Let it be Christmas, everywhere

Since I live in Canada, I know first hand what the lyricist is talking about when they proclaim to be "dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the one's [they] used to know." Each year, sometime around November 12 (well, exactly November 12.. I have a spoken rule in my life that declares I am not permitted to think of Christmas or snow until Remembrance Day has been observed) I break out the Christmas tunes, and the visions of sugar plum fairies begin dancing around in my head. Unfortunately, this also means that my obsession with snow takes a front row seat in the life and times of winter me. And winter me is a happy me.

So when December 20 rolled around and the Mayan apocalypse was looming over my Christmas cheer, I couldn't believe my luck. Could it be? Could we really have a white Christmas? Or would my white Christmas turn green and leave me blue as I spent another year being foiled by Global Warming's cruel sense of humour. 

Sugar plum fairies turned to snow fairies, and my mind began drifting off into hypothetical snowbanks. I wanted my world to transform into the White Witch's castle in the Chronicles of Narnia. I wanted to wake up to a world glistening white and clean and magical. 

via

Now, while we are being honest, this is pretty much what I see when there is snow. One flake turns me into a five year old kid down the Barbie aisle of the local Walmart. I go beserk. I watch out windows with Vanilla Earl Grey tea in my oversized Mickey Mouse mug (which shouldn't surprise anyone) for hours. I dig out mittens and coats and boots and walk around in it once it accumulates. I take pictures and immortalize every snowscape, visually hanging them in the gallery of my mind. And, when I am really giddy, I go in for the ultimate: I stick my tongue out and hope to capture a few flakes.

Imagine my delight when, on Christmas morning, my hometown awoke to a white world. Fresh snow glittered in the morning sun. I am sure that if Christ hadn't been born in Bethlehem, the Nativity scene would absolutely have snow. Because for me, the glory of the Lord shines through each snowflake - unique, complex, magical. 

And so I dream of white Christmases. I think it is because when I look at snow, and see the world transforming from bleak and dirty into pure and white, Frost's ministry whisks my heart away and I hear the angels proclaiming 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth; peace and goodwill to men.' In fact, I see snow and I hear this: 

Sometimes I can be such a romantic. 

Speaking of romance, check out the [my] piano. 

I guess I am thankful that the Mayan apocalypse didn't get in the way of my favourite holiday. I am also pretty thankful that Global Warming kept her cruel sense of humour away from me this year. I don't think my inner kid-in-the-Barbie-aisle-of-Walmart could have managed another green Christmas. I might have ended up singing Elvis Presley's Blue Christmas to the snow, and that would have been awkward and terrible for everyone. 

It's lovely weather...

May you and yours be blessed this Christmas season. 

Ghosts of Christmas Past

The Kroll cousins have done a lot of these candidly terrible Christmas photos. This one is from family Christmas 2011, and features [left to right] myself, Katelyn, and Kristen.

Here are a few of my other favourites:

2009 - Kristen, Steven, myself

2007- Wes, Steven, Kristen, Me, Katelyn

My favourite thing about this picture is what happened afterwards. Everyone was pretty wet, as is usually the case when you release 5 teenagers into the snow. However, Steven and Wes had been wearing jeans and didn't have extra snow stuff on. When they returned inside, they both took their pants off, Wes (Katelyn's now fiancee) wore a pair of Grandpa's jeans, and Steve covered himself up with a bright pink towel while Grandma put the wet clothes in her dryer. 

I think this was 2006.

As you can see, we've had some pretty good photos done in the last five years. It's a tradition I am sure we will keep up, as it just produces the funniest pictures.

And don't worry, being the good generational dutch family we are, there are many more cousins on that side of the family. See?

Word of the Day: Rain

Quote of the Day: "I am grammatically appalled."

Joy.

Unspeakable joy.

Merry Christmas.

Surprise!

All the way from Germany...

That's one big Christmas Kinder Surprise! Thanks Micha!

Word of the Day: Oma

Quote of the Day: "You know what's not funny, male pattern baldness!" Chandler, from Friends

Yep, its a snow sky.

Today I watched Hairspray because I didn't feel like studying. All the while, keeping an eye on the greying sky hovering over Ancaster.

