"But Mary treasured all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19
How well do you keep a secret? Every time I am entrusted with a secret, I feel privileged to be told. Certainly Mary must have felt privileged, and overwhelmed and confused. Imagine a teenager keeping anything to herself. Yet Mary didn't appear to be blabbing it around. She probably told her family, and off she went to stay with Elizabeth and Zechariah.
I have gotten better at keeping secrets as I age. I think of Mary, especially when I am worried about how something is going to play out. Something with my daughters, or other loved ones. Having once been an impulsive extrovert, it is a discipline for me to ponder things in my heart.
Thank you, Mary, for helping me be a better secret-keeper, perhaps a better person. If it's not mine to tell, I can now leave the secret to be told in its time, and not mine. I can ponder it in my heart, and talk to God about my concerns.
How wonderful that Mary was able to share her secret with us. God blessed us with his son, come to earth to be fully human and fully divine. Another secret for us to ponder.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Desiree
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Is There Room at Your Inn?
I don't know about you, but try as I might, there is still a rush to get "ready " for Christmas.
The presents to buy - no matter how small or simple - the house to clean, the food to prepare.
The Journey of Advent. Preparation.
As I sit at the computer this morning, waiting for Nattie B, one of my precious Grand babies to arrive, I think about the Journey.
We Americanize our version of Mary traveling in the dessert on a donkey, but no matter what culture it is in, all women can identify with the feelings of a very pregnant woman traveling with her husband while she awaits the birth of her child. We can identify with the necessary preparations tangible and emotional. And to be traveling? Away from our mothers, our friends, our home.
And then, the journey finally drawing to a close and to be told there is no room at the inn! UGHHHH. How exhausting.
And still the time was drawing near. And the stars were shining and the stable was clean and the cattle were lowing. Have you ever heard cattle lowing? I have and it is as soothing as a mothers lullaby. God provides.
Advent is drawing to a close. The time is drawing near. The time for preparation is ending. Have you made room at the inn of your heart to welcome this baby?
The presents to buy - no matter how small or simple - the house to clean, the food to prepare.
The Journey of Advent. Preparation.
As I sit at the computer this morning, waiting for Nattie B, one of my precious Grand babies to arrive, I think about the Journey.
We Americanize our version of Mary traveling in the dessert on a donkey, but no matter what culture it is in, all women can identify with the feelings of a very pregnant woman traveling with her husband while she awaits the birth of her child. We can identify with the necessary preparations tangible and emotional. And to be traveling? Away from our mothers, our friends, our home.
And then, the journey finally drawing to a close and to be told there is no room at the inn! UGHHHH. How exhausting.
And still the time was drawing near. And the stars were shining and the stable was clean and the cattle were lowing. Have you ever heard cattle lowing? I have and it is as soothing as a mothers lullaby. God provides.
Advent is drawing to a close. The time is drawing near. The time for preparation is ending. Have you made room at the inn of your heart to welcome this baby?
Sunday, December 20, 2009
An Unexpected Gift
I wasn't expecting a gift. We had had a nice luncheon with great food at a beautifully set table complimented by easy conversation. We sat around the tree and exchanged good wishes for a wonderful Christmas. I was the last to leave. I was putting my coat on to go out into the frigid December day, when she handed me the gift bag with my name on the tag. White tissue paper hid the present from view and I reached down in to retrieve what was being offered. My hand touched the round, smooth object and I grasped it firmly to pull it into sight.
It took me a moment to comprehend. I was looking at a picture of my home inside a snow globe. I tipped it upside down to watch the snow swirl about the world inside the plastic ball. As I turned it around I saw another scene, one just as dear to me, on the other side. It was a picture of the view from another "home" of sorts, Linwood, the local retreat center that we both treasure, my gift offering friend and I. She made this gift for me, I thought. She MADE this for ME.
As she hugged me, pulling my smiling face into her shoulder, she quietly issued another gift.
She said, "now you can always have snow on your birthday:)"
Ah, who can measure the value of a gift from the heart? She had not only read something I wrote, she had LISTENED to what I said. She knew I would treasure this gift, not only because she made it for me, but also because as a friend she had listened to me.
For my birthday, an end of November day that is most often gray and cold, poorly suited to a birthday celebration, I have always wished for snow. That childlike desire has never gone away. I had written about my wish this year and she had read it. One mention and here was my childhood wish being granted. She had taken the time to take a picture of my house, and to find a picture of the retreat center and put together a gift of love. .
When I came home I carefully lifted the snow globe out of the bag and put it on my kitchen window ledge. I can see it as I come in the house and when I look right at it when I stand at the sink to do dishes. I love to look at it. I love to turn it upside down and watch the little sparkly flakes dance around and around, but mostly, I love that she took the time -one of the most precious gifts we have to offer- to make this special gift for me. For ME.
