Happy Thanksgiving!

Our table is a bit empty today, but our hearts are full of gratitude for our family and friends around the world. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

In case you were wondering, we get to share a traditional meal with the Mexico City clan on Monday :)

Don't be afraid. Don't be the least bit afraid.

Playful esqueletos (skeletons), colorful calaveras (skulls), and bright cempasúchitl (marigolds) adorn neighborhood yards and local parks in preparation for el Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) this weekend (Nov 1 & 2).  

Contrary to the intentions of many in the US during this holiday season, our Mexican counterparts don't decorate in order to scare us to death, but to mock and make fun of death. My Mexican friends explain it this way: Death is inevitable. Therefore let's not fear what we can't avoid - death - rather let's choose to celebrate life. Let's laugh in the face of fear, let's remember with fondness those who have died, let's rejoice in the life once lived!

See this cutie patootie – not the least bit afraid :)

Many Mexicans also place photos of loved ones, their favorite food and drink, and other remembrances upon these ornate tables. Around these tables, families recall and entice loved ones who have died to visit and enjoy life's pleasures on this one day of the year it is thought they are allowed to roam the earth. 

Although these tables are often referred to as altars, don't mistakenly assume these families worship the dead. According to my Mexican friends, these tables/altars are not places of worship, but simply a gathering of familiar tokens to remember a cherished loved one.

However you choose to celebrate this weekend, may it be filled with laughter and joy at the remembrances of loved ones and the hope of life eternal with Christ.

I almost forgot. Look who I found wondering the streets of Mexico City – MiKo the chameleon ready to join the festivities!

(All my kids and MK friends know who MiKo is. You can too by following this link.)

One more thing. At the request of a friend and missionary colleague, I shared a story of transformation on her blog this past week. Enjoy! The Shape of My Faith

A weary world rejoices . . .

I must admit, these last few months of 2012 have left me a bit weary. Families who have lost loved ones, close friends who have moved away, and a few personal struggles have darkened my days. And then the tragedy at Sandy Hook, a town only about an hour's drive from my hometown in Connecticut, rocked our nation. In fact, today I found out that two administrators and two teachers who died at Sandy Hook were graduates of my Alma mater (Southern Connecticut State University). With this news my world got a little smaller and my heart ached a little more.

When Advent began a few weeks ago, I did not expect these feelings of woe. Although the season of Advent is about recognizing the dark world in which we live, it also anticipates the light that is about to descend into our world. But with each passing week, and with each subsequent candle, I did not feel any brighter. That is until last night, when my daughter sang O Holy Night at her school's Christmas program.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 'til he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn . . .

Indeed we live in a weary world, but hope makes all the difference. To every parent who has lost a child, and for every child who has lost a parent; for every heart-breaking goodbye, and in every tragic circumstance – may hope break into the darkness and illuminate our world. In trying times, hope anchors our souls. In the darkest of days, hope anticipates a brighter future. In a distorted world, hope transforms our perspective.

Hope descended into a manger 2,000 years ago and a weary world rejoiced over his birth. Hope dropped into my heart last night as my daughter sang, and I rejoiced in my Savior's advent. If you are feeling weary this season, may the light of the world pierce your darkness and may you awaken to a new and glorious morn.

Merry Christmas.

Stuart & Wendy

O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Fall on your knees,
Oh, hear the angels voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night,
O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand;
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend;
He knows our need,
Our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!

The Day of the Dead (is not a Tim Burton Film)

Rather it is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico on the 1st and 2nd of November.

While visiting the mall the other day we came across this display for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Through a Mother's Eyes

So, last Sunday I preached the longest sermon of my life. Apparently, I have no concept of time when I preach in Spanish :) Fortunately, though, we also have a very gracious church and an equally gracious pastor.
Another fortunate happenstance is that I have enough material to share with you these next few weeks of Advent.

When I was a child, I remember attending church on the first Sunday of Advent and bringing home the Advent wreath to celebrate the season. It is a tradition we continue with our family today. If you are not familiar with this tradition, every night we light a candle that represents a part of the Christmas story. Each week, we light one more candle until Christmas day when we celebrate the light of the world Jesus.

I loved this tradition as a child. Although it was fun to talk about Santa and sing about Rudolph, I always knew that Christmas was really about Jesus. And the Advent season helped our family to prepare for this wondrous celebration. Therefore, as I considered my message for Sunday, I had Christmas on my mind. I read the Christmas story in Gospel of Luke and studied the early life of Jesus once again, and I wondered . . .  what was it like for Jesus to grow up in his home? Did he get along with his siblings? Was he popular as a child; did he have a lot of friends? Was he a good student; did he complete his homework on time?

