As I look back on my Christmas year, I'm glad I had a little bit of Christmas all year long. I accomplished some things I really wanted to do. One was to see if I could keep up a blog for a whole year. I kinda succeeded (with a few large gaps). I was surprised how God kept reminding me of Christmas things. Another was the goal of having all my shopping done so I wouldn't have holiday anxiety. I got the shopping done but, another surprise: when Thanksgiving was over I started to panic as usual. Why? I don't know. I didn't have deadlines. The Fresno gifts were all delivered and all I had was immediate family gifts left.
A disappointment was not having the usual Christmas lights and decorations because of our new kitten. Then Bill got bronchitis and we didn't even get the outside tree lights up, so there was nothing from our house that looked like Christmas at all except the wreath on the door and the little banner that said, "Christ is born."
Maybe that's all you need anyway. I did play lots of Christmas music and we attended two Christmas cantatas so that helped.
One highlight for me each Christmas season is our family caroling party. We went this year to two convalescent hospitals. We got to carol a dear friend who lived only one week more after we were there. We got names from our church of lonely people and caroled them. We even barged in on a caroling group and sang with them. I think they didn't mind and the people enjoyed it.
We had a lovely Christmas breakfast and opened our gifts together. I wanted to keep the kitten locked up because she eats ribbon, rubber bands, paper, etc. but I was outvoted and she joined the festivities. That afternoon we went to our daughter's house and had Christmas dinner with her inlaws. Later I phoned our other daughter who we hadn't heard from and found out she was alone. Her husband and daughter had gone to his mom's but she didn't feel well so didn't go. I felt bad that she was alone on Christmas.
Saturday we went to Fresno and had another Christmas dinner. So now we're finished and clean up is mostly done. We usually don't take down our tree until New Years but since the cat was pulling the rest of the balls down anyway, I packaged them as soon as she got them down and then Bill packaged the tree. So now there are only a few beautiful treasures around (that she leaves alone) and I'll get them down tomorrow or the next day or the next. This really has been a more relaxing Christmas because the shopping was all done. Oh yes, and most of the cards have been sent out.
So now it's Happy New Year, 2009 in one more hour and a half.
May you remember that Jesus was born for you. May you learn from Him and delight in Him all through 2009.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
God so loved the world
that He gave His one and only Son
that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish
but have everlasting life. John 3: 16
God gave the best Christmas present ever.
Merry Christmas!
Paulita
that He gave His one and only Son
that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish
but have everlasting life. John 3: 16
God gave the best Christmas present ever.
Merry Christmas!
Paulita
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
As With Gladness Men of Old
'Tis Christmas Eve and and we await Christmas, the birth of our Savior. Here is our December carol:
As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold,
As with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright,
So, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led to Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped to that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before Him whom heaven and earth adore,
So, may we with willing feet ever seek the mercy seat.
As they offered gifts most rare at that manger rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy, pure and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.
Holy Jesus, every day keep us in the narrow way;
And when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide, where no clouds Thy glory hide.
Amen
Sleep tight, all is ready for our celebration tomorrow.
Merry Christmas!
Paulita
As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold,
As with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright,
So, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led to Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped to that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before Him whom heaven and earth adore,
So, may we with willing feet ever seek the mercy seat.
As they offered gifts most rare at that manger rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy, pure and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.
Holy Jesus, every day keep us in the narrow way;
And when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide, where no clouds Thy glory hide.
Amen
Sleep tight, all is ready for our celebration tomorrow.
Merry Christmas!
Paulita
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Sasha NO
Yes, the Christmas shopping is really all done. The wrapping, however, has not been done and I have an excuse: Things have come to a grinding halt since we got our first early Christmas present, a kitten. We have had cats nearly all our married years, but it's been a long time since we've raised a kitten. This is an indoor kitten. Imagine her glee when we brought a tree into the house just for her! She had never climbed a tree.
We strung the lights (she has a fondness for cords) and hung about twenty-five balls (she loves balls). Then we left the house for about three hours. When we returned, many of the cords reached the floor and there were at least 8 balls on the floor. We decided right then and there that the lights had to go. We'd never be able to plug them in. Well every day since, she has systematically removed balls from the tree. We even tightened the wires, so now we find balls without wires and we have to go looking in the tree for them. More than that, she has really gotten good at climbing. She got the angel off the top! We have an artificial tree so each day its configuration is a little different, depending on which branch she stands on to reach the top balls.
This cat, by the way her name is Sasha but she thinks it's Sasha NO, has a fondness for house plants, newspaper, waste baskets, leaky faucets, computer printers, shoe laces, etc. We bought her an early Christmas present, some wheat grass. She loves it.
Well, back to Christmas. I don't plan to put up many decorations this year. I put up four of my little houses to make a town but my town will not have cotton for snow, little people, or trees in it this year. I will not put my three wise men on top of the hutch because Sasha could jump from the table to the top of the hutch in one mighty leap. We will not hang our stocking on the chimney with care. I will not put my pretty 12 days of Christmas skirt around the tree because she will eat the days one by one. I will not put wrapped packages under the tree until Christmas morning. Do I sound depressed? Well maybe a little.
