A Quote to Carry YouDecember 30, 2013
“All’s well that ends well.” William Shakespeare
Ending well…isn’t that what we hope for at the end of a year? Even if things may not have gone well throughout the entire year, that all is well in the end is what counts the most.
May your 2013 end well and may your 2014 begin well…and continue to go well the whole year through!
Peace and love,
Felecia
“Let There Be Light,” photograph by Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5)
I am always amazed at the splendor of God’s creation. This seems a strange topic to write about during the Christmas season, in the beginning?…creation?…really? But, oh how relevant it is, and the scripture verse referenced above says it all.
Most often when we think of Jesus Christ at Christmastime, we think of the little baby lying in a manger surrounded by his earthly parents, the angels, the shepherds, the sheep and other animals. It is interesting that both earthly and heavenly “created beings” were present at His birth. Who else in the history of mankind was welcomed into the world in such a way? Continue reading
“Flight Into Egypt,” (Detail), 1923, Henry Ossawa Tanner. Image from a page of the 2013 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
“And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping in the night watches over their flock. And, behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them; Fear not; for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ The Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11)
I am listening to the grandeur and beauty of the music and lyrics of Handel’s Messiah this very moment as I write these words. Oh how it makes my heart swell with gratitude and thanksgiving for God’s greatest gift, which He bestowed upon all of mankind! Continue reading
A Quote to Carry YouDecember 23, 2013
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:19
If you honestly consider the miracle that took place on that night, when Christ was born, can you help but pause and think deeply about what it all means, and where you fit in? Mary did, the shepherds did…and all through the ages, the birth of that child on that night has been the catalyst for peace, love and joy in all the earth.
May the joy of the season be yours,
Felecia
Photograph of my mom, Ethelda…she really puts her heart and soul into singing this special song!
“Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.” (excerpt taken from the lyrics of the song, “Go Tell It on the Mountain, by John Wesley Work, Jr.)
I am a firm believer that the holidays should be spent with family and friends. It is then, more than any other time of the year that many traditions are started and shared. When we can “let our hair down,” be ourselves and celebrate the glory of the season with those that we hold dear to our hearts. This is certainly true of my family, and although we can’t always be together to celebrate Christmas, our long-standing family traditions and our memories of them, seem to bring us together no matter how far the distance is between us.
One of my family’s Christmas traditions that we started and enjoyed during my childhood, and that I truly love still, is when we would gather together on Christmas Eve night. Long after dinner was finished, probably around 9:00 pm or so, I got to help prepare a tray full of savory snacks and sweet treats, including my Grandmother’s Italian Christmas cookies that I’d helped to bake, (see my earlier post “A Christmas Memory: At Grandmother’s House”). Grandmother was right, the cookies did look like little works of art adorning the tray. Being an artist, this was probably my favorite task every Christmas Eve, because I got to arrange the goodies, the colorful napkins and other accoutrements in a festive display for all to enjoy!
“Shout To All the Earth,” photograph by Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com
My dad would select scripture verses for each of us to read aloud. Hearing the words spoken from the Bible, telling the story of the birth of Jesus always sent chills through my body. Continue reading
“Two Angels” (One of two fragments), 1300-1324, Northern Italian Painter, First Quarter 14th Century. Image taken from a page of the 2013 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
What child is this?
They spoke of him long ago,
his life, his purpose, his death all foretold.
The wise men journeyed to worship him,
even still, to this day, he cannot be ignored.
What child is this?
A babe lying in a manger, Continue reading
A Quote to Carry You December 16, 2013
“Come they told me…A new born King to see…I have no gift to bring…That’s fit to give the King…” (excerpt taken from the lyrics of “Little Drummer Boy,” by Katherine K. Davis)
The story of “The Little Drummer Boy” has always been so meaningful to me. Hearing the words to the song always humbles me. It reminds me that no gift that I can ever give can match the gift that God gave to mankind when He gave to us His only begotten Son.
Through all of the business of the wonderful season, it is my wish to you that you will never lose sight of the magnitude of that gift…and realize that it is for you, you need only to receive it.
Peace and love,
Felecia
“Grandmother’s Cookies,” photograph by Felecia R. Weber, OntheWingofaDove.com
There are many childhood memories that I recall and revisit every year as I prepare for the holidays. I’ve always had a sweet tooth, and thanks to my Grandmother, I have enjoyed baking throughout the years. So, it is no surprise that one of my favorite holiday memories, is going to my Grandmother’s house to bake her Italian Christmas Cookies.
As I’ve mentioned in past writings, it was always a special treat for me when my parents, sisters, and I would load into the car and drive the half hour or so distance to my Grandmother’s house. Visiting Grandmother was special any time of the year, but especially during the holiday season. Grandmother would have been up hours before we’d arrived. She’d likely have had a few cups of her Red Rose tea, and the mixer, cookie sheets, rolling pin, bowls and other baking paraphernalia set out and ready to use. Continue reading