FIRST ADVENT

Today was First Advent. That meant that this morning in church we lit the first candle and sang Christmas songs like "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" and we start to prepare our hearts for Christmas Day when we can sing songs like "Go Tell it on the Mountain" and "Away in a Manger"! I sometimes wish my church was a little more German and then we could sing those good old songs like "Stille Nacht" and whatever else there might be out there that we never sang in our church. Although our church is Mennonite Brethren by denomination there are more people that attend that are from a Ukrainian heritage which leads us to say things like "Christos Voskres! Voistinu Voskres" at Eastertime (which means "Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed") and potlucks include Garlic Sausage which apparently helps cure the common cold (garlic does, not necessarily sausage).

So, although I will try not to contemplate every aspect of Christmastime during the entire month of December, it is so much a part of me, my faith and family, that it might be difficult. Remember, if any of you wish to contribute in any way by donating Christmas baking of any kind, please feel free to do so at any time.