Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Beauty in the Christmas Season


Nativity in Glass from Romania


from Rebecca and Mark.


Small cloth under made by my Oma.


Mirror and kleenex holder were my Oma's.


I was given the Pascha egg


this past Pascha


by one of my favourite older women parishioner's sister...


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Christmas and Pascha are deeply linked.

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The small icon in the background is


St. Stylianos of Paphlagonia


which is there for Noah,


who is quite ill.


Many are holding their own small


vigils in prayer


for Noah


as they go about the days before Christmas...



It is hard for us all to focus


on the coming of Christ.


So many things are thrown at us during fasts;


Christmas lent/Nativity Fast means


distractions on the party & presents level


and often more painful things,


illness, loss, grief.


But Christ came and was born on this earth


so that He could defeat death.


Christ is with us in the


times of joy and the times of great grief.



My Christmas Icons.


Nativity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,


Christ our Saviour with Angels,


St. Nicholas to provide and protect


St. Spyridon to help us


the Mother of God to console us.


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May God give us strength for this day


and hearts that are open to thanksgiving


and worship of God


amidst all things.


4 comments:

Maria said...

Amen!

Peacocks and Sunflowers said...

I always enjoy seeing the changing seasons - of nature and of the Church - reflected in your pictures of home. So many special reminders of friends and family :)

Mimi said...

I've never seen that icon of Christ and the angels. Beautiful.

I think that I find Advent such a difficult fast for two reasons. One is the disconnect between the world and the church, which is much more striking more than during Lent - and the other is the dark days with such sad things happening all the time, it's so heart wearying.

However, I know where the joy will come from, and that keeps me going!

Love to you!

Elizabeth @ The Garden Window said...

Your icons are so lovely !
I too am keeping vigil for dear Noah each day.....