So what is Christmas anyway? Lights, balls, stockings, angels (well maybe), wise men (yeah), little towns with cottony snow, Christmas tree skirts? Probably all of the above, but mostly it's Jesus' birthday. We can still play and sing Christmas carols with one another and rejoice that we can celebrate together. And next year Sasha will be one and a half years old.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
We strung the lights (she has a fondness for cords) and hung about twenty-five balls (she loves balls). Then we left the house for about three hours. When we returned, many of the cords reached the floor and there were at least 8 balls on the floor. We decided right then and there that the lights had to go. We'd never be able to plug them in. Well every day since, she has systematically removed balls from the tree. We even tightened the wires, so now we find balls without wires and we have to go looking in the tree for them. More than that, she has really gotten good at climbing. She got the angel off the top! We have an artificial tree so each day its configuration is a little different, depending on which branch she stands on to reach the top balls.
This cat, by the way her name is Sasha but she thinks it's Sasha NO, has a fondness for house plants, newspaper, waste baskets, leaky faucets, computer printers, shoe laces, etc. We bought her an early Christmas present, some wheat grass. She loves it.
Well, back to Christmas. I don't plan to put up many decorations this year. I put up four of my little houses to make a town but my town will not have cotton for snow, little people, or trees in it this year. I will not put my three wise men on top of the hutch because Sasha could jump from the table to the top of the hutch in one mighty leap. We will not hang our stocking on the chimney with care. I will not put my pretty 12 days of Christmas skirt around the tree because she will eat the days one by one. I will not put wrapped packages under the tree until Christmas morning. Do I sound depressed? Well maybe a little.
So what is Christmas anyway? Lights, balls, stockings, angels (well maybe), wise men (yeah), little towns with cottony snow, Christmas tree skirts? Probably all of the above, but mostly it's Jesus' birthday. We can still play and sing Christmas carols with one another and rejoice that we can celebrate together. And next year Sasha will be one and a half years old.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Christmas Carol Quiz
We just got our first invitation of the year to a Christmas party. Yes, I know, Thanksgiving hasn't happened yet. But people are thinking ahead. If you are one of those thinking ahead to your own Christmas party, here is a fun activity to do with friends:
This is a non-threatening game that is equally fun to do as a group, in teams, as families, or individually. For this game you will need to recall words to familiar Christmas carols and traditional Christmas songs.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Announce the name of the carol and then ask the question. Depending on how you choose to play the game, the answers can be called out, sung, or written.
2. Be prepared to share a copy of the questions and answers for your guests to take home.
3. If you know an accomplished pianist, provide music and words (or just words for the guests and music for the accompanist) for a Christmas sing-a-long when you have finished the quiz.
CHRISTMAS CAROL QUIZ
1. The First Noel - To whom was the first noel given?
2. O Little Town of Bethlehem - What was shining in the streets of Bethlehem?
3. It Came upon the Midnight Clear - What came upon the midnight clear?
4. We Three Kings - Where were the three kings from?
5. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing - What three things did the angels sing about?
6. Away in a Manger - What piece of baby furniture did the little Lord Jesus not have?
7. Angels We Have Heard on High - What echoed the angels' song?
8. O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Who is Emmanuel?
9. While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night - Where were the shepherds seated when the angels came?
10. Deck the Halls - What are we to "troll"?
11. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Santa may not be omniscient, but what three things does he know about you?
12. Winter Wonderland - How do you feel walking in a winter wonderland?
13. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - What part of your anatomy is Jack Frost nipping at?
14. Jingle Bells - What are we doing when we're dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh?
15. Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer - What would you say if you saw Rudolph's nose?
16. White Christmas - What are the children listening for?
17. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - What could be a cause for dismay?
18. Jolly Old Saint Nicolas - What is Santa supposed to whisper?
19. Winter Wonderland - What does the new bird sing?
20. Joy to the World - What is every heart to do regarding the king?
ANSWERS (according to the words in the carols)
1. certain poor shepherds
2. everlasting Light
3. that glorious song of old
4. Orient
5. glory to the newborn King, peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled
6. crib
7. mountains
8. the Son of God
9. the ground
10. the ancient yuletide carol
11. when you're sleeping, when you're awake, if you've been bad or good
12. happy
13. nose
14. laughing
15. It glows!
16. sleigh-bells in the snow
17. nothing
18. what you'll bring to me
19. a love song
20 prepare Him room
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
This is a non-threatening game that is equally fun to do as a group, in teams, as families, or individually. For this game you will need to recall words to familiar Christmas carols and traditional Christmas songs.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Announce the name of the carol and then ask the question. Depending on how you choose to play the game, the answers can be called out, sung, or written.
2. Be prepared to share a copy of the questions and answers for your guests to take home.
3. If you know an accomplished pianist, provide music and words (or just words for the guests and music for the accompanist) for a Christmas sing-a-long when you have finished the quiz.
CHRISTMAS CAROL QUIZ
1. The First Noel - To whom was the first noel given?
2. O Little Town of Bethlehem - What was shining in the streets of Bethlehem?
3. It Came upon the Midnight Clear - What came upon the midnight clear?
4. We Three Kings - Where were the three kings from?
5. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing - What three things did the angels sing about?
