Category Archives: Advent

Last Day of Advent – Christmas Eve

24 Thursday Dec 2015

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The church is about ready for our Midnight Mass service. I love that we, at St. James Anglican Church, have a midnight, candlelight Mass (beginning with Lessons and Carols @ 10:30 pm).

To me, the Anglican Mass is the most beautiful (Downton Abbey style) reverent worship experience. Our cantor is amazing and our small choir makes a big, beautiful sound in our little church. It’s an “old school” type liturgical service, but one that resonates with the way I’m spiritually wired..liturgical and traditional.

Such a lovely way to celebrate the birthday of our Lord. Thanks for joining me on this Advent blogging journey. Merry Christmas. May the peace of the Savior be with you during this season and always!

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Advent Day 24 – Give

23 Wednesday Dec 2015

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Many say that giving is better than receiving. It is reported that America is the most giving country when a disaster strikes or a when a need exists anywhere around the globe. During the Christmas season, we shop till we drop, buying gifts for loved ones.

Giving comes from the heart. We love to give. It’s a good thing. If our giving alleviates troubles, lightens hearts, of just brings a smile to someones face, we feel great.

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But what do we give God?

This is His birthday celebration after all. Christmas would not exist as a holiday if not for the birth of Christ.

Though many would like to consider Christmas a “secular” holiday, you can’t. Sorry. Doesn’t work like that.

One can secularize Christmas in their heart, stripping any thoughts of the celebration of our Savior’s birth…but that doesn’t cease to make December 25th a religious “holy-day” any more than declaring that the Fourth of July is not about celebrating, in the spirit of freedom, our country’s independence.

So, given that Christmas is the celebration of our Lord’s birth and we all love to give, again…

…what ARE we giving to God this Christmas?

That begs the question, what does God want? After all, He has everything. He says, “for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” Psalm 50:10 (NIV).

But…there must be one small gift we can offer the Lord on His birthday.

Though there’s no Christmas list from God, we do have Holy Scripture as a guide. I found a few verses in the Bible regarding giving:

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; Proverbs 3:9

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 16:17

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Malachi 3:10

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. Luke 6:38

Those verses speak about our tithe and how we should give it, but let’s look further…what does God really want from us?

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:21

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:11

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Romans 12:1

“He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23

Getting closer…but this one really nails what I think God wants from us: 

Give me your heart, my son, And let your eyes delight in my ways. Proverbs 23:26

God wants our hearts! Whew! But maybe that’s a big thing, a tough thing to give. Maybe it’s too hard to consider giving our guarded hearts to God. Maybe we feel let down by God in the past, hurt, wounded. Maybe our hearts are just to fragile to give away…what if they break…what if God doesn’t love us?

Take a look at the manger scene and from there raise your eyes to the cross. God does love us. He gave His son for us, born as a baby from a virgin. Mary said yes to Angel Gabriel and by the power of the Holy Spirit, The Word Made Flesh and dwelt among us. God offered His Son as a Sacrifice for our Sin. He does love us.

This Christmas, let’s consider one specific offering…even a small one, from our hearts. Not sure what to give, specifically? Pray. Ask Him. Seek Him and what He would like from you for Christmas.

It can be anything, even giving up a bad habit, or beginning a new practice that honors Him, or whatever you feel God would like as a gift from you…maybe even taking a small step toward giving your whole heart to Him. He does promise that by doing so, we will “delight” in His ways.

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; Hebrews 12:28

Sometimes, even showing up is a gift, the beginning of giving God what He truly wants from us–our hearts.

So this Christmas, show up in His Holy Temple, in His Church and kneel before His Presence and lay down your gift at the Altar.

At St. James Anglican Church, we celebrate Christmas with Lesson and Carols at 10:30 pm and then we have the celebration of the Christ Mass at midnight. I pray that many will come..and lay their gifts before The King.

