Light the Christ Candle

Lesson: Light all previous candles plus the white candle. The white candle is the Christ candle. Today we recognize that Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, is born.

Scripture: Luke 2:15-20

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Prayer: Most Holy Lord, today you have given us the Christ Child, born of Mary, he is the hope of the earth and the joy of heaven. As we celebrate this day with carols and prayers, gifts and feasting, may we open our hearts to receive your Son. Come Incarnate Love, and rejuvenate us in body, mind, and spirit. Amen.

Hymn: Joy to the World

Have a blessed Christmas. Dona nobis pacem.

Twelve Days of Christmas

How was your Christmas?

We had a wonderfully warm Christmas; hope yours was as well. Please check out the new photo album under the links section to see how Christmas was for all the kids here at New Vision City of Refuge. They started off their day opening up stockings and having a nice breakfast accompanied by hot chocolate. Then a little later they enjoyed Christmas cake and sorrel before opening up more gifts. For dinner they feasted on turkey and ham and an assortment of side dishes. We were thrilled with the generosity of our sponsors, local churches, school groups and businesses who gave of their time, money and gifts to make this such a special day. Blessings to you and your family in the new year!

Merry Christmas

Warm Christmas greetings from Jamaica. May the Lord's blessings be upon you for the new year!

Love,

Stuart, Wendy,

Olivia, Wesley and Sophia

A Christmas Memory

His name was Raymond A. Mitchell but everyone called him Pop-pop. He was my grandfather. Christmas was memorable at my grandparent's home not only because of the gifts we received (a handmade item from my grandmother like a Raggedy Ann or Andy doll, and a stocking filled with treats that included candy, nuts, apples and oranges) but because of the love that abounded.
A quiet and gentle man, Pop-pop possessed an inner strength that I admired. At church he graciously greeted guests, dutifully checked attendance and was a favorite with all the children (his coat pockets were always filled with little goodies like zebra-striped gum which he handed out liberally).
In 1979, when I was fifteen, Pop-pop was diagnosed with colon cancer. Although weakened in body my grandfather remained a strong presence in my life. One morning as I and my siblings were headed off to school, the phone rang; Pop-pop had died. It was December 21.
Calling hours were that evening at our house. As family gathered to comfort one another and friends came to pay their condolences, sadness lingered among the Christmas lights and holiday trimmings. And then our minister, Father Jeff Rawthorn, arrived. He shook the snow off his coat, walked directly over to my grandmother and taking her hand in his he gently said, "Imagine, spending Christmas with Jesus."
Of all the words spoken that night those few captured my attention and spoke life into my heart and hope into my spirit. It was true, we were not able to be with Pop-pop that Christmas but Pop-pop was with the one whose birth we were to celebrate in just a few days.
Christmas, although a little more somber that year was not without joy. Memories were shared, gifts were exchanged and the peace that passes all understanding was present that day because of a simple reminder from a wise Episcopal priest; "Imagine, spending Christmas with Jesus."

All I Want for Christmas

“It is good to be children some times, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself”-Charles Dickens
What are you hoping for this Christmas? Here are some Christmas wishes from Olivia, Wesley and Sophia.
In Jamaica there is no such thing as one stop shopping. You usually have to go to many stores to find every item on your shopping list. With that in mind Olivia wishes that Jamaica had a Wal-mart.
Although football is popular in Jamaica it's not the same sport we're used to in the States. Wesley has been following the Indianapolis Colts on the web and wishes their season would end as well as it began.
The warm weather in Jamaica has its advantages but Sophia still wishes it would snow for Christmas. That and a puppy would really make her day.
All of us, though, want to wish our friends, families and sponsors a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Not really.
But we tried.
Icicle lights were hung on the eaves with care as we wore shorts and t-shirts.
Snowmen decorations and Santa sleighs were displayed as a soft breeze blew through opened windows.
No chill in the air; no snow on the ground; no chestnuts roasting on an open fire, no Jack Frost nipping at your nose.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...in Jamaica.
Yes, Christmas looks different this year, but the Savior we serve remains the same. He is faithful when we are frustrated, full of peace when we feel the pinch, and ever present no matter where we may find ourselves.
So, friends, where ever you might find yourself this year (no matter how it looks outside) may it look a lot like Christmas in your heart as you celebrate the birth of the Savior with the ones you love.