General Chat

In the Irish Gaeilge, a similar format is used for morning greetings - useful too for anytime of day really:

"Dia agus Muire leat" - God & Mary be with you.

Had to look "good morning" up on wiki dictionary

It is well agreed amongst the etymologists that "good-bye" directly derives from the phrase "[May] God be with ye."

Through similar routes The Oxford English Dictionary indicates that "Good morning" is "May God give you a good morning" and "Good night" is "[May] God give you [a] good night."

Well, all Muslims, Jews and Christians can quite happily wish each other a G'day, good evening and so on. Shame for those who believe in many gods or no gods though. :-) ;-)

All good postings once more, thankyou, and nice to have Renes poppin-in today.

Day 16 of my Advent calendar:

Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem Matthew 2:1

We had a trainee curate in church yesterday and Rev Jan sat back while she gave the sermon. A pretty girl with long blonde hair that looked like a 6th form student BUT she was definitely "in the right job" and will go far as she held our small congregation spellbound with her words. I do hope that she will come to share her gift with us again

I love to hear of your services and read HSR's lovely words, Cynthia :-) I was wondering if Good Morning was once God Morning - just as Good Friday is really God Friday and gospel is God's Spell.

Anyway, we had a wonderful service yesterday. It was John the Baptist day in the lectionary and he is one of my favourites. None of the great Jewish prophets came up to his mark, according to Jesus. He was the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets.

Yet even John the Baptist he was not sure at first whether his first cousin was the real Messiah and whether his people (the Jews) should continue to wait for their appointed Messiah.

Our Minister showed us some Old Testament prophesies abour "fore-runners" and said we Christians today are fore-runners for the second coming of Christ into this world.

Wow :-0 :-0

Sounds wonderful Cyns .... <3

Good morning everyone and thank you for that prayer kandj. I quite agree that Joseph often gets overlooked in the Christmas story, rather as though he is just an 'extra' whereas, his role was extremely significant.


Another hectic morning yesterday!

The whole building was resplendent with Christmas trees, manger scenes, decorated windows and Victorian style lamp light.

The 3rd Advent candle was duly lit and a prayer said.

There were tiny shepherds and angels scurrying around church as they told the Christmas story once again. :-)

The pew cushions were duly dedicated and the retired clergyman asked everyone "Are you sitting comfortably....then I'll begin". This brought smiles and laughter to many in the large congregation.

It was good to see lots of happy, smiling faces once again in a church which has had so much sadness recently. :-)


A return to an old favourite this morning:


Good Morning, God!

You are ushering in another day
Untouched and freshly new
So here I come to ask You, God, If You'll renew me , too,
Forgive the many errors
That I made yesterday
And let me try again, dear God,
To walk closer in thy way...
But, Father, I am well aware
I can't make it on my own
So take my hand and hold it tight
For I can't walk alone!


by Helen Steiner Rice



Cx :-)

Cynthia, it certainly sounds like a very busy morning in your church and one of mixed emotions also. How fitting to have new pew cushions dedicated in memory of your late Vicar during a special event when many will be present.

Over the years our church family have been thankful for the retired clergy who have come here very regularly to lead our worship, and have become our friends who are now sharing in our joyfulness as the new Rector Jan has joined us on our journey in faith.

Day 15 of my Advent calendar:

They came with haste and found Mary, Joseph and the babe. Luke 2: 16.

May I share the prayer of St Joseph with you all today. I sometimes think he is very often forgotten about.

PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH

O Holy St. Joseph
Foster Father of Jesus
and Spouse of Mary
Our Immaculate Mother.
Guardian of the Holy Family,
I place you as head of
Our Family here on earth.

Guard us and protect us
from all dangers in this life
and place us in the arms
of Jesus in the
hour of our death.
Amen.

Good morning.... :-)


A bit of a rush this morning. Not only is there the Sunday School nativity taking place, but we are also having some new pew cushions dedicated in the name of our late Vicar. The Archdeacon will be with us, but the dedication is being done by our retired priest who was a special friend of the vicar. So it will be 'all systems go'.


