For Sunday, December 20th, 2015

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20TH, 2015

1 DAY UNTIL WINTER!

Sunrise: 7:51 am

Sunset:  5:02 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

December 20th is Go Caroling Day.  It’s a wonderful, rewarding, and memory filled day. By far more popular decades ago, Christmas holiday caroling is a great opportunity to enjoy the holiday and appreciate its meaning.

Christmas caroling remains popular in many area and among many groups. Scouts and youth groups often partake in this special musical event. Even family parties and business parties sometimes produce an impromptu caroling event.  

It may take a little planning to make your Christmas Caroling happen. For example, scout groups frequently go caroling to nursing homes and senior citizen centers. A phone call to the facility management to arrange a date and time is a must. Transportation to and from the facility also must be arranged. And, afterwards, a caroling event is often topped off with hot chocolate and cookies.

 I hope you enjoy Go Caroling Day to its fullest today!

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Christmas now surrounds us,
Happiness is everywhere
Our hands are busy with many tasks
As carols fill the air.

Shirley Sallay

These days my caroling is mostly done at church or singing along to carols played on the radio.  There were many years in the past though that I did go along with the scout troop to nursing homes.  

Christmas carols are are synonymous with the holiday season and can invoke the spirit of Christmas in even the most Scrooge like individuals. Carols symbolize everything that Christmas stands for: They gather the family, bring joy, spread the word about Christmas, and make everyone feel the Christmas spirit.

The worlds most widely known Christmas carol is is Silent Night, which is sung in many languages all over most of the globe. The song originates from Austria, but enjoyed great recognition as early as the First World War, when soldiers on each side of the frontline laid down their weapons on Christmas Eve and sung the carol, Silent Night, across no man’s land.

Thanks to two of my little grandsons I was able to attend two Christmas Concerts this year and got to here them do some wonderful singing.  They are pictured above and below.  

I hope you all have a RELAXING Sunday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

I heard the bells on Christmas Day. 

Their old familiar carols play. 

And wild and sweet the words repeat.

 Of peace on earth goodwill to men. 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

3421.  for Christmas carols, they make my heart sing

3422. for concerts that make us full of joy

3423. for hot chocolate and cookies, always good

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

4 Days Until Christmas

This is the last Sunday in Advent so this will be the last of my tips for this year. 

Advent tip for today:   Make a video of each family member singing their favorite Christmas song

Remember the reason for the season

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

Let us have music for Christmas…
Sound the trumpet of joy and rebirth;
Let each of us try, with a song in our hearts,
To bring peace to men on earth.

Mildred L. Jarrell

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma