And come, too, even if you're not faithful.
Come and drink our coffee. Sip our eggnog or hot apple cider. Grab a cup of grog, whatever that is.
For unto us a child is born!
Unto us a son is given.
I mean, who does that? Who offers up their child for the good of mankind?
God. The man himself. The big guy upstairs.
Alleluia.
This is a month for the celebration of faith, of family, of friends. To be grateful for each and every little blessing we have... which brings up one of my favorite Bing Crosby songs
Counting Your Blessings
So for this beautiful month, a month where I'm blessed to celebrate a new book release!!!!
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| You can preorder A Hopeful Harvest here! |
I want to wish you all a beautiful holiday season, a blessed Christmas, and a peace-filled, prayer-filled Advent. But with the demands and expectations we put on ourselves, a peace-filled prayer-filled December is tricky, isn't it? So here are some ideas for simplifying things: Ring some bells for charity. This has become a family tradition and look how our group has grown! Isn't that cool? In the beginning it was just me, then me and Mandy and Beth, and now whole families join in and every year I'm reminded of how inhospitable our winter weather is here in Western New York.
Read a story to cute little kids or big kids... we all love stories and hot cocoa!
And prayer, of course. Where would we be without the simple gift of prayer?
I love this season of preparation. Now that I'm not exactly young and possibly have gained a tiny measure of wisdom, I love to get the busyness done in November... and take December for me, for prayer, for baking, for smiling and watching sappy movies. To go to kids' concerts, to take part in little lives.
We are blessed to be part of the celebration, but even more to be part of the preparation. And may the work of our hands bless our time on this earth. Merry Christmas to all of you, and because we love giving presents away during this Advent season, I've got copies of my newest Love Inspired, a delightful 2-in-1 just released for this holiday season and a Kindle copy of "Christmas at Star Inn" a wonderful anthology with Mary Connealy and Margaret Brownley. Three books... one winner. A special little package from me to you! Just leave a comment below... and tell us what you do to keep Jesus as the reason for the season?
Email Ruthy at loganherne@gmail.com, friend her on facebook, follow her on Twitter or visit her website ruthloganherne.com
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Hi Ruthy, I love attending Christmas Eve services that begin at 11 PM. There is something so holy and special about being in church at midnight on Christmas Day. Merry Christmas to you and your family and to everyone at Seekerville!
ReplyDeleteOh, Edwina, I've always loved those late-night services, too. When I was in seventh grade I made the choir and we got to sing at Midnight Mass! Oh, what a joy!!! For two years I was able to sing with that choir and it was an amazing experience. We sang in the choir loft balcony of Sacred Heart Cathedral (which looks nothing like it did then) and it was such an honor to be able to do that. I've never forgotten the thrill of being back there-- up there-- and singing in that choir. :) Joy to the World!
DeleteEdwina, I love our Christmas Eve candlelight services!
DeleteLovely, Ruthy! In the past, I've tried to keep December for me, as you mentioned. This year, I have a December book deadline. Looking forward to it being done and emailed to my wonderful editor. Then, I can turn my focus completely to Christmas. We did take time to be with loved ones and just returned from a wonderful visit to our Northern VA family. We played games with our grandson almost non-stop! Go Fish, anyone? Charades? Link-O? Clue? All so fun.
ReplyDeleteHappy Advent to all! I love this time of preparation for the birth of the Christ Child...such a holy season! O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!
Amen! And I'm so glad you had that time with family, Debby. Whatever the calendar day may read, being with loved ones and creating memories with kids is huge. And so very special!
DeleteI had a December book deadline a few years ago and realized it wasn't a good time for me. I felt like I was messing up the story, the family, our traditions and all because I felt rushed.
Now I do Mid-November... and then January. No December. It was a hard lesson learned, so I totally understand!
Debby, I hope the you meet the deadline easily!
DeleteWhat a beautiful post! We are navigating some new circumstances in our family--different church, kid at college--and learning how to make new traditions that keep the focus where it needs to be. I like the idea of getting a lot of the "stuff" done in November so December is more peaceful. I'll try that for next year :) Thanks for great ideas and another wonderful advent post from you all!