6. Away in a Manger - What piece of baby furniture did the little Lord Jesus not have?
7. Angels We Have Heard on High - What echoed the angels' song?
8. O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Who is Emmanuel?
9. While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night - Where were the shepherds seated when the angels came?
10. Deck the Halls - What are we to "troll"?
11. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Santa may not be omniscient, but what three things does he know about you?
12. Winter Wonderland - How do you feel walking in a winter wonderland?
13. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - What part of your anatomy is Jack Frost nipping at?
14. Jingle Bells - What are we doing when we're dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh?
15. Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer - What would you say if you saw Rudolph's nose?
16. White Christmas - What are the children listening for?
17. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - What could be a cause for dismay?
18. Jolly Old Saint Nicolas - What is Santa supposed to whisper?
19. Winter Wonderland - What does the new bird sing?
20. Joy to the World - What is every heart to do regarding the king?
ANSWERS (according to the words in the carols)
1. certain poor shepherds
2. everlasting Light
3. that glorious song of old
4. Orient
5. glory to the newborn King, peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled
6. crib
7. mountains
8. the Son of God
9. the ground
10. the ancient yuletide carol
11. when you're sleeping, when you're awake, if you've been bad or good
12. happy
13. nose
14. laughing
15. It glows!
16. sleigh-bells in the snow
17. nothing
18. what you'll bring to me
19. a love song
20 prepare Him room
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Catching Up
I'm catching up on my Christmas gift buying. After all, there are only 52 days until Christmas. I don't know how many shopping days that is. I bought two gifts last month. One for my daughter that she really wants but will be very surprised to receive, and one for my son-in-law that he will like. Actually I have two daughters and I won't say which one gets the gift. Likewise, I have two sons-in-law so I can't say which one of them gets the gift either.
This month, so far, I have bought one gift (and it was an impulse buy) for my husband. I think I have 5 more peple to buy for.
There is one other minor problem. In November we have three birthdays. In December there are three, and in January there are two!!! Oh well, I'm determined to get Christmas done first.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
This month, so far, I have bought one gift (and it was an impulse buy) for my husband. I think I have 5 more peple to buy for.
There is one other minor problem. In November we have three birthdays. In December there are three, and in January there are two!!! Oh well, I'm determined to get Christmas done first.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Friday, October 31, 2008
October Carol
Somehow it seems appropriate amidst the loud claims and protestations of the upcoming election, to focus on the peace which the birth of Jesus brings. Join me
It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from heaven's all-gracious King"
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing:
O rest beside the weary load, and hear the angels sing.
For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old,
When, with the evercircling years, shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.
- Edmund H. Sears
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from heaven's all-gracious King"
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing:
O rest beside the weary load, and hear the angels sing.
For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old,
When, with the evercircling years, shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.
- Edmund H. Sears
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Monday, September 29, 2008
Onward to the Hallelujah Chorus
In case I forget to tell you, I did purchase one Christmas gift this month. I can't tell you anything about it though, because the person I got it for reads this blog! I am beginning to feel a little pressured. I am only about half-way through my Christmas gift list and there are only 87 days 'till Christmas!
There are also only 17 more songs before the Hallelujah Chorus. But take heart. Only nine of them are used regularly in a Christmas Messiah concert. Of those total 18, eight are written for the tenor soloist. Of those eight, only four are usually used. Poor tenor!
Here are the words. We'll start with the tenor. "Thy rebuke hath broken His heart; He is full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity on Him, but there was no man; neihter found He any to comfort Him." Those words are from Psalm 69:20. The tenor continues with his aria, "Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow." (Lamantations 1:12)
The chorus next sings, "Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of glory." (Psalm 24: 9-10)
Now in my opinion that song would make a lot more sense if we had let the tenor sing his preceeding recitative and aria. What we missed was, "He was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of Thy people was He stricken." (Isaiah 53:8) "But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; nor didst Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10) See what I mean? Jesus had to die before he could be resurrected.
The next four songs are usually omitted. So onward we gallop. The soprano sings, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. (Isaiah 52:7 and quoted in Romans 10:15)
Another chorus is omitted and then the bass sings one of my two favorite bass solos in the oratorio. Here comes the drama of the end times: "Why do the nations so furiously rage together? (and) why do the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel against the Lord, and against His Anointed." (Psalm 2:1-2) The chorus answers, "Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us." (Psalm 2:3) Then the tenor agrees, "He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision." (Psalm 2:4) "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." (Psalm 2:9)
Now comes the resounding, "Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Hallelujah!" (Revelation 19: 6 and 16)
Well, as the song says, "You may think that this is the end. Well it..."
I have to think about this. The oratorio continues, but I may want to save the last part for next year's blog, A Year of Easter.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
There are also only 17 more songs before the Hallelujah Chorus. But take heart. Only nine of them are used regularly in a Christmas Messiah concert. Of those total 18, eight are written for the tenor soloist. Of those eight, only four are usually used. Poor tenor!
Here are the words. We'll start with the tenor. "Thy rebuke hath broken His heart; He is full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity on Him, but there was no man; neihter found He any to comfort Him." Those words are from Psalm 69:20. The tenor continues with his aria, "Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow." (Lamantations 1:12)
The chorus next sings, "Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of glory." (Psalm 24: 9-10)
Now in my opinion that song would make a lot more sense if we had let the tenor sing his preceeding recitative and aria. What we missed was, "He was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of Thy people was He stricken." (Isaiah 53:8) "But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; nor didst Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10) See what I mean? Jesus had to die before he could be resurrected.
