General Chat

Thank you for that Cynthia :-D <3. Yes, I was aware of that one, what a conversion.

The Rosary and its Hail Marys is quoting the angels speaking to Mary in Luke.

Mary, daughter of Joachin and Anne was herself born of a miracle. Her Father was

sterile.He and his wife prayed for a miracle. The result was Mary. Her parents gave

her to the Temple as they had promised. So the Rosary prays to Mary, born of a

miracle who gave birth to Jesus, another miracle.Mary had sons through a second

marriage, who were the brothers of Jesus.

Good morning :-)

We have now reached the last Sunday of 2019 - how quickly they all came round! :-0


The Collect (special prayer) for today:

Almighty God,
who wonderfully created us in your own image
and yet more wonderfully restored us
through your Son Jesus Christ:
grant that, as he came to share in our humanity,
so we may share the life of his divinity;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Gospel reading tells of the story of the Flight into Egypt and the killing of the young male children.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-D

Good to know I have caused some laughter and made people smile - it was a good one wasn't it? :-D

David, check out Acts 26 12-18 - one of the most famous stories in the bible.


So we continue to Follow the star...

At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Jewish people had been living under the control of the Romans. They needed to believe that one day things would be different, that hope was on its way.

A star, shining brightly in the sky, points towards a baby who is born to be light in the darkness. This baby is going to bring a new day to end the night of fear and worry and oppression. The darkness of war and struggle and pain is about to be consumed by dawning light. God has not forgotten his people. Light and life is breaking through.

Thank you, God, that with you there is always hope. Bring your light to the dark situations we face in our world. Amen.


Today is also known as Holy Innocents Day :

"When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi." Matthew 2:16
This version of a very popular carol fits in with this day.....and yes, I bet you end up singing it through...... :-)


O Little Town of Bethlehem
words by Don Hinchey – Amos Trust.


O little town of Bethlehem
how still we see thee lie
above thy deep and restless sleep
a missile glideth by
and over dark streets soundeth
the mortar's deadly roar
while children weep in shallow sleep
for friends who are no more.

How silently, how silently
their hope has gone away
no laughter rings no choir sings
in shepherd’s fields this day.
The angels in the heavens
are hushed in sad lament
back in exie the Holy Child
finds Herod won't relent.

O Holy Child of Bethlehem
descend to us we pray.
your love bring down on David's town
drive fear and hate away.
Awake the ire of nations
let justice be restored
rebuild the peace in silent streets
where once your love was born.


Cx :-)

I'm with Rose on this one Cynthia and my OH
and myself also had a laugh out loud moment <3

Cynthia I am not even going to try and get all the answers, but do thank you for a laugh out loud moment :-D

9. What is a heavenly host?

B. The angel who serves refreshments in heaven

:-D :-D :-D

My very best wishes to you and everyone on this thread, for a healthy and happy New Year. xx

Good morning Cynthia and other forum users :-D <3

A large part of the NT was written by Paul, formerly Saul, a Roman Jew.

Had Paul ever met Jesus ? He risked the remainder of his life teaching what he knew.

Good morning :-)

‘Follow the Star’ is a C of E initiative which takes a look at Advent and the 12 days of Christmas - the journey of the Wise Men, taking us to Epiphany on 6th January. We will journey with them.

‘There’s no doubt that the universe is an amazing place. There are trillions of stars out there and each on is a small miracle of gas and gravity. Looking at the stars in the night sky tells a story that started millions of years ago. Only now do we see the light that started its journey back before most of our ancestors were born. Every star is incredible, and yet the wise men, looking up, had to wonder what they were seeing. These men who studied the skies and who knew the stars inside out could still be amazed. In the midst of God’s spectacular creation, something unusual called to them and they opened their minds to look in awe.’

The actual journey of these wise men could easily have taken a long time. It would appear from Matthew 2:7 that the star, which the wise men had seen, had appeared at the moment of Jesus’ birth. But the wise men had arrived after the birth. If they saw the star at the moment of Jesus’ birth, then it would have taken at least a few months for the wise men to arrive.

Anyone fancy a quiz? Answers tomorrow...….. :-D :-D


1. Joseph was originally from... (Luke 2:3)
A. Bethlehem
B. Nazareth
C. Hebron
D. Jerusalem
E. None of the above

2. What does the Bible say that the innkeeper said to Mary and Joseph? (Luke 2:7)
A. “There is no room in the inn.”
B. “I have a stable you can use.”
C. “Come back later and I should have some vacancies.”
D. Both A and B
E. None of the above

3. A manger is a...
A. Stable for domestic animals
B. Wooden hay storage bin
C. Feeding trough
D. Barn

4. Which animals does the Bible say were present at Jesus’ birth?
A. Cows, sheep, goats
B. Cows, donkeys, goats
C. Sheep and goats only
D. Miscellaneous barnyard animals
E. None of the above

5. Who saw the star in the east?
A. Shepherds
B. Mary and Joseph
C. Three kings
D. Both A and C
E. None of the above

6. According to the Bible, how did Mary and Joseph get to Bethlehem?
A. Camel
B. Donkey
C. Walked
D. Joseph walked, Mary rode a donkey
E. Horse-drawn chariot
F. Who knows?

