Ramblings of a Technology Addict

Tuesday, December 24, 2002

The Last Minute Gift Project

Spreading the love at the very last possible minute...
The Last Minute Gift Project is the brainchild of Dave Tepper and is dedicated to bringing random gifts to random people this holiday season.
This project has all kinds of karmic value...
10:31:07 AM comment []

Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero

Ah yes, Christmas Eve. I wrote a few days ago about Advent in the Bridge household, things have changed since the diaspora...my brother's in Connecticut in the Navy, my sister's in school in Wisconsin, I'm here in Virginia and my folks are splitting time between two houses in California and Arizona. Since then, the Advent readings done around the table before dinner have changed into the Advent emails...here is today's
How could our journey come to such a quick end? This morning dawns The Eve of Christmas Day. There are so many wonderful passages to celebrate the day, that the Catholic Church has three separate and distinct services; midnight, dawn and morning.
I have chosen the Old Testament reading from the Mass at Midnight, because I love the way the words sound. If you are where you can read this passage aloud - either to yourself or to friends or family near you - I recommend you share the reading aloud.
Is 9:1-5
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing,
as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
This fourth week is the week of hope, and there are hardly more hopeful words than these. Rejoice! You have waited and prepared and the One for whom you waited is coming. . . And bringing Hope and Joy!
One small favor . . . As you bustle about this Christmas Eve Day - doing those last few errands, remembering just what is needed, and providing same - I ask you to think of just one piece of advice that you have learned this Christmas season . . .
If there is something you did that worked out better than you had hoped it would; if there is something that you wished you had done or wished you had done differently; if there is something that YOU want to remember about this Advent - please send me a short email some time this week.
I intend to compile a list - no names unless you really want credit - and will share the list of best hints from the 2002 Advent season with all of the Adventurers next November. . . .
If there is something you learned from Advent this year, comment below and I'll make sure they get sent along. Also, if you're interested in being a part of the advent list for next year, comment below and I'll send that off as well.
Today's reading is my favorite in all of the Bible. Hope. Salvation. Promises that all will be better once this Savior is born. But I think the most evocative part of this reading is the language. Most other places, I see this reading changed, altered so it reads (King James) "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.'" Is it just me, or is the first translation more poetic? I guess I just like the old feel of the words.
Merry Christmas all. May the Joy and Peace of this season be with you.
8:54:42 AM comment []