This year is extra full for me, during the festal season, because a LOT of family are coming to my house, a bunch of them for nine blessed nights, from all over the country and from outside the country. They are expected to arrive a few days before Christmas, which is very soon, and I still have much preparation to do. Twelve or fifteen extra people will sleep under my roof; it will be a Christmas slumber party! And a few more will be with us for celebratory cooking and eating.
I’ve been grocery shopping (repeatedly) in six different stores, and clearing out “work” rooms for sleeping, and wrapping presents and …. well, you know. But I haven’t baked one cookie, in spite of looking daily at the soft butter sitting on the counter, waiting. If I hadn’t finally dusted the living room blinds this morning I wouldn’t be calm enough to sit down here for a few minutes.
But — I’m so grateful that there is a Prefeast Vespers service this evening for me to attend, to help me focus, and where I can pray with verses such as these:
O ye people, let us celebrate the forefeast of the nativity of Christ, and elevating our mind to Bethlehem, let us soar aloft in thought and behold the great mystery in the cave; for Eden was opened when God issued forth from the pure Virgin, being perfect in both divinity and manhood. Wherefore, let us cry aloud: O holy God, Thou unoriginate Father! O Holy and Mighty One, Thou Son Who becamest incarnate! O holy Immortal One, Thou comforting Spirit! O Holy Trinity, glory be to Thee!
Prepare thyself, O Bethlehem!
Gladsome Lights 
That verse is really beautiful!
How exciting to have so many visitors! That is a joy but will, of course, be hard work! I hope you have a blessed time!xx
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Oh my! That many loved ones for nine days would overwhelm me but hopefully you’re made of stronger stuff. No doubt there will be lots of helping hands.
The Apricot Macaroons sound simple and delicious!!
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Glory be to the Trinity! I can just sense your anticipation and whirl of activity. Enjoy your beloveds to the fullest.
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It will be good to think of you surrounded by so many loved ones!
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What an enormous blessing! Praying that you have a peaceful, merry Christmas!
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I so relate to “If I hadn’t finally dusted the living room blinds this morning I wouldn’t be calm enough to sit down here for a few minutes.” May your whole Christmas season be blessed!
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Oh what joy in anticipation of all those loved ones under your roof. How amazing to celebrate God Incarnate along with our loved ones. And back to earth how wonderful to have those blinds dusted! 🙂 All things merry and bright. Enjoy His light!
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The vespers sound beautiful. I’m so glad you will be surrounded by your dear family for the holidays. It sounds like a house full of joy. Merriest of Christmases to you!
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I would be having a melt down with so many having a slumber party under my eaves. But how sweet, in the midst of the chaos of festivaling, to have loved ones so near. And your plans for Vespers to set it all off sounds a perfect way to set the heart in that right vibration. Happiest of Christmases to you and yours!
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Thank you, Brenda! Merry Christmas to you!
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Well, you will surely have a very merry Christmas, Gretchen. A time to rival Fezziwig’s!
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Your post spoke to me. God bless you for your generosity and hospitality! China
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How wonderful! May the Lord richly bless you! A Blessed Nativity Feast 🙏
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