advent

Here’s a traditional Advent hymn from Charles Wesley, who knew how to be dramatic in his hymns. 1 Lo! He comes, with clouds descending,once for our salvation slain;thousand thousand saints attendingswell the triumph of His train.Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!God appears on […]

My musical Advent calendar this year is all about new songs — or rather, songs I haven’t featured in my musical Advent calendar before. I therefore bring you a song about baking, since that’s certainly something we need to be […]

It is the first Sunday of Advent, the time of waiting, watching, hoping, praying, and preparing our hearts for Christmas. Today’s song is “O Come, Divine Messiah,”a very traditional Advent hymn by Simon-Joseph Pellegrin, a French Abbe of the Renaissance. […]

#2 son came in last night on his way to #2 daughter's 9th Annual Eggnog Party. #1 daughter and #1 son came by with their spouses, kids, and #1 daughter's brother-in-law for dinner. We had Swiss Chicken, Jessie Potatoes,  salad, […]

This is an unusual telling of the Christmas story, in the voice of Jesus. It continues past His birth, so it might not be an obvious choice for Christmas. In fact, it’s rarely heard in churches at all. However, I’ve […]

Here’s the Gull Stitch cardigan. Here’s a Cranberry Coffee Cake. Almond cake with a ribbon of leftover cranberry sauce in the middle. My favorite use of cranberry sauce. And here’s the start of a Christmas sock for #1 son. On […]

“Wake, awake, for night is flying,” the watchmen on the heights are crying; “Awake, Jerusalem, arise!” Midnight hears the welcome voices and at the thrilling cry rejoices: “Where are the virgins pure and wise? The Bridegroom comes: Awake! Your lamps […]

Every year I do a virtual advent calendar of Advent and Christmas music. This year I want to begin with “This Little Babe” from Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols. We’re singing this in church choir. I’ve heard this many times […]

It’s December and time to get out of my bad mood. So no more sad songs. Advent isn’t a joyful season though, so before we move on to happy songs, we need some watching and waiting songs. Here’s one that’s […]