The spirit of Christmas fills my heart every time my eye catches sight of this unexpected gift. Thank you friend.
It took me a moment to comprehend. I was looking at a picture of my home inside a snow globe. I tipped it upside down to watch the snow swirl about the world inside the plastic ball. As I turned it around I saw another scene, one just as dear to me, on the other side. It was a picture of the view from another "home" of sorts, Linwood, the local retreat center that we both treasure, my gift offering friend and I. She made this gift for me, I thought. She MADE this for ME.
As she hugged me, pulling my smiling face into her shoulder, she quietly issued another gift.
She said, "now you can always have snow on your birthday:)"
Ah, who can measure the value of a gift from the heart? She had not only read something I wrote, she had LISTENED to what I said. She knew I would treasure this gift, not only because she made it for me, but also because as a friend she had listened to me.
For my birthday, an end of November day that is most often gray and cold, poorly suited to a birthday celebration, I have always wished for snow. That childlike desire has never gone away. I had written about my wish this year and she had read it. One mention and here was my childhood wish being granted. She had taken the time to take a picture of my house, and to find a picture of the retreat center and put together a gift of love. .
When I came home I carefully lifted the snow globe out of the bag and put it on my kitchen window ledge. I can see it as I come in the house and when I look right at it when I stand at the sink to do dishes. I love to look at it. I love to turn it upside down and watch the little sparkly flakes dance around and around, but mostly, I love that she took the time -one of the most precious gifts we have to offer- to make this special gift for me. For ME.
The spirit of Christmas fills my heart every time my eye catches sight of this unexpected gift. Thank you friend.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Catching my breath
I've been putting off trying to write a blog just like I've been putting off getting ready for Christmas this year. It just seems that there's too much STUFF getting in the way of the spirit. I have no idea why, but it's starting to really bug me.
SOOOOOO-
I visited my 80 something Aunt today - her house is immaculate, she has Christmas in every room - she's like a kid - her eyes light up and she told me the history of so many of the ornaments on her tree - so many from people who are no longer with us. This snowflake, the beaded ornament, that glass ornament, the ones with the pictures of her grandchildren when they were wee 0nes as Beverly puts it, and the ones with the pictures of her great grandchildren. Her Santa and snowflake collections abound - her gorgeous Nativity set - handmade by a family member - is the center of it all. Christmas memories - priceless!!
I came home and got out some of my Christmas decorations. I finished the wreaths for the graves of loved ones. I'm finishing my Christmas cards, I'm ready to tackle all of the STUFF that is still to be done - BUT -
I also am remembering my own advice from my Christmas message to family and friends (something that I do on line each Christmas Eve after I come home from church and the house is quiet) last year. It went something like this -
So now, tonight, go outside and look UP - that's it - look UP. And Listen. Listen to the silence of that first Christmas night - look at the stars that were shining at that time and give yourself a GIFT - the greatest GIFT - of calm, of silence, of peace, of God's promise and Love. Peace and calm - Silent Night - Merry Christmas.
Linda Launhardt
SOOOOOO-
I visited my 80 something Aunt today - her house is immaculate, she has Christmas in every room - she's like a kid - her eyes light up and she told me the history of so many of the ornaments on her tree - so many from people who are no longer with us. This snowflake, the beaded ornament, that glass ornament, the ones with the pictures of her grandchildren when they were wee 0nes as Beverly puts it, and the ones with the pictures of her great grandchildren. Her Santa and snowflake collections abound - her gorgeous Nativity set - handmade by a family member - is the center of it all. Christmas memories - priceless!!
I came home and got out some of my Christmas decorations. I finished the wreaths for the graves of loved ones. I'm finishing my Christmas cards, I'm ready to tackle all of the STUFF that is still to be done - BUT -
I also am remembering my own advice from my Christmas message to family and friends (something that I do on line each Christmas Eve after I come home from church and the house is quiet) last year. It went something like this -
So now, tonight, go outside and look UP - that's it - look UP. And Listen. Listen to the silence of that first Christmas night - look at the stars that were shining at that time and give yourself a GIFT - the greatest GIFT - of calm, of silence, of peace, of God's promise and Love. Peace and calm - Silent Night - Merry Christmas.
Linda Launhardt
An Advent scripture reading
Another Promise is made.Another lectionary reading this week is from Micah 5
Turn to your Bibles in your busy Advent day and read the promises in verses2- 8.
He is our shepherd and we are His flock.
Much joy to you on this cold December day.
beverly kipp
Turn to your Bibles in your busy Advent day and read the promises in verses2- 8.
He is our shepherd and we are His flock.