The Collect for the 3rd Sunday in Advent

O Lord Jesus Christ,
who at your first coming sent your messenger
to prepare your way before you:
grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries
may likewise so prepare and make ready your way
by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just,
that at your second coming to judge the world
we may be found an acceptable people in your sight;
for you are alive and reign with the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.


Cx :-)

"The fourth is, to give cheerfully, proportionately, and even unsolicited; but to put it in the poor man’s hand, thereby exciting in him the painful emotion of shame."

Yes, you make a very good point about Christian stewardship, Cynthia. But I did wonder if Maimonides was for real. I think I will practice the fourth level tomorrow. When my little friend brings round the collection plate tomorrow, I shall give cheerfully then glare at her until she feels bad for having asked for my envelope :-)

I was also pleased to hear how well Rev Jan is doing. It is lovely to see so much lovely Christian happiness in Advent. I expect only the adults lighting the candles was to do with elf and safety. Important that children should be safe, but part of the magic is each of them having a candle surely. They could each have worn a hat with a sprinkler system attached ;-)

Have not been to any big shopping centres yet. Are carols being sung, are bugles being blown? I do hope so. Think we have carols tomorrow in church and hoping to go to another one midweek. Love them all - including snow on snow (and it is 69F in Bethlehem today) :-D

kandj, the Christingle sounds enchanting and must have been so very moving to watch. Your new Rector sounds as though she is going to be an absolute blessing to your church - I do hope so. :-)


John, I totally understand what you are saying but, I felt it had some very valid points with how people relate to 'charity' in the form of giving - especially with so many charity appeals which are going on at the moment.

I found the different attitudes towards giving - in the form of finance - to be spot on and took me back to the thoughts on Christian Stewardship.

Good and interesting topics, very thought provoking at this time of year, so my thanks to Cynthia and John today.

I went to do the meet and greet at church yesterday for the village class of very young school children and it a privilege to be there. Rev Jan is a natural with little ones and she involved them all every step of the way and held their attention throughout, which was a little miracle in itself.

Only the teachers and adult relatives who had come to share in this special Christingle were allowed to have the candles lighted and so the church was put in darkness and in the glow of the Christingle candlelight, the children sang
Silent Night, Holy Night, quite an emotional moment witnessing their innocence.

In the morning Rev Jan had attended this schools Nativity play and had asked the Head if the children might come to church wearing these clothes and so this is how our Rector told the Christmas story by having the little ones forward as each one's special role was explained, along with the significance of Christingle orange.

We had the donkey, Mary, Joseph,the Inn Keeper, shepherds, sheep, the Angel, the wise men with gifts and of course a baby Jesus. We helpers, hadn't expected this and we were all full of joy ourselves to hear the magical Christmas story told to us so simply. I have said in previous posts that I like simple........ and it doesn't get much simpler than this!!

With so many excited children in church the atmosphere was buzzing. I spoke to the Head as she was leaving and we both shared our joy of having little ones back into church again. She said that she will be back! I'm sure that she will and it will be a pleasure to have a full church once again as the new Rector unites the church and the villagers at this very special time of year.

Day 14 of my Advent Calendar:

You will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. Luke 2: 12

Oh! I so disagree with Maimonides, Cynthia. I would like to agree with his steps of charity, but I fear it is a very worldly, and a very narrow and contorted view of charity.

There are several words for "love" in Greek. The two important ones are philia (conditional love) and agape (unconditional love).

Now the word "charity" in our Bibles (Faith, hope and charity - but chief of these is charity) is the translation given of the word agape.

The modern term charity has wandered somewhat away, as its Nicey and Smashy doing lots of things for "cherity". That was always done with the thought of getting something back, either more work for them, or more publicity or simply a better internal feeling that "I have done my bit"

Agape is something very special and I am not sure I can think of a perfect example in humanity. I guess people like Mother Theresa and many nuns and monks have a high degree. Sometimes the "Secret Millionaire" comes close to showing good examples. It is something that Jesus had for us - total unselfish love, something all Christians try to aspire to in return. However bad the other person is, we have to try and learn to love them without reservation. It is a simple order from Jesus: "Love thy enemy in the same way you want God to love you".

