Thanksgiving officially has come and gone. November is nearly finished. Beautiful Advent unfolds through unfamiliar 2020 territory.
Challenges and changes are part of the human experience. God gives us strength and perseverance in hard times.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Mary perservered in the most beautiful way.
In Mary’s Song, Mary is grateful for God’s mindfulness of her humble state.
And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful Of the humble state of his servant.” Luke 1:46-48 NIV
We can support one another through prayer. We are offered the privilege to extend our hands through active encouragement and acts of generosity. In sorrow and in joy. Such kindnesses are examples of being grateful for shared experiences.
Throughout history, people have offered. support and joy to friends and family. Records abound of gatherings for family and friends about to embark upon unfamiliar journeys..
One secular tradition of sharing “a parting glass” was early noted. As time went on, favorite songs that were sung among friends grew more common. Strengthened and sustained by the music, friends built confidence and found comfortin themselves and others to embark upon the journeys to which each was being called.
Please find below the rendition of an old song, “The Parting Glass” by the Face Vocal Band. The lyrics follow.
The Parting Glass
Of all the money that e'er I had I spent it in good company And all the harm I've ever done Alas, it was to none but me And all I've done for want of wit To mem'ry now I can't recall So fill to me the parting glass Goodnight and joy be to you all So fill to me the parting glass And drink o' health whate'er befall Then gently rise and softly call "Goodnight and joy be to you all" Of all the comrades that e'er I had They're sorry for my going away And all the sweethearts that e'er I had They'd wish me one more day to stay But since it fell into my lot That I should rise and you should not I'll gently rise and softly call "Goodnight and joy be to you all" Fill to me the parting glass And drink o' health whate'er befall Then gently rise and softly call "Goodnight and joy be to you all" Goodnight and joy be to you all. Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Damien Leo Leith / Traditional The Parting Glass lyrics © Arvee Music, Embassy Music Publishing
We can be kind to ourselves and others. In humbleness, perhaps we will sing together or share sweet stories with loved ones via zoom or Facebook. Maybe we will mail a card or call someone on the phone to let them know we are thinking of them. Maybe someone will reach out to us. We are at Advent. Joy-filled memories, new ways to connect safely with our loved ones. Blessings as the Advent season begins.
Thank you for sharing your beauty with common-woman. Be safe and be well.
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