Merry Christmas

For unto us a child is born.

Wishing you all a Happy and Blessed Christmas!

Pause in Advent 3

As this is our first Christmas in our new house there has been more thought put into decorations again. We have had to decide where to put things and some things that had a place and looked good  in our old house don't quite look right in the new one. We have also bought some new ones - this is a photo of one of our new decorations for this year. I got to thinking that although things may change from year to year and Christmas becomes different as the children grow up the reason for the celebration remains the same from year to year. We are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour. Jesus remains the same and Christmas will continue to happen every year despite where we are, or how we are feeling. We should be thankful for that.

Let us remember the words of one of my favourite carols

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and to all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.

You can check out some more Pause for Advent posts over at Floss's blog

A Pause in Advent

I am joining in again with A Pause in Advent over on Floss's blog, and coming a bit late to the party! But better late than never. This post will really be one and two combined and hopefully I will pick up again on Sunday with number 3.

I have been doing a Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living Course which is based on Ignatian Spirituality and am really enjoying it. It is making me reflect more and try out different ways of praying and of simply being with God. I wanted to share this song with you today as it really spoke to me when I heard it.

Come as you are, that's how I want you.
Come as your are, feel quite at home.
Close to my heart, loved and forgiven;
Come as you are, why stand alone?

No need to fear, love sets no limits.
No need to fear, love never ends.
Don't run away shamed and disheartened
Rest in my love, trust me again.

I came to call sinners, not just the virtuous.
I came to bring peace, not to condemn.
Each time you fail to live by my promise,
why do you think I'd love you the less?

Come as you are, that's how I love you.
Come as your are, trust me again.
Nothing can change the love that I bear you.
All will be well, just come as you are.


As we prepare this Advent season for the coming of Jesus let us also remember that He wants us to come to Him simply and plainly as we are, with no pretence. Let Christmas be a coming together of both us and Him.