ReplyDeleteGlynis, do try it. It removes the stress and leaves the fun stuff for December, and the so very important prayerful stuff. I love baking and decorating and doing fun things with kids, but if I'm chock full of work, that doesn't happen the same way. We do Adopt-a-families and other gift-giving work, but with the help of wonderful kids (who are great shoppers!) we were able to get all of those things done earlier this week... and delivered to the mission! I think the more we've focused on doing for others and less on "us", the more fun it's become. And it makes me happy!!!!
DeleteRuthy said, "I love to get the busyness done in November... and take December for me, for prayer, for baking, for smiling and watching sappy movies. To go to kids' concerts, to take part in little lives."
ReplyDeleteNow, that is true wisdom, my friend, but then I expect nothing less from one of the wisest people I know! And you are truly blessed to have your kids/grandkids so close by, especially this precious time of year!
December for me is definitely an uptick in prayer and sappy movies, but I have long since laid the baking aside (no more 60+ cookie/rum cake plates to make since no one lives by us anymore 😳) and taking part in the grandkiddos' lives, too, since they all live many, many states away. 😔 But we do pre- and post-Christmas celebrations in which I have to pack a whole month of high-powered fun into one week, then collapse the next, but SO worth it! ;)
I wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season, Ruthy!
Hugs,
Julie
Hi Julie! So nice to see your post. Merry Christmas!
DeleteOh, Julie, we learn to adapt, don't we? You know I love my baking and writing and "littles" so when I get to combine the three, I'm in my happy place.
DeleteAnd why did I think you had grandkids moving closer last year? Because I know how much I miss my North Carolina grandkids and I love it when I can sneak down there or they sneak up here. It's the best. And doing a Living Nativity pic with all 14 grandkids was my dream come true. :) Simple things, right?
Glad you get to go and visit all the cuties. They are blessed to be part of the Lessman gang!
I try to celebrate Christ instead of Christmas by focusing on Him and what His birth means for all mankind. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
ReplyDeleteLucy, this is simply beautiful. I love that simple take on an anything-but-simple gift, the gift to mankind. The Son of God.
DeleteYou bless us.
I've got stuff almost every day. And I try and roll with it and not worry about catching my breath.
ReplyDeleteBut I do have a BOOK TO WRTIE! So I have to come back to earth and keep up with that.
Merry Christmas Seekerville!
That's the truth of it, isn't it? I make sure there's at least 1000 words/day and weekdays more like 2000 to stay on top of things because I would be beyond annoyed to get to January and be behind. I'm not a "behind" kind of person. Feeling like I'm ahead of the game keeps my calm, Mary, so I understand!
DeleteRuthy, I love your reminder to reach out to others! There's no better way to reflect the Reason for the season!
ReplyDeleteMissy, I agree and we've always been part of parishes and schools that reflected that. And I know how much it meant to me to have food baskets and clothes handed down to me (although it could be embarrassing, too) but we wore uniforms and no one knew whose uniform was whose... if it was put into the spare uniform bins, kids with little or no money could use them. It was a really good system for kids without recourse. And that taught me to be so grateful for simple things. Of course I went through a Spend Money on Christmas stage, too, way back, and I'm still embarrassed about it!
DeleteGreat post, Ruthy. We have an Advent wreath at home which helps remind us of the reason for the season. We also love to attend Christmas Eve services which we usually end by lighting candles, turning out the lights, and singing Silent Night.
ReplyDeleteI already won the 2-in-1 novel and have received it. I will be reading it soon. It was actually delivered on Sunday. What a treat-a Sunday delivery from Ruthy!
Sandy, that's wonderful! I hope you love it.
DeleteAnd the Advent wreath is a wonderful commemorative, isn't it? Takes us back to the reason we celebrate!
Glad you stopped by today, sweet friend!
