Advent is a season of preparation that has a twofold purpose. Advent begins with Evening Prayer I of the Sunday falling on or closest to 30 November and ends before evening prayer I of Christmas. We prepare ourselves not only for the coming joy of our celebration of the birth of the Christ child; we also prepare ourselves for the Second Coming of Christ.
For Catholics, Advent is the beginning of the new liturgical year. The seasons of that year have always led me on a journey with Christ each year, and I gain so much in the consistency of the seasons and readings. We begin with Advent, awaiting the birth of Christ, then celebrate the Christmas Octave and season, Epiphany, and then soon begins Lent, in preparation for Easter. Then, after the Easter season ends with Pentecost, we have the bulk of Ordinary Time until the end of the liturgical year, and Advent again.
The readings at Mass reflect these times in the life of Christ. They take us through his birth, baptism, ministry, Passion, Death, and Resurrection. I find Advent and Lent especially to be times that help me prepare to meet Jesus in deeper and more profound ways.
Many Christian denominations celebrate Advent, perhaps in ways a little different from those of us who observe a liturgical calendar and cycle. But the focus, the point, is to prepare for the coming of Jesus.
https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/advent-rediscovered-by-southern-baptists/
https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/the-beautiful-meaning-and-purpose-of-advent.html
We will have posts for each Sunday of Advent, beginning this weekend. I ask that you save political comments for the other posts. Please, give people a place to think about and discuss something else. I hope these posts will be an aid to all who stop in here during this busy season, an invitation to take a moment and find the reason we prepare for Christmas.
Thank you for this.
Sincerely.
I also thank you. Not being in the Catholic Church, I was not familiar with ‘what’ advent was. Oh, I was raised in Church especially since my Grandfather was a preacher, but either I wasn’t paying attention or it was never told to me about Advent. I really thank you again.
Another EXCELLENT article on CTH, by Menagerie. Thank you for putting the correct perspective on the season!
Menagerie,
Thank you for reminding me ….
—and providing such informative and important teachings of Christ❣️
Jesus is King✝️
Love the video! Anticipation….not exhaustion! Christ centered Hope!
Thank you!
And some of my favorite holiday music to boot!
Also: Faith, not fear. “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.”
Believe it or not, Gustav Mahler (who wrote some of the Third Reich’s favorite background music) said that.
Exactly! Just was speaking with a fellow Christian believer that Lent was a period of confession and repentance, therefore the quiet, contemplative prayer service each Wednesday (LCMS ).
When I was younger, Advent color was always blue, in anticipation of both His Comings.
My question today is: then why the long faces, minor key music, and where’s the JOY and PRAISE in Advent services, which are a completely different church season?
The video explained so well and I’ve passed along happily! Thanks!
Love this! Thanks Menagerie!
THANK YOU
Beautiful!
Than you for sharing this. Absolutely beautiful!
My favorite Advent song, and this is my favorite version of it. Sometimes I do a post with this video during Advent.
Sigh…such beauty and such feeling from the musicians. Thank you!
It is unfortunate that so many churches and denominations abandoned the church calendar.
So true.
Ht77 I agree. While researching the topic, I found this essay about the importance of keeping a church calendar to be enlightening and very supportive of Menagerie’s post.
https://www.logos.com/grow/christians-church-calendar/
Come, thou long expected Jesus.🙏
Love this!
The 3 Sundays before the start of Lent also have Jesus preparing his Apostles for His second coming and the Last Things.
The Liturgical Year is so rich in all the preparations for helping us go deeper in our faith!
While I am jumping the gun here, I always loved the story of Simeon who told our Lord that he could take him now as he has seen his Savior…….
As a Baptist, I look forward to this series. I want to understand the elements of the faith of those that share the journey. I am certain to learn something important.
Thank you for your comment. I try to make these religious posts inviting to one and all. We have a lot to offer and teach each other, and I learn a lot from the people who comment and share.
I LOVE BEING CATHOLIC
We have the Eucharist and the rosary. I love both!
Good post and a welcoming invite to anyone who has not experienced the love of God (you have, just not aware of it) or the resurrecting powers of walking with Jesus.
The last few years have proven, without doubt, that there is a one true God.
Thank you for this Menagerie; looking forward to this season of Advent, refocusing of our attention to what truly matters.