Much joy to you on this cold December day.
beverly kipp
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Mary, Joseph and a donkey welcome a baby
I love the Christmas story. I actually love the Santa part too, but that is such a small part of the celebration. I love getting the house ready. I love the smell of the freshly cut pine tree in the living room. I love the brightly colored bows sitting in a big basket waiting expectantly to be chosen for packages that I never seem to get around to wrapping in time to worry about ribbons and bows. I love garland; the star garland and the cranberry beads. I like real cranberries and popcorn threaded to put on the "cemetery trees" (another story). Some years we wrap the tree in raw wool spun into long fluffy ropes. I like how the bird ornaments look on the wool. I even like the eco damaging tinsel though we rarely use it any more.
But most of all, I love nativities. Nativities serve to remind us of the Christmas story, and that is, after all, what and why we celebrate. I love to pick up my nativity pieces and handle them before I choose where to place them. I have the whole Avon pure white nativity complete with the Holy Family and the donkey who carried Mary. It includes the Angel of the Lord, the shepherds, wise men, camels, and sheep. And the cow. My daughter worked really hard to get me the cow, a Christmas gift from her heart.
This year, since my grand baby is only two, this beautiful but breakable nativity rests on the mantle piece out of reach but I have always made sure that the little ones had a nativity set of their own. Felt, wood, plastic, resin, we had lots of them over the years and have the remnants of many with one piece or another missing. I always felt it was important for the kids to play act with them. They would move Mary and play with Baby Jesus ( we never held the tradition that Jesus couldn't be in the manger until Christmas though we do have a neighbor boy whose family holds that tradition and we thing he may be responsible for a few missing babies).
I think I have 15 nativity sets though I haven't unwrapped all of them yet this year so I can't count. The pure white one is my favorite for many reasons, but I really love them all. I have a beautiful locally hand-carved wooden one with no adornment and it feels precious in my hands. When I feel the curved figures, I feel close to the expectant woman somehow. This one feels earthy and real. My father was a wood worker, a craftsman really, so this one makes me think of him.
And I have one that is rough, gray cement like material that has a coarse black wire stable. I put that one on black cloth with shredded off- white paper that looks like straw. The short crude figures touch my heart in a way the others don't.
And I have tiny ones. A little pewter one I leave on the piano all year long. It is all one piece and fits in the palm of my hand. My brother Carl gave it to me years ago and it keeps the Christmas story in my heart throughout the seasons but it also makes me think of Carl when it catches my eye. I like that.
I even have a Playmobile nativity. It is the most work to set up with it's pop up cardboard background and the zillion pieces to be put together. I am hoping Axel who is now eleven will put it up for me tomorrow.
There are more. Smooth, softly painted ceramic ones, cheap dime store and catalogue versions that are tucked on every surface in every room upstairs and down for the kids to play with whether baby Jesus is missing or not.
Tonight I put up my metal one. It is copper and silver. It has a very different feel than any of the others. It is shiny. I remember the first time I saw it and knew I wanted it in my collection.
I love to look at each Mary, each Joseph and each swaddled baby and think about the story over and over. I have a Hummel Nativity and in that one Mary is riding on the donkey and Joseph is leading her. The colors are magnificent but my favorite part of that one is the donkey. How grateful a pregnant Mary must have been for a donkey to ride on as they traveled to Bethlehem.
I am 59 years old and still, every year for Christmas, my mother gives me a book, a piece of jewelry and a doll. I am so very grateful that for so many years my "dolls" were Nativity sets.
I am so grateful that my home is so full of these beautiful reminders of the true cause of celebration. I am so blessed to hold the Christmas story in my heart.
beverly kipp
But most of all, I love nativities. Nativities serve to remind us of the Christmas story, and that is, after all, what and why we celebrate. I love to pick up my nativity pieces and handle them before I choose where to place them. I have the whole Avon pure white nativity complete with the Holy Family and the donkey who carried Mary. It includes the Angel of the Lord, the shepherds, wise men, camels, and sheep. And the cow. My daughter worked really hard to get me the cow, a Christmas gift from her heart.
This year, since my grand baby is only two, this beautiful but breakable nativity rests on the mantle piece out of reach but I have always made sure that the little ones had a nativity set of their own. Felt, wood, plastic, resin, we had lots of them over the years and have the remnants of many with one piece or another missing. I always felt it was important for the kids to play act with them. They would move Mary and play with Baby Jesus ( we never held the tradition that Jesus couldn't be in the manger until Christmas though we do have a neighbor boy whose family holds that tradition and we thing he may be responsible for a few missing babies).
I think I have 15 nativity sets though I haven't unwrapped all of them yet this year so I can't count. The pure white one is my favorite for many reasons, but I really love them all. I have a beautiful locally hand-carved wooden one with no adornment and it feels precious in my hands. When I feel the curved figures, I feel close to the expectant woman somehow. This one feels earthy and real. My father was a wood worker, a craftsman really, so this one makes me think of him.
