For Sunday, November 27th, 2022

 ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH, 2022

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.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals

'

25 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

 Sunrise:  7:28 am

 Sunset:   5:02 

pm

Life is a special  

occasion!

Hallmark!

 

Today is The first Sunday of Advent, or Advent Sunday which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day.  This is equivalent to the Sunday nearest St. Andrew’s Day.  It can fall on any date between November 27 and December 3rd.

The purpose  of readings and teachings during Advent is often to prepare for the Second coming while commemorating the First Coming of Christ at Christmas.

With the view of directing the thoughts of Christians to the first coming of Jesus as savior and to his second coming as judge, special readings are prescribed each of the four Sundays of Advent.

In recent times the most common observance of Advent outside church circles has been the keeping of an Advent calendar with one door being opened in the calendar until Christmas Day. 

The keeping of an Advent wreath is also common practice, with four or five candles extending from the wreath.  

The usual color of Advent is purple or blue.  The color purple is often used in hangings around the church, or the vestments of the clergy, and are often also in the tabernacle.

To celebrate today, decorate your Advent wreath and set it on the table and light the first purple candle.

If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. 

Charles Dickens

My Advent wreath is always the first Christmas decoration to appear in my house.  I’ve got it set out in the middle of the table today and will be lighting the first candle.

The colors of my advent wreath candles are 3 purple and one pink.  And I place a white one in the center for when Christmas arrives.  The candle holder was given to me years ago by my parents and I simply put some greenery around for decoration.  It’s become a tradition at my house.

After all the activity and feasting yesterday, I’m ready for a rest today and will be staying at home taking it easy.

Church services will be streamed on line.  Our sunny weather has disappeared and rain is expected, so I suppose a good afternoon nap is on the agenda.  Our temps are to remain in the 50’s so that is good but it will be in the 40’s tomorrow and with exception of Wednesday and Thursday, we’ll be in the 40’s most of next week too.

Although Thanksgiving is over I’m still going to share my thankfulness until the end of November.  Today I’m thankful for all the love shown to me in my life time.  I’ve had the love of a husband, my family and friends.  Lots of love was shown to me yesterday when my family let it be known they are going to send me on a winter vacation  to Florida for my Christmas present this year.  Yay!  I get to spend a couple of weeks in the sunshine and warmth !  They knew I didn’t really need much else so they all went together to make sure I get south.  My family is so very good to me!

I hope you all have  a RELAXING Sunday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS 

Advent increases our hope, a hope which does not disappoint.  The Lord never lets us down.

Pope Francis 

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

 

10,830.   for the season of Advent to prepare for Christmas  

10,831. for a loving family

10,832. for a day of rest 

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 EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

The Lord is coming, always coming.  When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life.  Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.

Henri Nouwen 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma