Hope is on the way: It's back!: Christmas carols

Elizabeth and Rebekah have been ill for a while now, which is why the book club stopped for a bit. Elizabeth and Rebekah are much better now.

As normal Tia picks up Rebekah, they go and pick up Lawrence. Lawrence enjoyed it so, so much he even told Lydia. Lydia was already at the chapel with Pete, Louise and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth had time off college to get better, she got bored so ended up preparing for today session and asked everyone to research their favourite song. It had to be a Christmas carols. Join in if you want.

I wonder what songs we are signing today. Don't you? Read on.

"First of all let's sign our first song today", said Elizabeth.

Angles we have heard on high

Angels we have heard on high

Sweetly singing o'er the plains,

And the mountains in reply

Echoing their joyous strains. 

   Refrain 

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

Say what may the tidings be

Which inspire your heavenly song?

   Refrain

Come to Bethlehem and see

Christ Whose birth the angels sing;

Come, adore on bended knee,

Christ the Lord, the newborn King. 

   Refrain

See Him in a manger laid,

Whom the choirs of angels praise;

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,

While our hearts in love we raise. 

   Refrain

"O.K. what is the hymn story Elizabeth," said Rebekah

The French carol "Les anges dans nos campagnes," now known as "Angels We Have Heard on High," is completely anonymous. It has always been printed with no known lyricist or composer.

Lydia has a question, "What does the carol tell us?"

Elizabeth answers Lydia question "The beautiful carol tells the story of Christ's birth, when the angel choir told the good news to nearby shepherds. The chorus, "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," reflects the chorus of the angel choir that long-ago Christmas night."

Pete had an interesting fact and wanted to share it. "Many years ago shepherds in the hills of southern France had a Christmas Eve custom of calling to one another, singing "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," each from his own hillside. The traditional tune that the shepherds used may have been from a late Medieval Latin chorale. It became the magnificent chorus of "Angels We Have Heard on High."

Rebekah also had another interesting fact "The carol seems to be of eighteenth-century origin, since it was known in England by 1816. At that time James Montgomery wrote his carol "Angels From the Realms of Glory", originally basing it on the tune of "Les anges dans nos campagnes." "Angels From the Realms of Glory" was sung to the French tune until Henry Tomas Smart wrote a new tune for it in 1967."

Elizabeth said, "Since I had time on my hands, I am available to give you a sermon but more reflecting on the carol."

"Sheep scattered around, the shepherds settled in for another quiet night, probably swapping stories as they watched the flocks. Then, in a divine moment, God burst into the night. Angels appeared, singing songs and speaking of the Savior's birth. And suddenly, the shepherds' ordinary lives were transformed-becoming part of a story that's lived for thousands of years.

Angels We Have Heard on High" reminds us of this amazing night. In the beautiful strains of its chorus, this carol helps us experience a taste of what that angel chorus might have sounded like as it proclaimed the "good news."

Christ's birth certainly was good news to those simple shepherds. The Savior changed their lives forever. And God still loves to speak to ordinary people and transform their lives into something extraordinary through his grace.

As we sing of the angels' great announcement, let's remember that God still wants to announce the "good news" today, using people like you and me. Helping a family in need, sharing the gospel story with a prisoner, encouraging a friend who's going through tough times-in these and countless other ways we can announce Jesus' birth to the "shepherds" of our day.

Through our words and actions, we can show that Jesus still lives in the hearts of man. So in this Christmas season, and all through the coming year, let's continue the angel song. Let's tell the world all about Jesus, and how he's changed our lives forever."

Now this is Rebekah favourite song, which she researched on. Of course it had to be the first noel.

Rebekah said, "I would like you all to sing the first noel after that I will give you some information on that song.

The First Noel

The First Noel the angel did say

Was to certain poor shepherds

in fields as they lay;

In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,

On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star

Shining in the east beyond them far,

And to the earth it gave great light,

And so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star

Three wise men came from country far;

To seek for a king was their intent,

And to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest,

O'er Bethlehem it took it rest,

And there it did both stop and stay

Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those wise men three

Full reverently upon their knee,

and offered there in his presence

Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;

That hath made heaven and earth of naught,

And with his blood mankind hath bought

"Although no Christmas season would be complete without the melodious singing of this tuneful carol, very little is known about its origin. It is believed to have had its rise in France during the fifteenth century. Noel is a French word originating from Latin meaning "birthday." The song is thought to have been brought across the channel to England before 1823 by the wandering troubadours. The carol under the English form, "Nowell," became a great favorite for Christmas Eve, especially in the west of England. This was when the entire village gathered for singing and celebrating the bringing in of the Yule log. At this time carols were thought of as popular religious songs meant to be sung outside the church rather than within.