And I have one that is rough, gray cement like material that has a coarse black wire stable. I put that one on black cloth with shredded off- white paper that looks like straw. The short crude figures touch my heart in a way the others don't.
And I have tiny ones. A little pewter one I leave on the piano all year long. It is all one piece and fits in the palm of my hand. My brother Carl gave it to me years ago and it keeps the Christmas story in my heart throughout the seasons but it also makes me think of Carl when it catches my eye. I like that.
I even have a Playmobile nativity. It is the most work to set up with it's pop up cardboard background and the zillion pieces to be put together. I am hoping Axel who is now eleven will put it up for me tomorrow.
There are more. Smooth, softly painted ceramic ones, cheap dime store and catalogue versions that are tucked on every surface in every room upstairs and down for the kids to play with whether baby Jesus is missing or not.
Tonight I put up my metal one. It is copper and silver. It has a very different feel than any of the others. It is shiny. I remember the first time I saw it and knew I wanted it in my collection.
I love to look at each Mary, each Joseph and each swaddled baby and think about the story over and over. I have a Hummel Nativity and in that one Mary is riding on the donkey and Joseph is leading her. The colors are magnificent but my favorite part of that one is the donkey. How grateful a pregnant Mary must have been for a donkey to ride on as they traveled to Bethlehem.
I am 59 years old and still, every year for Christmas, my mother gives me a book, a piece of jewelry and a doll. I am so very grateful that for so many years my "dolls" were Nativity sets.
I am so grateful that my home is so full of these beautiful reminders of the true cause of celebration. I am so blessed to hold the Christmas story in my heart.
beverly kipp
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
More Joy to the World
One of the Lectionary readings this week is Luke, Chapter 1 verses 39 to 45 . It is the story of Mary, who is pregnant at the time of the passage, going to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who is expecting a baby as well.
Mary greets her cousin and these are the words of Elizabeth.
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
Shari wrote to us about her Advent experience of embracing joy in all things as she waits for Christmas and Nate wrote about the joy of anticipation - as a child waiting for Lego's and as a young man walking through the days of Advent.
It is so easy to focus on the prize - the big event - and forget about the journey. Elizabeth's baby leapt for joy at the sound of the voice of the mother of the soon to be born Saviour. Even in the womb, he leapt for joy. There is that word again.
We all know the joy that our wee ones get from reading the same familiar stories over and over - Good night Moon, Pat the Bunny, Madeline, or favorite Dr. Seuss rhymes. The same joy can be ours if we take time to invite it into our day.
I collect Nativity sets and take great joy in unwrapping them and placing them all around the house. It is my way of re-living the journey from Advent to Christmas. This year I have decided that each night from now until Christmas I will unwrap one nativity set and put it out and then I will reread the Christmas story. Some nights I will read it in the Gospel of Luke; some nights I will sit down and read one of the many children's versions that I keep in a basket for my wee ones. Every single night I will treat myself to the same joy that we so readily treat our younguns to; the joy of reading the familiar, a beloved story.
We are told that Elizabeth experienced joy just hearing the voice of Mary, mother of Jesus. Imagine how much joy is to be had by reading the words of the so very familiar Christmas story over and over while we wait expectantly for the baby to be laid in the manger!
How are you allowing the joy of Advent to touch your days? Please write and share with us.
Beverly Kipp Health Ministry Coordinator
Mary greets her cousin and these are the words of Elizabeth.
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
Shari wrote to us about her Advent experience of embracing joy in all things as she waits for Christmas and Nate wrote about the joy of anticipation - as a child waiting for Lego's and as a young man walking through the days of Advent.
It is so easy to focus on the prize - the big event - and forget about the journey. Elizabeth's baby leapt for joy at the sound of the voice of the mother of the soon to be born Saviour. Even in the womb, he leapt for joy. There is that word again.
We all know the joy that our wee ones get from reading the same familiar stories over and over - Good night Moon, Pat the Bunny, Madeline, or favorite Dr. Seuss rhymes. The same joy can be ours if we take time to invite it into our day.
I collect Nativity sets and take great joy in unwrapping them and placing them all around the house. It is my way of re-living the journey from Advent to Christmas. This year I have decided that each night from now until Christmas I will unwrap one nativity set and put it out and then I will reread the Christmas story. Some nights I will read it in the Gospel of Luke; some nights I will sit down and read one of the many children's versions that I keep in a basket for my wee ones. Every single night I will treat myself to the same joy that we so readily treat our younguns to; the joy of reading the familiar, a beloved story.
We are told that Elizabeth experienced joy just hearing the voice of Mary, mother of Jesus. Imagine how much joy is to be had by reading the words of the so very familiar Christmas story over and over while we wait expectantly for the baby to be laid in the manger!
How are you allowing the joy of Advent to touch your days? Please write and share with us.
Beverly Kipp Health Ministry Coordinator
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