Status Report: December

Sitting…on the couch.

Drinking…nothing. It’s too late for caffeinated and I don’t do decaffienated. On principle.

Complaining…about the weather. It’s cold. It’s been cold for as long as I can remember; it’ll be cold for the foreseeable future, says the weatherman, and by “foreseeable future” he meant all of December. “And as is December”—I’m quoting—“so goes the rest of the winter.” Brrrr and grrrr.

Realizing…that complaining about the weather can be a sanity saver. 

Remembering…yesterday. I had an unplanned full house and an impromptu potluck supper. The grandbabies brought their families over for a change of scenery on a cold afternoon and evening. It was busy and noisy and lots of fun. At least cold weather is good for something.

Reading…Family Vocation by Gene Veith, and A Puritan Theology by Joel Beeke and Mark Jones. I’m not far enough into A Puritan Theology to know what I think, but I really like Family Vocation. Thinking of our God-given roles in life as his means of providing for his creation, and of my own roles as ways to serve my neighbors gives me new motivation to do my work. 

Anticipating…so much. The excitement of the season to come: the ways to serve, fun to have, food to eat, and gifts to give. Plua, a new grandchild coming in February. I’m expecting many blessing to come.

Rearranging…two rooms of the house to make space for the Christmas tree. 

Making…new covers for the throw pillows on the couches from plaid wool kilts I got at the Salvation Army thrift store several years ago. I also brought out the single sized Hudson Bay Blanket for one couch. It all looks pleasantly cabin-like.

Liking…candles lit every evening.

Thanking…God for his protecting hand and for his restraining grace. 

Copying…Staci.

A Catechism for Girls and Boys

Part III: Questions about Salvation

104. Q. How does the Holy Spirit baptize believers?
         A. He puts them into the body of Christ by making them a living part of all those who truly believe in Him.

(Click through to read scriptural proof.)

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Sunday's Hymn: Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men of old have sung.
It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.

Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;
With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright, she bore to men a Savior,
When half spent was the night.

The shepherds heard the story proclaimed by angels bright,
How Christ, the Lord of glory was born on earth this night.
To Bethlehem they sped and in the manger found Him,
As angel heralds said.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;
True Man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us,
And lightens every load.

O Savior, Child of Mary, who felt our human woe,
O Savior, King of glory, who dost our weakness know;
Bring us at length we pray, to the bright courts of Heaven,
And to the endless day!

Youngest son tells me this is his favorite Christmas carol.

Other hymns, worship songs, sermons etc. posted today:

• Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus at Jam and Books
• O Come, O Come Emmanuel at Gospel Grace
• Be Still My Soul at By Grace Alone
• Oh, Come, Little Children at The Happy Wonderer
• Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus at Hopeful Morning
• Lord’s Day 49 at Tried With Fire 
• Lord’s Day 49, 2012 at The Thirsty Theologian
• Your Weekly Dose of Spurgeon at Pyromaniacs: Polluted Prayers Purified
• First Sunday in Advent at The Upward Call
• Praying the Sermon on the Mount: On Lust and Oaths at Daily On My Way to Heaven

Have you posted a hymn (or sermon, sermon notes, prayer, etc.) today and I missed it? Let me know by leaving a link in the comments or by contacting me using the contact form linked above, and I’ll add your post to the list.