Monthly Archives: December 2017

Approaching Christmas, I turned to the “Methodist Hymnal” for hymns that focus on the birth of Jesus Christ. There are 769 hymns in the book, first published in 1779.  How many nativity hymns did I find?  None, if I am … Continue reading →

Each Christmas season Anna Ruth carefully produces our annual peppernuts.  First rolling the dough, stacking them overnight, then into the oven for roasting.  The product is sweet, crisp and very seasonal.

As Christmas excitement builds, when our culture honors the baby Jesus, I am reminded of the whole story of Jesus saving us by his sacrificial death and surprising resurrection. I was moved by this hymn this morning, translated for us … Continue reading →

Lisa brought home with her from her recent visit with family to Italy a lemon squeezer  made of olive wood.  She asked me to make one for Alan for Christmas.  No olive wood around here. So, made one with a … Continue reading →

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23 Amazing!  God who is far off is with us!   Who can fully grasp the meaning of this … Continue reading →

White pillar candle, maple holder, holly branches, knit mat, on our oak kitchen table!  The holiday season is upon us.   Christ comes among us, close as breathing.

I begin December with the prayer of Charles Wesley. It is hymn # 18 in “A Collection of Hymns.” Reprinted in 1864. Maker, Savior of mankind,    Who hast on me bestowed An immortal soul, designed    To be the … Continue reading →

I inherited different woods through the years, now I am trying to make things with that exotic wood.  The thing I recognize in this picture are the M and M’s!  Have a few.