When I read the stories of the Bible, I like to place myself into the text, to view life and events through the eyes of those who experienced it first hand. And I realized through reading again the life of Christ there was only one person who was there from the cradle to the cross. And it is through her eyes these next few weeks, that I wish to tell the story of Christ.

Although, I have no desire to exaggerate the importance of Mary, neither do I wish to ignore her. She is, in fact a part of the Christmas story and the life of Christ. But as the story of Christ progresses, we see that she, like John the Baptist, must decrease, and Jesus must increase. As we watch Jesus grow up, leave home, begin his ministry, fulfill his purpose, and reveal his true identity, we also watch Mary slowly lose her influence and prominence in the life of her son, yet eventually find her true identity in the family of God.

As a woman, as a mother, and as a believer I find her perspective unique and interesting. As I read the story of God's son once again through the eyes of Mary, I was reminded of some personal events in my life as a mom that I would to share with you as well. It is a great responsibility to be a parent. We have no idea what it means to be a mom or dad, until we are one. Children are a joy and a privilege, but they come with a few surprises as well.

Many years ago, our son needed surgery when he was an infant. Stuart and I still remember the moment we had to place our son in the care of someone else. We had to trust that the doctors and nurses would take care of him, that they would protect him, and that they would bring him back to us when the surgery was completed.

Much in the same way, many years ago, God placed his son in the hands of a young couple. He trusted them to care for him, to raise him in a faithful Jewish home, and to guide him until he was ready to depart and then be placed back into the hands of the Father.

Next time: Carrying the Promise to Full Term

Día de Las Madres

Today is Mother's Day in Mexico. However we honored women and moms this past Saturday at our church, Asamblea Cristiana with a special celebration.

Our tables were adorned with little mementos like this . . . 

and delicious treats like these.

Our pastor's wife Alma did a great job organizing and emceeing the event.

My daughters Sophia and Olivia and area director Cheryl Greco enjoyed front row status :)

I had the wonderful opportunity to preach for the first time in Mexico (and all in Spanish por supuesto)!

We got to know each other a little better through a series of fun questions . . . 

and by playing a silly game. 

The appointed queen sits on her throne asking her subjects for a variety of items, whichever team reaches her first with the appropriate item wins the round.

Afterwards the ladies got a little out of hand while cleaning up. Everyone was anointed with frosting before the night was through.

Here I am with my kids on Sunday -- Olivia, Wesley and Sophia -- they make a mommy proud!

Our church gave to each mom a few special gifts as well.

I am thankful for my mom and all the special women in my life who have influenced and encouraged me over the years. I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

I am reminded of you sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. ~2 Timothy 1:5

Praise, Palms, and Pignoli

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. The took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!

~John 12:12-13

As Palm Sunday approaches I recall once again the holidays I celebrated as a child within the traditional context. Palm Sunday was a special holiday where I grew up; a memorable event that began at church and extended throughout the day with family. At Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, every worshiper received a few strands of palm, the long thin variety from the fan of the palm tree. As we waved the palm branches we sang, All Glory, Laud, and Honor and then during Sunday School we would fashion the palms into crosses to be shared with family and friends later in the day.

After church, we would head to my great-grandmother's house. She actually lived within walking distance of our home. On occasion, my sister and I would drop by after school to visit. Although, christened Almirinda Proscino as a child everyone now called her nonni. Born in the US she went to Italy as a young girl with her parents. She didn't return to the States until many years later, after she was married to my great grandfather, Ciro Fiondella.

Hers was an interesting home. My Auntie Carrie and Uncle Cap (short for Cappucci) lived with her downstairs and my Auntie Ann and Uncle Sal lived upstairs. Her two-story home included a basement, two small bedrooms, a kitchen, a den and a narrow staircase leading to the upstairs apartment. A trellis of grapes adorned the back door and a huge garden in the back yard blossomed with tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini and anything else you can imagine. And on Palm Sunday her five children, their spouses, her grand-children and her great-grandchildren filled the place to capacity.

Nonni was a pleasant, loving woman. She always wore an apron (so it seemed) and her hair swept up in the back. She smiled and laughed and when she spoke to me I smiled and nodded because half the time I didn't understand her strong Italian accent. But no one could mistake her warm embrace and hospitality.