As a Traditional Anglican, we also celebrate Advent like this. The focus is on the Coming of Christ, and not on the frenzied secular preparation for the arrival of a bastardized Saint Nicholas.
Methodism also as descended from Anglican tradition, with a theological emphasis on Arianism which was more associated with “high church” rather than Reformed elements. What bothers me these days is Epiphany used to be one of the 3 main feasts, but today is relegated to an after thought.
It is now referred to as J6, I really resent that January 6th of Epiphany has been psy-op’d. All my life January 6th is Epiphany, 3 Wise Men, spice cake, last day of the season. My mom would take the tree down on Jan.6th.
I just saw a monstrous blasphemy on the news about “Advent Calendars” now used for selling wine, jelly, soap * (?), and other things!
So you can drink a different kind of wine or eat a different kind of jelly on each day between November 27th and Christmas!
You will really be prepared for Christmas after that: cirrhosis and diabetes!
Dreadful commercialism!
Thank you for keeping Advent a religious period, a time for self-examination and spiritual renewal!
* e.g. https://www.loccitane.com/en-us/classic-advent-calendar-10CACLA22.html
😜!!
Aldi had the wine one.
Just looked through Amazon, wanted to get one for my neighbor that is sick. Oh my gosh, Advent calendars have been destroyed by the Main Stream. It was shocking to see all the junk they have come up with to call it an Advent calendar. I have seen the wine and beer ones, even a tea bag, but not all the other stuff. It is shameful.
Quite true: beyond shameful, and talk about “appropriation” for the wrong purposes by the wrong people!
Menagerie thank you for posting this. What you describe is one of the reasons why I like Thanksgiving more than any other holiday (apart from being always on my birthday or close). It is because they haven’t been able to commercialize it to death like Christmas that now start on Halloween. Every year, the ads on television are more nauseating than the previous one. By the time Christmas approaches, I am sick of it. We put the tree around the middle of December and keep it until January 6 for the 12 days of Christmas. Every year my Christmas joy is to sing Handel’s Messiah. The first part, the Christmas part, cover the readings of Advent by the Prophet Isaiah. For years now, we don’t go to the malls and we don’t do Black Friday. I know, it may sound grouchy, but by taking Christ our of Christmas they completely ruining it. Apart from Messiah, I like to listen to Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and the Vienna Choir Boys singing the old fashion German carols. not Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Try it. It is uplifting. My take fellow Treepers. I am looking forward to your comments.
“…For years now, we don’t go to the malls and we don’t do Black Friday. I know, it may sound grouchy, but by taking Christ our of Christmas they completely ruining it. Apart from Messiah, I like to listen to Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and the Vienna Choir Boys singing the old fashion German carols. not Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Try it. It is uplifting. My take fellow Treepers. I am looking forward to your comments…”
Amen! See my comment above!
Allow me to offer this:
Thanks for the link beautiful.
Ausonius, if you can stream Sirius XM in your home, their channel Holiday Pops is nonstop music such as you’ve posted…and more.
It is a horrid name for a channel with the most sublime Christmas music, which you would recognize instantly. Choirs such as the Westminster Choir, and oh so many other delights for the soul at Christmas time… Bach included.
Thank you!
Here is another favorite:
It is one of mine as well. Thank you so much.
We look forward all year to Carols from Kings on Christmas Eve, which we access through Britbox. It is the highlight of this most beautiful expectant Season for us. Readings and carols, some we know so well and some we have never heard. This one is always sung. . There is something so special about English choirs which make them instantly recognizable. Beautiful!
We visited London for 5 days 4 or 5 years ago: we visited Westminster Cathedral, the Catholic cathedral for London. The manager happened to meet us by chance and most graciously gave us a guided tour just like that!
We bought some CD’s by the choir in the gift shop: wonderful sound indeed from English choirs!
We also went to a concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra (one of our (i.e. my) reasons for going on the trip) to hear Arnold Schoenberg’s massive cantata Gurrelieder . The work uses large choruses and soloists. A marvelous performance in general (the tenor was not having the best night), but in spite of that, thrilling and unforgettable.
If you do not know Schoenberg’s Gurrelieder, it is worth your time!
I have not heard it. I will certainly search for it. Unfortunate about the tenor. Any new discovery is worth my time, Ausonius. Thank you.
