Think of the classic Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” It’s one that most Christians know well, but have you ever taken time to really explore what its words convey? Just what are we singing about when we join in with this age-old tune? Contained within the stanzas of this beautiful carol is a proclamation of who we welcome into our midst on Christmas Day as we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child.

“Pa rum pum pum pum…I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum.” These lyrics come from one of my favorite Christmas songs, Little Drummer Boy. I’m sure we’re all familiar with the lyrics, the tune, and some even question the boy's decision to play drums for a baby. The song lays out the reasoning for the little boy’s decision to play his drum for baby Jesus, the One who came to save the world from its sin.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. God's love is eternal: creating, saving, and sustaining. God's love is ever present. I carry in my phone a picture of my first Christmas, where I'm sitting on the lap of my sister Susan. I am grateful for being born here in Gregory, and for the wonders of growing up in family love.

Mistletoe is a plant that grows on a range of trees including willow, apple and oak trees. The tradition of hanging it in the house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids. It is supposed to possess mystical powers which bring good luck to the household and wards off evil spirits. It was also used as a sign of love and friendship in Norse mythology and that’s where the custom of kissing under Mistletoe comes from.

Long before Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and caroling, people in medieval Europe celebrated the Christmas season with 12 days of feasting and revelry. During the Middle Ages, Advent was observed as a time of fasting from rich foods and overindulgence.

https://extension.illinois. edu/blogs/good-growing/202112-03-how-take-care-amaryllisand- get-them-rebloom Ken Johnson Along with evergreens and poinsettias, another sign that the holidays are approaching is the appearance of amaryllis in stores.