"The First Noel" portrays in vivid narrative style the story of the birth of Christ. All six stanzas are needed to complete the entire event when the hymn is sung. The sixth stanza urges us to join together to sing praises to God for the marvels of His creation and for the salvation provided through Christ's shed blood. The repetition of the joyous "noel" in the refrain is equivalent to our singing out "happy birthday" to someone.

It is interesting to observe that the "King of Israel" was first announced to "certain poor shepherds" only, but in the final stanza the phrases "let us all" and "mankind hath brought" remind us that Christ came to redeem the whole world.

The first noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay-in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep.

They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star, three wise men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest, o'er Bethlehem it took its rest; and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those wise men three, full rev'rently upon their knee, and offered there, in His presence, their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heav'nly Lord, that hath made heav'n and earth of naught, and with His blood mankind hath bought.

Chorus: Noel, noel! Noel, noel! Born is the King of Israel!

By the way the information I have is not in my own words is from a Website, I'm up to ears with assignments. (here is the website)"

Do You Know What I Know?

During this Christmas season there will be ample opportunities for believers to share the reason for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the reason He came to earth. We can lovingly show our friends and family members that they can not only receive eternal life, but receive God’s spiritual gifts and live in abundant life right now.

Many of you may know the following Christmas song. let us sing Do you hear what I hear, then I will continue on to the commentary!" Said Elizabeth

“DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?”

Said the night wind to the little lamb

Do you see what I see?

Way up in the sky little lamb

Do you see what I see?

A star, a star dancing in the night

With a tail as big as a kite

With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy

Do you hear what I hear?

Ringing through the sky shepherd boy

Do you hear what I hear?

A song, a song high above the tree

With a voice as big as the sea

With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty King

Do you know what I know?

In your palace wall mighty King

Do you know what I know?

A child, a child shivers in the cold

Let us bring him silver and gold

Let us bring him silver and gold

Said the King to the people everywhere

Listen to what I say!

Pray for peace people everywhere

Listen to what I say!

The child, the child sleeping in the night

He will bring us goodness and light

He will bring us goodness and light

God is seeing things and hearing things and speaking things this Christmas season. He wants to speak things through you for others to hear. Let Him lead you to help others this Christmas and you will have your own special Christmas story to tell….

Do you see what I see?
Maybe God is going to ask you to stop and help someone on the side of the road who has car trouble. Perhaps your tendency would be to drive on by to avoid the delay and the bother. Likewise, you may have a friend or family member who needs help. If you are listening for God’s quiet voice, He may be prompting you to reach out to that person in love.

Do you hear what I hear?
Someone you know, like a co-worker or a friend, may need someone to listen to them. God may be asking you to phone that person to let them know you care and to simply listen. Whether or not they feel free to open up about their problem, you can ask to pray for them. Sometimes we have not because we ask not.

Do you know what I know?
There are situations where we struggle and we can’t seem to fully understand what is happening. But God sees and knows everything. Ask Him to help you to understand and He will reveal to you what you need to know. He wants you to have His peace as you walk through the trial. He may even give you understanding concerning another person’s situation so that you can help the person and they can know God’s peace too.

Listen to what I say!
We know that God’s Word, the holy Bible, is full of God’s truth, and it contains the answers to all of our questions and struggles. There are scriptures to help us with any issue: salvation, redemption, healing, deliverance, peace, renewing the mind, family, sin, Jesus and His life and ministry, compassion, love…. A concordance or online scripture search website makes it easy to find scriptures that relate our situations and struggles. Write them on a card or note as a personal reminder or to share with a friend who needs encouragement.

Twelve days of Christmas 

This is Lydia and Lawrence favorite song and it was their song which they researched about together. Before they started to talk everyone started singing. Join in!

On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the eighth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the ninth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the tenth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the eleventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the twelfth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
12 Drummers Drumming
Eleven Pipers Piping
Ten Lords a Leaping
Nine Ladies Dancing
Eight Maids a Milking
Seven Swans a Swimming
Six Geese a Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves

Lydia started off saying "Although the Christmas ‘season’ starts with Advent and ends with the Baptism of Jesus (or even until the feast of the Presentation, on 2nd February), the Christmas ‘Twelve Days of celebration’ commences with the Nativity of Our Blessed Lord on 25th December, and ends on the feast of the Epiphany on 6th January."