Money and alms and gradations of giving do not come into it at all, in my view. Maimonides just shows he has no idea what unselfish love (agape) is all about. It is a about repentance and faith and certain hope for things unseen. It is NOT about works - lest anyone should boast. Charity is the widow's mite, it is a shy smile at someone, it is a kind word in place. More than anything it is praying for needs of others before we pray for our needs. God will hear our cries and deliver what charity (true love) is required for each of his beloved children.

Good morning everyone :-)

I do hope kandj lets us know how the Christingle service went..... :-)


Each day as I browse through prayers, poems and hymns, I do hope I manage to find things which have an appeal to most of you. I try to vary it so that different topics and tastes are covered, with not too much of any one thing or a particular bias. If anyone would like a particular 'type' of prayer on a more regular basis, please say so and I will do my best to find something.

At this season of giving, when we not only give presents to one another, but remember the greatest gift of all in Jesus Christ, I found this little article which makes interesting reading.


From the Jewish philosopher, Maimonides 12th century

There are eight degrees or steps in the duty of charity. The first and lowest degree is to give, but with reluctance or regret. This is the gift of the hand, but not of the heart.

The second is, to give cheerfully, but not proportionately to the distress of the sufferer.

The third is, to give cheerfully and proportionately, but not until solicited.

The fourth is, to give cheerfully, proportionately, and even unsolicited; but to put it in the poor man’s hand, thereby exciting in him the painful emotion of shame.

The fifth is, to give charity in such a way that the distressed may receive the bounty, and know their benefactor, without their being known to him. Such was the conduct of some of our ancestors, who used to tie up money in the corners of their cloaks, so that the poor might take it unperceived.

The sixth, which rises still higher is to know the objects of our bounty, but remain unknown to them. Such was the conduct of those of our ancestors, who used to convey their charitable gifts into poor people’s dwellings; taking care that their own persons and names should remain unknown.

The seventh is still more meritorious, namely to bestow charity in such a way that the benefactor many not know the relieved persons, nor they the name of their benefactors, as was done by our charitable forefathers during the existence of the Temple. For there was in that holy building a place called the Chamber of the Silent, wherein the good deposited secretly whatever their generous hearts suggested, and from which the poor were maintained with equal secrecy.

Lastly, the eighth, and the most meritorious of all, is to anticipate charity, by preventing poverty; namely, to assist the reduced fellowman, either by a considerable gift, or a loan of money, or by teaching him a trade, or by putting him in the way of business, so that he may earn an honest livelihood; and not be forced to the dreadful alternative of holding out his hand for charity.

To this Scripture alludes when it says: and if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee, then thou shalt relieve him; yea, though he be a stranger or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. This is the highest step and the summit of charity’s golden ladder.

by Bill Kammerer


Profound words for the present giving season...........Cx :-)

Lovely words from Cynthia - shall think of that angel feather as I perambulate today.

And am loving these verses of kandj - many thanks.

And my contribution is a lovely verse from the Old Testament:

Isaiah 11:1-2: The Genealogy of Jesus Beginning with King David, the Son of Jesse

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord"

And the fuller genealogy (the direct line from Jesse and King David to the legal father of Jesus, Joseph, can be found in Matthew Chapter 1. 42 generations from the psalmist David to Jesus, I think. :-) And a virtual mathematical certainty that everyone today in every part of the world shares blood with Jesus in a biological sense as well as a possible spiritual sense. Even if you cannot believe Jesus had several half brothers and sisters who married and gave him nephews and nieces, you will suspect that he had many other close relatives who, in turn, had descent.

Thanks once more Cynthia. Your words are wonderful each day.

