Christmas is here again this year

Today is Christmas

for much of the world.

Due to icy roads I was able to go to my

family's protestant Christmas Eve service

but not an Orthodox Christmas Liturgy.

Of course I was disappointed.

Who would not want to receive Christ in the Eucharist

on Christmas,

if they understood that it is He that they receive!

Nonetheless, I am striving to be thankful for what I do have

and that I am one of the few who will have another chance

at a Christmas liturgy,

since my church in Ottawa is on the old calendar.

What a blessing it was to read various blog posts

by other Orthodox Christians and so read the

sermons and verses from today's feast!

Here is one of the sermons .

How blessed we are.

Meanwhile,

I have taken out a lovely bunt cake while my family is at a

Christmas service

(I admit it, I stayed home and did my Orthodox prayers instead)

and soon my family will be home

to the lovely smell of a Christmas cake.

Yesterday my family had their Christmas dinner and party;

it was good to see everyone;

I am also reminded at how much suffering we all have to endure;

some of my family has really been through a lot

lately on the health front.

This weekend Lord Willing I will be at the Orthodox church

that is the place of my chrismation

and my Godmother will be there

and some other dear friends.

And I hope towards the end of next week,

I will again be at the monastery.

How I need to be there.

Blessed Christmas to all!