After greeting the family, exchanging palms and settling in, nonni offered you coffee, tea or soda. On the table and throughout the kitchen was an array of delectable treats to accompany your beverage: pignoli, angel wings, ricotta pie, anginetti, cannoli and other Italian delights. Even as a child, the food, the laughter and the conversation occupied my attention for hours. It seemed no one wanted to leave nonni's house.

As I look back, I can't help but to look forward as well. One day, we will have a reunion with our loved ones. A place where we can gather around the table, share stories of the past, enjoy a good meal, and yet never have to say good-bye again. The sweetness that is the promise of heaven.

I treasure the memories of my childhood, although at times I am saddened that those days, as well as those traditions are gone. Nonni died when I was a teen-ager and now all her children are gone too. It has been many Palm Sundays since my childhood. In all the states and countries that I have lived in and in all the churches that I have attended I don't think they have ever quite honored Palm Sunday as I think it deserves. Regardless, every year before Passion Week, I reminisce of nonni, recall the palm branch crosses, and delight in All Glory Laud and Honor even if I am just singing to myself.

All glory, laud and honor,
To Thee,
Redeemer, King,
To Whom the lips of children
Made sweet
hosannas ring.

Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David’s
royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s Name comest,
The King and
Blessèd One.

To listen: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh280.sht 

It Begins with Ashes

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. Growing up in the Episcopal Church, I knew this was the day to bow in humble prayer, receive ashes on your forehead to symbolize humility before God, and to give up something for Lent. On the church calendar, Lent is the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter (not counting Sundays) and is a time set aside for fasting, repenting and reflecting on Christ’s suffering.

In the church, although we fasted individually, corporately we gave up something as well. Traditionally, the church covered the cross with purple (the color of royalty but also of humility), no flowers adorned the sanctuary and we refrained from speaking or singing any Hallelujahs in the service. 

Anyone who has fasted for any length of time knows the joy of partaking when the fast is over. What a pleasure it was to arrive on Easter Sunday morning to witness the cross victoriously draped in white, festive lilies and tulips embellishing the sanctuary and triumphant voices raised in song: Christ the Lord has Risen Today, Ha-lle-lu-jah!

Alas, this season of humility reminds us though, that death must come before the resurrection and the cross must come before the crown. Such is the season of Lent. It begins with ashes but it ends with beauty. I may not have the opportunity to attend an Ash Wednesday service tomorrow, but I will spend the next 40 days giving up something to remind me of what Christ gave up for me.

Candlemas Day

Yesterday may have been Groundhog's Day in the US, but here in Mexico it was Dia de la Candelaria; the day commemorating Jesus' dedication in the Temple. Many Mexicans dress up a baby doll as Jesus and bring it to church to be blessed. Then later they gather with family and friends to eat tamales.

We went to a neighborhood Tamale place to order ours. It was a long wait.

Still smiling with area directors Dave and Cheryl Greco.

Only took an hour to get to the front of the line.

All these large pots are filled with all kinds of tamales. This place makes thousands upon thousands of them to prepare for tonight.

Packing up our order of oaxaquenos: pollo con salsa verde, rajas con crema con quesillo, y cochinitas. In other words, our tamales were a variety of chicken, peppers, and pork.

Dave and Cheryl wait their turn. 

Happy dia de tamales everyone!

El Día de los Reyes

Christmas celebrations continue today as Mexicans celebrate El Día de los Reyes, Three Kings Day. Also known as Epiphany, January 6 honors the day the three kings worshipped and gave gifts to Jesus.

Traditionally, Mexicans place the infant Jesus into his manger on Christmas day and the three kings join him today.

OK, so my little nativity is lacking a few key players, but you get the idea.

Today many Mexicans will eat this traditional bread, rosca de reyes; a tasty treat filled with symbols that tell a sweet tale. Shaped in a round like a King’s crown the bread holds a secret treasure; for baked inside is a figurine of the baby Jesus hiding from King Herod. The knife used to cut into the bread represents the danger that surrounded the infant king.

Bread is a fitting symbol as Jesus was born in Bethlehem (literally the house of bread) and declared himself to be the Bread of Life.

Traditionally, the one who finds Jesus in his bread will host another celebration on February 2 (which has nothing to do with groundhogs). Candelaria or Candlemas Day commemorates the presentation of Jesus the light of the world, in the temple of Jerusalem. 

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

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.