The Carpenter's Son - the home movie

Light the Christ Candle

Lesson: Light all previous candles plus the white candle. This is the Christ candle. With it, we recognize that Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, is born this day.

Prayer: O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture: Luke 2:15-20

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Song: Joy to the World

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found,

Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Feliz Navidad

The Christmas program at church brought out a few wise men and other surprises.

These guys only charged 5 pesos per photo (just kidding).

Olivia, Wesley, and Sophia wait their turn to perform.

Good angel.

Not so good angel.

The youth did an excellent job with both the Everything skit and a very moving and unique Christmas drama.

Audiences were spellbound.

After the program, chairs were moved, tables were set-up, and sumptuous food was served. Got to love Mexican food.

Time for the piñata!

Santas piñatas, Batman!

Piñatas are no match for super heroes . . .

or super cuties like this little girl.

The youth enjoy the festivities. Even Sophia and Olivia had a chance to swat at the piñata.

When the kids knock off the star points of the piñata other kids use them to collect the candy.

A treasure trove of treats.

Feliz Navidad from Mexico!

Escape to Egypt

O Tidings of Comfort and Joy

His name was Raymond A. Mitchell but I called him Pop-pop. He was my grandfather. Christmas was memorable at my grandparent’s home not only because of the gifts we received but also because of the love that abounded. With joy, each child received a handmade item from my grandmother like a Raggedy Ann or Andy doll and a stocking filled with simple treats like apples, oranges, candy and nuts.

A quiet and gentle man, Pop-pop exuded a calmness and an inner strength that I admired. At church, he graciously greeted guests with a smile and a nod, dutifully checked attendance and was a favorite with all the children (they all knew he kept a stash of zebra-striped gum in his coat pockets).

In 1979, when I was fifteen, Pop-pop was diagnosed with colon cancer. Although weakened in body my grandfather remained a strong presence in my life. One morning as my siblings and I headed off to school, the phone rang; my Pop-pop had died. It was December 21.

Calling hours were that evening at our home. As family gathered to comfort one another and friends came to pay their condolences, sadness lingered among the Christmas lights and the holiday trimmings. Another knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. This time it was our minister, Father Jeff Rawthorn. He shook the snow off his coat and then walked directly over to my grandmother. Gently taking her hand in his and tenderly speaking to her in his English cadence he said, “Imagine, spending Christmas with Jesus.”

Of all the words spoken that night, those few captured my attention like no others. They spoke life into my heart and hope into my spirit. It was true, we were not able to be with Pop-pop that Christmas but Pop-pop was with the one whose birth we were to celebrate in just a few days.

Christmas, although a little more somber that year was not without joy. We shared memories as well as gifts. However, what I remember most about that Christmas was the all-surprising peace that was present because of a simple reminder from a wise Episcopal priest, “Imagine, spending Christmas with Jesus.”

**Special thanks to my cousin Jon who took this great photo of our grandfather.

The Wise Men

Light Four Advent Candles

Lesson: Today we light all four colored candles. Today’s candle is the Angel’s candle. Angels foretold the advent of Christ’s birth as well as his second coming. With the lighting of this fourth candle, we anticipate Christ’s second advent and focus on his salvation.

Prayer: Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture: Luke 2:13-14

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing  

Hark the herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

The Shepherds

Close The Door When You Leave

I don't know who wrote this poem. I found it on a friend's blog. So no copy right infringement is intended. If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer, this is dedicated to you. May you find strength and healing in the one who is all-compassionate.

I never asked you to visit

 At least I don't believe I did

 Maybe I don't know

 It's so confusing

 At any rate, you're a rude guest

 You take my energy,

 rob my sleep, and with a stick

 You swirl and distort my dreams

 All right, You are here for now

 But understand

 There are two places

 That are forever off limits

 You may not tread on my spirit

 You may not occupy my soul

 I have heard of your visits to others

 I know the damage you leave in your path

 The wanton disregard for innocence, value,

 and what some would call fairness

 Also, I hear that laughter confuses you;

 That good food makes you feel bad, and

 That nothing causes you more distress

 Than an autumn sunset,

 The forever blue of a summer sky

 Or the unconditional radiance of a child's smile

 Listen and understand

 You might pilfer my closets,

 Empty all the drawers,

 And trash my house,

 But there are two places

 Forever off limits

 You may not tread on my spirit

 You may not occupy my soul

 Do not mistake my nausea, weakness,

 And pain as signs of your victory

 They are simply small dents

 In the armor I wear to fight you

 Instead, look deeply into my eyes

 That there are two places

 Forever off limits

 You must not

 May not

 Will not tread on my spirit

 You must not

 May not

 Will not occupy my soul

Posadas, Piñatas, & Noche Buena

Our family has had the joy of experiencing Christmas in a variety of cultures these last few years. In Jamaica, December 24 is Grand Market and everyone shops all day and all night-long for their Christmas gifts. Christmas cake  and sorrel punch are also served throughout the season.

In Costa Rica, employees enjoy their Christmas bonus called the aguinaldo; it is equivalent to one-month’s pay. Tamales, pupusas, and empanadas round out their holiday fare.

Of course, here in Mexico they celebrate their own unique traditions. Posada is the Spanish word for inn or shelter and in Mexico, Las Posadas is the reenactment of Mary and Joseph searching for shelter on that fateful night. Nine days before Christmas, children portraying Mary and Joseph, and the other nativity characters parade through the town stopping at designated homes to sing and ask for shelter. Finally, a friendly face tells them that although there is no room at the posada they are welcome to take refuge in their humble stable. The grateful pilgrims enter the home and the celebration begins.

