OUR GOALS:  TO ENGAGE  TO ENRICH  TO EDUCATE  TO ENTERTAIN O u r People Up To Something: Where Being Active Is Our Way Of Life DECEMBER 2020 Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange, 200 North Catherine Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525, 708-352-0730-www.gracelg.org Dear OPUS Friends, In a year marked by so much tumult and challenge, Advent comes as a welcome invitation to hope. Though God’s saving promise has not yet been fully realized in our weary world, it is clear that God has not given up on us. We await the promise of light – the promise of Jesus – who will again come into the world as vulnerably as we once did, and who will show us what it means to live in love.

Alongside the hope of Advent, I know that many of you are also feeling deep grief as the coronavirus impacts our ability to gather as God’s people during this season. I share that grief. (WOW, do I share that grief!) As we move through Advent and Christmas in such different ways this year, Grace’s Stewardship team and I want to encourage you to stay connected to God and to the Grace community during this time. Here are some ways we might do that:

Connect to God through online worship. We know that worshipping from home feels so very different than worshipping in the Sanctuary. And yet, God longs to meet you in Word and Sacrament - there is no lockdown on these gifts of grace. Connect to each other and to the wider community. Hope is sustained in relationship with others. Reach out to Alice Oscarson or Karen Janik for ways to be connected to others in this time and for ways you might offer your gifts to those in need beyond Grace. Connect to God’s generous purpose for your lives. Your financial gifts to Grace help God’s love continue to transform lives in body and in spirit. Please consider pledging for the 2021 year or take the leap into online giving. May your generosity be a blessing to your lives of

faith, just as it is a blessing to the world.

There’s no getting around it. . . it will be painful to not be gathered in our Sanctuary this Advent and Christmas. But we also know that the sanctuary of God’s grace is more than just a building. Thank you for being part of a community of believers so deeply committed to broadening the gospel’s reach.

I thank God for you.

Waiting in hope,

Pastor Heidi Exploring Grace All are welcome to join our community of faith as we grow together.

We invite you to join us via Zoom to get a feel for the Grace community. We’re not perfect, but there is life here! We’d love to have you join us as we journey together in faith. New Member Orientation Tuesday, December 8 7:00 pm

Register at www.gracelg.org/events or contact Karen Janik at [email protected]

The True Light Online Christmas Worship The www.gracelg.org/live True Light Nativity December 21 Blue Christmas 7:00 pm Walk A service of healing via Zoom (see page 5)

December 24 Visit the Catherine Lawn this Christmas Eve Services Advent for a special lighted Good News of Great Joy 4:30 pm Family Worship led by Grace Place Kids Nativity Walk. This beautiful, Traditional Worship 7:30 pm interactive space is available to

December 25 help us engage in this Advent Christmas Day Service 10:00 am season that is so different for many of us.

Sounds of the Season

Enjoy this free musical celebration of the holidays from the comfort of your own home. A Virtual Event, Directed by KC Congdon

Saturday, December 12 4:00 pm CST www.agaperingers.org

What did Adam say on the day before Christmas? It's Christmas, Eve! 2 Grace’s Generosity Secret Santa Thank you for continuing to Grace families sponsored over reach out into the community 60 children through the Secret  Balls and world to share God’s love! Santa program, supporting  Books Your generous giving of time, children in need in our  Hats & Gloves talents and dollars have touched community. In addition many  Pajamas  Sweatshirts the lives of many this fall. gifts for the “Empty Shelves” have also been donated. Veteran’s Event– Genesis Teens and their families Secret Santa Empty Shelves gifts joined the Prayer Shawl team to benefit Pillars Community Health pack toiletry bags for homeless Children. Gifts can be dropped veterans in November. Genesis in the Grace Parking Lot Collec- families packed over 120 bags tion Tote by Dec. 15. knitted by the Prayer Shawl team. Toothpaste, a pair of socks and a wash cloth—the bags were Encouraging imagination, packed with items most of take exploration and creativity, for granted, but mean so much where children can learn and to those being served by the Vet- grow in a Christian eran’s Homeless Department at environment . Hines VA Hospital. Social work- Giving Thanks ers at Hines share that they help Priority registration for the Dear Friends of BEDS Plus, process new 4-5 Vets per day. Fall 2021 school year Preschool During this year of uncertainty & PreK programs begins A Christmas Blessing– Hundreds my appreciation for our faithful of Christmas Cards will be December 1, 2020. community of supporters has delivered to Grace members this Open enrollment begins in deepened. Advent Season. January. Contact Preschool Backpack Buddies Thank you for all the ways you Director Heather Grant or visit The Backpack Buddies team have continued to support the continues to reach out in www.gracelg.org/preschool for BEDS mission during this chal- support of local school children more information. lenging time. facing food insecurity. This is especially critical during this Enjoy the moments with your time when many children are family, however you celebrate this Thanksgiving and year-end not able to be in person for learning. holidays.