The next four songs are usually omitted. So onward we gallop. The soprano sings, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. (Isaiah 52:7 and quoted in Romans 10:15)
Another chorus is omitted and then the bass sings one of my two favorite bass solos in the oratorio. Here comes the drama of the end times: "Why do the nations so furiously rage together? (and) why do the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel against the Lord, and against His Anointed." (Psalm 2:1-2) The chorus answers, "Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us." (Psalm 2:3) Then the tenor agrees, "He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision." (Psalm 2:4) "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." (Psalm 2:9)
Now comes the resounding, "Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Hallelujah!" (Revelation 19: 6 and 16)
Well, as the song says, "You may think that this is the end. Well it..."
I have to think about this. The oratorio continues, but I may want to save the last part for next year's blog, A Year of Easter.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Handel's Messiah, Part II
Part II of Handel's Messiah is all about Jesus' sacrifice for us. Many of the choruses are used in Christmas concerts, and indeed, this section ends with the triumphant "Hallelujah Chorus," a Christmas favorite.
But after seeing the emphasis Mr. Jennens (who compiled the Scriptures for the oratorio) places on this part and his central positioning of it, I have to agree with him and Handel that this oratorio was meant to be performed at Easter.
Nevertheless, here's what you may hear this Christmas season: the chorus opens with the very startling and moving, "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world." (John 1:29) This, of course, is the reason Jesus was born, and is the central message of the Bible.
The alto soloist followed by the chorus gives us much of Isaiah's prophecy concerning Christ's death. "He was despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." (Isaiah 53:3)
The next part of the alto's solo is usually omitted. It is not a quote from the Isaiah passage which preceeds and follows it, but is quoted from Isaiah 50:6 It almost seems to be a tag ending to say, "Hey, this was real and violent." In fact, it is verified and testified to in Matthew's gospel account. (Matthew 26:67 and Matthew 27:30) The orchestral accompaniment is very agitated as these words are sung: "He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; He hid not his face from shame and spitting."
The chorus continues directly with the Isaiah 53 prophecy: "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:4-6)
Far from being distracting during the Christmas celebration, these words emphasize why Jesus was born. If Jesus remains only a baby in a manger, he cannot do much for me, but I can rejoice that God kept His Christmas promise and sent a Savior for my soul.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
But after seeing the emphasis Mr. Jennens (who compiled the Scriptures for the oratorio) places on this part and his central positioning of it, I have to agree with him and Handel that this oratorio was meant to be performed at Easter.
Nevertheless, here's what you may hear this Christmas season: the chorus opens with the very startling and moving, "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world." (John 1:29) This, of course, is the reason Jesus was born, and is the central message of the Bible.
The alto soloist followed by the chorus gives us much of Isaiah's prophecy concerning Christ's death. "He was despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." (Isaiah 53:3)
The next part of the alto's solo is usually omitted. It is not a quote from the Isaiah passage which preceeds and follows it, but is quoted from Isaiah 50:6 It almost seems to be a tag ending to say, "Hey, this was real and violent." In fact, it is verified and testified to in Matthew's gospel account. (Matthew 26:67 and Matthew 27:30) The orchestral accompaniment is very agitated as these words are sung: "He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; He hid not his face from shame and spitting."
The chorus continues directly with the Isaiah 53 prophecy: "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:4-6)
Far from being distracting during the Christmas celebration, these words emphasize why Jesus was born. If Jesus remains only a baby in a manger, he cannot do much for me, but I can rejoice that God kept His Christmas promise and sent a Savior for my soul.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Shepherds and Angels
After the Pastoral Symphony in Handel's Messiah comes the soprano's delight. I should know. I am a soprano and I used to sing this. Only one time was it not a delight and that was at a college Christmas concert, when I had my usual Christmas laryngitis. (which is a whole nuther story)
The soprano sings from Luke 2:8-13: "There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo! the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying:"
To which the chorus responds: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men."
What a thrill!
Following this, is more prophecy from the books of Zechariah and Isaiah which tell about Jesus' earthly life. (Remember they were written more than 500 years before Jesus was born.) The soprano sings, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold thy king cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen." (Zechariah 9:9-10)
From Isaiah 35:5-6 an alto sings, "Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing."
Yep, that's Jesus.
She continues: "He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah 40:11)
This was beautifully pictured in a stained glass window over the choir loft in the church I attended as a child. I stared at it every Sunday and loved it.
The soprano extends the invitation: "Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and He shall give you rest. Take His yoke upon you and learn of Him; for He is meek and lowly of heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)
To end Part I of the Messiah, the chorus responds, "His yoke is easy and His burden is light."
Thus ends the Christmas portion of the Messiah. But wait, you say. Where is the Hallelujah Chorus? Hm-m-m, I think I'll tell you next time.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
The soprano sings from Luke 2:8-13: "There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo! the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying:"
To which the chorus responds: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men."
What a thrill!
