“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”John 3:16 Christina Rosetti’s 19th century poem is beautiful when read or set to music. I couldn’t choose which arrangement I liked better, so I’ve included both! […]
Category Archives: Seasons
Winter Solstice: The Return of the Light (Seasons & Celebrations)
Dec 21st is the winter solstice this year. The word solstice comes from the Latin solstitium from the words sol, “the sun” and sister, “to make stand.” The combined meaning is “the sun stands still.” The word suggests a pause as the sun reaches its southernmost point and reverses direction on the horizon. It is […]
Seasons & Celebrations: Advent (Week 3 – Joy)
REJOICE! “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4-5 The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. The word is derived from the Latin words gaudium (joy, ) and gaudeo (to rejoice or be glad.) This week, we focus on the joyful anticipation of the nativity. The season is full of […]
Seasons & Celebrations: Advent (Week 2 – Peace)
The theme for this week is Peace. The Hebrew word Shalom, meaning peace, has a deeper meaning of well-being and completeness. When one wishes another “Shalom,” it is more than a greeting, but a blessing as well. As we focus on peace this week, it is by looking outward to peace on earth, but also […]
Seasons & Celebrations: Advent (Week 1 – Hope)
The Christian season of Advent begins today, the fourth Sunday before Christmas and will continue until Christmas. It marks a season of preparation before Christmas, a new liturgical year, and is symbolized by the color purple. Like Lent, Advent is a season of Preparation. Lent focuses on repentance, penance, and forgiveness and is a time […]
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