Merry Christmas, Ruthy! I love that the bell ringing has become a family act. That's wonderful. And yes, with all the busyness, it is sometimes difficult to stay focused on the real reason for the season. I try to remember that Christmas is the biggest birthday celebration in the world to keep me focused on Jesus when all the demands seem to be pushing in around me, trying to crowd out our blessed Savior. He is, indeed, worthy of our praise.
ReplyDeleteOh, amen to that, sistah! And the bell ringing is such a good family thing to do because it's gotten COLD here and when that wind tunnels between the mall entrances or you get one facing west, it's frigid. So we dress in layers upon layers but we realize how awful it must be to be homeless. To be that down on your luck or mentally ill. What a sorrowful existence. So if we can bless a few folks and open a few doors and sing a few Christmas songs/hymns and carols, it's a blessed thing!
DeleteRuthy, your family’s participation in the Red Kettle program always touches my heart. With my father’s WW II experience, the Salvation Army is a special charity for us. You are an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThis year our family gathered for Thanksgiving at our home....the first time in many years we’ve had our sons and their families here at the same time. With grateful prayers, we are definitely counting our blessings during preparations and celebrations!
Thank you for your beautiful post and for all you do! May you, your sweet family and the Seekerville community be blessed with a joyful Christmas!
Oh, Sherida, I remember that story about your dad and WWII. The spirit of giving by the Salvation Army (especially at "ground level") is amazing and so special. Doing the most good for the least of these... and what they were willing to do during wars and famines and disease. God bless them!
DeleteSo glad you had everyone home for Thanksgiving. How wonderful is that? Yay!
Hi Ruthy - seeing that cup of frothy yumminess made my mouth water when I opened the blog... :)
ReplyDeleteTrying to keep Jesus in the season is my ultimate goal, at least when it comes to teaching my children. When we put up the tree, we talked about another tree and we talked about the star on top leading the wisemen to Jesus.
My daughter had a Grade 2 social science project where she had to share a family tradition with photos and everything. Bless her heart - she wanted to share about Jesus in her public school! So my little seven year worked hard at her project and shared Christmas - la fête de Jésus.
It made my heart sing - THIS is what Christmas is all about.
Blessings to you!
Hi Ruth:
ReplyDeleteAfter I read your post, about 3 am this morning, I was disturbed by troubled sleep.
You asked the question:
"Who offers up their child for the good of mankind?"
Well, for one, Agamemnon sacrificed his daughter Iphigenia simply in order to obtain a favorable wind to carry the Greek fleet to Troy.
But then again, after the war, his wife killed (or had him killed) in their own home for doing this.
But then I thought further of all the fathers and mothers who have lost children in all the wars throughout time. Not to save all of mankind but just to save a nation, a city, a village or a tribe.
Then I considered all the heroes who have jumped on grenades to save others and the firemen who rush into burning buildings to save even one person.
I truly believe that half the people on earth would sacrifice their own lives it they knew it would save everyone else on the planet.
I think this willingness to sacrifice is the true divinity in mankind.
"On earth as it is in heaven" and "man is made in the image and likeness of God" and " as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Why should man expect any less from God than they do of themselves?
I think the real meaning of Christmas is ideally expressed in your "Salvation Army" photo. We are closest to God when we are doing God's work.
We are not risen apes or fallen angles but rather children of God in the deepest sense.
The baby Jesus represents the divine in mankind and the sanctity of each human life.
Merry Christmas
Vince
Oh, this is too beautiful for words, my friend. And I agree... I think the human spirit of goodness is such that it continually and sacrificially wins out over evil. Otherwise we'd have all been gone a long, long time ago. How wise you are. I'm so glad you're my friend and such a good friend to Seekerville!
DeleteAnd I also agree about closest to God when we're doing His work. Sacrifice in every sense builds us into better people, better images of the folks he made us to be.
I'm so glad you came by today! Thank you, Vince!!!
Trying to keep things simple is tricky at times, but that's what we aim for, too.
ReplyDeleteIt is, and I was guilty of NOT keeping it simple, but I learned. It took a couple of decades, but eventually I got it!