Lawrence carriers on from what Lydia is saying, "The carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, dates back to the 16th century. Even though its precise author is unknown, it is generally assumed to have been written by the English Jesuits as a catechetical device during the persecution of Catholics in the dreadful Penal Times. Convents and monasteries were closed and looted; priests were exiled and forbidden under pain of death from returning or performing the sacraments. But many brave priests did return, and in hidden secret meeting places the Sacraments were celebrated, and the people were taught the One True Faith. This carol, appearing as a merry tune with amusing lyrics, was in reality a song of instruction with hidden meanings to transmit the basic teachings of the Faith during this desperate terrifying time."

Everyone sang, "On the 1st day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"

"
A Partridge in a Pear Tree," Lydia repeated.

"The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ’s sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . .” (Luke 13:34) The pear tree is the symbol of the Cross." Said Lydia

Everyone sang, "On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"

"Two Turtle Doves, repeated Lawrence

"These represent the two natures in Jesus: human and divine. They can also represent the two Testaments, Old and New." Said Lawrence

Everyone sang, "On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"

Three French Hens, repeated Lydia

"The “three French hens” are the Three Persons in One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; or the three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity (1 Corinthians 13:13)" Said Lydia

Everyone sang, "On the 4th day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"

"
Four Calling Birds," Lawrence repeated

"These are the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, that bring the Good News of our salvation through Jesus Christ, the Word of God." Said Lawrence.

Eveyone sange, "On the 5th day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"

"Five Gold Rings," Lydia repeated.

"The “five golden rings” are the first five books of the Old Testament called the Torah or the Pentateuch (and generally considered the most sacred and important of all the Old Testament):  1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity’s sinful failure and God’s response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world." Lydia said.

Everyone sang, "On the 6th day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"

"Six Geese A-laying," Lawrence repeated.

"These are the six days of Creation (Genesis 1);  or the six Precepts of the Church: 1. To respectfully and devoutly assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on all Sundays and Holidays of Obligation, 2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed, 3. To go to Confession at least once a year during the Easter Season, 4. To receive the Sacrament of the the Most Holy Eucharist at least once a year during the Easter Season, 5. To contribute financially to the support of the Catholic Church, 6. To never violate the laws concerning the Sacrament of Matrimony." Said Lawrence.

Everyone sang, "On the 7th day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"

"Seven Swans A-swimming," Lydia repeated.

"These are the seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Confession, Marriage, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick." Said Lydia.

Everyone sang, "On the 8th day of Christmas my true love sent to me…"

"Eight Maids A-milking," Lawrence repeated.

"The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)" Said Lawrence.

Everyone sang, "On the 9th day of Christmas my true love sent to me..."

"
Nine Ladies Dancing," Lydia repeated

"The nine choirs of angels;  or the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)" Said Lydia

Everyone sang, "On the 10th day of Christmas my true love sent to me……"

"Ten Lords A-Leaping," Lawrence repeated.

The Ten Commandments: 1) I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me; 2) You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; 3) Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day; 4) Honour your father and mother; 5) You shall not kill; 6) You shall not commit adultery; 7) You shall not steal; 8) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour; 9) You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife; 10) You shall not covet your neighbour’s goods. (Exodus 20:1-17)

Everyone sang, "On the 11th day of Christmas my true love sent to me……"

"Eleven Pipers Piping
," Lydia repeated

"The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James the Greater, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8 ) Thomas, 9) James the Less, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Jude (sometimes known as “Thaddaeus”). (Luke 6:14-16).  The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus." Said Lydia.

Everyone sang "On the 12th day of Christmas my true love sent to me……"

"Twelve Drummers Drumming," Lawrence repeated.

"These are the twelve basic beliefs of the Catholic Church as outlined in the Apostles Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; 2) And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; 3) Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, 4) Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. 5) He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; 6) He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; 7) From thence He shall come again to judge the living and the dead. 8 ) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 9) the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting."

"Elizabeth ended the book club, since signing is such good fun. We should sign the Christmas carols again"

And that is how the book club ended.

Christmas poem

 

Christmas lights brighten the streets,
Loved up couples drink mulled wine,
I've not got a boyfriend.
Until December I didn't mind.

