Sweet November

Of course, I would consider November a great month, as it was the month I was born in. Every month offers something special, and the fall is a great time of year, even in advent.

Advent is celebrated by Orthodox Christians this time of year, which began at midnight, or today, the fifteenth of this month through Christmas. Preparation for a any event heightens it's coming. Our calendar squares indicated by their pink coloring, is our traditional St. Phillips fast. The prescribed exception is Thanksgiving...

This is not a time to celebrate Christmas, as it has not come to pass, yet. That yet is an important word. We had a group who played at out church hall on Friday night. The vocal artist expressed this best when she quoted a bible verse from out of her head, that she used frequently. "I will praise Him, yet." Meaning, even so. Times are rough for many and through many circumstances, even when we do not feel like it, we praise Him. Nothing can or will surpass His deeds. Fasting from simple pleasures and giving to others, will heighten the joy of the Christmas Feast.

Each year, after the leaves fall and it becomes dark, we are reminded of our need for His love, and the need for Him to fill our lives, lest we become as "void" as fall and the impending winter. Some people even go into a state of depression, due to the lack of light. Following Him, demands that we must carry our cross whatever it may be. The needy become more visible this time of year, yet, they are always among us. Somehow the leave-dropping allows us to see our neighbor more clearly.

It is no secret that I have many icons which are hung all over my home, supplying it with it's own type of warmth. The air is filled with the aroma of scented candles and flavored coffee. I'm engaged in music, reading, and actually look forward to this time of quietness. It's a time of prayer and reflection, to what is coming upon us--forty days from now on the 25th of December. One guess, it's not just Santa. Although, St. Nicholas is a real saint, who was born in Myra, in the fourth century, and his feast day is celebrated on December 6th.

Apart from the Birth of Christ, what joy could we possibly be celebrating? The giver of all good things, in His goodness, begins for us with the understanding of why He came.

Ponder that! Then, you will have something to rejoice about on December 25th. Receive the timeless One, and His gift that lasts forever.