Hairspray is one of those movies that will make me laugh everytime I watch it. It's just so hilarious, and its cast is excellent. You can't get much better than Christopher Walken, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, Elijah Kelley, Michelle Pfiffer, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, James Marsden (insert little heart here) and John Travolta. It's no Christmas classic, but it'll do, pig, it'll do.

One of my favourite Christmas movie moments, though, comes to us from ELF.



Aha, I know how much my mother just *loves* Will Ferrell. But I think this movie is adorable.

Actually, now that I think about it, Christmas specials, movie moments, and Holiday cheer should be recognized. Here are some of my other favourites:

The Santa Clause with Tim Allen




Home Alone with Macauley Culkin




The Polar Express with Tom Hanks




The Sound of Music with Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews
(you're going to need to click the here to get the video)
It has always been a Christmas watch at our house.


The Nativity Story with Keisha Castle-Hughes




What are your Christmas favourites?

Word of the Day: relaxation

Quote of the Day: "Yep, it's a snow-sky." Abigail

Nativity Scene Fail

Thanks to my friend Reubin for pointing this out to me:

Can you figure out what is wrong with this picture?

Hint: Think 600 A.D.

Word of the Day: Milkshake

Quote of the Day: "Now that shit is reader response!"

Celebration. God is with us!

Emmanuel, God has come!



So, celebrate.



Joy to the world, the Lord has come! The earth recieve her King! Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing!

Word of the Day: Rejoice

Quote of the Day: "For unto us a child is born."

Let Hope Rise

Praise.







Erica comes home from France for Christmas.

Christmas is coming.

Let Hope Rise. Let Darkness Tremble.

Happy Weekend.

Word of the Day: Predictable

Quote of the Day: :You drive on the other side of the road in Alberta?!" Corey Van Huizen

Have you Heard the Bells?

I can't decide which version of this song I like better.

You don't really need to pay attention to the clips in the second one. I'm interested in the song, not the pictures, persay.





The first version is by Casting Crowns, the second by MercyMe. They are very different. Yet they are both awesome!

Also, a poem I have written. It snowed in Ancaster. I hold to the hope that the weather is making up for last year.

The days be bitter and the nights be cold

As flakes fall softly on the streets alight 

And window’s corner be they new or old

Bid fog and frost in panes’ winter delight.

There, ministry seeks frost’s cold design

Of stained glass mirrors and candle’s light show

The frozen tears and journey thus here shine

Against warm breath or eyes with golden glow.

For in the flakes a grace it doth now fall

To mittens, rosy cheeks and childish faith

Where peace be yours and goodwill to all,

Chime voices sweetly, the world to bathe,

And the street suns bid the white guided down

Upon grasses green and cement walks brown.

Word of the Day: Scrupulous

Quote of the Day: "Advent means coming to understand what it is to be in expectation of the Life of Jesus, and living thus." Pastor John

Before the Advent season

I have started listening to Christmas music.

I know that it is only the 14th of November. I know that it isn't cold enough for snow. I know that it is too early to put up the Christmas tree (though, I will likely do that this week, too). I know that black Friday doesn't happen until after the American Thanksgiving. I know that Remembrance Day was only 3 days ago.

I know that the Advent season has not started yet.

But what is wrong with being excited about the birth of my Saviour?

Christmas isn't some secularized tradition to me. It isn't about presents, or finishing exams, or snow, or Christmas trees (although, these are fun parts of the holiday season). It is about the fact that in a little over 40 days, I get to celebrate with my family and friends the fact that my God became human in order that He should die for my sins. He died so that I can have life.

My playlist is not filled with songs about Santa Claus. I get tired of the songs about snow and sleigh-rides (though, the romantic - and romance in the literary sense, here - idea of it all, is fun, and does add to the joy of the season). I'm not concerned with Frosty the Snowman, or the Grinch who stole Christmas, mostly because these things don't define Christmas.

