Tim Woodcock writes: The carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” stirs up very specific memories in me and, perhaps more than any other piece of music, it has the ability to transport me elsewhere. No matter where I am when I hear it, I imagine myself to be in a Methodist chapel in Ketton, a village in England, where my mom’s family is from and where we would typically spend Christmas when I was a child. “Hark! The herald-angels sing / ‘Glory to the newborn king.’” My mom’s voice, my grandma’s voice (recognizably the same timbre yet older), my grandad – a farmer whose hands are a little too large for the keys on the organ – vigorously bashing out the tune. A small crowd singing with great gusto. This is absolutely a chapel not a church, a building that holds no more than 30 people, a good portion of whom I am related to, one way or the other. But beyond that idiosyncratic association for me, there’s something more universal at play. The rising notes of “Join the triumph of the skies...

 A recommendation from Ellen Schroeder:  There's an excellent blog post discussing the Latin American tradition of Las Posadas on the website of Bread for the World. The tradition of Las Posadas – which translated means the inns - re-enacts the journey of Mary and Joseph over a series of nights during Advent.   “Traditionally repeated over nine nights, from December 16 to December 24, these ritual processions wind through barrio streets. At each house along the way, neighbors reject la Sagrada Familia until finally they are welcomed with a nightly fiesta at the last stop,” writes Dr. Carmen M. Nanko-Fernández.  Click here to read the whole article “ On Faith: Marking the Season Latinamente .”

In response to a request for Christmas songs, Ellie Stock shared a song of her own, which was written in the 1970s during the Advent season. While not obviously a Christmas song at first glance, the lyrics explore themes highly relevant to Advent: unfolding mysteries, “chosen-ness,” and the fullness of time. Ellie is currently revisiting many of her previous songs, tweaking them and converting handwritten musical scores into electronic files. Thanks for sharing – and perhaps we can hear it performed at some point.

Barbara Bowyer writes: Many of you have probably never heard of my favorite Christmas song, Nū ʻoli , which translates from the Hawaiian language to Glad Tidings . I first heard it when I was living in Hawaii and it has been a Christmas standard for me ever since. The artists are the Brothers Cazimero, beloved and well known through the islands. Their harmonies are beautiful and whenever I play it, I can’t help but feel a smile in my heart. The chorus is especially uplifting, even if you don’t understand the Hawaiian language.  I’ve included a link in case you want to hear it for yourself. The original Hawaiian lyrics and the English translation are provided below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-8y_xB0kZ0 Nū ʻoli! Nū ʻoli! He nū kamahaʻo! He nū no ke ola mai luna mai nō No kānaka nui, no kamaliʻi nei A ʻoi ka nani i ke gula aʻiaʻi  Hui:    Nū ʻoli! Nū ʻoli!  Nū kamahaʻo, kamahaʻo, kamahaʻo ē!  Nū ʻoli! nū ʻoli!  ...

Barbara Bowyer writes: This past Sunday, the Adult Forum continued its Advent study under the guidance of Pastor Travis. Our reading for the day was Genesis 32: 22-32, where Jacob wrestles all night with God. Unlike the WWE, however, this was not entertainment-based performance theater, featuring storyline-driven, scripted and partially choreographed matches. The struggle was real; I imagine God then Jacob seemingly having the upper hand in the contest only to have the other to find a second wind to continue the struggle. Neither side has a clear advantage and so the wrestling continues throughout the night. After he prevails in his fight and receives his desired blessing, Jacob is injured at the hip, an injury he will carry with him the rest of his life. The sun rises, and he's given a new name — Israel — which means 'he who wrestles with God.' The new name reflects his struggle, and the destiny of an entire people. As I considered the passage, I was struck by the lengt...