Today’s addition to the HCT list is “Gabriel’s Message”:  Sting’s version. 

Sting’s swirling vocals and organ accompaniment put the listener in a cathedral of sound that’s enveloped in deep silence.  This stunning version of the traditional hymn (with words by Sabine Baring Gould) captures the intimacy of Mary’s visit with the angel Gabriel, while simultaneously extolling the universal implications of her simple “yes.”

“For known a blessed mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honor thee,
Thy Son shall be Emanuel,
By seers foretold
Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head
“To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said,
“My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name.”
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!

Maria’s Hidden Christmas Tracks:

• Quiet Christmas written and sung by Michael Gott
• The Night Before Christmas sung by Amy Grant and written by Carly Simon
• Gabriel’s Message, traditional, performed by Sting

Today I am grateful for: dear friends, music, and the dusting of snow we got last night that continues today.  My daughter is thrilled!

Today I intend to enjoy my family and live with the joy of a blessed person–because I am!

Do I ever need to hear today’s scripture passage:

All things work together for good for those who love God.  Romans 8:26-30

We started our Christmas decorating around the house this week.  My husband put up the outside lights, and with my daughter’s help I tackled the toughest task (besides the tree) of assembling and lighting our little Christmas village.  Katie followed me down to the basement as I began pulling out the boxes, my spirit lacking some enthusiasm for the job.  “I’m here to help!” she announced, her face beaming with the prospect of the display’s reappearance in our home.  She helped carry boxes, unpack them and set up the display…my faithful companion until the job was done.  Then, she got to do her favorite part of arranging all the people, trees, and other accessories in the village.  Seeing this project through her eyes, my spirits were lifted, and my heart soared when we clicked on the lights for the first time.

Katie was a physical reminder to me of God’s abiding presence in my life.  As I faced the project ahead, more out of duty than of enthusiasm, her joyful companionship lifted the tasks and brought joy to my heart.  Today, I am grateful for her and her sweet reminder that all is well; God is good.

On Thanksgiving Day, after a wonderful meal during that quiet lull before dessert, we pulled out this fun and engaging Christmas Trivia Game.  There are questions fitting for all ages, from easy to difficult, and all with the Christmas season in mind.  It was a great way to get us laughing and keep the conversation festive and fun!  Check it out for your holiday gatherings.  It might be the pick-me-up you need to enjoy the holidays!

My daughter had an interesting suggestion last night:  “Why don’t they call it Green Friday?”  We all agreed this term gets to the heart of “Black Friday,” but in less ominous, more abundant (and earth-friendly) terms!

Today I am grateful for:

• This season of Thanksgiving–focusing my attention on what’s good in my life;
• My husband and daughters–though we have our misunderstandings and tensions, we relaxed and enjoyed each other’s company yesterday;
• A flexible schedule today–I’ll get some things done, spend time with my family, and begin to prepare our home for Christmas.

Dear Reader, please comment:

How did you, or are you planning to spend Thanksgiving? 

What are you grateful for this year?

Dear Readers:

Join me these Advent and Christmas seasons for daily conversations to prepare our hearts for Christmas.  Richard Bach said we teach that which we most need to learn, so part of the reason I wrote this book is because I need it, too!  I’ll be praying and reflecting with the book and posting my gratitude lists and new reflections on this blog.

Please join us and be assured that you don’t pray alone!

Today I am grateful for: 

• waking to sunshine and in a warm bed next to my husband–I feel loved; 
• the pile of laundry on the couch that needs to be folded–my family has clothes to wear;
• the lingering scent of sauteed green pepper and onion–I prepared our traditional Thanksgiving stuffing yesterday, and the aroma reminds me of holidays when I was growing up.

Today my intention is to keep my thoughts and attention in the present moment.  Spending time with family comes with a certain amount of stress, so I want to focus on enjoying everyone and being spontaneous and flexible.  And speaking of that, I’m off to catch some of the Macy’s Parade on the TV with my daughter!

Happy Thanksgiving, Dear Ones!

While the standards are playing on the radio, here’s a beautiful Christmas song you won’t hear all the time. 

The Night Before Christmas
Written by Carly Simon and recorded by Amy Grant
 

If your heart’s been longing
You’ve been afraid to try
Sorrow’s kept you company
And the dance has passed you by
I’ll lift you up and blaze with you
Across the moonlit sky on the night before Christmas

This song lifts my hopes and touches the depths of my heart at the same time.  In it, she sings joyful reassurance that there’s a place for everyone in celebrating Christmas:  “You don’t have to be an angel to sing harmony; you don’t have to be a child to love the mystery.”  Yet just as my spirits swell in joy, the above verse swoops in and finds that hidden corner of my heart that clings to sadness and doubt.  In the whispered tones of a dear confidant, the singer shines a gentle light on that dark corner.  With that light comes healing and release to join the dance and “blaze…across the moonlit sky.”   For me, this song captures the sweet combination of joy and melancholy the season brings. 

Visit this page on Amazon.com to hear the song and add it to your Christmas music collection!

Maria’s Hidden Christmas Tracks:

• Quiet Christmas written and sung by Michael Gott
• The Night Before Christmas sung by Amy Grant and written by Carly Simon

It’s exciting to see this beautiful little book reaching so many people this year!  Busy moms around the country will use it to help them stay in the Christmas spirit.  Take a look at who’s talking about it:

Susan M. Heim is an author and editor, specializing in parenting, multiples, and women’s issues. She is a former Senior Editor for a major publishing company, where she specialized in the bestselling “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series, as well as religion and teen books. Susan is the author of the books, “Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year”; “Twice the Love: Stories of Inspiration for Families with Twins, Multiples and Singletons”; “It’s Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence”; “Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power”; and, “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More.”

Author and speaker Trish Berg reminds moms to keep it simple and keep it biblical. In the midst of sleep deprivation and Cheerio dust, she wants moms to embrace the wonder and privilege of being a mom.  Trish has been featured on ABC World News Tonight with Charles Gibson, Focus on the Family, Moody’s Midday Connection; 100 Huntley Street, That’s Life with Robin Swoboda and The Harvest Show.

My thanks to Susan and Trish for featuring the book on their blogs.  Please visit their sites for more inspiration!

What else would you expect?  Oprah has great holiday stress-busters online.  Tip #1:  Get Enough Sleep.  I knew I liked that lady!