I've no one to share mince pies with,
No one to buy me a scarf,
No one to drink the Whiskey,
I left for Santa on the hearth.

The songs, the adverts, the films,
Tell me to sit this Christmas out,
You can't be happy on your own,
And that's what it's all about.

Well I don't think that's fair,
I looked the numbers up online,
Single people out weigh the couples,
At this moment in time.

So I won't spend a fortune,
On presents for a man,
Who if I'm really honest,
I'd hate by the end of Jan.

 

I am single this Christmas. Now before you all think about no I am not sad and no I will not be on my own as I got my parents. Somehow the media portrays Christmas to be celebrated with your boyfriends or even girlfriends. In my thinking it should be reflected back onto Jesus himself and of course with family. Who wants to share mince pies anyways? Not me!! Before you think it about or even say it. NO I DO NOT DRINK!!!!!!! It just when you ask people what they like to drink on Christmas day their answer is Whiskey plus it was to add humour.

 

With this poem, I thought I can get away with the my slight wobbles in the rhythm here and there because of it's wit and inventiveness.

 

 

 

It's hard to imagine, but the greatest news the world will ever hear is hidden within one scale. This short Christmas video is a heart-warming story of a mother who teaches her son the basics of playing piano. However he finds that learning to play is quite boring until she teaches him an important lesson about history. This touching Christmas video is perfect for sharing through the holiday season.

Hope is on the way 10: The mystery of Christmas

Tia picked up Rebekah nearly forgot to do so, as Tia was so keen so go to the chapel this morning. Luckily she remembered otherwise Rebekah would be very upset indeed. Rebekah picked up Lawrence they talked about how to make a Christmas cake.

Elizabeth started the book club with “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7 KJV)”

Rebekah had a question. “Christmas is full of mystery. Does it?

Elizabeth said “Christmas is the best of things and the worst of things. It is the holiday that we love to look forward to, and it’s the holiday so many people don’t want to see arrive. Christmas is a day of charity, and a day of tremendous greed. We love to get cards in the mail, but we’re often not all that excited to write, address, stamp and send them. We love to get gifts, but we hate to find them and purchase them, especially if it’s for that guy who seems to have just about everything, or if we have to wait in the long lines. We love the season and all the lights, yet we aren’t all that excited about going outside and putting lights up in the freezing cold weather, and to top it all off, the decorations keep coming out earlier and earlier each year.”

Tia said “We can’t wait for Christmas to get here, and we can’t wait for it to be over for another year.”

Elizabeth replied back to Tia saying “It’s a holy day on the Christian calendar, but it has become the most secular holiday of fake sentimentality.”

Lawrence said “Yes, Christmas is a day of mystery and extremes in other ways as well.”
Elizabeth carried on what Lawrence was saying, “Here we see God’s gracious gift in the Babe of Bethlehem, and Scripture tells us that He was born into the world to save sinners. Our Lord’s incarnation was for all people. Jesus was not born in a palace, but in a stable. The Creator of Heaven and earth who rules over all things took upon Himself poverty, and all it means to be human. The One who spoke the world into existence had to rely on His mother Mary to change His diapers. On Christmas, the Son of God certainly could have demanded the glory due Him, but instead He took on dirt and pain and humility. As a result, He knows what you are going through this season of Christmas.”

Rebekah said “Instead of the perfumes of kings, the Christ endured the smells of the barn. There He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and not in kingly royal robes."

Elizabeth said “The mystery we find in the manger still happens among us today as Jesus continues to save sinners from their sins, and yet there are few who see it or believe it.This Jesus born in a manger is the One who saves us from ourselves, from our false values, and false religions. He was born to save us from our sins that would eternally separate us from the Father; our greed, our sinful values, our false religions and hopes, and all our sins against both God and neighbour”.
Rebekah said “The Christmas mystery is that He didn’t have to do it.”

Elizabeth carried on what Rebekah said “Certainly, God would have been just in turning His back on us sinful people. He would have been fully just to condemn you and me for our many acts of rebellion against His Commandments, but in Jesus He has turned to us His kindly face. Through this babe of Bethlehem, He would do all the work of our salvation and He would save His people from their sins.
Lawrence said to Elizabeth “But isn’t it sad, that while God did all of this in Christ for us, that still there are some who try and rob the Lord of His glory?"

