Advent Blog

“In the old days, there was a person in every town who would light the street lamps with a flame he carried at the end of a long pole.  On the street corners, the lamps waited to be lit.  Sometimes, however the street lamps were not easily accessible…there were lamps in forsaken places.  Someone had […]

Today we celebrate the coming of the Christ light into the darkness of our world.  Scandinavians, who live in deep darkness through the winter especially celebrate the coming of the light which overcomes the darkness of their world. Historically, December 13th, before changing to the Gregorian calendar, was the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Thus, […]

One of my favorite activities to do each Advent is to read a story of Christmas to a child or an elder.  It is virtually free, as you can check a book out of the library.  Reading aloud will bring joy–I promise to both you and the listener.  Here is a short list of options […]

Sometimes the “holly, jolly” feelings are difficult during Advent.  We have all had to celebrate a first Christmas without a loved one.  2014 might be that kind of Advent for you and your family, as it is for my family, where we will celebrate the first Christmas without my Nana.  My Nana contributed so much […]

The Advent Song Now we light the first candle It must stand alone We wait for the little child who laid in a manger Now we light the second candle Then we can see better We wait for God, our Father to give his Son down here Now we light the third candle It is […]

As the days get shorter and the weather outside is sometimes “frightful,” how about plan a movie night or two with an Advent or Christmas theme?  I am going to go out on a limb here and not include some of our favorites like “Its a Wonderful Life” and dig deep for some movies you may […]

During Advent, I like to serve comfort food. While the Miso in this recipe is optional, if you do use, you’ll find it adds a wonderful, rather mysterious, taste to this dish. It’s an umami sort of mystery. Try it. I bought my Miso from Amazon. Butternut Squash Mash Ingredients 1 tablespoon canola or olive […]

Using the Godly Play curriculum, we prepare the children for the arrival of Jesus in a series of lessons called “The Mystery of Christmas.” They learn of Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem, of the barn where He is born, of the star which leads the shepherds and of the animals who were there to […]

Light looked down and saw darkness. “I will go there,” said Light. Peace looked down and saw war. “I will go there,” said Peace. Love looked down and saw hatred. “I will go there,” said Love. So he, the Lord of Light, the Prince of Peace, the King of Love came down and crept in […]

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, And my spirit exalts in God my Savior. For He has looked with mercy on my lowliness; And my name will be forever exalted. For the mighty God has done great things for me, And His mercy will reach from age to age. Holy, holy, holy is […]