I look forward to a time when we Binging Warmth can gather and serve together Nearly 300 children's scarves very soon. were knit by the Prayer Shawl team this season! Scarves were Designated 2020 Christmas Gratefully, delivered to children in the Back Offerings will support the work Tina Rounds Pack Buddies Program, of the ELCA at both the local Executive Director Constance Morris House and and international levels. BEDS Plus Secret Santa program children. What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Snowflakes 3 Leland Albright 2 Dorothy Lamour 10 Betty Grable, 18 Carol Zboril 20 Patrick Lynch 2 Emily Dickinson, 10 Ty Cobb 18 Mary Shore 22 Robert Klonowski 4 Cheryl Schultz 12 Jeff Moore 18 Kathryn Von Drasek 24 Linda Edens 5 Phyllis Meyer 13 Gail Morris 18 Betty Lundy 26 David Lepper 6 Susan Palmer 13 Tom Peterson 18 Keith Meyer 26 Sammy Davis Jr 8 Richard Zboril 13 Mary Klonowski 19 Joseph Feely 28 Sharon Deavens 9 Terry Andel 14 Leonid Brezhnev 19 Carol Berg 29 Martha Schultz 9 Carolyn Havens 18 Sir William Parry 19 James Granger 30

Ladies and Gentlemen; you are invited to join a ZOOM Bible study Beginning Tuesday, January 12 at 10:00 am The book being studied is “Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible” By E. Randolph Richards, Brandon J. O'Brien hat was clear to the original readers of Scripture is not always clear to W us. Because of the cultural distance between the biblical world and our contemporary setting, we often bring modern Western biases to the text. Biblical scholars Brandon O'Brien and Randy Richards shed light on the ways that Western readers often misunderstand the cultural dynamics of the Bible. They identify nine key areas where modern Westerners have significantly dif- ferent assumptions about what might be going on in a text. Drawing on their own crosscultural experience in global mission, O'Brien and Richards show how better self-awareness and understanding of cultural differences in lan- guage, time and social mores allow us to see the Bible in fresh and unexpected ways. Getting beyond our own cultural assumptions is increasingly important for being Christians in our interconnected and globalized world. Learn to read Scripture as a member of the global body of Christ. Source: Goodreads.com

Green Team & Village of Western Springs STYROFOAM RECYCLING will be available in December A specific date and time is currently unknown Please visit the village website, www.wsprings.com/calendar, Facebook/Instagram, ‘Village of Western Springs’ or ‘First Congregational Church Green Team’ for updates from month to month. Thank you for your continued support.

4 What is Santa's favorite kind of candy? Jolly ranchers. Prayer Concerns Prayers of Consolation for the friends and family who mourn the recent deaths of Jack Lund, John (Kay) Johnson, Charlita (Dennis) With Blessings from Parish Nurse, Ann Gornik Cole and Lloyd (Elizabeth) Squires. Homebound Members: Lois Angstadt, Nadine Carlson, Marj Jung, Martha Karlovic, Shirley Kozak, Grace Law- son, Betty Lundy, Grace Pierson, Virginia Riedel, Heidi Svoboda, Mary Beth Webster. Strength & Healing Concerns Cards & Notes of friendship & support are appreciated by those experiencing concerns Blue Christmas Worship Service Current as of 11/26/2020 Annette Arkema David Anthony Kopp hristmas can often be a difficult time for persons experiencing loss and grief Sarah Bloecks Helen Kwiatkowski C especially this year amidst a pandemic. The festivities surrounding Christmas Jim Bornhoeft Riley Maggette (or lack of festivities this year) can evoke feelings of loneliness and sadness, bringing David Brown Jacqueline Moline up memories of past experiences and sorrows. Joyce Ciner Al Mungai Blue Christmas Worship is a time when we can acknowledge these "blue" feelings Sandy Dobias Lorrie Nicholaus while still recognizing that Jesus came to bring hope and comfort, to heal the sick, to William Dobricky Alice Oscarson seek the lost, to restore the broken and broken-hearted. Debbie Granger Bill Olson This year’s Blue Christmas worship service of scripture, prayer and peace Jim Granger Grace Puls will take place on Monday December 21 at 7:00pm via Zoom. John Guy Gladys Schroeder Zoom link: zoom.us/j/7083520730 Sandi Guy Joan Sessions Contact Ann Gornik, Parish Nurse at [email protected] or Ken Hall Gary Thoss Pr. Leland Albright at [email protected] for more information. Dan Hermes Mary Vann Kay Johnson Beth Wagley he holiday season is traditionally a time for family and friends to gather Marj Jung Bill Wenig T together and celebrate. But the COVID-19 pandemic will make the holidays a Mary Klonowski much different experience for many Americans this year. Prayers for Missionaries: Philip Knutson Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious diseases specialist, says family-missionaries in Southern Africa. participating in virtual events and limiting your gatherings to only those who live in your household will be the safest ways to celebrate during the upcoming holiday  All afflicted with COVID-19 and those who season. She recommends that anyone who is planning to celebrate the holidays remain physically separated from loved ones . with people from outside of their households consider the concept of a social  All healthcare workers and emergency bubble. It's a way to expand your social interactions beyond household family responders. members while reducing the risk of getting infected with, or spreading, COVID-19.  All students, teachers, administrators and A social bubble refers to having a small, clearly defined group of people that agree families and facing challenges with remote

