Celebrating the Epiphany of our Lord

Celebrating the Epiphany of our Lord

Introducing Brim Leigh Buchanan - our newest grandchild!

Introducing Brim Leigh Buchanan - our newest grandchild!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Wondrous Christmas


Grace and peace to you all as this day glows like a jewel that becomes unearthed from the rock. Awe is the only word that comes to mind as
we sing the songs that are so familiar, yet He
reveals new meaning that inspires our hearts to the wonder and amazement of Him.


The people were warm and welcoming in our two Christingle services; near capacity crowds for Happy Valley Moravian. It was so pleasant to see familiar faces and many new ones. The smell of beeswax and fresh greenery was a perfect fit for these outdoor people. And it was truly a privilege to worship with them.


It was a white Christmas, but this week promises to unload at least a meter of fresh snow. People can hardly wait as they have been itching to get their skiddoos and snowshoes out; me included (we don't have either, but I wish to acquire some of those shoes that keep you on top of the snow. (-;


My joy has been to see so many people come and worship; to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a new way. Our Christingle services were bi-lingual, and I had the privilege (again), of leading the Inuktitut worship on the 1st Sunday of Advent. She wanted me to also lead today, but I felt I wasn't ready yet.


On our 4 Sundays of Advent, we held a bilingual Christmas sing-song, a craft evening, Christmas caroling at the retirement homes, and a Bing Crosby Christmas movie nite. It was such fun.


Now more than ever, George and I thank you for your cards, gifts, and your prayers. It was comforting to be remembered as we miss you all so dearly. My hope is that through this blog, I can share our joy with you. We are truly grateful for all things God places within our lives. God's wonders are everywhere.


My the opportunities to share Jesus Christ with the world reveal themselves in a most beautiful way for you. love, us.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

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!