Today is the First Sunday of Advent...the time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
(this photo is from a previous year. I didn't think to take a picture this morning!)
"This morning we light the first candle, the candle of hope. This candle reminds us that God's promises give us reason to be filled with hope~hope for unity in a world of division, hope for healing in a world of pain, and hope for peace in a world filled with anger and strife. We remember that Christ is our light and the source of our hope."
(each of these links helps to explain more about Advent and why we celebrate it each year)
Here is a video of today's choir anthem and our Pastor's sermon about the Annunciation of Jesus' Birth...His Birth Announcement, if you will. (Luke 1:26-45). The song the choir is singing is entitled "Christmas is a Time of Joy", and it was written by two of our own church members, which makes it even more beautiful and special.
It was a beautiful service, and something else made it even more wonderful! We had some very special guests visiting our church today, someone especially that some of you may know: Barbara and Gary from My Journal Memories
Here they are across the table from us as we went out to eat at one of our favorite places after church, "Hog Wild Country Cafe'"
And here we are across the table from them:
And here's our handsome guys after a delicious lunch...
It's really nice that Barbara and Gary live only about an hour's drive away from us, so it made it possible for them to make this trip this morning in time for church and then to stay for lunch and get back to their home at a reasonable time. If they are anything like us, maybe even in time to take a nap! LOL.
This is not our first meeting together, and I hope it will certainly not be the last. I love it when "cyber friends" become "real friends in person". We have found that the things that drew us together through our blogs have been only enhanced by having an in person friendship as well. I am very thankful for Barbara and her gift of writing. She has truly been a blessing to me over the past several years that we've known each other. I look forward to that friendship continuing in the years to come.
Today was a rather chilly, but sunny and beautiful day! After our afternoon nap and then a light supper, hubby and I went outside and took a little walk around our yard. The first thing we noticed was that there were some Canada Geese sitting in Still Waters Pond just off shore. So of course you know what I did for the next few minutes before the sun went down...yes, I took as many pictures as I could without disturbing the geese too much.
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The temperature had only reached the low 60's today, after starting out around 36!
Tomorrow morning we actually have a freeze warning! So things might be a bit too cold for me to go out and watch the geese on the pond! (If they are even out there).
The geese were starting to get into a bit of a "face off" in these below, which means that the "bull goose" was starting to tell the others who's the boss around here. LOL.
After that they swam off into the sunset and I don't know if they will stay here on the pond over night or leave and come back tomorrow. They have their own routine and schedule...and we are just spectators who are blessed to be able to watch them as they go about their daily lives on Still Waters Pond.
I know that today being December 1st, I should be doing the calendar roll call for the new month. But I think you've seen enough photos already. I will close with just this one from the Thomas Kincade calendar:
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
there will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
to order it and establish it with judgment and justice
from that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."
Those verses are very fitting for today being the first day of Advent!
Okay, let us go share the "Advent(ure)" of Advent with others! Christmas is all about the birth of a very special baby boy...Jesus...the "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace". That's very good news!
I can't tell you how thrilled I am that you got to spend time with Barbara and Gary. I really appreciate her blogging as well, and it's a joy when people who are both my blog friends meet in person.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your pond photos today too. It's always a pretty sight!
We did our Advent yesterday too. Steve & I light a candle next Sunday. I always enjoy this part of Christmas as we remember what Christ has done for us.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos as always. Maybe someday we all can meet, if not, we'll have to look for each other when we're rejoicing at the feet of Jesus. xx
the photos of the geese you took with your camera are spectacular. I love the one with her back turned to us. a work of art. I have had the pleasure of meeting 3 different bloggers over the years and it was always great, like meeting old friends we have know forever. the song you sung at church is beautiful and I am impressed it was written by a member. that is pretty awesome...
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to break bread with good friends! I missed witnessing the first candle lighting yesterday because Tom and I were both limping around like a couple of 'crips.' Who'd guess this c-c-cold weather would do such a number on our arthritis!
ReplyDeleteI, too, am loving these images of the geese. But right this minute, I want to walk into that cozy stone cottage on your calendar. Delicious brrrr!
What a blessing for you all to have Barbara and Gary drive up to attend church and go out for lunch after. They are such a sweet and special couple, just as John and you are, Pamela. I can't believe how cold Florida has gotten as of late, either. We expect those types of temps here in Georgia at this time of year, but Florida??? Hope that doesn't mess up the geese's migratory clock! Great photos as always. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteMy first non-denominational Bible teaching church that I went to for 25-30 years never observed Advent. The new church we joined which is called an Evangelical Free Church does observe advent. I mean I knew what it was, from occasionally attending a Catholic Church with friends during this season.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos, as always of your pond and the Canada Geese.