Words from the Heart

Image via Wikipedia   God Resting on the Sabbath -  Engraving from First Russian Illustrated Bible Of all the controversy this holiday season, the one that has rattled me more than anything else is the fact that churches are closing their doors on Sunday, because Christmas falls on that particular day of the week this year.  Christian churches with congregations that have opted to "be at home" on Sunday rather than come to church for services. When the subject came up at my congregation, we decided that the church would most definitely be open with Sunday service as usual.  To me this seemed like a no-brainer.  After all, we are Christians; it's Jesus birthday celebration AND it is Sunday, the one day a week given to worship and fellowship by many.  Then, I wondered, what kind of a message are churches that choose to close giving to the world? Interestingly, I am reading a book for my seminary courses that touched on the importance of Sabbath.  S...

Image via Wikipedia This is the time of year for Christmas wishes. You know the drill, it's been asked of you since you were old enough to speak.   "So, what do you wish Santa to bring you this year?" some well-meaning adult would ask.   I would lower my eyes afraid to say what really was on my mind, whispering, "Oh, whatever he brings will be fine." Had I my druthers, I would have answered, "I would love peace and quiet.  A total day where people didn't yell at each other, where there is plenty of food to eat and where love is the gift that everyone gets." But, what does a kid know? It's been more than half a century since those days.  My Christmas holidays have become quieter.  No one yells, or says mean things.   My beloved and I usually spend the morning happily sharing each others company over cups of tea, breakfast and meaningful gifts we have gotten each other.  What is actually quite funny, is that we often get each other ...

From the Enchanted Cottage to You.... May the blessings of this day bring you Light, Love and Peace Throughout the New Year Blessings, one and all! The Peace Santa surrounded by Nativity scenes from around the world

The scents and sounds of this time of year can carry us to days gone by in what sometimes seems like nano-seconds! Peppermint, pine, gingerbread, and hot chocolate all have a link to the past for me. Sleigh bells, carols, and children laughing can take me from doom and gloom to utter joy in lightning speed. I remember as a child hearing the sleigh bells on the rag man's horse. I think I am one of the last "city kids" who remember such things. Another memory of that time is the smell of pine or evergreen that filled the air at the spot where Mr. Morgan sold Christmas trees down on Broadway. Momma would take us to get the tree and then we would make cookies and have hot chocolate before bed. It was always so hard to sleep! It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized how difficult Christmas was for my Mom. We had so little, yet, she created such a magic time for my brothers and I. One Christmas stands out above the rest. First, I was chosen to sing at the Mid...