It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas...

I'd better get a move on, or it will be over before I get started.  I don't have much room in my little cottage, so I'm decorating my hall stand for Christmas...

my little Christmas tree ($2 from the op shop/thrift store) is 10 inches/27cm tall

I'm revisiting Mitford this Christmas/holiday season...

I don't have all the books in the series, but I've just been able to pick up two more secondhand on eBay

And in 2025 I'm going to use this Bible study/reading plan...

you can read more about it HERE

I love seeing all the wintery, snowy scenes at Christmas time from the northern hemisphere.  Unfortunately we are in summer here, so there is ALWAYS garden work to do...

Freya inspecting my mowing efforts

Trying to lop the top out of the pittosporum that is almost up to the power line...

I need a taller ladder or longer arms

Around the garden...

should be a good crop of blackberries this season

the green beans are up

 the silverbeet is growing

see the tiny flowers on my tomato plant?

apples are getting bigger

Trying to get these little Christmas trees finished as gifts for the family...

And this lap blanket finished as a wedding gift for Denver and Sophie...

5 x 5 squares, which are all done, I just have to sew them together and crochet some border rows and an edging.  I have 4 weeks!!

Dreaming of a winter wonderland...

"...wrapped in the simple joys of home.  A book, a cup of tea, twinkling lights, and a world of snow beyond the glass.  All is calm, all is cozy."

And on the theme of 'keeping it simple'...

"When I was visiting Elizabeth recently, she was lamenting over what to get her thirty-plus grandchildren for Christmas.  Her dilemma pales in comparison to what her own grandparents faced with more than 100 grandchildren.  In those days, the grandparents gave each child a bag filled with candy and perhaps a small dish or handkerchief - simple tokens that have become priceless treasures with time."

 From The Amish Cook - Elizabeth Coblentz

May your days be merry and bright!

xx

Weekend Words

From Christmas - Quiet Moments for the Season...

 A survey showed that 84 percent of people in the United States want a less materialistic holiday season.  I suspect the same is true of people in many countries.  But when all roads lead to the shopping malls, what is the pathway towards a more spiritual and meaningful celebration of Christ's birth?

Some church leaders are suggesting that we put more attention on the observance of Advent, the four-week period before Christmas.  Instead of filling those days with activity and ending up physically and spiritually depleted, we need to recall that "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

Even with a busy calendar of school and church programs, and family obligations, we can still carve out time to "hope in the Lord" and to concentrate on the true meaning of this season.  We can determine to make the most of our times of daily Bible reading and prayer, and to give people priority over things.

As we take time to focus on Christ's birth and to strengthen our relationship with Him, this time of year can become a season of renewal instead of exhaustion. 

- David McCasland

Artist: Margaret W. Tarrant

From Our Daily Bread...

The Spirit of Christmas - Read Matthew 23:34-40

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these... you did for me." - Matthew 25:40

At a Christmas dinner held at our church to celebrate the cultures of the international guests, I joyfully clapped along to the sound of the darbuka (a type of drum) and the oud (a guitar like instrument) as a band played the traditional Middle Eastern carol, "Laylat Al-Milad."  The bands singers explained the title means "Nativity Night."  The lyrics remind hearers that the spirit of Christmas is found in serving others, in ways like offering a thirsty person water or comforting someone weeping.

This carol likely draws from a parable where Jesus commends His followers for deeds they'd done for Him: providing food when He was hungry, drink when He was thirsty, and companionship and care when he was sick and alone (Matthew 25:34-36).  Instead of simply accepting Jesus' commendation, the people in the parable are surprised - thinking they hadn't actually done these things for Christ.  He responded, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (v.40).

During the holiday season, the encouragement to get in the Christmas spirit is often a nudge toward expressing a festive attitude.  "Laylat Al-Milad" reminds us that we can put in to practice the true Christmas spirit by caring for others.  And amazingly, when we do, we not only serve others but Jesus too. 

- Lisa M Samra

Artist: Masarrah Hadi