Advent Night One

 

Last night was the first night of Advent. Grace made the wreath and we lit the first candle and said the following verse:

The first light of Advent is the light of the stones. 

The light found in crystals, in seashells and in bones. 

I can't believe it's Advent already. I can't believe there's only four weeks until Christmas and five until the end of 2021. Gosh, this year went by fast! xo 

The Advent Spiral

This past Sunday was the Advent Spiral at our church. We love how much our faith community loves and looks forward to this tradition each year. This year, we had decided to do two walkings of the Spiral. One at 4:00pm (for those that would like an earlier time) and one at 5:00pm. However, with the first snow storm of the season starting that afternoon (and lasting until mid-afternoon Tuesday) we decided that we'd push the time to 2:30pm lest there be an outcry if we canceled it. None of us were sure how many (if any) would come with the time change only being announced at worship that morning. Needless to say we were thrilled to have twenty people attend! Sure, this is a decrease from our usual amount of 60-80 but still an incredible turnout none the less! The Spiral wove it';s magic around all of us as it always does, and the snow softly falling outside only added to the magical feel. Such a beautiful and peaceful way to begin Advent and the busy holiday season. Looking forward to next year's Spiral already. xo 

Advent One

Blessing of Hope

So may we know 

the hope 

that is not just 

for someday 

but for this day- 

here, now, 

in this moment

 that opens to us:

hope not made 

of wishes 

but of substance, 

hope made of sinew 

and muscle 

and bone, 

hope tha thas breath 

and a beating heart, 

hope that will not 

keep quiet 

and be polite, 

hope that knows 

how to holler 

when it is called for, 

hope that knows 

how to sing

when there seems 

little cause, 

hope that raises us 

from the dead- 

not someday

but this day, 

every day, 

again and 

again and 

again.

-Jan Richardsom
from The Cure for Sorrow

On The First Sunday Of Advent

In the deep and dark wood's heart

Where moans the North Wind cold,
You will find a sun-filled cave
When you walk a spiral road.
Shimmering stars will sing above
To the crystals that glitter below,
While you draw your light from a flame so bright
Bringing warmth the sparkling snow. 

-Adventsong by Eugene Schwartz 

The First Light Of Advent

The girls with the beautiful advent wreath they made after church today.

 They did such a wonderful job!

The first light of Advent is the light of the stones.
The light that shines in crystals, in seashells and in bones. 

The Light Of Stones

The first light of Advent is the light of the stones.
The light found in seashells, crystals and bones. 

-Traditional Waldorf 

{This Moment} Advent Begins

{This Moment} - A Soule Mama Friday ritual. A single  photo Two photos- no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments section for all to find and see. We wish you a wonderful weekend! xo

Stones And Crystals

The lovely pile of stones were sent to us by our by our sweet friends in Canada! 

Thanks Kim and Reece for sending these gorgeous rocks from Lake Ontario our way! We love them!

Our rocks for you will be on their way soon!

The arrival of the stones couldn't have been any more perfectly timed as we were able to use them as our stones for our first week of Advent!

The first light of Advent is the light of stones. 

The light found in crystals, in seashells and in bones. 

And since this week is about crystals, seashells and stones we thought it would be fun to make our own crystals. Mix 4-5 tablespoons of Borax in boiling water, insert pipe cleaner shapes and 12 hours later you have gorgeous crystals!