How fortuitous! It is a magnificent cathedral. When I see services there, I can’t help but take in the architecture, remembering how enduringly beautiful and jaw dropping it is, just one of the magnificent cathedrals there and on the Continent. Oh were the skills used to construct them not lost to a bygone era. Amazing to think how they ever survived WWII, unlike Dresden.
I have quite a few cherished choral CDs, mainly Christmas, acquired from my years there, each one a treasure, with the fond memories that accompany them.
I should add the lyrics: the poem is “macaronic verse,” i.e. it uses more than one language.
1.In dulci jubilo (In sweet jubilation)
Let us our homage shew:
Our heart’s joy reclineth
In praesepio; (in a manger)
And like a bright star shineth
Matris in gremio, (in the lap of His Mother)
Alpha es et O! (You are the Alpha and the Omega)
2. O Jesu parvule, (O tiny child Jesus)
My heart is sore for Thee!
Hear me, I beseech Thee,
O puer optime; (O you best boy)
My praying let it reach Thee,
O princeps gloriae. (O Prince of Glory)
Trahe me post te. (Take me along behind You)
3. O patris caritas! O Love of the Father)
O Nati lenitas! (O Mercy of the Son)
Deeply were we stained.
Per nostra crimina: (Through our sins)
But Thou for us hast gained
Coelorum gaudia, (The joys of Heaven)
Qualis gloria! (Such Glory!)
4. Ubi sunt gaudia, (Where are joys at all)
If that they be not there?
There are Angels singing
Nova cantica; (New songs)
And there the bells are ringing
In Regis curia. (In the court of the King)
O that we were there!
Simply beautiful… sigh…
Greetings again Betsy Jones!
Many thanks for your replies! Yes, having discovered Classical Music at a very early age (thanks to classic cartoons of Bugs Bunny and others which appropriated Wagner, Von Suppe, Schubert, et al.), I am still making discoveries in my 70’s.
This motet by Bruckner, however, is not one of them: Anton Bruckner I discovered in grade school c. age 12 , and I have been enthralled by his symphonies (9) and religious works (many) ever since.
Well worth 5 minutes of anyone’s time: Os Iusti for a capella choir: I used it in my Latin classes at a Catholic grade school during the last 15 years.
Translation:
The mouth of the just man will consider wisdom,
and his tongue speaks what is just.
The law of his God is in his heart:
and his feet do not falter.
I have found David, my servant;
I have anointed him with my holy oil.
Alleluia.
Beautiful songs sung in a cathedral — echoing through those ancient holy spaces. Nothing more uplifting.
Just remember this. From the time I was a child I loved the Christmas season, even though my family wasn’t religious, and I knew only the basics about baby Jesus. As I grew up, and then married and started a family, I never lost my love and excitement for what I then thought of as the Christmas season.
Everyone, even way back then, always said Christmas had been commercialized. They said there was no time, too much to do, too many responsibilities. As a young working mother with a husband who worked long hours or maybe was out of town, I did have what seemed like unending responsibilities, and Christmas could have been just one more.
Somehow, without any struggle at all, it never became less joyful or just work. Everything about it was exciting for me, and I looked forward to things like choosing presents, wrapping them, making gingerbread houses with my sons, reading the Christmas stories to them, teaching them while sharing excitement.
Normally, I had a strong inclination toward worry and getting lost in details. But I chose the better part, like Mary, who sat with Jesus while Martha served. I’ve certainly been very glad of that, and very grateful that now I have time to share even more joy with my grandchildren.
We tell ourselves we don’t have time, things are too commercial, we don’t have money, whatever. Those things are indeed true, but they are also irrelevant if you choose joy. How you live that out, how much time you have to make it happen, how you get family and friends to share it, those are all things each of us has to work out. But there is always, always the choice to say yes to Christmas joy.
So true. We are all in control of whether or not Christ is removed from Christmas. Even with the chaos from shopping, decorating or baking, etc. we can honor Christ and let his light shine through for others to see with our words, deeds and a kind heart. It’s why I like going to church. Being able to participate in the Mass is such a blessing. It refuels me and gives me nourishment for my soul. Always makes me feel more connected to our Lord and Savior. Advent is a time we’re reminded to make more room for Christ, which is what the preparation is all about.
