Advent and Christmas in Labrador

As has no doubt been the case for you during this season, life has been busy around here. Canadian Thanksgiving in October was truly a beautiful time. George & I invited over everyone we knew who also didn't have any family close-by, for a joint Thanksgiving feast & a fiesty banana scrabble game to let the food rest. It was a nice way to laugh, hear stories, and fellowship with many new friends.

Every day we wake up wondering what we're going to learn from the people. It's not about what we have to offer, it's about them. I love experiencing their age-old traditions, where they came from and how they got started. The Moravian band stories and the wild animal stories are my favorites.

As we approach Christmas Eve, all of the Chapel Servants (Elders/Trustees) have been busy preparing for the bilingual Christingle Services. All hymns will be sung simultaneously in 2 languages, and all children will receive a beeswax candle in an apple. The apples symbolizes the world and it's bounty, and the candle of course, Jesus, the Light of the World.

This month has been filled with community concerts for which our growing choir has gratefully performed for. We sing hymns and anthems in english and Inuktitut, and recently led worship with our own cantata "The Christmas Song". The choir is a group of very talented and giving people which project a beautiful singing spirit on Sunday mornings. My favorite songs are the Moravian Communion anthem and the hymns we do in 2 languages, like "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

Our handchime youth group has made chicken pies & greeting cards, performed their music at the long-term care facility, and are ready to begin beginner band lessons in January. We also have a new Chicken Pie-Making ministry which is an evening of laughs.

George has recently been driving a school bus part-time; introducing him to a huge bank of children in town; they enjoy each other's happiness.

In an effort to be more involved in the community, I found a community choir. They sing all the time..... (-;

The sun sets right now at 3:30ish (pm) and won't come up until 8:30ish (am). The community lights up with beautiful Christmas lights, and with the snow, makes for long, silent, nights of beauty - perfect for wondering why God has given us so much when we don't deserve it. Christ is the Lord most glorious - and hope that we can all shout aloud.

May your Christmas be full of joy and fullness in Christ, Our Lord, the Prince of Peace. Amen!