Following this, is more prophecy from the books of Zechariah and Isaiah which tell about Jesus' earthly life. (Remember they were written more than 500 years before Jesus was born.) The soprano sings, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold thy king cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen." (Zechariah 9:9-10)
From Isaiah 35:5-6 an alto sings, "Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing."
Yep, that's Jesus.
She continues: "He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah 40:11)
This was beautifully pictured in a stained glass window over the choir loft in the church I attended as a child. I stared at it every Sunday and loved it.
The soprano extends the invitation: "Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and He shall give you rest. Take His yoke upon you and learn of Him; for He is meek and lowly of heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)
To end Part I of the Messiah, the chorus responds, "His yoke is easy and His burden is light."
Thus ends the Christmas portion of the Messiah. But wait, you say. Where is the Hallelujah Chorus? Hm-m-m, I think I'll tell you next time.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Pastoal Symphony/Silent Night
The next part of The Messiah by Handel is an orchestral interlude which sets the stage for the angel's announcement to the shepherds who are out in the fields watching their sheep.
Unfortunately, since it is the only selection without words, it is often used at an intermission break, or as a background to taking an offering (if it is part of a church service).
Since the Pastoral Symphony does not have words, I am going to insert our September Carol of the month here. It will also set the mood for the angel's announcement to the shepherds: the first verse showing the newborn baby, the second telling of the shepherds surprise, and the third proclaiming who this baby is.
"Silent Night" by Franz Gruber
Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing alleluia;
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
P.S. Last night, our choir director introduced the cantata for this Christmas season. Did yours?
Unfortunately, since it is the only selection without words, it is often used at an intermission break, or as a background to taking an offering (if it is part of a church service).
Since the Pastoral Symphony does not have words, I am going to insert our September Carol of the month here. It will also set the mood for the angel's announcement to the shepherds: the first verse showing the newborn baby, the second telling of the shepherds surprise, and the third proclaiming who this baby is.
"Silent Night" by Franz Gruber
Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing alleluia;
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
P.S. Last night, our choir director introduced the cantata for this Christmas season. Did yours?
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Jesus is Born
"Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, God with us."
How refreshing. This is what we've been waiting for in our journey through Handel's Messiah. This quotation is from Isaiah 7:14. It is also in the New Testament in Matthew 1:22-23 when the writer is confirming to us the significance of the angel's announcement to Joseph.
The announcement here is made by an alto soloist. She continues with Isaiah 40:9, "O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up unto the high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!" "Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." (Isaiah 60:1)
The chorus jubilantly joins her using many of the same words.
Oh, oh, here comes our bass soloist again. He starts out in his somber mood, but he can't help himself this time. Though he commands our attention and we're ready for the worst, he brings us some good news. "For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to the light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising." (Isaiah 60:2-3)
Did you hear what he said? "...and the Gentiles shall come to thy light and kings to the brightness of thy rising." Gentiles! The Old Testament says Gentiles shall come to the light. That's us!
The bass continues, "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:2)
And the chorus (and we, too) respond, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
How refreshing. This is what we've been waiting for in our journey through Handel's Messiah. This quotation is from Isaiah 7:14. It is also in the New Testament in Matthew 1:22-23 when the writer is confirming to us the significance of the angel's announcement to Joseph.
The announcement here is made by an alto soloist. She continues with Isaiah 40:9, "O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up unto the high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!" "Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." (Isaiah 60:1)
The chorus jubilantly joins her using many of the same words.
Oh, oh, here comes our bass soloist again. He starts out in his somber mood, but he can't help himself this time. Though he commands our attention and we're ready for the worst, he brings us some good news. "For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to the light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising." (Isaiah 60:2-3)
Did you hear what he said? "...and the Gentiles shall come to thy light and kings to the brightness of thy rising." Gentiles! The Old Testament says Gentiles shall come to the light. That's us!
The bass continues, "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:2)
And the chorus (and we, too) respond, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Holy God, Sinful man
Hang on to your hats, you fellow Messiah oratorio fans.
After the glorious announcement that God's promised Savior is coming, instead of taking us immediately to the prophecy concerning Jesus' birth, Mr. Jennes takes us to an Old Testament scripture regarding Christ's return to the temple in Jerusalem. Here's a little background on his chosen scripture.
It is from the small book of Haggai (only two chapters), the third to the last book in the Old Testament. This prophecy by Haggai, the prophet, was given to Zerrubabel, the governor at the time, Joshua, the priest, and a remnant of the Israelites who had come back from captivity in Babylon. They were rebuilding the temple which had been destroyed by the Babylonians 70 years prior, and were very discouraged because the foundation seemed so small and insignificant compared to the original temple. But the Lord said, "Be strong Zerrubabel, be strong Joshua, be strong all you people of the land. Work for I am with you."
Then the prophet says, "Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: Yet once a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come." (Haggai 2:6-7)
Question: Was God going to shake the heavens and earth right then? when Jesus was born? or when He comes back at the end of the age? Most scholars think this refers to Jesus' second coming. If so, Mr. Jennes has used it here to forshadow the glorious ending of the oratorio.
He couples this verse with Malachi 3:1-2: "The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. But who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire."
All this is sung by a bass soloist which emphasizes the gravity of the pronouncement. We'll see as we go along if the bass soloist continues to the "the heavy."
