After spending a wonderful week with loving family in beautiful Whistler, B.C. I am ready to take up my blog again.
No matter who I have talked to about 2017, the wish is the same…world peace. But you know, that is only possible if we all work at peace within our own little corners of the world. It’s like the song says…let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Peace be with you as you become instrumental in contributing to everyone’s dearest wish…world peace.
A week of relaxation and celebration for many. Enjoy whatever the day brings.
Whether near or far, wherever you are may you be blessed with a very Merry Christmas.
Cardinal Crossings photo
This Christmas Eve and always may your blessings be many.
Cardinal Crossing photo
It is a sad time for many people who have lost loved ones very recently. No one can know the depths of another’s grief; no one can feel another’s aching feeling of loss; no one can bear another’s pain.
Life and death are caught up in each other’s shadow, in that death is a part of life and life is a continuation of death. Christmas is a very difficult time of year to have to face this reality. But then, is there ever a good time? I think not. Loss is loss whenever it occurs.
It has saddened my own heart to hear of the recent passing of two lovely ladies; one I have known for over sixty years, and the other I met just a few years ago. Both were, and are near and dear to their families and close friends. Both have left a gaping hole in the hearts of many.
Ecclesiastes says it best in chapter three, verse (1) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: (2) a time to be born and a time to die, (4) a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,. (NIV)
Laughing and dancing will not be on the agenda of some of us this holiday season, but we will honor the lives of these two ladies and be sure to include them in the memories of Christmases past.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4.
For those caught up in the last days of Christmas shopping and preparations…and those whose Christmas will be tinged with sadness…and those facing difficult decisions…
Cardinal Cottage photo
This is the way I learned about Christmas as a child, and I never tired of hearing it. No longer a child, I still love to read and reflect on this age-old story from the Gospel of Luke, chapter two, verses one to twenty in the NIV (New International Version) Bible. It’s what keeps me grounded to what Christmas really is while I’m enjoying the worldly pleasures of the season.
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
This version of the birth of Jesus has inspired many Christmas carols which most of us enjoy today: Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, Joy to the World…to name a few. They are a reminder that unto us a Child was born…the true meaning of CHRISTmas.
The world is full of beautiful people. Last Wednesday evening I had the opportunity to spend time with some of the most beautiful people I know. They are the epitome of caring, kindness, goodness, generosity, selflessness. Not a week goes by that these people are not expressing one or more of these attributes to someone, somewhere, at some time.
On that Wednesday evening, a friend and I were the recipients of this couple’s generosity. We were treated to dinner out and a concert featuring Handel’s “Messiah” which has been performed by many musical companies around the world. The only thing I really knew about the “Messiah” was the “Hallelujah” chorus, one of my favourite pieces of music.
In 1741 George Frideric Handel took something like fifty-two scriptures from the Holy Bible and put them to music, resulting in one of the most renowned musical compositions ever written. The work is breathtaking. Hallelujah!
Wednesday evening was bitterly cold and slippery but the warmth and concern of our benefactors made this a non-issue. I have never felt so warm and safe in such cold weather, despite the fact that I wore non-tread boots and no hat.
As I said, the world is full of beautiful people, and I am thankful to know these friends who inhabit my little corner of the world.
After experiencing the “Messiah” I have to include its composer George Frideric Handel in that group.
Life would be less beautiful without the composers of beautiful music and those who bless others with beautiful deeds. Thank you, God, for beautiful people.
Whether you are happy or sad, may your Sunday be blessed with the love that binds. To my family and friends…I love you…just saying.
Picture from Cardinal Cottage
The way to a happy weekend is to make someone else’s weekend happy. What can we do to accomplish such a fine feat? Look for a way to make someone’s day; a phone call, a visit, a hug, a handshake…whatever it takes to put a smile on a face. Happy weekend.
My Precious Life 