Christmas, to me, comes with a challenge. How do I evolve the heart-warming and enriching traditions of my childhood and teenage years into something more inward, more cosmic, bearing in mind the on-going striving to become more of an adult and a true human being?
In the darkness, the light of a candle carries a simple but powerful message. In stillness and quietness of soul maybe the inner light can be kindled and grow strong to shine into the world.
And that is what I wish for you, dear readers, on this sacred day of Christmas Eve as we journey into the Twelve Holy Nights.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
as I am able
This morning I have a song in my head, the Advent one that begins 'People look East' and goes on to 'Make your house fair as you are able'. And that's what I'm doing, cleaning and decorating in anticipation of hosting about a dozen people this afternoon/evening.
Yes, I've done a little decorating already, but now I'm serious about preparing our home for Christmas. One year our elder daughter was visiting and she's wonderful at creating a special atmosphere and beauty in her home. So I asked if she'd look after that side of things. She began by clearing the decks, so to speak. Putting away various objects and bits of china that I had sitting on side tables and so forth. Now I begin in that same place, and then I clean more thoroughly than usual, even doing a bit of furniture polishing.
It feels good. There's only one snag... at what point do I decide that I'm no longer able? I can keep going till I drop, but that would hardly be fun for our visitors! So at some stage I have to say 'enough'. Sometimes, thankfully, that's where my dear husband takes over and picks up the slack. Like today, when he'll be doing the cooking. Bless him.
Yes, I've done a little decorating already, but now I'm serious about preparing our home for Christmas. One year our elder daughter was visiting and she's wonderful at creating a special atmosphere and beauty in her home. So I asked if she'd look after that side of things. She began by clearing the decks, so to speak. Putting away various objects and bits of china that I had sitting on side tables and so forth. Now I begin in that same place, and then I clean more thoroughly than usual, even doing a bit of furniture polishing.
It feels good. There's only one snag... at what point do I decide that I'm no longer able? I can keep going till I drop, but that would hardly be fun for our visitors! So at some stage I have to say 'enough'. Sometimes, thankfully, that's where my dear husband takes over and picks up the slack. Like today, when he'll be doing the cooking. Bless him.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Snowlight, moonlight
Last night we drove through the country-side nearby. Sitting in the back of the car, my daughter-in-law told us we were getting 30 per cent more moonlight because of the full moon being close to the winter solstice. All I can say is that the moon was a breathtaking sight as it shone on smooth, snow-covered fields. I could almost feel the calm silence all around.
At the moment I'm enjoying the winter in spite of the cold. There's so much beauty at this time of the year -- tender and delicate colours in the sky, lavenders and pinks and really golden sunsets. The conifers look so graceful with their branches decked with white. So even though Christmas seems to be approaching even faster than usual, I can be tranquil and access the quiet mood of anticipation that Advent brings.
At the moment I'm enjoying the winter in spite of the cold. There's so much beauty at this time of the year -- tender and delicate colours in the sky, lavenders and pinks and really golden sunsets. The conifers look so graceful with their branches decked with white. So even though Christmas seems to be approaching even faster than usual, I can be tranquil and access the quiet mood of anticipation that Advent brings.
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