Elizabeth said “Today we are bid by the Father to repent of our sins, and to glory in the ultimate mystery of Christmas: God became man. Because of Jesus who was born in a manger and who lived a perfect life before going to the cross to pay for your every sin, yours is the ultimate joy.”

Hope is on the way 9: Don't be a Scrooge

Tia picked up Rebekah, and they knocked for Lawrence. Once again, they walked to the chapel and discussed what happened yesterday when Elizabeth did the sermon.

Elizabeth said to Tia, Rebekah and Lawrence “Think back to the last time you saw a homeless guy on the side of the street asking for money.”

“I don’t know about you, but my first thought is usually pretty negative. It’s not that I really need the money, and I know that, but I still try to conjure up a reason in my head for why I shouldn’t give: “He’s just going to buy alcohol,” “The guys looks fine… he could work if he wanted to,” “He’s smoking a cigarette… why should I give him cash for more?” Most times, I come up with excuses and just drive on by without a second thought. Recently, I came across a verse in Matthew 25 that hit me like a ton of bricks and changed my prospective. In verses 31 to 46.” Jesus talks about taking care of the poor and needy and how when we take care of them, we are taking care of Him.

“What does that mean?” said Rebekah.

Elizabeth replied back to Rebekah “That means, when we feed or clothe the homeless guy on the street, we are feeding and clothing Jesus."

Rebekah, Tia and Lawrence said “Wow! What an opportunity. What a responsibility!

Elizabeth said back “Now, I always try to make it a point to keep food, toothbrushes, and other essential items in my car so when I pass a person in need, I can bless them and maybe make their day a little better than it was before.”

Tia said “The Christmas season is a time of year when people tend to be more generous than usual. Folk have what they call “Christmas Spirit” and they want to make sure that the less fortunate will have a Merry Christmas as well. People get the names of children and families from “Angel Trees” and purchase the gifts indicated. There are more volunteers at soup kitchens and homeless shelters. People go caroling to nursing homes, hospitals and prisons. “

Elizabeth went on saying “This concept is certainly not something new as it has been done for centuries upon centuries.”

Rebekah was so eager to put her favourite book in play. “For example, In Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol, there are two gentlemen who pay a visit to Scrooge at his office in hopes of collecting money to help the poor and needy. One of the men says to Scrooge, “At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge… it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and Destitute. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices.” The true character of Ebenezer Scrooge is revealed in his response to the men, “I do not make myself merry at Christmas; nor can I afford to make those who are idle merry.” Dickens draws a sharp contrast between those people who care about the needs of others, and those who care for no one other than self. For his purposes, the driving force behind the charity and concern for others is “Christmas Spirit.” The problem with “Christmas Spirit” is that, despite the numerous cards you receive wishing that it be with you through the coming year, it is not. The feeling known as “Christmas Spirit” generally leaves us by the close of December the 25th. And even for the diehard traditionalist, it will leave by the close of January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany. Of course for people like Ebenezer Scrooge, there is no change or let down after the holidays. It is simply business as usual.”

Elizabeth said “In the Matthew passage I referenced earlier, Jesus draws a sharp distinction between people as they are divided for judgment. The determining factor is how they cared for the “least of these my brothers and sisters.” Whether or not they fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, cared for the sick and visited the prisoners determines whether they stand on the right or on the left. Those on the right did so. Those on the left did not. One of the most interesting things about this story that Jesus shares with us is the response of the two groups. Those on the right are commended by Jesus for doing all these things for him. Those on the left are condemned by Jesus for not doing all these things for him. Their response to Jesus is exactly the same, “When did we see you hungry or naked etc… Those who had been charitable toward the seemingly insignificant people of the world had done so out of a true love and concern for others. They expected nothing in return, and indeed were not aware of the presence of Jesus in those whom they helped.”

Rebekah was being Tigger again, jumping up and down as she had a provocative question. “Is it possible that this thing we call Christmas spirit is actually an awakening of the love of God within each of our hearts? Could it be that the people on the right hand of Jesus in this story lived their lives filled with the Christmas spirit?”

Elizabeth took along breath and replied back saying “If we can equate the two, then it is indeed possible to live up to what our Christmas cards wish: “That we be filled with the magic of the Christmas Spirit throughout the New Year.” If we carry the love of God in Christ Jesus for others into the New Year, there will be a sense of Christmas in our charitable actions toward the “least of these.” Not just during Christmas, but each and every day.

