SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29th, 2015
Sunrise: 7:34 am
Sunset: 5:02 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
This Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent. On the heels of Thanksgiving, this year it sneaks up on us. The Advent season marks the beginning of the Christian year across many churches in the United States today. Its length varies from 22 to 28 days, starting on the Sunday nearest St Andrew’s Day, November 30th, and encompassing the next three Sundays, ending on Christmas Day.
In recent times the most common observance of Advent has been the keeping of an advent calendar, with one door being opened in the calendar on each day in December leading up to Christmas Eve. The keeping of an advent wreath is also a common practice, with four or five candles extending from the wreath. Each week until Christmas we light a new candle.
Preparing our hearts and minds for authentic Christmas is challenging. We are remind us of our need to pay attention, and what our goal ultimately is: attaining heaven for ourselves, our spouse and children, and our fellow man. We are reminded to love one another.
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
This is what the table looked like before everyone arrived on Friday to decorate our Gingerbread Houses.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
I long to look at my holiday season with eyes that see the Christ in Christmas.
Ann Marie Stewart, Preparing My Heart for Advent
Keeping an Advent Wreath wasn’t always a part of my heritage but it is one I’ve come to love and is a tradition that I’ve passed on to my children. Today I’ll get my wreath out of storage and place it on the center of the table and each evening I’ll be lighting a candle, saying some prayers and reflecting on the true meaning of the season. There are seasons for everything. This one is for preparing and waiting.
The pictures today are of the Gingerbread House Party I had on Friday. It was a first time event for our family. Everyone seemed to have a great time. I took lots and lots of pictures and these are just a few of the many. I was pleasantly surprised that even the youngest one present enjoyed it. We adults did too. Everyone had a house, a cap and an apron to take home.
I hope you all have a RELAXING and restful Sunday !
COUNTING MY GIFTS
Christmas is a gift of love wrapped in human flesh and tied securely with the strong promises of God.
It is more than words can tell, for it is a matter for the heart to receive, believe and understand.
Author Unknown
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
3355. for fun and festive things to do preparing for Christmas
3356. for sugary sweetness of frosting, always makes a tasty treat
3357. for laughter and smiles, they do brighten my days
Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!
25 Days Until Christmas
Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world.
The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son.
The only requirement is to believe in Him.
The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.
Corrie Ten Boom
Time to make some Blizzard Bites. Crunchy and sweet, this no bake snack mix in a jar is easy to make and fun to give.
To make Blizzard Bites, you'll layer crunchy cereal, pretzels and peanuts with tangy dried cranberries and candied pineapple in a Mason jar or canning jar, then add meltable white chocolate chips. The recipients simply melt the white chocolate chips and coat the snack mixture with a sweet holiday topping. It's simple and it’s sweet!
A great gift for teachers, Secret Santa exchanges or 12 Days of Christmas activities.
PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS
Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.
Almighty and eternal God,
Protect our military
as they discharge their duties
with the shield of your strength,
may the power of your love
enable them to return home in safety
that with all who love them
they may ever praise you for your loving care.
AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters
and Paramedics and EMT’s
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
GOD BLESS YOU ALL !
ADVICE FOR TODAY
Christmas began in the heart of God.
It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.
Anonymous
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
3 comments:
What a great tradition! You're giving those children something far more precious than anything Mattel or Apple might produce.
It was so exciting to see the first candle lit for Advent in church this morning.
Lovely pictures. Isn't this such an exciting time?
Happy day!
Barb
Looked like the party was a success!!! I'm sure the start of a new tradition!!
betty
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