"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset." Saint Francis De Sales

Friday, December 19, 2014

My Slow Takes About Mary, The Creche and Shepherds.

1. Every year our church presents “Advent Lessons and Carols.” It is a session of readings, prayer and music. Our Director of Music, Pat, coordinates all of this which results in an excellent presentation. This year, in addition to the beautiful music, there was a reading that attracted my attention. “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” It was read by a young girl, not more than ten years old. Her enunciation was excellent. She projected herself as a seasoned reader and held the attention of the audience. The reading was from “Sermons 4 Kids.”   

2. The creche at our parish, Church of the Epiphany.


3. The Celtic Woman, “Do You Hear What I hear?”


4. Libera, “Angels We Have Heard On High.”


5. Bela, Eitan, Kefir and Peresh were shepherds in the fields around Bethlehem. They were “keeping the night watch over their flock.” A normal routine for them. Then, unexpectedly, “the angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.” They did not hide nor run away, but they listened as the angel spoke, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” 
This was good news and they discussed amongst themselves what they had just witnessed. But there was more, “suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." The shepherds were startled by this beautiful and vibrant singing. But Kefir was calm and convinced them that they must go and see the child.


6. “Christmas with the Richmond Pops,” is designed to put us in the “Holiday Spirit.” The guests this year were the Richmond Choral Society and baritone soloist Robert Harrelson. Dee and I attended with our son Stephen and his family, including his wife Christina’s parents. The performance was enjoyable and fun. Robert Harrelson led the audience singing, Jingle Bells, White Christmas, Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer and Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” The granddaughters loved that part the best. 

7. Have a Blessed Christmas. 




Read other "Takes" at "This Ain't the Lyceum."

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