The chorus sings the next verse from Malachi which says the Lord will purify the sons of Levi. The sons of Levi were the priests who offered sacrifices to God. They would not be able to offer sacrifices if they themselves were not first purified.
"And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." (Malachi 3:3)
Whew! That's the best I can do gang. Next time, though, we get the prophecy about Jesus.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
After the glorious announcement that God's promised Savior is coming, instead of taking us immediately to the prophecy concerning Jesus' birth, Mr. Jennes takes us to an Old Testament scripture regarding Christ's return to the temple in Jerusalem. Here's a little background on his chosen scripture.
It is from the small book of Haggai (only two chapters), the third to the last book in the Old Testament. This prophecy by Haggai, the prophet, was given to Zerrubabel, the governor at the time, Joshua, the priest, and a remnant of the Israelites who had come back from captivity in Babylon. They were rebuilding the temple which had been destroyed by the Babylonians 70 years prior, and were very discouraged because the foundation seemed so small and insignificant compared to the original temple. But the Lord said, "Be strong Zerrubabel, be strong Joshua, be strong all you people of the land. Work for I am with you."
Then the prophet says, "Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: Yet once a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, the sea, and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come." (Haggai 2:6-7)
Question: Was God going to shake the heavens and earth right then? when Jesus was born? or when He comes back at the end of the age? Most scholars think this refers to Jesus' second coming. If so, Mr. Jennes has used it here to forshadow the glorious ending of the oratorio.
He couples this verse with Malachi 3:1-2: "The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. But who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire."
All this is sung by a bass soloist which emphasizes the gravity of the pronouncement. We'll see as we go along if the bass soloist continues to the "the heavy."
The chorus sings the next verse from Malachi which says the Lord will purify the sons of Levi. The sons of Levi were the priests who offered sacrifices to God. They would not be able to offer sacrifices if they themselves were not first purified.
"And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." (Malachi 3:3)
Whew! That's the best I can do gang. Next time, though, we get the prophecy about Jesus.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Announcement
If you were going to tell the story of the Messiah, where would you start? Genesis 1, at the creation of the world? My husband said he would start with the Gospel of John, "In the beginnig was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,...and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
Mr. Jennens (who chose the Scriptures for Handel to use in his oratorio, The Messiah) chose to start with sinful mankind desperately in need of a Savior.
A tenor voice announces, "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
That is a prophecy from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 40:1-3) who lived and prophecied a few years before the Israelites went into captivity in Babylon. It is written in old English because Mr. Jennens used the King James Version of the Bible. It's not that hard to follow and it sings well.
The tenor follows with, "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight, and the rough places plain."
The chorus answers with "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." (These last two are also from Isaiah 40, verses 4 and 5.)
This then is the initial announcement of the fulfilling of many prophecies in the Old Testament. Messiah will come. God's promises are sure.
You may be surprised at what comes next, and may think we've completely lost track of where we are going. Hang in there. It lays a wonderful foundation for the coming of Messiah.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Mr. Jennens (who chose the Scriptures for Handel to use in his oratorio, The Messiah) chose to start with sinful mankind desperately in need of a Savior.
A tenor voice announces, "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
That is a prophecy from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 40:1-3) who lived and prophecied a few years before the Israelites went into captivity in Babylon. It is written in old English because Mr. Jennens used the King James Version of the Bible. It's not that hard to follow and it sings well.
The tenor follows with, "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight, and the rough places plain."
The chorus answers with "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." (These last two are also from Isaiah 40, verses 4 and 5.)
This then is the initial announcement of the fulfilling of many prophecies in the Old Testament. Messiah will come. God's promises are sure.
You may be surprised at what comes next, and may think we've completely lost track of where we are going. Hang in there. It lays a wonderful foundation for the coming of Messiah.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Interesting tidbit
The date is August 30th. Today I went shopping in the local Dollar Store. Guess what I saw when I walked in the door - - - - CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS !!!
Paulita
Paulita
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Handel's Messiah
One of the great oratorios most often performed at Christmas time is Handel's Messiah. In fact Christmas doesn't seem like Christmas without singing in, or at least attending a performance of the Messiah. But I found out that Handel meant for his oratorio to be performed at Easter.
Handel composed his oratorio in 1741 from August 22nd to September 14th. (24 days !) That means that he composed it around this time of year. It was first performed for a charitable concert in Dublin, Ireland the next spring on April 13, 1742. Every year after that, starting with March 23, 1743, it was performed in London.
My copy of the Messiah includes the Scriptural words as part of the table of contents. I took the time to find out where they were located in the Bible and then I wondered who it was who chose them for this oratorio. It was not Handel! It was a man named Charles Jennens. He is not even mentioned as the compiler in my copy. My information said he chose Scriptures for other Handel works, too. It also said he was not too happy that Handel had whipped out the music for his chosen Scriptures in only 24 days! Little did he know of the lasting impact the Messiah would have on both Christians and non-Christians throughout the centuries.
I am going to use the next few blogs to write out the words and then see if they are the ones I would have chosen to tell Messiah's story. I'll also find out if we should be singing this oratorio for Christmas, Easter, or both.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Handel composed his oratorio in 1741 from August 22nd to September 14th. (24 days !) That means that he composed it around this time of year. It was first performed for a charitable concert in Dublin, Ireland the next spring on April 13, 1742. Every year after that, starting with March 23, 1743, it was performed in London.