I grew up in a church that is pretty well known for not celebrating Advent, Lent, or other traditional or reflective events like these. We did celebrate Easter and Christmas, but the services were very limited to the birth and sacrifice of Christ on those days. There was virtually never any history or lead up to them. Then there was the attitude of people in that church… You were in it and right or you weren’t and you were not saved by Jesus. It took me 40 years to leave that behind.
What I discovered in the decade since is that there are people of incredible faith who love Christ and worship Him in all walks of life. Jesus does not care what your standing in life is, rich or poor, preacher or mechanic, white or black and so many other of man’s descriptive divisions. What He cares is about is us, each one of us individually, believing in Him and following His teachings and example.
It is a beautiful thing to read these posts and know that there are others whose fervent desire is to serve Him, the mighty Lord, the one who has the power to save. When you really think about it, there is nothing else more important in life than this, being saved by Him. Material things can never equal eternal life with God.
Thank you all for being a source of strength, faith, power and prayer in this troubled world. All of you have helped out a fellow believer in countless and miraculous ways.
Thank you as well Sundance.
My apologies. Thank you, Menagerie.
No worries, it’s all about the message. Who wrote it doesn’t matter too much!
I hate videos like that.
All information in text flashed on the screen, with lots of distracting images and music so that you can’t both read the message and appreciate the music/images. If all info is text, just write the darn thing out so we can read at our own pace (being mildly dyslexic means many pauses will be required, so the music is also stop-and-go). If using video, use voice-over reading the text, or have more relevant explanatory images.
Videos are great, if they provide more information than simple text would. This one doesn’t.
Just my two cents worth.
Okay, thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Menagerie.
I suppose some of your readers might not know it, but “Evening Prayer I” in the Liturgy of the Hours, refers to the Vigil of a Sunday or feast day, thus, Saturday evening, or Christmas Eve.
The Liturgy of the Hours, also called the Divine Office, or the Breviary, is the official prayer book of the Catholic Church, and it consists of hymns, psalms and readings, recited or sung, at regular intervals during the day.
By the way, the Islamic practice of stopping to pray 5 times each day was borrowed from Christians and Jews.
“Seven times a day I praise you,” Psalm 119:164.
Christian Monasteries and Convents and Cloisters had/have the daily prayer cycle:
Matins (or Vigils), Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline.
Bought my Advent candles this year.
Every since my divorce 20 years ago I have made hope the theme of my Christmas seasons.
Good that you got them, many places there is a shortage.
Especially in today’s über-political, divisive times, we all need to remember the One who came to unify us all. And who gave everything He had to accomplish it.
And, maybe “nobody does it better” than the Catholics, and select other denominations who followed their lead with “the Liturgical Year” and its associated rituals and ceremonies. It is a beautiful tradition which invites us to explicitly pause, remember, and celebrate the Gift.
Sundance, we appreciate the thoughtful articles which you post throughout this time. You write well. And with utter sincerity and faith. Yes, it shows …
I look forward to the day when all we do is in celebration of life and live eternity with God and The Christ. That day when chaos and death is castaway for eternity. At my age, i find myself more and more trying to imagine that kind of life.
A friend said the other day this place is hell! I asked him, do you believe where God is is heaven, he said yes. My reply, read the last 3/4 chapters of the bible. The book that God gave us says God will be hear on what we call earth and I reminded him God called this place Eden. Earth is not hell, we all of us have just made it that way. Earth will be Eden again and God will bring heaven with him, what a combination. It is unimaginable.
“Earth will be Eden again and God will bring heaven with him,…” Actually neither ever left, both are available here and now if we seek. In physicality, we never actually “left” Eden, it is only our minds that were/are “exiled”. There remains a path back.
Have a listen to this teaching, and try to remain “neutral” despite the title- nobody is trying to convert or convince anybody – take/disregard whatever wisdom as each sees fit.
New Age Heresy. I’ll pass, thank you.
I could quote Mathew 13:11 – but then I’m also one of “them”, so what do I know – I just take whatever I see and find that brings me closer to the Creator – its a journey, sometimes one will have to correct their path from time to time. It is the continuous search that brings completion and fulfillment – whatever that means, I haven’t quite discovered either just yet.
