December 1, 2020 -the 3rd Day of Advent
Here is a beautiful Huron carol hymn translated into English! Sing along if you wish!
Text composed in 1643 by Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf and set to a French folk tune called Une Jeune Pucelle. Brébeuf wrote the text in the native language of the Huron/Wendat (Wyandotte) people. It was translated into English in 1926 by Jesse Edgar Middleton .
[Wyandotte Nation – Wikipedia]
Enjoy!
November 30, 2020
I heard some sheep talk amongst themselves about something their ancestors told them about. The story goes something like this. Yes, indeedy.
“The stars in the skies started to get strange, dance around. Some even had flapping wings. “
“We sheep should have been afraid that that anamoly but we weren’t. Instead we just looked up and were suddenly filled with awe and hope. It was a good feeling that something great was about to happen somewhere close by. The shepherds were a little off guard and didn’t know what to do. But they didn’t run and hide. They stayed to protect us and see what was what. “
“We remember hearing stuff about the valleys will be exalted, and the crooked roads, and hopefully people, to be made straight… and to make way in the desert a highway for God! Boy oh boy! I really like that part about the Good One, the Lord God, gathering those little lambs in his arms…oh so safe and warm.. and gently lead those who are with young…mama lambs, and the mama cats…”
Well, that’s some story as I overheard it. I remember my humans playing a recording about that, too. Something called the Handel’s Messiah, Part 1. Then they started reading out loud sometimes from their Bible about this stuff the sheep were talking about. You’ll have to read that for yourself. I get thrilled every year when I hear that music, singing, and the readings. ‘For we, like sheep!’ Yeah, I like sheep, too, but that’s not what it meant. I think it was talking about people being sort of easily led by what’s not real, and get confused easily. Ok, if there is hope for the sheep, then there is hope for the rest of us. You’ll have to read it for yourself in Isaiah 40: 3-11. In case your Bible isn’t handy, click here if you are reading this online:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40%3A1-31&version=JUB
-From Peanut Kitty, Zanada Maleki’s cat.
November 29, 2020 –the 1st Sunday of Advent: Hope!
When a woman is told she is pregnant, that can usually be interpreted as a great leap for joy. When a woman is told she is going to become pregnant, bearing the offspring of God Incarnate, that can be a leap for joy and a leap for “Oh, Good God, help!”. And being told this by some strange being, an angel, who says, ” Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news of Great Joy! You are going to be a momma! Not just a momma, but a Madonna-Momma!”
Well, by beloved reader, think of it as a shock #1. Then you have the next part of the announcement about having found favor with God for this to happen. What, you may say, do I do, how do I answer? Now you know.
Put yourself in Mary’s shoes or sandals… she’s not married, she has a boyfriend who has been courting her, trying to do the right thing, and you, yourself, trying to do the right thing even in the hot and heavy moments to be pure for marriage and reputation. And you are in your teens, early child bearing age. Your boyfriend is old enough to grow those scraggly beards as what becomes a young man ripe for marriage, full of life experiences, and has a job, even.
But you are also a young woman of Faith, and you have devoted yourself to your religion, and now have a direct communication from God’s messenger… and so you are now thinking… “Oh….My…Goodness!” The angel fills you in on what you need to know and so you take your time to think and get over the shock…. And you answer… well, now you have to read the story for yourself. Luke 1:26-38. [Jewish Bible] -or the Bible of your choice…. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1%3A26-38&version=NIV;MSG
Remember: each candle of Advent commemorates the Sundays before Christmas Day. Each Sunday has a candle theme: Hope, Love, Joy, Peace!
And the beat goes on…..
Advent fyi: Advent: Facts And History About The Christian Season Celebration | Ancient Pages
Even today….. in 2020 AD, we still have hope:
Light has always meant hope to us, especially during the dark days of winter. On this first Sunday of Advent, the day we light the hope candle, these lights feel extra special! –Patrice Lekstrom Hunt
……to be continued! -Zanada Maleki
Thanks for tuning in to this blog. It’s experimental, and seems to be going pretty well, so far. Because of how the pages are set up you have to scroll down to the bottom of the list of writings to get to Day 1. Then pick up where you left off to become more current with the writings and all. The project started in 2019. This year, 2020, I have kept the core works, and adjusted bits and pieces. Always a work in progress!
Many thanks to the artists, photographers, videographers, and pets who allowed me to use their works and images. Tis the season for the reason, and we know the reason for the season! Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. The Christmas season is the reason we celebrate the birth of our Hope, Love, Joy. and Peace in Jesus the Christ!
Why do I do this?
It’s my next step after writing The Catnip Papers, time to restart my writing engine!
Love and joy come to you in this Holy Season! Enjoy the miracles as they unfold in your life. -Zanada Green Maleki
Advent Reads from Zee