The Mamas are working hard, decorating the Church (done!), decorating our houses (mostly done!), wrapping packages (all but done!) and cooking (not done enough!). Hope your Christmas Eve is lovely and you get everything you need done.
And here's my favorite Advent carol, sung today at St. Mary's. It is perfect for today. I'm busy making everything as fair as I am able. Bet you are too.
People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way.
Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,
One more seed is planted there:
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
That in course the flower may flourish.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the rose, is on the way.
Birds, though you long have ceased to build,
Guard the nest that must be filled.
Even the hour when wings are frozen
God for fledging time has chosen.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the bird, is on the way.
Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the star, is on the way.
Angels, announce with shouts of mirth
Christ who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming
With the word, the Lord is coming.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Lord, is on the way.
I cannot wait! He is coming! It's all joy from here!
Oooh, I love that hymn too! We sang the first two verses today. I wish we'd sung them all. Our choir doesn't usually ever do more than 2 verses. Which is sometimes a good thing considering the frequently bad choices of music...
Merry Christmas to two of my favorite Texan ladies.
My favorite Christmas present this year will be getting on a plane in three days to go visit my folks in Austin. I miss the Lone Star State; but reading your blog is like getting a little taste of home. Thanks so much.