DeleteDORK
Beth, I love my new cover "Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge"... LOVE IT!!!!! You rocked it!
And I will show it to the world SOON!!!!!
Christmas, Ruthy-style!
ReplyDeleteThis year we're having a quiet Christmas, with only one of our four children in town for the big day. So we'll do grown-up stuff, which is a very different Christmas than the years when we had a passel of children in the house! So we have time for quiet contemplation instead of frenzied activity...both fill their own seasons with joy!
But the main thing - the incarnation of Christ, Immanuel, the continuation of the plan God had from the beginning of time - that still takes my breath away.
I love the Christmas Eve service at our church. It's my favorite of the year. I always feel so peaceful and...hushed...when we finish the service by lighting candles and singing Silent Night.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's hard to find Peace during the holidays, even though we're supposed to be focusing on the Prince of Peace.
Hi Ruthy, What a fun post and what memories. I think of you every time I go by a bell ringer and I do what you said and thank him/her for volunteering. Makes me smile every time I see them because I think of you. I'm all for simplifying. We love December activities. I just make sure I keep other things low key so I can enjoy all the Christmas activities. Friday we are going on a bike ride with decorated lit up bikes. We bicycle around the neighborhood and stop at a few houses where there are homebound folk and we sing to them. Well I mouth the words but the rest of our group can sing. LOL. Have a wonderful and blessed holiday season.
ReplyDeleteHi Ruth:
ReplyDeleteIf you didn't notice the YouTube video of "Counting Your Blessings" is followed by a 15 minute tribute to "White Christmas" with Rosemary Clooney. Just wonderful. I hope I get to see "White Christmas" again this year in a local theater like I did last year. I never saw it on the big screen and I hope they keep bringing it back. I really encourage local theaters to bring back the great classics. I think most people have never seen them on the big screen as they were intended to be shown. (Last year the show was sold out with many grandparents bringing grand kids. )
I got "Christmas at Star Inn" and hope I can get it read along with Julie's Christmas novella by Christmas. For the last ten years Christmas has not felt complete unless I've read a Christmas romance or two. Joy to the world.
Vince
A lovely post. I keep the joy in my heart.
ReplyDeleteI love nativity sets and have them displayed around the house. They range from those well out of reach and to those on tables that children can handle. We have always enjoyed the Christmas Eve children's service. People bring the Christ child from their nativity sets in to be blessed and the children present the Christmas pageant. It is a time to remember our blessings and pray for those who are not as fortunate.
ReplyDeleteHow do you simple giving for 29? That's just the grandkids...you add a chapter to their "Grandpa, Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days" scrapbooks. A bit of time at the computer, yes, and maybe half an hour at the print shop. Viola. And a few of the granddaughters who live nearby help sew presents for the five great=grandkids. I've also focused over the last year on sewing or knitting for birthdays rather than Christmas. Relax and enjoy that cup of grog....uh, not me, I couldn't handle the alcohol in it. Just let the love of Jesus surround your days and nights......
ReplyDeleteJust yesterday I put my nativity scenes out. None are expensive and most are small but there's just something about seeing that tiny baby in a manger! Our Christmas program at church is also another bright spot for me. There may be a different play each year but the ending is always the same. Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the shepherds and Wise Men all gather on the stage and a lighted star shines over them as all of us there sing Silent Night.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Ruthy! and thanks for sharing your joy with us through your books!
We gear our Bible Studies toward Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWe go to Advent services every Wednesday before Christmas and the candlelight service on Christmas Eve.
And in the spirit of giving, my friends and I serve a monthly meal to the visually impaired.
We love to play Christmas music, watch Christmas movies, read the Christmas Story in Luke. I also love to read Christmas books. In fact, I just finished your book, Her Holiday Family! I loved it! Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteOur favorite day is Christmas Eve. The whole family gets together for a big Lasagna dinner, then we all go to Midnight Mass. My sister-in-law is a cloistered Nun and the last few years, she has been allowed to come home for a couple of days and be with us.
ReplyDelete