“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge
into the light.”
— Helen Keller
A shattered world shall emerge into light
Light of the World
Original Fabric Art by Rogene Robbins, as shown above, available at Espirational.com’s gallery.
———————————————————————————
“We are indeed the light of the world
–but only if our switch is turned on.”
—– John Hagee
Grace is the Celebration of Life
“Grace is the celebration of life, relentlessly hounding all the non-celebrants in the world. It is a floating, cosmic bash shouting its way through the streets of the universe, flinging the sweetness of its cassations to every window, pounding at every door in a hilarity beyond all liking and happening, until the prodigals come out at last and dance, and the elder brothers finally take their fingers out of their ears.”
―
Sing a Song of Joy!
One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the music. Some of my fondest holiday memories are of the years spent in the choir loft singing in Christmas cantatas, playing in the Orchestra for Handel’s Messiah, ringing in the bell choir, and processing down the aisle by candlelight on Christmas Eve.
I love holiday music. But it makes me sad that at the end of December we put it all away till next year and avoid that section of the hymnal like it doesn’t exist.
As far as I’m concerned there is no wrong time for holiday music. I have been known to listen to Christmas music in July and I have been pulling it out from time to time during the pandemic. Why? What’s so great about Christmas carols and other holiday music?
Singing carols can just be fun and singing as a group can bring us together in harmony. The words of many of our traditional carols also remind us of the importance of hope, peace, and love and the promise of a new beginning. There is something about music that takes messages straight to our heats.
If we ever needed something to remind us of the light ever-present, even when the world seems dark it is now. So go ahead and sing, Sing a song of joy, hope, love, and peace on earth. Just open your mouth and your heart and sing!
Being of Service in the Age of Social Distancing
For many, the holiday season is a time to focus on serving others. So how does COVID-19 change that? How can we still be of service during this unprecedented time?
First, we need to remember there are always people in need of help, not only during the holidays. This is especially important this year. These are just a few suggestions of things we can do to help others.
- The most important thing we can share during difficult times is peace. Let others see the peace of God through your life.
- If there are regular service projects you do each year, contact the organization/s you work with. Find out how things might be different this year and ask what they need your help doing.
- Keep in touch with older friends, neighbors, or family members.
- Donate food, not only to organizations or food pantries but share directly with a family or individual you know personally who is in need.
- Be especially nice to those who are still working to serve us and keep us safe.
- Donate blood. Blood is always needed, but donations are down due to COVID-19 and are always lower during the holidays. Contact the Red Cross or your local blood bank if you have questions or concerns about donating.
- Watch and listen for ways to serve/give to others. Not everything has to be planned. Sometimes opportunities to help others pop up unexpectedly. Think about carrying a gift card or two with you for when these things arise, but keep in mind that not all situations require money. Some require action or simply caring.
If you have a really great idea or know of more online resources for how to help others right now please leave a comment on this post with a link if applicable below.
For more ideas check out these sources:
https://www.care.com/c/stories/16698/ways-to-help-others-coronavirus/
The power of celebration
“People of our time are losing the power of celebration. Instead of celebrating we seek to be amused or entertained. Celebration is an active state, an act of expressing reverence or appreciation. To be entertained is a passive state–it is to receive pleasure afforded by an amusing act or a spectacle… Celebration is a confrontation, giving attention to the transcendent meaning of one’s actions.”
Source: The Wisdom of Heschel
―
Be the light
“Travel light, live light, spread light, be the light.”
–Yogi Bhajan
In Celebration of the first night of Hanukkah
“Just as Hanukkah candles are lighted one
by one from a single flame,
so the tale of the miracle is passed
from one man to another,
from one house to another,
and to the whole House of Israel
throughout the generations.”
– Judah Leon Magnes
Making and Sending Holiday Cards
Shown above is original fabric art by Rogene A. Robbins (c)2019 available at Espirational.com in the gallery.
——————————————————————-
When was the last time you sent out holiday cards? When was the last time you actually made those cards yourself?
I love to get cards, but when someone makes a card or adds an extra touch to a purchased card, I feel special. This year, while people are isolated and lonely is a great time to create your own cards.
This is a great project to get the kids involved. It is also a good way to show a little extra love to those we are separated from by COVID-19. This would be especially nice for home-bound seniors, those in nursing homes, or hospitalized children.
I’m mentioning this early because it takes time to make and mail cards. Look online for ideas of handmade cards and have fun!
Here are a few links to get you started. Pinterest is also a good source of ideas.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/49-awesome-diy-holiday-cards?utm_term=.cvYjJdayl#.wiK24zEo8
http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/16-handmade-holiday-cards-pictures
http://www.marthastewart.com/1506825/christmas-cards
There is no darkness so dense…
“There is no darkness so dense, so menacing, or so difficult that it cannot be overcome by light.”
– Vern P. Stanfill
espirational.com 