My copy of the Messiah includes the Scriptural words as part of the table of contents. I took the time to find out where they were located in the Bible and then I wondered who it was who chose them for this oratorio. It was not Handel! It was a man named Charles Jennens. He is not even mentioned as the compiler in my copy. My information said he chose Scriptures for other Handel works, too. It also said he was not too happy that Handel had whipped out the music for his chosen Scriptures in only 24 days! Little did he know of the lasting impact the Messiah would have on both Christians and non-Christians throughout the centuries.
I am going to use the next few blogs to write out the words and then see if they are the ones I would have chosen to tell Messiah's story. I'll also find out if we should be singing this oratorio for Christmas, Easter, or both.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Monday, August 25, 2008
A Christmas Carol for August
iT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR
It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, good-will to men from heaven's all-gracious King":
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing:
O rest beside the weary load, and hear the angels sing.
For lo, the days are hastening on by prophet seen of old,
When, with the evercircling years, shall come the time fore-told,
When the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.
I am so intrigued by how these carols, especially this one, are put together. The first verse tells the story or incident, the second verse is me, here and now, and the third verse looks forward to Jesus' return to earth. My prayer is that as you rest beside your weary load, you'll hear the angels sing.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, good-will to men from heaven's all-gracious King":
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
And ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing:
O rest beside the weary load, and hear the angels sing.
For lo, the days are hastening on by prophet seen of old,
When, with the evercircling years, shall come the time fore-told,
When the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace their King,
And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.
I am so intrigued by how these carols, especially this one, are put together. The first verse tells the story or incident, the second verse is me, here and now, and the third verse looks forward to Jesus' return to earth. My prayer is that as you rest beside your weary load, you'll hear the angels sing.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
What Difference does Christmas Make?
Of course Christmas makes a great deal of difference to a merchant. Most of his sales are at Christmas. But if Jesus' birth was so important, and I believe it was, how did those who were close at the time respnd to it? How could some of them miss it?
The Innkeeper - He was a very busy man trying to fit as many of the people who were visiting Bethlehem into his inn. By the time Mary and Joseph arrived and the birth of Jesus was imminent, he was just too busy to think they could be anything other than just another couple, albeit she was pregnant. So he provided what he could in the way of lodging, but he missed the blessing of Christmas.
How often I've also been so busy that I miss the blessing of Christmas!
The religious leaders ie. chief priests and teachers of the law - When King Herod was confronted by the wise men seeking a new baby king, he consulted with these leaders to find out exactly where the Messiah would be born. The leaders knew. They were well aware of the scripture that pinpointed Bethlehem as His birthplace. Even though they knew this, they didn't bother to check out the report of the wisemen or even ask Herod why he wanted to know. Their indifference caused them to miss Christmas, too.
Am I so preoccupied at Christmas that I become indifferent to the wonder of the miracle?
Herod - He didn't want Christmas! He was the king and didn't want anyone usurping his throne. He was bah-humbug personified, but more than that he was afraid: afraid he'd lose his position and power, afraid of being associated with anything or anybody that might be considered fanatic, afraid of losing his autonomy if this really proved to be the Messiah.
How do you feel about Jesus?
The shepherds - Would you announce the special birth of the Savior of the world to shepherds? There's nothing wrong with being a shepherd but it's certainly not a stutus occupation. Men were shepheds but so were children and women. These were very ordinary people following a simple lifestyle. But suddenly God parted the sky and a glorious angel announced to these startled shepherds that the Savior had come. Did they care? You bet they did! They may not have been scholars, but they did know there was a God who had created the earth they traversed and the stars they camped under each night. They knew He provided for them and they were accountable to Him, and they were terrified!
But they left their flocks and ran to find the Savior, the newborn king, and when they did, they returned to their flocks, telling everyone on the way what they had seen and heard!
Christmas is coming in only 127 days. Will we be too busy to notice that it is Jesus' birth? Will we treat the miracle of God's gift to us with indifference? Will we be afraid that if we acknowledge Jesus is the Savior of mankind we'll also have to acknowledge that we need Him? Or will we readily hear the angels' voices, greet Christ's birth with joy and thanksgiving, and tell everyone we meet during the season the Good News?
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
The Innkeeper - He was a very busy man trying to fit as many of the people who were visiting Bethlehem into his inn. By the time Mary and Joseph arrived and the birth of Jesus was imminent, he was just too busy to think they could be anything other than just another couple, albeit she was pregnant. So he provided what he could in the way of lodging, but he missed the blessing of Christmas.
How often I've also been so busy that I miss the blessing of Christmas!
The religious leaders ie. chief priests and teachers of the law - When King Herod was confronted by the wise men seeking a new baby king, he consulted with these leaders to find out exactly where the Messiah would be born. The leaders knew. They were well aware of the scripture that pinpointed Bethlehem as His birthplace. Even though they knew this, they didn't bother to check out the report of the wisemen or even ask Herod why he wanted to know. Their indifference caused them to miss Christmas, too.
Am I so preoccupied at Christmas that I become indifferent to the wonder of the miracle?