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Advent 23 – Surrender

22 Tuesday Dec 2015

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What do we have to surrender this Advent?

A Sacred Conspiracy

Surrender

 To give control or use of something to someone else(Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary)

“…But you don’t know what he did to me…”

“…move again?”

“…my kids…”

To give (oneself) up to some influence, course, emotion, etc… “He surrendered himself to a life of hardship. (dictionary.com)

“…actions speak louder than words…”

“…my boss…”

“…the weather…”

“…my church…”

Surrender

A very simple word with unimaginable implications.

I never understood just how big the word surrender really was until this morning. I was passing by my little table top nativity scene and pondered the little empty space among the sheep, waiting to be occupied by my little ceramic baby Jesus on Christmas Eve.

An infant. A tiny, helpless, vulnerable infant.

film_nativity_sceneIt hit me like a spiritual truck.

Picture it – The creator of the entire universe, the God over all of eternity, the infinite, majestic Now who is beyond human comprehension…

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Advent Day 22 – Light

21 Monday Dec 2015

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Below is my mom’s Christmas card that she painted. Isn’t it beautiful? She does a fabulous job with light in her watercolors.

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We focus on “light” during Christmastime. Kansas City kicks off the Christmas season with the lightning of the Plaza lights on the Thursday, Thanksgiving Evening.

IMG_0684 At St. James, we light candles before each celebration of the Holy Mass, and we light a candle on the advent wreath each Sunday during Advent. We always have a light nearby the Tabernacle in our churches or home chapels to signify the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. IMG_0720 3Jesus Christ is called the “Light of the World.”
The Holy Spirit came down as “tongues of fire.” They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. Acts 2:3

There are so many references to God as “light” in the Bible. Here are a few more:
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Psalms 119:105

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Matthew 4:16

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:5

Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

Then Jesus said to them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come on you: for he that walks in darkness knows not where he goes. John 12:13

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleans us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. Revelation 21:23

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4th Sunday in Advent – Rejoice

20 Sunday Dec 2015

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Today is the 4th Sunday in Advent…Christmas eve is just four days away. And we REJOICE!

Today, at St. James Anglican Church, we celebrated the 4th Sunday in Advent and lit the fourth candle.

FullSizeRenderC. Behold, the Desire of all nations shall come…
R. and the house of the Lord shall be filled with glory, Alleluia.

Scripture Reading…. Baruch 4:36, 5:1-4

O Jerusalem, look about thee toward the east, and behold the joy that cometh unto thee from God. Put off, O Jerusalem the garment of thy mourning and affliction, and put on the comeliness of the glory that cometh from God for ever. Cast about thee a double garment of the righteousness which cometh from God; and set a diadem on thine head of the glory of the Everlasting. For God will show thy brightness unto every country under heaven. For thy name shall be called of God for ever The Peace Of Righteousness, and The Glory of God’s Worship.

C. Christ, arise, help us.
R. And deliver us for thy Name’s sake.
C.. Come and save us, O Lord God of hosts.
R. Show the light of thy countenance, and we shall be whole.
C. The Lord be with you ..
R. And with thy spirit.

C. Let us pray. Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that the coming festival of our redemption may bring us aid in this present life, and bounteously bestow the rewards of eternal blessedness. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, R. Amen

THE EPISTLE: Philippians 4:4

Brethren: Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord.

And a reflection about Rejoicing:

Fanny Crosby (Mrs. Frances Jane Van Alstyne), a blind poet, wrote thousands of gospel songs including “Blessed Assurance,” “Rescue the Perishing” and “Saved by Grace.” Here’s a story about her from, Our Daily Bread (August 12, 2003):

Fanny Crosby lost her sight when she was only 6 weeks old. She lived into her nineties, composing thousands of beloved hymns. On her 92nd birthday she cheerfully said, “If in all the world you can find a happier person than I am, do bring him to me. I should like to shake his hand.”

