Tag: Christmas

Songs of Advent

Our homemade Advent wreath

I love that songs tell us so much about our faith, our story, our journey. They also tell us a lot about our communities. The songs communities sing are very telling about how the community sees one another, life, God, faith, community, etc.

While I believe Advent should be such a major part of our Christian life and story I’m struggling to come up with many Advent songs. Is it because of my own traditions, or is it because of our huge emphasis on Christmas Day itself?

Here’s the two I can think of right now…

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

As you can see, I’m struggling to come up with many.

What Advent songs can you think of?

What do you sing at this time of year?

Do you separate Advent from Christmas or are they one in the same?

Songs of Christmas

Sun sets on the temple

Over the years my favorite Christmas songs have changed from year to year.

I remember singing a number of songs growing up, including Come on Ring those Bells, Silent Night, Rudolph, etc. etc. But over the last few years, I think I’ve settled in on my all time favorite.

O Holy Night.
Continue reading Songs of Christmas

How would you respond?

Laurie and I are getting excited as our expectancy grows, just counting down the days till we hope to have our foster-parent certification, followed by more waiting till we get the call that we have a foster child waiting for us.

Over the Thanksgiving break we did a little shopping and purchased a brand new crib/toddler bed for our expected little one.


Continue reading How would you respond?

#justicefriday :: Slave free Christmas

Light a candle

Already seeing Christmas decorations and sales at your local stores? Wanting to make a difference this year and ensure your purchases are slave free?

Be sure and check out NightLight’s and NotForSale’s online stores for products made by (and supporting) former slaves.

Both groups have some great jewelry and products for men, women and children.
Continue reading #justicefriday :: Slave free Christmas

A Holy night

This may be one of my all time favorite musical versions of O Holy Night (except for the fact that you don’t hear the amazing lyrics when listening to it).


O Holy NIght from Marcus Hackler on Vimeo.
(embedded video)

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d 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.

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.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.

May your night be holy. May you celebrate the birth of the upside down king and join him in the creation of the upside down kingdom. On earth as it is in heaven.