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| Advent Candles representing hope, love, joy, and peace Photo by J.Q. Rose |
Traditionally the day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday and then a weekend of Small Business shopping and of course Cyber Monday. What a way to star the shopping season.
On Sunday, December 29, 2015, followers of Christ open the season of Advent, a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ on Christmas Day, December 25. This special season in the Christian church includes prayer, devotions, joy, and anticipation during the four Sundays prior to Christmas, the birthday of Jesus. During each Sunday of the Advent season, we focus on one of the four virtues Jesus brings us: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. A candle is lighted so all four candles are glowing on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day when the white candle in the center representing Jesus Christ is lit.
The tradition of observing Advent was first begun during the time of the Protestant reformer Martin Luther. Through the ages, the symbols have changed. Some denominations believe the first candle represents expectation, and the next three represent hope, joy, and purity. Although there are different interpretations as to the meaning of the candles, they are all a reminder of our call to aspire to live as followers of Jesus.
Does your family observe Advent by lighting candles at home or church? The Advent wreath is a beautiful reminder of what Christmas is all about. In the midst of the shopping and the busy-ness of the season, take time to remember the candles and the reason for the season.
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Tiny Tidbits for Life and Writing
- Do you know the traditional flower of Christmas, the poinsettia,
is not the red or colored leaves, but rather the small flowers in the center of the leaves? Take it from a former florist, you want to purchase a poinsettia that has buds or just beginning to open flowers for a fresh poinsettia plant that will last all season.
Poinsettia plant
Photo by J.Q. Rose - If you are planning to donate to a charity this year, check for information on the charity at the Charity Navigator to make a wise decision for your donation.
This Week:
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| Deadly Undertaking Available at all major online booksellers. |
I am excited to learn that my mystery, Deadly Undertaking, was selected by Kobo to be included in the Kobo Cyber Monday promotion.
I also received notice Deadly Undertaking has been chosen in the Overdrive Holiday Spectacular. Overdrive will be recommending this e-book, among many others, to libraries.
Wednesday, December 2--Insecure Writers Support Blog Hop. Join lots of authors to discuss their insecurities. Fun and interesting way to meet new authors and make friends.
Congratulations to the Winners in the Deadly Undertaking Book Blog Tour!
Heather Brainerd, Susan Bernhardt, and Loni Townsend!
And to those who didn't win a prize, but left a comment or visited one of my hosts. I appreciate your participation and support. Please be sure to Follow the J.Q. Rose by email because I don't send newsletters every month or badger you with emails. If you do leave your email address in the box above, you will be updated on the blog posts here. And there WILL be more opportunities to win prizes too! Thank you!!
7 comments:
I'm so thankful to have won your new book, to have had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend with my family, and to ring in the holiday season with health and happiness. I grew up with Advent candles, but have yet to introduce a set into my own home. Thanks for the reminder! Happy holidays, J.Q.!
Heather, it is my pleasure to share my book with you. So happy you have so many blessings in your life. I hope the Advent candles will enrich your Christmas season.
I've always loved the first Sunday in Advent, JQ. As you say in your post, it's such a symbol of hope and anticipation. I hope you enjoyed a happy Thanksgiving. Best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas season.
Thank you, Helena. Wishing you a joyful Christmas too.
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