There is no audio for this video by Jenyik
Leaving the rectory late this afternoon I was aware of a subtle change in the atmosphere. The sky was just gray enough and the air just chill enough to nudge me into accepting that we're nearly half way through November with Thanksgiving and Advent on the horizon.
I'm not keen on leaving summer behind (something I can't do as early as Labor Day) but there was something in the air today that teased me to think of December and winter in a friendly way.
As the seasons change here in New England, I love to use Preface V for Sundays in Ordinary Time:
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
All things are of your making,
all times and seasons obey your laws,
but you chose to create us in your own image,
setting us over the whole world in all its wonder.
You made us the stewards of creation,
to praise you day by day for the marvels of your wisdom and power,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We praise you, Lord, with all the angels
in their song of joy...
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
All things are of your making,
all times and seasons obey your laws,
but you chose to create us in your own image,
setting us over the whole world in all its wonder.
You made us the stewards of creation,
to praise you day by day for the marvels of your wisdom and power,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We praise you, Lord, with all the angels
in their song of joy...
We are not always faithful stewards of the creation trusted to our care, but God is faithful in seasons' changes, reminding us that the whole of creation is born, blooms, fades and dies - only to rise again.
Living in our hearts, seasons have feelings, memories, scents, sounds and touch... As fall fades into winter what does the change waken or lull to sleep within you?
How wise and wonderful is the presence of God in the world around us...
I never seem to be ready for the change of a season. I don't know why, I just am not. The upcoming "Christmas Rush" I seem to dread more each year. I enjoy many aspects of the season, but not the shopping part. I do it, but I wish it could be eliminated, or I wish I were one of those people who is so organized they get the shopping done ahead of time, so they don't turn into a frantic nervous wreck!!!
ReplyDeleteI have found that as I get older the seasons all have different meanings. I used to love spring, but now I love fall. It's such a beautiful time of year. While the thought of the holidays and snow coming up can be disconcerning, I try to put them in perspective and just enjoy the crisp air, the foliage, and the loss of the heat. This year, instead of buying gifts no one really needs, I'll be making donations to different charities in family and friend's names. It takes away the stress, and it certainly is well worth the "special gifts".
ReplyDeleteAlways this (first song on CD):
ReplyDeletehttp://www.westonpriory.org/esales/winters.html