12-12-2023 9:25am

Advent - Celebrating Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - ADVENT - CELEBRATING HOPE, PEACE, JOY, AND LOVE - SUNDAY, DECMEBER 3 to SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2023

Since we're in the season of Advent, I thought I'd write a little history about this beautiful time of year. Although it's a Christian celebration, we can all benefit from its message of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. There are customs we all follow during Advent that have become universal.

Advent is a season observed in most Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity. The name was adopted from Latin adventus "coming; arrival", translating Greek parousia from the New Testament, originally referring to the Second Coming.

The season of Advent in the Christian calendar anticipates the "coming of Christ" from three different perspectives: the physical nativity in Bethlehem, the reception of Christ in the heart of the believer, and the eschatological Second Coming. Eschatological means relating to death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind.

Practices associated with Advent include Advent calendars, lighting an Advent wreath, praying an Advent daily devotional, erecting a Christmas tree, lighting a Christingle, as well as other ways of preparing for Christmas, such as setting up Christmas decorations - a custom that is sometimes done liturgically through a hanging of the greens ceremony.

I have never heard of the Christingle, but it usually consists of an orange, representing the world with a candle pushed into the center of it, then lit, representing Jesus Christ as Light of the World (see picture below). There is usually a red ribbon wrapped around the orange or a paper frill around the candle representing the blood of Christ. This is something that might be enjoyable to do with children. Why not give it a try this Christmas.

It is not known when the period of preparation for Christmas that is now called Advent began, though it was certainly in existence from about 480. The novelty introduced by the Council of Tours 567 was to order monks to fast every day in the month of December until Christmas.

There are so many traditions that we follow this time of year, but Advent is its origin. I see Christmas as a time of year to embrace all people. Even though it is a Christian holiday, the whole world seems to come together during this sacred time to celebrate Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The greatest of all being Love.

Blessings to you now and throughout the Christmas season.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, Christmastime brings back so many memories of our childhood that can make us feel young again. It's the most wonderful time of year.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

During the Christmas season, there is so much great music in local churches. This Friday, December 15, there is a concert at The Parish of St. Patrick in Bay Shore featuring the Hibernian Festival Singers. If you don't live in Bay Shore or the surrounding area, perhaps you might want to check your local church for similar concerts. Let's celebrate this beautiful season in song. Alleluia!

For ticket information, visit www.stpatrickbayshore.org. The Parish of St. Patrick is at 9 Clinton Avenue, Bay Shore, New York.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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"NEW" - SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

God, I ask that you bless my coming and going today. Be before me, behind me, and beside me - protect me and move me toward that which will bring me closer to you.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What does Hope mean to you?

Please write your answer in the Reply section (see the bubble near the heart) at the bottom of my newsletter. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - SILENT NIGHT by ELVIS PRESLEY

LYRICS

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born

Silent night, holy night!
Son of God love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

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About Skylark and How to Follow Me

My brand, Skylark Live, consists of a weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, a monthly vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, and monthly in-person chats called The Skylark Sessions. They are all designed to inspire and motivate women to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness at 60 and beyond. Andiamo! Let's go!

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Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day.