first day of advent

in looking for a "grown up," more inspirational advent calendar...i did a search for online advent calendars. found this and love it.



they have a daily meditation, daily scripture verses (they call it the daily office), a carol of the day (...which is BEAUTIFUL!), podcasts and great charitable gift-giving ideas.

i was particularly moved by the meditation of the day today...here's a snippet:

"In the beginning God created everything. Created by God, we are called to be stewards of all that we have and receive from God. The mystery of the incarnation, Christmas, and Christ’s coming invites us to enter fully into God’s ongoing acts of creation and to participate joyfully in the reign of God...The first step in Advent is to remember that we are created by God and loved by God." (click here for the full meditation)

the carol today was angels from the realms of glory...i had to listen to it 4 times. really peaceful to listen to and nice to reflect upon. some lyrics for ya...

(original lyrics by james montgomery, with the refrain of: Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King! instead of Gloria! In excelcis deo)

Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation's story,
Now proclaim Messiah's birth:
Gloria! In excelcis deo!

Shepherds, in the fields abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing,
Yonder shines the infant Light;
Gloria! In excelcis deo!

Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great desire of nations,
Ye have seen His natal star;
Gloria! In excelcis deo!

Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear:
Gloria! In excelcis deo!


i love the angels winging o'er all the earth and the call to sages to leave their contemplations...brighter visions beam afar!!!

anyway...hope you enjoy it too.

on craftier news...i finished up the "wellness" packs. i love them so very much. they were really fun to make. and they do look lovely!!! so hopefully i'll borrow that camera tomorrow and get some photos. i was going to answer more of the meme here, but think i'll leave that for tomorrow...too contemplative, er, um, i mean inspired right now.

peace on earth.

goodnight.