ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades. May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks, and boring grays of your every day.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 2017
Sunrise: 7:42 am
Sunset: 4:58 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
Today is Worldwide Candle Lighting Day which is a celebration of community and memory. It’s a day on which people around the world gather to light candles for children who have died and to show that they will always be loved and never forgotten. The candles are lit at the same time in every time zone, meaning that a consistent warm glow passes around the planet for a full 24 hour day.
Worldwide Candle Lighting Day was a gift to the bereavement community from The Compassionate Friends. The Compassionate Friend’s Worldwide Candle Lighting Day started in the United States in 1997 as a small internet observance in honor of children who lived tragically short lives for any number of reasons, from sickness, to accidents, to war, but has since spread throughout the world. Nowadays, hundreds of formal candle lighting events are held in many different countries and thousands of informal candle lightings are conducted in homes as families gather in quiet remembrance of children who have died, but will never be forgotten.
At 7 p.m. local time, people light candles for one hour to remember their loved ones. This doesn’t only have to be a sad occasion, however. Children’s lives are mostly filled with fun and laughter, so reminiscing about all of the things the child you are honoring managed to enjoy before he or she passed may should serve to lighten the atmosphere up a little bit. Of course, nothing will ever make up for the loss of a child, but there is some solace to be taken in the fact that the child’s life was a good one, however short.
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise at all,
But safely give itself away;
While quite unselfish, it grows small.
Even K. Logue
I’ve been participating in this candle lighting ceremony for several years now since the death of one of my dear little grandsons when he was only two years old. My heart goes out to DS#3 and his family and all those that have lost a child, as they too remember those that have died with love.
I always do try to remember the good times and the joys of those I’ve loved and lost and am grateful for having them in my life for whatever time they were allowed. Always remember to treasure you loved ones as we never know just how long we will have them in our lives. When we can no longer hold them in our arms we hold them in our hearts forever.
Today is the 2nd Sunday of Advent and I will also be lighting the 2nd candle on my Advent wreath. This is the candle of LOVE which make all things possible. Love never fails and always lasts.
Candlelight often evokes the warmth of home and family. It’s said that there is a tradition of leaving a light burning brightly in the window at Christmas time to welcome travelers in from the cold. It is also symbolizes Christ, the light of the world and it would burn throughout the night.
Sunday’s are usually a day of rest for me each week but there is still much to be done here in the way of preparation so after church today, I’ll be busy but in a good way for sure.
I hope you all have a RELAXING Sunday!
COUNTING MY GIFTS
Candlelit Heart
A Christmas Poem by Mary E. Linton
Somewhere across the winter world tonight
You will be hearing chimes that fill the air;
Christmas extends its all-enfolding light
Across the distance...something we can share.
You will be singing, just the same as I,
These familiar songs we know so well,
And you will see these same stars in your sky
And wish upon that brightest one that fell.
I shall remember you and trim my tree,
One shining star upon the topmost bough;
I will hang wreaths of faith that all may see --
Tonight I glimpse beyond the hear and now.
And all the time that we must be apart
I keep a candle in my heart.
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
5515. for candles and rememberance
5516. for our angel babes in heaven
5517. for another day to get it all done
Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!
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
There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle.
Robert Alden
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
4 comments:
I have never heard of Compassionate Friends, I am very grateful to know that this exists.
In England, I know a lady who is very involved with a group called "You Raise Me UP". Her son died in his early 20's. She was contacted by another woman who had just started the group, they raise money for burial and funeral expenses for young people.
Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. x
So true we dont know how long we will have our loved ones with us. We need to treasure every day we have with them.
Betty
"I keep a candle in my heart ..." That's so poignant!
We will be joining with you in spirit at 7PM.
Someone forgot to tell Mother Nature there's still 11 days until Winter, Pam! haha I had never heard of Compassionate friends. Thanks so much for sharing! I love your advent candles and your special thoughts. You are a light in a dark world for many. Love you to bits! xoxo
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