Elizabeth ended the book club with a challenge. “So my challenge to you as we approach this Christmas season is to think about how you respond when someone comes to you in need? Will you be a Scrooge or will you faithfully give with all your heart as if you were giving to Jesus? P-2 said it best when he asked himself, “What good of a Christian am I if when I see you at your worst, I just walk away?” I hope you wrestle with that same question not just for Christmas, but each and every day you live. Remember, you can change the world, one person at a time.”

Hope is on the way 8: Saint Nichols day

Elizabeth was doing the sermon at Sandhurst Baptist church this morning.

Elizabeth started the service with, “When you woke up this morning was there a bag full of candy and maybe even a present in it waiting for you?

If you answered yes, you're one of the special ones who participate in a tradition known as St. Nick's Day.”

Tia and Rebekah have been talking to each other about Saint Nichols day for a while now.

Everyone at church said very loudly “TODAY IS SAINT NICHOLS DAY!!, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?” Very surprising it did get everyone attention who was walking by the chapel.

Elizabeth goes on saying, “Before there was Santa Claus, there was Saint Nicholas, known traditionally as the “bearer of gifts”. On December 6th many Europeans still celebrate Saint Nicholas Day, and many Christmas traditions were originally a part of this holiday.”

Rebekah butts in saying, “Who is Saint Nichols?”

Elizabeth answer Rebekah question “We may think of Saint Nick, Father Christmas or Santa Claus as being a mythical person, but Saint Nicholas was a real 4^th Century Greek Saint who was admired for being kind and helping those in need. He was renowned for secretly giving gifts and placing coins in the shoes of the needy. In one story Saint Nicholas helped a man who had three daughters who couldn’t marry by throwing bags of money in their house when they came of age, but being very modest he did it in the night so the man would thank God instead. He is the patron saint of children, unmarried girls, and sailors.”

“Now I have a story to tell you too. Listen do not interrupt. Yes that includes you Rebekah!” Said Elizabeth

A gift in the night

Nicholas wrapped several gold coins into a cloth bag. He smiled, feeling cheerful for the first time in months.

He had been a happy child. His loving parents taught him about God and to do God's work by helping others. Now he was a teen, and both his parents had just died. Nicholas decided to become a priest in his uncle's monastery. He could not bring his great wealth, so he followed his parents' example of helping others with it, giving it away before he joined his uncle.

A neighbour man had troubles with his business and became poor. Now his three daughters could not get married. Nicholas had heard about this and made his plan.

He left his house quietly late that night. He wanted to give a gift in secret, so he kept to the shadows. The home of the three young women was dark and quiet. Nicholas snuck up to the window and dropped the bag of gold inside. Then he ran!

Soon there was great rejoicing in the neighbourhood as the eldest of the daughters got married. Nicholas smiled and prepared another bag of gold.

The happy family never expected to get another gift. However, a second bag of gold arrived, with no giver in sight! Amid rejoicing, the second daughter was married.

The thankful family now dared to hope for help for the third daughter. The father stayed awake late into the night, waiting and listening.

It all happened as before, but this time the father chased and caught Nicholas. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" he shouted. "We are so grateful!"

"Sh! Sh!" Nicholas said. "I'm happy to have helped. That's thanks enough for me! Please, please don't tell anyone it was me!"

The father left quietly, but he must have told someone that it was Nicholas, who told someone, who told someone else, for you are hearing about it hundreds and hundreds of years later!

Let’s sing a song called saints of advent before I actually start on the sermon.

Saints of Advent, Christmas joy,

Yours the message we employ

Waiting for our Saviour dear

As we sing that Christ is near.

Gifts and generosity,

Nicholas, the people see

In the stories of your fame,

Children, sailors hail your name.

Shine in darkness candles bright,

Lucy's image brings us light.

Martyred saint your name recalls

That Christ's light shines for us all.

John the Baptist herald's cry,

Gives a signal, Christ is nigh.

His are words that do compel

Hope in Christ, all shall be well.

Thomas, once with doubt did sigh,

Now, My Lord and God, he cries,

Christmas leads to Calvary,

Resurrection sets us free.

Holy Joseph, none compare,

your devotion, love and care,

Guardian of the Holy One,

shows that new life has begun.

Blessed Mary, full of grace

Chosen by the Lord's embrace,

Mother by whom God is born

On that wondrous Christmas morn.

Mary, Joseph, John, we pray

Lucy, Nicholas, we say,

Thomas leading songs of praise,

As our prayers to Christ we raise.

