DEN Enews

Joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30)

Given the terrible attack in Australia, the insecurity at synagogues all over the world, floods and too much tragedy throughout the world, we must ask ourselves if the psalmist was right when it was written that Joy comes in the morning. Christine Sine from Walking in Wonder has this to say about the theme of Joy in Advent:

This is not a joy of happiness or of fulfillment, but a joy of anticipation. It is best expressed in the middle of disaster and heartache and violence that destroys nature and people and cultures. In the midst of these things, our hearts long for the fulfillment promised in the birth of Christ. And in that longing we respond in whatever way we can.

Anna from Laudato Si sends this:

As we journey through this sacred season of Advent and Christmas, we do so with renewed hope. Hope that was born in a humble manger in Bethlehem and alive today in every act of love for our common home. In a world burdened by ecological crisis and suffering, your tireless work for creation, justice, and true ecological conversion becomes a living sign of the Gospel. Thank you!

This season invites us to pause, return to the heart, and remember that the light we await is already among us, guiding our movement with courage, compassion, and joy. May the coming of Christ strengthen our resolve, deepen our hope, and bless our collective journey toward a healed and flourishing Earth

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Let us remember that JOY comes in many forms; sometimes its the joy from following our passions and working to recreate creation as it should be. May you find joy in the simple things of life this holiday season. May those you meet see your joy and wish to share that light.

Maybe Joy comes in the evening too

Great news- More reasons for Joy

Until most recently, the province had a policy that refused rehabilitation to injured or orphaned bear cubs, Instead they were euthanized. Hope for Wildlife has released this exciting news.

A major milestone for Hope for Wildlife is within reach. We’re getting ready to submit our plans for Nova Scotia’s first black bear rehabilitation facility. Working with the Department of Natural Resources, we’re finalizing the designs and documents needed for the official construction application—meaning we’re truly ready to build for bears.

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Trust Grandma to always bring us JOY

Christmas.

The holidays are tiptoeing closer, aren’t they? This week Grandma made her little trip to the Bookmobile. The poor big book bus has been laid up for a couple of months now, waiting on one stubborn part. In the meantime, I’ve been hopping in the car and driving the 20 kilometres to the Legion, where they’ve kindly given the library a cozy corner to drop off returns and pick up our waiting book holds.

Books have always mattered in our family. One of my daughter’s dearest Christmas traditions began when her first little one arrived. Every year on December 1st, Anne borrows 24 library books, wraps them up, and tucks them into a tub near the tree. Each evening, the children take turns choosing one, unwrapping it, and settling in for a bedtime story read out loud.

That tiny baby who started it all is 19 now, reading to his 10-year-old brother, while their 14-year-old sister curls up close to listen. It has become their quiet ten minutes in a noisy world — the television off, the house stilled, and only the sound of a story filling the room.

So simple. So gentle. It costs nothing at all, yet gives so much. What a beautiful way to sprinkle a little calm into a very busy season. You just have to love that.

The gift box is off to Ontario. My two sons gather for their Nova Scotia Christmas around New Year’s, Sending that box is always a big punctuation mark in our house — a happy exclamation point. Everything else may still be in bits and pieces, but once that box is mailed, it truly feels like Christmas has arrived.

From there on, the days are filled with little brackets of small chores tucked between bigger jobs. There are question marks; Will that fit? Is that the right book? Will the parcel make it home in time? There are long to-do lists, commas after commas, and always a few italicized tasks that matter most: decorating the church tree, putting on the Advent linens, adding garland and wreaths so the church feels warm and welcoming. The Christ child is coming. We prepare our hearts and our hands.

Next week is baking week. What will I make? That changes every year, but my mother’s sugar cookies are a constant.

Cookies — or any baked good — might just be my favourite gift of all. For years, I baked and delivered little boxes or bags to seniors on Christmas Eve. This year, as our neighbours across the road headed off to the airport, they stopped in with tubs of baking. One of them was what she calls her Nan’s sugar cookies, and wouldn’t you know it,  they tasted exactly like my mom’s.

I use the same recipe, but those cookies carried me right back in time: Mom lifting cookies from the pans while Dad came in with the milk buckets. He’d swipe one, Mom would pretend to scold him, and laughter would ring through the kitchen. Maybe these cookies will give you a memory or two of your own.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar (I’ll admit — I often use a little less)

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

A splash of milk

4 cups flour

3–4 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

Cream the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Mix the dry ingredients together and add to the bowl, using a little milk to make a soft dough.
Roll out, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

If you slightly underbake them, they taste just like shortbread. I sprinkle red and green sugar on top before baking,  because Christmas should always sparkle just a little.

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Advent Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!'

Amen.

- Henri J.M. Nouwen