Yet, as I look ahead to the Advent season, I can't help but be excited. Excited for lighting candles, for reading through Isaiah in preparation. For seeing family. For finishing exams (goodness, those are coming up quickly). For seeing houses lighted up. For seeing God's creation asleep under a blanket of snow. I'm excited to be a part of the body of Christ as it celebrates the coming of Jesus. He is the greatest gift there is.

That aside, I love snow, and wouldn't mind if Ancaster got some of that this year.

Word of the Day: discourse

Quote of the Day: "God created woman, and placed her in front of Adam, and he said, 'Wo! Man!' " Pastor John

The Christmas Story

Silent Night,

Holy Night,

All is calm,

All is bright

Round yon virgin mother and child

Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Hark! the harold angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled.

Joyful all ye nations rise

Join the triumphs of the skies

with angelic hosts proclaim

Christ is born in Bethlehem

Hark the harold angels sing

Glory to the newborn King!

The Birth of Jesus

¹In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ²(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³And everyone went to his own town to register.

⁴So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.⁵He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

¹⁵When 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."

¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

luke 2:1-20

Word of the Day: Celebrate

Quote of the Day: "Merry Christmas!"

Stumble

Just Copy and Paste the links. I don't know why they aren't working.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1GeltG/pascalcampion.com/door.swf

Now, that is one of the most entertaining websites I have ever come across. Click it and see for yourself. Watch the entire thing, and there is no sound, so don't worry about it scaring everyone.

This one is just funny.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/77Mxqg/wildammo.com/2009/08/09/what-stormtroopers-do-on-their-day-off/

And, can you believe it? It is nearly Christmas! It isn't quite time to think about Christmas though. I have had exams, and the last issue of the Crown for the 2009 year (which is also the last issue of the decade. Pretty stellar). Plus, putting in a lot of time consuming work in for the Crown in general. We are sending out the issue to the Alumni in the Hamilton area in the hopes that some will subscribe. So, if you are interested, here's the plug. You have until Friday to make up your mind. Leave me a comment and I will get in contact with you, you know, all 10 readers I have. : )

So yes, tedious work. The company didn't fold the papers for us this time, so I spent two hours this afternoon, with the EIC's wife and our Digital Editor, folding all the papers. Then, we had to distribute them in the mailboxes. Then, we had to fill envelopes with the letter to the Alumni, explaining what's going on, a subscription form (just in case), and the Crown issue. 776 envelopes and 4 hours later, Tim, Danielle and I were finished. The EIC had to sign all the letters, which is a pretty ridiculous job.

Oh yeah! And I write exams! I have one left, but it is in the last time slot of the last day. Most unfortunate. Then, it will be Christmas. Preparing for Christ is exciting, but so is the fulfillment of the promise.

"Oh come, o come Immanuel. And ransom captive Israel."

Word of the Day: Facetious

Quote of the Day: "Next year, we'll put a sign on the bedroom door that says BK Lounge! " Amanda Fraliegh

Nearing the end.

Lounge chairs in the Crown Office provide an excellent place to nap.

I am taking time out of essays to jot down a few thoughts:

Christmas is coming. Wonderful. But it snowed in Juarez this week. And I will complain about this again, because Hamilton is the tropics. It doesn't snow. I wish it would, because someone has built reinforcements for a potential ice rink on the soccer field out behind AUG Hall. It just..appeared. I would like to be able to skate. I would like to be able to walk down the cute little streets in Meadowlands where garlands hang from the street lights, where cars don't dare go. I want to look up and feel the snowflakes on my face. I wonder if I have taken snow and painted it into a vision that doesn't come often enough. Perhaps that is what makes it so special. God's gift spread lightly over the earth.

I drink Spiced Chai from my travel mug tonight. The blue mug that Joel brought up to me at Redeemer last March has been getting just enough wear and tear that the butterfly stickers I stuck on the exterior are starting to wear off from being washed. Sidenote: 32 cups of tea is a lethal amount of Caffiene.

And finally,

Christmas is coming.

One essay left, out of the 13 I have had to write this semester. I cannot believe that there is nearly nothing left of the year. 2009 has been good.

Word of the Day: Brazil

Quote of the Day: "Oh! Time is doing that thing I hoped it wouldn't."

