To speak to memories on this Christmas Eve is somewhat overwhelming. I'll let the "1,000 Words" each picture is worth speak.
Random and eclectic....this is a blog that might take various directions. It might include thoughts of faith, life and perspective plus a good deal of reminiscing. This blog was created with no real direction, simply a desire to have a place to put a variety of thoughts, experiences and memories.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Happy Advent
Over the past several years I have been in a habit of wishing those I pass a “Merry Christmas”. Your immediate response might be “so...what’s the big deal”. “Merry Christmas” is a staple during this season. But......
It is not uncommon for me on January 9 or March 23 or some other arbitrary day to say “Merry Christmas” to individuals I encounter. This is atypical. My out-of-season “Merry Christmas” often evokes the response of...”aren’t you a little late for that”. My usual response is “no...I wanted to be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas for this year”.
Anyone who has gone through this script (at least has gone through it for the first time) almost always responds with a smile. With the smile comes an affirmation that this is indeed their first “Merry Christmas” for the year. My intent with this exercise is to offer levity and encouragement. I certainly have no intent to treat the holiday flagrantly.
This exercise was recently turned “on its head”. Earlier this fall a new friend emailed me an innocuous question. He was in need of some pertinent information. I recall I did not have the information but referred him to someone who might have it. I added to the email something to the effect “that if no one has wished you a Merry Christmas this year, allow me to be the first....Merry Christmas”.
Until earlier this fall I had only known this friend through business. It was business that provided the opportunity for us to become more acquainted. Through business I found a friend who dwells in a genuine and profound Christian faith.
My friend responded to my forwarded recommendation with “thank you”. He responded to my “Merry Christmas” with a wish for the blessing of a Happy Advent. His response was gracious and intended.
My initial response to his return email was a quaint nod, inward smile and quick dismissal. I recall a brief thought that “we expressed a mutual wish”. Merry Christmas and Happy Advent are the same, aren’t they? With that I archived the email and marked our business complete. I moved on to other tasks. I gave no further thought to the comment.
It was few days later in the course of my morning routine I heard the echo of “Happy Advent” and my immediate thought was “Merry Christmas is insufficient; it’s incomplete”. Merry Christmas and Happy Advent ARE NOT NECESSARILY same.
Southern Baptists generally are not acquainted with the Christian Liturgical Calendar. Its cycle is not familiar and its symbolism and meaning are generally avoided.It was not too many years ago that I developed even a minimal understanding of Advent and the Christian Calendar in general.
I can blame my lack of liturgical heritage for my ignorance and subsequent lack of regard for the great celebration that is the season of Advent. I desire to no longer confine my remembrance and celebration to the birth of Christ only. I pray my remembrance encompasses His coming.
Like the prophets, may I anticipate the redeeming work of Messiah.
Like the angels, may I proclaim His coming.
Like the Shepherds, may I kneel before HIm.
Like the Wise Men, may I worship Him.
Like Mary, may I surrender in obedience to the will of the Father.
Emmanuel---God with us!
Happy Advent.
It is not uncommon for me on January 9 or March 23 or some other arbitrary day to say “Merry Christmas” to individuals I encounter. This is atypical. My out-of-season “Merry Christmas” often evokes the response of...”aren’t you a little late for that”. My usual response is “no...I wanted to be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas for this year”.
Anyone who has gone through this script (at least has gone through it for the first time) almost always responds with a smile. With the smile comes an affirmation that this is indeed their first “Merry Christmas” for the year. My intent with this exercise is to offer levity and encouragement. I certainly have no intent to treat the holiday flagrantly.
This exercise was recently turned “on its head”. Earlier this fall a new friend emailed me an innocuous question. He was in need of some pertinent information. I recall I did not have the information but referred him to someone who might have it. I added to the email something to the effect “that if no one has wished you a Merry Christmas this year, allow me to be the first....Merry Christmas”.
Until earlier this fall I had only known this friend through business. It was business that provided the opportunity for us to become more acquainted. Through business I found a friend who dwells in a genuine and profound Christian faith.
My friend responded to my forwarded recommendation with “thank you”. He responded to my “Merry Christmas” with a wish for the blessing of a Happy Advent. His response was gracious and intended.
My initial response to his return email was a quaint nod, inward smile and quick dismissal. I recall a brief thought that “we expressed a mutual wish”. Merry Christmas and Happy Advent are the same, aren’t they? With that I archived the email and marked our business complete. I moved on to other tasks. I gave no further thought to the comment.
It was few days later in the course of my morning routine I heard the echo of “Happy Advent” and my immediate thought was “Merry Christmas is insufficient; it’s incomplete”. Merry Christmas and Happy Advent ARE NOT NECESSARILY same.
Southern Baptists generally are not acquainted with the Christian Liturgical Calendar. Its cycle is not familiar and its symbolism and meaning are generally avoided.It was not too many years ago that I developed even a minimal understanding of Advent and the Christian Calendar in general.
I can blame my lack of liturgical heritage for my ignorance and subsequent lack of regard for the great celebration that is the season of Advent. I desire to no longer confine my remembrance and celebration to the birth of Christ only. I pray my remembrance encompasses His coming.
Like the prophets, may I anticipate the redeeming work of Messiah.
Like the angels, may I proclaim His coming.
Like the Shepherds, may I kneel before HIm.
Like the Wise Men, may I worship Him.
Like Mary, may I surrender in obedience to the will of the Father.
Emmanuel---God with us!
Happy Advent.
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