What enabled Fanny Crosby to experience such joy in the face of what many would term a “tragedy”? At an early age she chose to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). In fact, Fanny carried out a resolution she made when she was only 8 years old: “How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t. To weep and sigh because I’m blind, I cannot and I won’t.”

Let’s remember that “the joy of the Lord is [our] strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Let’s also take comfort in the teachings of Jesus, who in John 15:11 said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” When faced with the choice of self-pity or rejoicing, let’s respond with rejoicing.

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Advent Day 21-Silence

19 Saturday Dec 2015

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Less than a week until Christmas and I find it difficult to shush my mind from a million thoughts ricocheting in my brain-writing projects, decorating for Christmas, kids coming home, shopping, church activities, dealing with shingles (yes and ugh!)…

…but aren’t we supposed to be preparing our hearts for Jesus now?

…aren’t we supposed to be seeking peace?

…isn’t Advent all about quieting our minds and drawing near to the Lord?

Not so easy to be silent and still, though, especially during the busiest time of the year.

But, we should. Even if only a moment here and there. We need to carve out quiet time, be still, slow down, come into His presence and just be quiet.

No thinking.

No worrying.

Just sitting at His feet.

Jesus came in the night, in the darkness…and when He did, Light came into the world.

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Riley’s Bay, Sturgeon Bay, WI photo by Holly Michael

But now…

…we wait in the darkness, in the quietness, in hopefulness.
…until Love comes. And renewal and peace enters our hearts.

This last week of Christmas, let’s find some time for silence…to prepare for the Light, for the Lord!

“Could but my soul become a silent night, God would be born in me and set all things aright.” – 15th Century

The Bible tells us we should be silent.

“But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.” (Habakkuk 2:20)

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Near Casper, Wyoming photo by Holly Michael

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)

“[Elijah] went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him… a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:9, 12).

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)

In the still, silent, darkness…the Lord comes…and Peace enters our hearts.  

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:1-3)

Here’s a little Elvis Silent Night…

Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin Mother and Child,
holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing
Alleluia.
Christ the Saviour is born,
Christ the Saviour is born.
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light,
Radiant beams from
Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King.
Christ the Saviour is born,
Christ the Saviour is born.

 

 

Advent Day 20 – Holy

18 Friday Dec 2015

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Wasn’t sure if I could keep up the pace of blogging each day in Advent, especially with all of the busy-ness of life around this time of year. But, it’s been fun to explore different thoughts on Advent and on seeking God, and sharing what others have to say on the topic. So far, so good.

The topic today is “Holy.”

A book reviewer misspelled my name in a blog post, typing “Holy” instead of “Holly.” She apologized. I said: “I’m trying to be Holy, but one extra letter in my name keeps me from it.

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Photo taken in Lourdes, France by Holly Michael (trying to be Holy). Doesn’t that look like an angel above the steeple?

Well…maybe it’s more than one letter.

It’s tough being Holy and keeping the “Holiness” of the season in the forefront, especially this time of year when we should.

And it just seems like the “unholy”is having a heyday. Last night, the news reported yet another murder in Kansas City and the reporter spoke about the rash of crime during this season…that it was typical.

Last week we dealt with an onslaught of the unholy at the church (theft, unholy actions from addicts, and other crazy stuff). The struggles we and loved ones are having makes you wonder (and not in a good “Christmas wonder” kind of way).

But ultimately, THIS IS A HOLY TIME! And we should never let anything steal our hope and joy…after all, this is the time we celebrate the greatest gift given to mankind-Jesus Christ, our Savior.

My favorite Christmas song is O Holy Night. May favorite line from that song is…

Long lay the world in sin and e’er pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

THE SOUL FELT IT’S WORTH! WOW!

If only we could truly and always feel the worth of our soul, as God does. All we really have to do is look to the cross…then we would know. But the unholy always tries to steal away our self-worth. Time. And. Again.

May we all turn away from the unholy that assaults us and feel the worth of our souls this Christmas season and always.

