Orange Pomanders

Orange Pomanders

Every Christmas we make these and put them around the house. They are easy to make and show off the creativity of each family member. This year Jimmy did a fantastic one with a cross on it.

Simply take a nail and poke holes into an orange in any design. Poke whole cloves into the holes; set in a bowl and you are done!

They smell wonderful and will last for weeks.

St. Nicholas Punch

St. Nicholas, (our present Santa Claus) is certainly not the true wonder of Christmas (Christ is). But, he represents the application of Christmas: unselfish giving out of a love for Christ. Saint Nicholas was a Bishop in modern Turkey. He gave his wealth to the poor and dedicated his life to God's work and "secret giving".
We can learn much from his life!



Bisschopswijn (Dutch Bishops' Wine)

Traditional beverage for Dutch Sinterklaas Eve

1 liter red wine
1 lemon
1 orange
20 cloves
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cinnamon stick
a pinch of mace and saffron (optional)


Wash and dry the lemon and orange. Insert 10 cloves into each. Put the wine, sugar, lemon, orange and cinnamon (and the mace and saffron tied in muslin, if you are using them) into a pan. Cover and bring slowly to the boil. Turn down the heat and allow the wine to simmer very gently for approximately. 1 hour. Remove the spices and the fruit. Heat the wine again, but do not let it boil. Serve in heat-resistant glasses. Bisschopswijn or mulled wine is a traditional drink on "Sinterklaasavond

Advent

The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life.

Enjoy the journey of Advent!

Individual Christmas

As I ponder the Christmas story, I noticed something about each character of this incredible epic. Each character was told their part privately, individually. No one had proof or other witnesses to confirm their story. Think about it:
ZECHARIAH: Saw the angel in the Holy of Holies, and was told he would bear John the Baptist (cousin and foreteller of Christ). No one else was around.
MARY: Saw Gabriel in private to receive her special news.
JOSEPH: Had a dream to confirm that Mary's child was Divine.
SIMEON: Was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see Israel's salvation.
ANNA: Received special private revelation to see the Christ Child.
SHEPHARDS: saw the wonderful angels, but no one else in Bethlehem did! How could the night sky be filled with glory of angels and NO ONE in the town below saw it!? It was the shepherds' words against the entire town.
WISEMEN: saw a star that no one else did. Even the wisest men of Jerusalem couldn't see it!

I see God revealing his son's birth to very specific individuals who had no other coaberating evidence. They had to take this journey on FAITH alone. Mary had a little support as she and Elizabeth shared their stories, but other than that, God tested each character's faith. Just as He asks each of us to accept His story: as an individual and in faith alone.

Jesus' first advent came to individuals. But His second coming will be completely different. It will come to ALL MEN, in the sky, seen by all. Not all will rejoice at His coming, for he will ride the Horse "Faithful and True" and he will bring judgement and His eternal kingdom.

May we each receive Christ's first Advent with great joy so we will be ready for His second Advent!

As We Look Forward to Christmas

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.