Piñatas are another holiday tradition that were initially used as object lessons to teach the faithful. The customary estrella or star-shaped piñata sports seven points that represent the seven deadly sins* (100 holly berries if you can name them all). The blindfold represents faith, the stick symbolizes the will to overcome sin and the special treats hidden within the piñata symbolize the treasures of the Kingdom. Therefore, with faith and virtue one can enjoy all the rewards of heaven.

Growing up, my New England family enjoyed seafood on Noche Buena or Christmas Eve. Lobster (yes we cooked the critters ourselves), linguini and clam sauce, and cocktail shrimp were the focus of our Christmas eve feast.

Our home town newspaper reserved a full page for Clement Moore’s, A Visit from St. Nicholas. As youngsters, my dad would read it to us right before bedtime to ensure sugar-plum inspired dreams.

Lastly, I recall the beautiful candle light service at Trinity Episcopal Church on the green in New Haven, CT. It was a wondrous experience to sing Christmas hymns in that  gothic-revival style church. The stained glass panels depicting biblical scenes sparkled with candle light as we welcomed the birth of Christ at the stroke of midnight.

One year in particular that midnight mass was quite poignant. Although, I grew up in a Christian home and I always believed in Jesus, my relationship with Christ took a major leap forward as I completely dedicated my life to him. I stood with candle  in hand, singing O Come All Ye Faithful, and I thought to myself, Indeed, that is exactly what I have done this year; I came to Christ. I am one of the faithful to which the song is referring. I never felt so joyful and triumphant in all my life.

Holidays and the traditions they encompass serve as memorials in our lives; reminders of significant events and the special people we shared them with. The sumptuous food, the infectious laughter, the retold stories, the lighted candles, and the traditional hymns all represent special moments in time. But they are more than just simple reminders of our past. They are dynamic memorials; they bring the past into our present while shaping our future.

Our family, like Mary and Joseph, find ourselves this year in an unfamiliar country as we await the advent of Christ. Yet we are grateful pilgrims for we have been welcomed into a new home. Grounded and comforted by familiar traditions we look forward to incorporating a few new ones.

Feliz Navidad.

The Birth of Jesus

Light Three Advent Candles

Lesson: Today we light two purple candles and the pink candle. This is the Shepherd’s Candle. Like the shepherds, let us come to Christ, believe in him, and tell the good news to others.

Prayer: Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture: Luke 2:8-12

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Song: O Come All Ye Faithful

O Come All Ye Faithful

Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him,

Born the King of Angels;

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord.

How May I Help You

Just recently, friends of ours learned that their 7 year old son has medulloblastoma, a malignate type of brain tumor. They have been journaling their ordeal and just last night Nick wrote a very insightful blog on what he has learned about caring for others. 

In his own words:

1. Don't help them the way YOU think they should be helped, ask them.  Joey is so patient with us.  Now we ask, "What can we do?" We don't give him advice, or tell him what he needs, we ask a lot of questions and shut our collective cake holes. We've learned to listen...and ask the right questions, and to help him the way he needs us to help him at that moment.

2. Don't ever tell other people how they should feel. He knows how he feels, and if he's sad, and I tell him, "you're doing great!" or "you're fine!"....it's very discouraging to him. Our job is to give him permission to feel however he feels (NONE of us knows how he feels or has gone through what he is going through) and we ask what he needs from us. A wise person once told me, "People always have the right to feel the way they feel".  Doesn't mean they see all the facts or the situation from your perspective, BUT, they have a right to their perspective and feelings.

When someone is hurting, we all want to help; but sometimes, although our intentions are well-meaning, we fall short. Please consider Nick's advice: ask the hurting person how he wants to be helped, don't give advice, accept how the hurting person says he feels, and listen, listen, listen. 

No Room at the Inn

The Journey to Bethlehem

Light Two Advent Candles

Lesson: Today we light two purple candles. This second candle is the Bethlehem candle. It points to the wondrous mystery of the incarnation; that is, of Christ clothing himself with humanity in Bethlehem.

Scripture: Micah 5:2

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah,out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel,whose origins are from of old, from ancient times

Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.    

Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight

So Close and Yet So Far

Olivia had a school assignment this week to visit an art museum so we headed out to La Casa Azul (The Blue House) of Frida Kahlo. Frida was a famous Mexican artist whose home (that she shared with her equally famous husband Diego Rivera) is now a museum.

This is not the museum. This is some church we passed when we got lost on the way to the museum. I still have no idea where we were but aside from getting almost towed away when we stopped to look at the map, it was an interesting city.

The center of the unknown city.

On our way again.

Still lost but enjoying the sites.

Viva Mexico.

A piece of interesting art, but not what we were looking for.

Por fin, we made it.

La Casa Azul.

We could not take pictures inside the museum but this pyramid placed in  the surrounding gardens of the house was a great place for Diego to display his favorite pieces.

Varied pieces of artwork are on display inside La Casa Azul including earrings that Picasso gave Frida, portraits of each artist, and many pieces of folk art that they both enjoyed.

Olivia enjoyed her day, if not the road trip to La Casa Azul.

Stuart and I briefly stop for a moment of prayer so that we can  make it home in less than half the time than it took to get here.

For more information visit the museum's website: http://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/EluniversointimoINGLES.html.

And in case you were wondering, we made it home in less than 30 minutes (it took almost 2 hours to get there). We were so close and yet so far!

Mary Visits Elizabeth

The Twelve Days of Christmas