birthday celebrations and gift giving except for children.
We celebrate Thanksgiving Day instead to be thankful for the gift of family. There is just too much love going around, can’t get enough of it, not to mention food.
This year there will be an extra celebration because my niece will be graduating from University.
Celebration might be postponed at the later part of month due to absences of a few people going on vacations.
Married siblings are doing the Love boat style, cruising, and home away from home. We just waved goodbye to them recently. The three stooges, nephews of the same age who grew up closely, will be visiting the Philippines to meet older cousin. And I will be away to do the annual pilgrimage walking the earth for 15 days.
Time for another foot spa.
Foot Spa
There will be plenty of stories to go around when we meet on Thanksgiving Day whatever date will that be.
On the way home last night, I went to Church for Lenten blessing. It’s just like Christmas on Ash Wednesday. It was a crowded service. I can only assume we came to Church to be redeemed and be forgiven for all the “sins” we have committed in our thoughts, words and deeds.I went to be reminded that I am a mere mortal being, impermanent on this Earth and to receive the sign on my forehead. This sign is given by the Priest. He dipped his thumb in an ash, made a sign of the cross on my forehead and told me “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This line is derived from the story of how God made Adam, from a pile of dirt. Then I went home with a dirt mark while people stare at me with puzzled look. And I just smiled.Meditating while walking and what came up to mind is the heart. Is the heart the most important part of the body? How come I have only one heart? I have two hands, feet, eyes, lungs, ears; a pair of lungs, left and right hemisphere of the brain, etc. It must be valentines, I brush off my thoughts.It’s a good thing that they came up with Valentine’s Day to distract people from the history of Valentine. Personally, it’s my father’s death anniversary. We will have a Celebration of Life but I won’t be able to make it due to work obligations. I know, it’s only once a year. Father will understand. I do keep him in my prayers.My offering to you for Valentines is this heart:
At this time of the year, when I look outside my window, all I see is darkness. Winter Time. As the days move forward, we are now gaining more daylight and that is something to look forward to. More light.The view from my window, are balconies of the next low-rise apartment complex. From the distance, I can see the Rogers Twin Tower at Metro Town. A third high-rise building is slowly rising. I can see the construction crane. For most time, when I look outside, I look below. Right in front of me is a Holly Tree.The Holly tree was a giant wiry mess then. The owner wanted to cut it down. I beg to the Manager not to cut it down for there are so many birds and animals that take refuge on this tree. Thank goodness, the tree was spared. The bottom part was cleared, now we can see the trunk and stand underneath. The tree top was trimmed, now I can see who lives behind the tree.I love this tree. The Hummingbirds made it their humble abode. They own it now. Underneath the tree, I cultivated the earth and turned it into a garden. I named it, “Holy Garden.” Why Holy, it’s a long story.As for now, I left the Christmas trimmings on it. See what I mean?
Pick the best pictures from your 2012 and have those pictures tell everyone about your yearMemories, pressed between the pages of my mind. These are what matters to me in 2012. From life to death. New Year should always start with new beginnings, a new life. But year 2012 stared with someone dear to me being called back Home. Not just dear friends but dear companions, the Cats in my life. Angels I call them now. From sorrow to joy, with the birth of my nephew’s son, this is a delightful surprise. Baby James is a new life and a beautiful beginning for the year 2013 not just for me but for everyone in my family. Shalom Aleichem. To Life!
Bye for now mon amie, Jancis Grace
Surprise – a new life, Nephew’s baby in Momi’s tummy
Missing you Mother
Cat Angels – Caramel and Rex
Megan, my little sister, I’ve lost in touch
Just Listen – JGB’s note posted on her table
Cat Angels – Adi and Sophie
An Angel welcoming me at Joni’s home in Chilliwack as I enter
Tupper School Poster September is back to school month
Birthday celebration with childhood friend
Cat Angel – Ruby Roo
Our own Baby Jesus, Baby James. A new beginning for 2013
Christmas in the Philippines is one thing I miss here in Beautiful British Columbia, Canada. It is the happiest and most awaited celebration. The Philippines is so rich with traditions. The Christmas lanterns, caroling, fireworks will start in mid-December. Noche Buena is what we call it meaning Christmas Eve.
As a child, it’s hard to be patient; can’t wait for Christmas and it just doesn’t come fast enough.
The focus is attending midnight mass, a birthday celebration for Baby Jesus. After this, we go home and have a feast. I mean the feast of traditional Filipino food. The gather is circled around my family and anybody who does not have a family to celebrate with. This is the real meaning of Christmas for me.
There is no Christmas tree, and we do not believe in Santa Clause. What we believe is the Three Kings. Three Kings arrive on the first Sunday of January. That’s the time we received gifts in our family. This was fun. What we did at the eve of Three Kings, we lined up our shoes on the stairs, one pair only for each sibling. When we woke up, run down the stairs, our shoes were filed with candies. We really believed that Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar (names of the three Kings) came bearing gifts. Gifts of candies not Frankincense, Myrrh and Gold. This is how we end our Christmas. It’s the longest Christmas celebration ever.
Three Kings
“Was there a special gift or toy you wanted as a child but never received? What was it?”
Being with my family, visiting relatives and god parents to pay respect and ask for their blessings are the best gift I received. I couldn’t ask for more. No toys. Sometimes, I received money but it wasn’t important for me. What was important is we give one another our love and faith-based on the birth of Infant Jesus, Mother Mary and Joseph.
“Write a Q&A-style interview with an inanimate object.”
I can’t. I am speechless. I am listening.
This “inanimate object” is most awe-inspiring.
There is no Question.
The answer is in sharing the mystery.
Merry Christmas Everyone. Blessings to you and your family.
“If you were asked to spend a year living in a different location, where would you choose and why?”A year? That’s too long to study for my feeble mind. And who’s going to take care of my lovely furry companion? Go away and miss Christmas with my family and friends? I have to think long and hard about this. The longest time I was away from my sanctuary was six months when I was searching for myself.After so many years of studying in colleges and universities, I don’t know if I can handle the stress of burning candles at both ends. I don’t know if I would be able to ace those final exams. As far as I can remember, those study days were brutal.To stay in the spirit of prompting, I will focus on the word “abroad”. In my lingo, that means travelling. I can incorporate the studying with travelling as a pilgrim on earth, a school of life. Now that sounds more palatable.I would like to study and learn how to paint an Icon. Icons are depicting of religious images. In my faith, it’s a spiritual work of art. Should I become so enamored with this subject, I want to become an Iconographer.As to where I can go abroad to take this course, Google is the best search engine for the Iconofile Resource Guide. There are two places that I am interested at: Versailles and Amsterdam. I think I will skip Amsterdam for I must keep my body, mind and spirit pure (meaning stay away from the red light district and smoking a joint or two). Versailles is a better choice for I was just there in October 2012 pilgrimage. And then I can learn how to speak French. Oui? As for Christmas, I can always stay at Espace Bernadette for a retreat, a silent retreat to be still and listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirits.
Holy Angels Liseux, France
Here is an Icon that I took a picture of at Lisieux, France. I could just lovingly gaze for an extended period at this Icon and be transported as if I were invited to sit with these Angels. I am always curious about what they are discussing. What do you think they are talking about?
A Prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear
To whom God’s love commits me here
Ever this day, be at my side
To light and guard, to rule and guide
Amen.
Reflections 