A prelude to Joy. Note the sweet photos…
Matthew 1 (NIV):
8 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
There is so much in the Biblical record that describes how people, in all centuries and places, had revelations from the Living God about His purposes and plans…and He always involved them at a personal level if they allowed.
I suppose what I’m mindful in this moment is that the Self-Existent One loved each one so much that He went to great lengths to make Himself known, invited each person to participate in His redemptive work, and led each one on an edge-of-your-seat, often white-knuckled life of faith that required a simple and complete dependence on Him day-to-day—even hour-by-hour. If I’m honest, this is how it’s been for me, especially lately. Living by grace, waiting for my Lord, so grateful for His faithfulness.
And here we are—as 2022 draws to a close and the world rushes toward the guardrail of something like what Ezekiel, Daniel and so many others prophesied.
Though it comes from a different context, this Hebrews 9 passage certainly adds to my Advent meditations:
27 Just as people are destined to die once,and after that to face judgment,
28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvationto those who are waiting for him.
Maranatha—come quickly, Lord Jesus.
My sincere gratitude for the Treehouse and all my fellow Treepers!
AMEN
Religious life is everyday and every moment just like breathing. All actions must reflect a pure heart, soul, and mind. The Second Coming is when we die and go beyond this world. Everyday events need no help from above as trust in self must be pure and based on all learned throughout life. A healthy mind rules all right decisions.
Divine principles are ingrained at birth and it takes pure reason to understand where they are and what they are. Reason finds truth. Failure in understanding is natural, and is why we’re here, to understand, to improve ourselves. Reason opens, discovers, and allows contact with truth.
The Written Word helps as reminders for what has already been given to us.
In my understanding
The first coming lasted 33 years. Not many were ready, none understood except Mary with the ointment.
the second coming begins with his appearing in the clouds to receive his bride the church.(John 14:1-4)
Then the 7 years tribulation to save all Israel and give more sinners an opportunity to repent.
We have the benefit of all pre trib prophecy being fulfilled in our generation except one about the destruction of Damascus. the blooming of the Fig tree in 1948 ,The nation of Israel) is the greatest indicator of where we are in Gods plan.
Jesus said learn the lesson from the fig tree. The fig tree Is the symbol for the Nation of Israel.
Everyone, even unbelievers can see the world is sliding into lawlessness. While it is appalling the things being done, the blessed hope is to be alive when he does come and never die.
I was born in 1948 and a biblical generation is 80 years. So yeah I’m excited that my prince will come soon.
The Spirit and the bride say “Come!”and let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the FREE gift of the water of life.
Rev.22:17
I am on my own spiritual journey. However, I find it so enlightening to be included in the spiritual experiences and truths of others. We are fellow travelers with much to share. God bless you all!
From whom some have labeled a “fundamentalist” THANK YOU! 💜🛐✝️
Thank you and God Bless all.
Thank you, Sundance.
This post is from Menagerie, who does most of the spiritual posts here at CTH.
Thanks I never heard of “Ordinary Time”. I know many Catholics and this phrase never came up. The Catholic Liturgy is designed, as I learned, to teach profound truths and to transform us. It doesn’t seem to be working as well as hoped but perhaps that is why it is so important that all of us are reminded of what is to be done.
It is good to remember who rules the rulers. who rules time and space and beyond our comprehension.
Internet was helpful.
Thus for Catholics, Ordinary Time is the part of the year in which Christ, the Lamb of God, walks among us and transforms our lives. There’s nothing “ordinary” about that!
https://www.learnreligions.com/ordinary-time-in-the-catholic-church-542442
A Big Thank you Sundance for this…I also look forward to the start of the liturgical year and Christmas is my favorite time to Reflect, Honor and Praise on Christmas Morn…
In the realm of Church and State … you have the most interesting and enlightening information to expand the mind and soul.
These are the best two minutes (watching this little video) you’ll spend this Christmas … excuse me … *Advent* … season.
Imagine a world in which each day, each week, and each month is measured according to the liturgical calendar. That is the pre-Reformation England that Eamon Duffy describes in The Stripping of the Altars. Not just the major landmarks like Advent and Christmas but also the first class feast days of the most notable saints and events, such as the Assumption of Mary and Christ the King, which was last week.