Day 13 of the Advent Calendar

Unto you is born a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2: 11

Hoping to go this afternoon to help out at the schools Christingle service. All exciting for the little ones and a blessing for adults to see the church full and have the Christmas story told inside this beautiful old church. Our new Rector is a joy to be around..... so spiritual and genuine and very kind to all who meet up with her.

Good morning everyone...... :-)

Just a short verse for this morning......I hope you are all well.




The Legend of the Angel Feather

I am an angel feather,
Sent from God above,
To serve as a reminder
Of His most gracious love.

I'm from your guardian angel
That God assigned to you,
I fell out in the struggle
As your angel guarded you.


Each time you almost stumble,
Each time you nearly fall,
Thank God and all His angels
For answering your call.

~ Francis J. Wilson ~


Take care.......Cx :-)

A little late today, so apologies to all.

Day 12 of my Advent Calendar

The angel said to them, "I bring you tidings of great joy." Luke 2. 10

Sylvia your friend certainly leads a very interesting
life.
Memories and stories he has lived through with his work
and knowledge learnt through travel.
Thank you once again and feel there is a book in the making
at some point along the way.

Emma :-)

Emma

thank you very much!


As a little interest ..........

............ R, our friend, is currently on leave in a South American country.

The city where he and his wife are based was in uproar last week ................ and they were confined to their apartment for 2 days as the police went on strike for more pay!

The city settled ................. giving the police more than 50% pay increase.


He always seems to get involved in situations like this wherever he goes.


He has many stories regarding the problems of the Middle East, and moving around the Holy Land when different countries now occupy those lands ...........

................ even his work as a botanist is affected because plants don't just stop because humans have decreed that there is an impassable border "here"

Good morning everyone. :-)

I hope you had a good time making all those Christingles kandj. I agree that it isn't just about the doing of these jobs, in the friendship which goes with it. :-)

Last night, there were plenty of people helping to decorate our church ready for Christmas. I went along to help but, as I am not very artistically gifted, it was better that I helped to make everyone a drink....... :-)

Our late Vicar absolutely loved Christmas and the church always looks so very festive. Hopefully, it will look just as good this time, but there will be an understandable tinge of sadness about things.


I found this interesting thought for today:


The paradox of our age.

The paradox of our time in history, is that ...
We have taller buildings ... but shorter tempers;
Wider freeways ... but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more ... but have less;
We buy more ... but enjoy it less.
We have bigger houses ... but smaller families;
More conveniences ... but less time;

We have more degrees ... but less sense;
More knowledge ... but less judgment;
More experts ... but more problems;
More medicine ... but less wellness.

We drink too much,
Smoke too much,
Spend too recklessly,
Laugh too little,
Drive too fast,
Get angry too quickly,
Stay up too late,
Get up too tired,
Read too seldom,
Watch TV too much,
And pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions ...
But reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom ...
And hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living ...
But not a life.
We've added years to life ...
But not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back ...
But have trouble crossing the street
To meet the new neighbor.

We've conquered outer space ...
But not inner space.
We've done larger things ...
But not better things.

We've cleaned up the air ...
But polluted the soul.
We've split the atom ...
But not our prejudice.

We write more ...
But learn less.
We plan more ...
But accomplish less.
We've learned to rush ...
But not to wait.

We have higher incomes ...
But lower morals.
We have more food ... but less appeasement;
More acquaintances ... but fewer friends;
More effort ... but less success.

We build more computers to hold more information,
To produce more copies than ever ...
But have less communication.
We've become long on quantity ...
But short on quality.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion;
Tall men, and short character;
Steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the times of world peace ...
But domestic warfare.
More leisure ... and less fun;
More kinds of food ... but less nutrition.
These are days of two incomes ... but more divorce;
Of fancier houses ... but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips,
Disposable diapers,
Throwaway morality,
One-night stands,
Overweight bodies,
And pills that do everything ...
From cheer ...
To quiet ...
To kill.

It is a time when there is much in the show window ...
And nothing in the stockroom.

Indeed it's all true.

Think about it ... read this again.

~ Dr. Bob Moorehead ~


Food for thought indeed. Enjoy your day.....Cx :-)