7. How many angels spoke to the shepherds? (Luke 2:10)
A. One
B. Three
C. Multitude
D. None of the above

8. What did the angels say/sing? (Luke 2:14)
A. “Glory to God in the highest, etc.”
B. “Alleluia”
C. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given”
D. “Joy the world, the Lord is come”
E. “Glory to the newborn King”

9. What is a heavenly host?
A. The angel at the gate of heaven
B. The angel who serves refreshments in heaven
C. An angel choir
D. An angel army
E. None of the above

10. There was snow that first Christmas...
A. Only in Bethlehem
B. All over Israel
C. Nowhere in Israel
D. Somewhere in Israel


:-D :-D :-D :-D


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I hope everyone had a good and peaceful day yesterday..... <3


Today is Boxing Day which has several traditions attached to it. It was a day when employers gave their servants a box to take home containing gifts, bonuses and leftover food. It was also a time for churches to open their poor boxes to give the money to those in need.

It is also St. Stephen’s Day – the first Christian martyr who was stoned to death for his belief and faith in Christ.

On this bank holiday, we remember those who care for the poor and needy, especially foodbanks, and for those who are persecuted for their faith.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

A very Happy and Blessed Christmas to you all. <3


Cx :-)

Cynthia <3 Last door sums it up for me thank you.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and hope tomorrow brings
you all much happiness. <3

My thoughts and prayers for those in difficult circumstances,
peace and good fortune x

Good morning :-)

Yes indeed.....Christmas Eve already - how quickly the time has passed. I am so glad that people have appreciated the Advent calendar - a new venture but worthwhile I think. <3

And so to the last door...…..

https://calendar.myadvent.net/?id=f72f8b2226aa3d9054c76612b1abec53

Cx :-)

Wishing everyone seasonal greetings :-D <3

Hello all

Thanks to Cynthia for the special Advent Calendar, which has been a blessing to open each morning. Many thanks also for the daily postings and cyber support from all xx

I am with our family and I am one of the lucky ones to be surrounded by much love.

Sending Happy and Peaceful Christmas Wishes to all who pop into this thread today.

Good evening

Only one more door to open on the calendar. Where has the month gone? It has been good to start the day quietly each morning with a look at the entry for that day. Thank you Cynthia for posting the link each day.

I am looking forward to the radio broadcast tomorrow of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from Kings, Cambridge. I listen every year and for me it is the real start of Christmas.

I am sorry you have not been feeling 100% David. I hope things pick up for you very soon.

Like Kandj I have been thinking of those who are finding it difficult to feel festive. Christmas is such a family time that many who have lost a loved one recently or who are alone for any reason must really struggle. I pray for support and peace for them and thank God for the love of my own family and friends.

In case I don’t manage to post again before Christmas I thank Cynthia for keeping the thread going for another year and thank all you posters for your contributions, and I wish you all a blessed, calm and happy Christmas <3 <3

Looking through all the prayers on the advent calendar
Cynthia, how lovely they look and a pleasure to re-read.

Thank you x

Good morning :-)

Yes, the fourth candle has been lit, leaving just the one for Christmas Eve. <3

Today's Advent door..

https://calendar.myadvent.net/?id=f72f8b2226aa3d9054c76612b1abec53

Off to iron bedroom curtains...…...sigh...

Cx :-)

Hello all

The fourth Advent candle was lighted in church this morning. It is another purple one which is known as the Angel's Candle and signifies Peace. With this one we are reminded of the Angel's message of "Peace on earth, goodwill towards men."

David, very sorry you're not feeling well and I hope you will feel much better soon.

Thoughts and prayers to all who may be struggling with the so-called Festive Season. Sending ((hugs)) now to all who need them x

Good morning :-)


Ah, there you are David - hope you feel better soon. You can just post something nice and Christmassy :-D

The theme at church today is very much based around the Virgin Mary and the birth of Jesus.

Our Advent door for today.....

https://calendar.myadvent.net/?id=f72f8b2226aa3d9054c76612b1abec53

Cx :-)

Hello, good morning to you all <3 Seasons greetins to you all :-D

Been under the weathe lately, but who hasn't ?

Didn't want to post "obscure" items at Christmas ;-)

Don't want to be thought blasphemous.

Good morning :-)


Sounds a good idea to me Emma <3

I only tend to nip on and off here but haven't seen David for a while - is he okay does anyone know?

Love this.... "Make sure you get supplies in for 30 days as the shops will be shut for 12 hours". :-D :-D

Today's Advent door

https://calendar.myadvent.net/?id=f72f8b2226aa3d9054c76612b1abec53


Cx :-)