Today, the Feast of St. Nicholas, the ancient precursor to the modern Santa Claus, will pass without much ado. Some will try to encourage us to resurrect St. Nicholas to save us all from Santa’s powers for we have gone astray.  To those well-meaning souls who would rid Christmas of its flagrant consumerism, I can only offer up a feeble, “Baa Humbug!”

The very best traditions about St. Nicholas suggest that he was a protector of children while the worst tradition has him providing dowries so that young girls could be married off by their father rather than be sold into slavery. Meanwhile, the modern character Santa Claus grooms children to take up their role as consumers in the cult materialism. Some parents may bemoan the little gimmie-monsters that their children become, but most adults are rendered helpless by our own remembered indoctrinations and so we join in what we choose to deem as harmless fun.

T’is the season for contradictions.  ‘Tis the season when we prepare to celebrate  the incarnation of God in human form while also waiting for Santa Claus to come down our chimneys. Face it; most of the folks dashing about in the malls are more worried about the imminent arrival of Santa Claus than they are about God. I’d even go so far as to say that a good number of people have unconsciously substituted Santa Claus for God.  Santa Claus and the baby Jesus get into some pretty fierce competition at this time of year; and in the culture the larger loyalty belongs to Santa.

Besides, I don’t believe that consumerism is the most dangerous thing about Santa. So, before you accuse me of being a Scrooge or even a Grinch, ask yourself who it is that most children worship at this time of year, and I think you’ll agree that Santa is the one we’ve all been trained to bow down to, and not just at Christmas. It is difficult to deny that sometimes our view of God has been more influenced by Santa Claus than by Christ?  I dare you to compare the number of children standing in the lines at the shopping centre to get their picture taken on Santa’s lap to the number of children in Sunday School? So many of us made that same trip to see Santa when we were little and when we finally got to Santa’s lap, he asked us the big Judgement Day question that Santa always seems to ask, “Have you been good this year?” There’s only one way to answer that question – even though we may have been as deviousness might qualify us as servants of that other mythical character that begins with santa and ends with n.  For all too many people this laptop confession begins a pattern for interactions with an image we create of the Father-God, who watches and records our offences, making a list if only for the purpose of forgiving us because an appropriate blood sacrifice has been made on our behalf.

Think I’m being harsh? Just listen to that song that pours from muzak speakers, the song that spells out a theology of Santa Claus.  “Oh, you better watch out.  You better not cry.  You better not pout. I’m telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town.  He knows when you’ve been sleeping. He knows when you’re awake.  He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake. He’s making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty and nice. Santa Claus is coming to town.” The trouble with the theology of Santa Claus is that we keep applying it to God as we try to turn the Creator of all that is and ever shall be into a list-checking, gift-giver, whom we better watch out for, lest we be punished. Why then are we surprised that when our Santa-god fails to deliver or bad things happen to good people, that our childish faith in the Santa-god isn’t enough to sustain our trust?

Santa in his present incarnation is indeed pernicious, but like most mythical characters, he cannot be killed and any attempts to resurrect St. Nicholas to replace him are doomed, for the power of Santa’s materialism will always defeat the dim memories of St. Nicholas and his chocolate money. If we are going to break free of the cult of materialism, perhaps we out to try to convince Santa to use his mystical powers for goodness sake!

Yeah, that’s right, I’m going to say it, it’s time to let old St. Nick and his young assistant Santa die, so that a new Santa can be born; a Christmas resurrection if you will. We need a new Santa capable of changing our consuming ways. If the Coca Cola Company could use the advertising industry to transform St. Nick into Santa, surely we can resurrect Santa using the modern persuasive powers of social media to redesign the old salesman extraordinaire into a mythical character with powers fit for the needs of this century.

Blue santina

SANTINA- all decked out in her Advent blue!

Imagine if you will, a new and improved Santina, all decked out in Advent blue, she has the power to open young minds to the needs of our neighbours and travels the world via her magic transporter beam, to gather the hopes and dreams of the poor and oppressed into one internet feed, which she magically imprints in our hearts and minds, so that we change the world, creating peace through justice!

Oh, wait, we already have such a character. We don’t need St. Nicholas or Santa Claus, nor any new-fangled Santina.  We need the One we’ve always needed. The One who comes in the guise of a person. The One we seek is Christ. The One who lives and breathes in, with, and through us to create peace on earth through justice and love. The One who uses our hands, our feet, our lives to change the world!"