Herod - He didn't want Christmas! He was the king and didn't want anyone usurping his throne. He was bah-humbug personified, but more than that he was afraid: afraid he'd lose his position and power, afraid of being associated with anything or anybody that might be considered fanatic, afraid of losing his autonomy if this really proved to be the Messiah.
How do you feel about Jesus?
The shepherds - Would you announce the special birth of the Savior of the world to shepherds? There's nothing wrong with being a shepherd but it's certainly not a stutus occupation. Men were shepheds but so were children and women. These were very ordinary people following a simple lifestyle. But suddenly God parted the sky and a glorious angel announced to these startled shepherds that the Savior had come. Did they care? You bet they did! They may not have been scholars, but they did know there was a God who had created the earth they traversed and the stars they camped under each night. They knew He provided for them and they were accountable to Him, and they were terrified!
But they left their flocks and ran to find the Savior, the newborn king, and when they did, they returned to their flocks, telling everyone on the way what they had seen and heard!
Christmas is coming in only 127 days. Will we be too busy to notice that it is Jesus' birth? Will we treat the miracle of God's gift to us with indifference? Will we be afraid that if we acknowledge Jesus is the Savior of mankind we'll also have to acknowledge that we need Him? Or will we readily hear the angels' voices, greet Christ's birth with joy and thanksgiving, and tell everyone we meet during the season the Good News?
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Friday, August 15, 2008
Gifts, Gifts, and more Gifts
I've gone Christmas shopping again, but apparently I'm not the only one. An article came out in our local paper entitled, "Christmas in August." It said prices are going to be higher this Christmas season, so it's a good time to shop now. I think I basically distrust the motivation behind the article, but since I had the same idea, (only with a different slant) I'm running with it.
I purchsed four more gifts. Summer is a great time for sales and I found a good one on HUGE beach towels. Do you think you'd like to get a beach towel for Christmas? I generally buy sweaters etc. at Christmas time, but why not beach towels? They might be useful for swimming classes or Hawaiian vacations, and they certainly won't rot waiting for next summer. This super sale offered "Buy one towel, get two free." How could I pass that up? I already have them alloted.
But I said four gifts. I ordered The Bible Answer Book for Students for my granddaughter who will be a senior in high school. It has answers not only for spiritual questions, but for ethical, moral, and social questions. It sounds like a good source of info from someone other than parents. I'll let you know when it comes if I can recommend it further.
Well, from looking at my list I have about 8 more gifts to buy and 4 months to do it. I need to double up. I'll get it done. I really will. Until then...
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
I purchsed four more gifts. Summer is a great time for sales and I found a good one on HUGE beach towels. Do you think you'd like to get a beach towel for Christmas? I generally buy sweaters etc. at Christmas time, but why not beach towels? They might be useful for swimming classes or Hawaiian vacations, and they certainly won't rot waiting for next summer. This super sale offered "Buy one towel, get two free." How could I pass that up? I already have them alloted.
But I said four gifts. I ordered The Bible Answer Book for Students for my granddaughter who will be a senior in high school. It has answers not only for spiritual questions, but for ethical, moral, and social questions. It sounds like a good source of info from someone other than parents. I'll let you know when it comes if I can recommend it further.
Well, from looking at my list I have about 8 more gifts to buy and 4 months to do it. I need to double up. I'll get it done. I really will. Until then...
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Word Became Flesh
"How many more days 'till Christmas?"
Starting December first, that was my constant question. Even though my parents tried to limit the anticipation and excitement to a two or three week time frame, my focus was Christmas and what Santa would bring.
In our home there was no emphasis on Christmas being Jesus' birthday, but at Sunday school we kids memorized the Christmas story from Lluke 2:8-14 and sang the carols that announced His birth.
A stained glass window in our church showed Jesus, the Shepherd, holding a lamb. When the church was decorated with red poinsettias, I knew this was the Jesus of Christmas. When the decorations were put away, He was still my Jesus, my Shepherd. I didn't know the theology behind "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," but I knew Jesus came, lived on earth, and died for my sins. Jesus loved me and was always with me. I knelt by my bed and prayed and He heard me. He was my way to God.
Later I realized He had indeed transferred me from the kingdom of darkness to His kingdom of light. When Jesus came from the Father, He brought a gift no one else could give - the gift of Himself, the promised Savior of the world.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
Starting December first, that was my constant question. Even though my parents tried to limit the anticipation and excitement to a two or three week time frame, my focus was Christmas and what Santa would bring.
In our home there was no emphasis on Christmas being Jesus' birthday, but at Sunday school we kids memorized the Christmas story from Lluke 2:8-14 and sang the carols that announced His birth.
A stained glass window in our church showed Jesus, the Shepherd, holding a lamb. When the church was decorated with red poinsettias, I knew this was the Jesus of Christmas. When the decorations were put away, He was still my Jesus, my Shepherd. I didn't know the theology behind "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," but I knew Jesus came, lived on earth, and died for my sins. Jesus loved me and was always with me. I knelt by my bed and prayed and He heard me. He was my way to God.
Later I realized He had indeed transferred me from the kingdom of darkness to His kingdom of light. When Jesus came from the Father, He brought a gift no one else could give - the gift of Himself, the promised Savior of the world.
Merry Christmas,
Paulita
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