God, our Loving Father, knows our worth…and HE is ALL HOLY. He sent us Jesus to redeem us. He gave us the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom. Nothing can take away from the Holiness of The Trinity and God’s great love for us. NOTHING!

Today, on Facebook, a friend posted a rendition of O Holy Night by Josh Groban, set to scenes from The Nativity Story. It’s amazing and helps us keep the holiness of the season in perspective.

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 e’er 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 O hear the angels voices.
O night divine O night when Christ was born
O night divine, O 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, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
O night divine, O night, O night divine

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Advent Day 19: LIGHT

17 Thursday Dec 2015

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Love this…sharing from another blogger! The Hills

Finding Hermione

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Seventeen days in, and the tide has officially turned.  After 400 years of nothing but the memory of ancient promises and a never-ending wait for deliverance, an old man met an angel and a young girl became pregnant.  On their own, these two events may have seemed small and rather insignificant, but then – to paraphrase a common saying – all Heaven broke loose.

Imagine it for a moment:

The night is dark and perhaps a bit cool with the slight dampness of the midnight hour.  The world is quiet.  A gentle wind rustles the branches of nearby trees and sighs through the grasses before brushing softly against your cheek.  Now and then a soft bleat can be heard from one of the sheep on the hillside, but no other sounds break the stillness of the night.

You know that the village lies just beyond the next hill, but it…

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Advent Day Day 18: Novena

16 Wednesday Dec 2015

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NINE DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!

Novena is from a Latin word, Novem, meaning “Nine.”

Novenas are special prayers or worship services for nine days for a specific intentions. In our Anglican tradition, we begin a novena Christmas service today for our spiritual preparation for Christmas.

The service includes messianic prophecies about the birth of the Savior, Psalms of praise and thanksgiving, and intercessory prayers. Below, our Father Don Holley officiates the first day of the novena.

 

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Advent Day 17: Read

15 Tuesday Dec 2015

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Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Love this verse. During this season of Advent, preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord, we should read and think about excellent things.

Bible reading is excellent of course, and as an author, I also recommend lovely and admirable, excellent and praiseworthy Christian literature.

Today is a perfect day to invite you to meet and chat with some wonderful Christian authors during a really fun Facebook party. Win prizes, learn about new books, and more!

12246851_929639063756252_8134900347406777748_nJust click on this link: CELEBRATE LIT CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION  . It’s on now and continues Dec 15 at 12 PM to Dec 17 at 9 PM (EST).

Stay for the entire time, or pop in when you can. Just keep refreshing the Facebook page.

The grand prize package for our Celebrate Lit Christmas Celebration is amazing. It includes:
Kindle Fire 7″ (8GB),
More Water Into Wine & Reflections – Australian stories from my Father’s Past by Helen Brown,
The Amish Christmas Sleigh by Molly Jebber, Amy Lillard & Kelly Long,
Finger-less gloves (tablet not included), 
The Lost Heiress by Roseanna White,
The Forgotten Recipe and The Amish Christmas Gift by Amy Clipston,
Halo Found Hope by Helo Matzelle,
The More the Merrier ebook,
The Yuletide Angel by Sandra Ardoin,
In Good Company by Jen Turano,
The Reckoning by Mary Lu Tyndall,
The Healer’s Touch by Amber Schamel,
Sabotaged Christmas by Carole Brown,
Sword of Forgiveness book and bookmark by Debbie Lynn Costello,
A Shenandoah Family Christmas and Shenandoah Nights by Lisa Belcastro,
The Truth About Drew and Goodbye, Magnolia by Krista Norman (both ebook format),
Light Bird’s Song by Sydney Betts,
The Feather Case by Shannon Brown,
The Brightest and Best by Olivia Newport.

Look forward to seeing you there! 

And also, more big news…today my book, Crooked Lines, is on sale for .99 Cents! Click here

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Merry Christmas!