Starting this Sunday, in the Catholic Church anyway (for those Catholics that are not really just Democrats), the liturgical color for church-wear will be purple, and the Advent wreath (actually a Lutheran addition) will be lit during a designated prayer each evening. There will be a measure of penance added to the watching and waiting for many, and for religious nut-jobs like me (who is acutely aware that our current ordeal is a result of moving away from the protective shadow of God), the penance piece will be emphasized, in the manner of the early Church: no meat or animal products (well, we eat eggs because we have chickens) or alcohol or sweets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with only fish on Friday.
The fasting will not be as severe as lent, but the intent is the same. In addition to joyful anticipation, we will be joining our Savior in suffering for the welfare of souls, here and in purgatory.
“Prayer: Our Nativity Centerpiece”
This article (linked below) offers some guidance and help for Orthodox Christians in preparing for the Nativity of Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Next Monday is the beginning of the Nativity Fast for those Orthodox Christians who abide by the Patristic Church Calendar.
The link uses http rather than https, so some browsers with specific settings might show a security alert even though the site is safe to visit.
“Prayer: Our Nativity Centerpiece”
http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/nativityprayer.aspx
Thanks Menagerie.
As a Catholic I’m getting ready for Advent.
God Bless you and your family.
Blessings! Wonderful! Yes, let Christ the Beloved and His Holy Spirit and grace be our Advent and then Christmas as a very real and personal Pentecost! Thank you! Graces, mercies and miracles!
Very good, yet there is a reason or purpose, presence and nature of the liturgical Advent violet or purple as a penance or repentance discipleship preparation…. in ardent love cleansing the soul so the Immaculate Triune Guest has a worthy inn to rejoice and rest welcomed within! Amen. Alleluia!
Great video! I am distressed the one church that opens up for prayer and reflection for Advent is not doing it this year. It used to be one of my most favorite things to do. I cannot find a church that is hosting a Blue Christmas this year. What is wrong w/these people? Custom and tradition is so important to honor and keep.
Seems like celebrating Advent might be growing.
https://thefederalist.com/2022/11/25/if-youre-an-advent-newbie-heres-how-to-embrace-the-glorious-tradition/
That is a great post, thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this Menagerie. I follow the pre-Vatican II liturgical calendar but the principle is the same, as are Advent, Lent, and the High Holy Days. May you have a blessed season awaiting the coming of Christ.
I was raised Lutheran, so am very familiar with Advent and preparing for Christ’s birth. I am now a member of a non-denominational church. While we don’t follow the liturgical calendar, I still use this time of year to reflect on and prepare for Christ’s coming. I am so thankful to God, the Father, for sending his Son, Jesus, the Messiah, who takes away the sins of the world.
What really upsets me is the decision “someone” made to call the days from Thanksgiving to Christmas the “Christmas Season”. The Christmas season, for a Catholic/Christian, really starts on Christmas Eve and lasts until February 2. Unfortunately, if one tries to find any Christmas music after December 25th, one is out of luck. I don’t listen to any “songs of the season” until the Eve of Christmas. The materialism is really bothering me. It is very upsetting and discouraging that more emphasis is placed on obtaining more ‘stuff’ than on Our Lord being the “reason for the Season”. Thank you, Menagerie for this beautiful post.
Thank you very much. I appreciate your spiritual reason “in deeper and more profound ways”, it transcends political faith. I always look forward to these posts.
Your spiritual muscle and clarity are inspiring and invigorating to the conscience. You announce God’s truth without cynicism and unequivocally. It’s refreshing. I read, think, and pray more because of it. As you mentioned in the comments, the message is important, but I appreciate how you share it(and the pumpkins). Thanks again.
Sundance, you know not what you do. Thank you. It’s just a simple thank you with a tear in my eye. I hope you might understand the impact you have always had on people someday.
God bless. Stay strong.
Psalm 98 NKJV – A Song of Praise to the LORD for His Salvation and Judgment
Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. [2] The LORD has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations. [3] He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. [4] Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. [5] Sing to the LORD with the harp, With the harp and the sound of a psalm, [6] With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the LORD, the King. [7] Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell in it; [8] Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the hills be joyful together before the LORD, [9] For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, And the peoples with equity.
This Psalm was the basis for the hymn: Joy to the World
May the Peace of God bless and give all his Holy understanding.