The Blessed Dawn of Christmas Day

A beautiful song sung by one of my favorites. May God's presence meet you today in a tangible, sweet way. Emmanuel is HERE. Christmas is NOW. It's everyday.

Blessed,

Janelle

Gaither Vocal Band - Oh little town of Bethlehem 2008

Last year I blogged daily from Nov. 1st through Dec. about a fav Christmas song. I had a friend request that I do it again. I didn't think I could commit to two months, but I am looking forward to 25 days of Christmas. So here goes :-)We are listening to this CD right now so I'll share a bit of it. Here is the Gaither Vocal Band sharing "O Little Town of Bethlehem". Enjoy

Advent

Advent-"a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas." (per Wiki)

Once again we are going to try and observe the season/period of Advent here in our home.  I have a wreath that I am hoping to set up today.  That is if I have time between changing diapers, cooking a couple of side dishes for our afternoon lunch with our out of town family, sucking little snotty noses with a bulb syringe, catching up on "Mount Washmore" (thanks Traci), and general household stuff.  One tradition/observance that I miss from our time in the UMC denomination is the "Hanging of the Greens".  Basically it is where the church is prepared for the Advent/Christmas season.  Sometimes it takes place in a ceremonious way.  Other times depending upon the church preference it takes place as a communal gathering complete with carols, cookies and fellowship.  It was always a lot of fun.  Hoping that we can finish up some decorating stuff around our house today. 

I love the expectancy and hope of Advent.  "Shepherds Abiding" by Jan Karon from the Mitford series is a tradition for me.  It is a lovely tell of the hope and joy found during this season.  I am praying that as the years pass I will be able to plant within the hearts of my children the expectancy, hope, joy and mystery of Christmas. 

For those of you who have been reading my blog for sometime I am about to start my annual "Favorite Christmas Carol" posts.  Should be staring those on the 1st of December.  Happy Advent and Merry Christmas to all.

Emmanuel is with us,

Janelle

Born to Die

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What a purpose. I often wonder what my children were created to do, to be, to become. Jesus' purpose was to SAVE THE WORLD by living a sinless life and then dying as our atonement. WOW!

Enjoy Bebo Norman's..."Born to Die"

November 1st...

This is the day that the Flint family officially starts listening to Christmas music. I've been listening to it for a few days on the down low because it makes me feel better. However, I LOVE this music. I am going to try and share one of my favs with you everyday between now and Christmas...

Today's fav....

MercyMe-Joseph's Lullaby

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I hope you enjoy as much as I do!!!