Christmas Approaches
This afternoon our Chamber Singers offered Handel’s Messiah
A beautiful rendition of the life of the Savior
A time to slow down and enjoy
A time to reflect on the season that will soon be upon us
Too often in the hustle and bustle of the consumer culture
Too often we lose our way
Too often in the hustle and bustle of the Church season
Too often in the midst of preparations I forget
Lord, as the season of Advent draws to a close
As the season of Christmas approaches
Help me to slow down and simply Be Still
Help me to remember and practice the words of Howard Thurman
I Will Light Candles This Christmas
Candles of joy, despite all sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch.
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tosser days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn all the year long.
Help me in the midst of the madness, Lord
Help me to find the quiet Sabbath moments
Help me to light these candles in the silence
Help me to Be Still