Essaying Exhaustion

I have been completely immersed in school work for the last few weeks. Next week I have my last 4 essays due: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. My brain and body are very close to absolute exhaustion. This weekend is well needed, and well deserved.

My study music has been a collection of piano tunes I picked up off the radio on my iTunes, and Michael W. Smith's 'Christmastime'.

That is all I really have to say. Exhaustion is just....there. Maybe I just need to sleep...long and deeply.

Word of the Day: Impress

Quote of the Day: "I decided to screw homework." Chad Haverkamp.

Amazing Grace All Decked Out!

Well, here's a little holiday cheer!



I think it is funny how the roof looks like it is moving.
Oh, Optical allusions!

The LORD Has Come

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

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.

[Luke 2: 1-20 NIV]

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.”

[Isaiah 9:6 NIV]

Now, I don't know if it was a midnight clear, and by the sound of the angels, I doubt it was silent. I don't think there was snow, and somehow, I doubt there was mistletoe. It didn't matter. So many years ago, God came. He came as a child. Into a dark world. He came to live a perfect life, and die, for you and for me.

For years, the world had cried out for a Savior. 'Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel."

Emmanuel means 'God with Us."

Today, the world cries out for a Savior. The world cries out in its need and looks towards things like drugs, and alcohal, towards the newest gadgets, better jobs, medications, all in the hope that it will end their sorrows.

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us." [Matthew 1:23 NIV]

Today, we have a Savior. God is with us. GOD! God promised to take our sorrows. Jesus died so that we can live. That little baby slept in the manger. Not a crib, not a bed. The CHRIST spent His first night on earth in the food dish for farm animals. Emmanuel, God with us, sleep in heavenly peace.

Hark! The Herald angels sang.
Glory in the Highest!
Peace on Earth

It's not about Santa Claus. It's not about the snow. It's not about the gifts under the tree. It isn't about what you did, or didn't recieve from your family and friends. It isn't about wish-lists, or turkey, or stuffing, or carolling. It isn't about the tree, or the lights, or attending all those holiday parties. It's not about searching the stores for the perfect present. It's not about holiday specials, or Charlie Brown, or the Grinch, or even Frosty the Snowman. It's not about Christmas Bonuses, or Hot Chocolate or Hostess gifts.

Christmas is about Christ.

And it always will be.

Joy to the world, the LORD has come
Let earth recieve her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Mad Hatter

My RA and I found a hat belonging to one of the neighbor boys in our dorm this weekend when we cleaned. So I held onto it (as I was the only one brave enough to touch the dirty, smelly thing). And tonight, we shall return it in the form of a Christmas present.

There will be two motives completed here. 1) The other boys in the dorm will be sad that they did not get a Christmas present from Lorie and Myself. 2) He will be laughed at severly by his dormies, and will hopefully remember to bring his crap back with him when he leaves.

*smiles*

It's Beginning to Sound a Lot like Christmas!

I think the most amusing news story I have heard in the last few days came from the USA.

There was a Walmart employee who died the morning of 'Black Friday'. She was trampled by eager shoppers looking to get the best deals for the Christmas season. But seriously, this woman was trampled. Does no one else see how this is a brutal reflection of our consumerist society?

Christmas is about Christ's birth, the greatest gift of all was given to us by God, 2000 years ago. This, my friends, is how we celebrate the holidays today. We trample Walmart employees to 'give' to our families and friends.

I hate Christmas shopping. I hate buying gifts people don't need, and may never use. I always find it so hard to buy something. I find myself thinking, well, what will they like? What do they want? And not, what do they need..

Truth is, I was inspired by a girl in my dorm. She mentioned this past week that her parents had called and asked for a Christmas list. She told them to buy goats for someone else. Literally, buy goats.

Our dorm, as a whole, is going to go through the World Vision catalogue and come up with some goats, or chickens, or clothing, etc. to send to people around the world.

In the meantime, back home, I look forward to spending time with my family, making cookies, and meals, and playing games. I look forward to decorating, and seeing the lights, and snow. I look forward to all the things that come with the Christmas season. But most of all, I look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Oh come, Oh come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.

and then finally..

Joy to the world! The Lord HAS Come!