to limit their close social contacts to only those within the bubble. and/or in-person learning. Everyone is aware they are part of the bubble, and they agree  All those suffering from the effects of

to minimize close social contact with people outside of the bubble. mental illness and addiction. Also, everyone within the bubble commits to following the recommendations  All caregivers, including Stephen Ministers related to physical distancing, wearing a mask in public, and hand-washing in their at Grace and those for whom they care. daily lives to reduce the risk of exposing others within their bubble. Do not be anxious about anything, but in Limiting your bubble to less than about 10 people or two to three families will make every situation, by prayer and petition, with it easier to manage your bubble, communicate with each other and minimize your thanksgiving, present your requests to God. risks. Source: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/create-a-social-bubble-stay-safe-over-the-holidays/ Philippians 4:6 (NIV) 5 What type of Christmas dessert shouldn't you trust? Mince spies. Women of Grace Lutheran - La Grange

COVID-19 Update Grace Lutheran Church is not hosting any in-person gatherings, of any size, inside our building at this time. Stay connected by joining worship ONLINE on Sundays at 10:00am and/or look for opportunities for online or new connection activities on the Grace website www.gracelg.org

few weeks of my pregnancy, I must have darkness and in the shadow of death.” tried every trick the mommy blogs tout- May we use this Christmas season to live ed for overcoming morn-ing sickness. more boldly, to live the kind of lives that Today it’s barely a memory. Who knows will be difficult to forget. what I will have forgotten by this time Sarah Carson is associate editor next year? of Gather magazine. “Advent, in an uncomfortable way, Source: This article is excerpted from the Decem- ber 2017 issue of Gather magazine. To read the full makes us mind-ful not just of its time, story or more like it, subscribe to Gather. but of time itself,” Anna Madsen writes An “Oh yeah” Advent this December issue of Gather “… Ad- Santa's a Woman by Sarah Carson— vent reminds us that our time isn’t just think Santa Claus is a woman....I hate ecently I needed to clean out my our time, for it reminds us of the inter- I to be the one to defy a sacred myth, R medicine cabinet. On one shelf connection of people in time…” but I believe he's a she. Think about it. were prescriptions from ailments past— The seasons of Advent and Christmas Christmas is a big, organized, warm, pain medications, antibiotics, several jars give us an opportunity to slow down and fuzzy, nurturing social deal, and I have of cranberry cap-sules (there must have refocus, to stop our-selves from becom- a tough time believing a guy could been some sale at the pharmacy when I ing swept up in our own lives, and to say possibly pull it all off! needed those!). “Oh, yeah” to the story that brings real For starters, the vast majority of men On another shelf I found a half-used meaning to our existence: the story of don't even think about selecting gifts bottle of anti-nausea syrup, a travel- the birth of Jesus—the shoot coming until Christmas Eve. Once at the mall, sized tin of Dramamine, two sea- forth from Jesse—in whom we find our they always seem surprised to find only sickness bands and a bottle of Tums. It hope. Ronco products, socket wrench sets, took me a few minutes to remember The “Oh, yeah” of the Christmas story and mood rings left on the shelves. On why I had once stockpiled so many tum- reminds us that our lives are not about this count alone, I'm convinced. Surely, my remedies. “Oh, yeah,” I remem- our to-do lists and our frustrations. The if he were a man, everyone in the bered. It was only nine months ago that Christmas story reminds us that our lives universe would wake up Christmas my stomach was doing summersaults aren’t actually about us at all. morning to find a rotating musical Chia every morning. The cause? The new- “Just as John the Baptist prepared the Pet under the tree, still in the bag. born snuggle bug now sleeping soundly way for his cousin, Jesus, we are called Another problem for a he-Santa would in the next room. to prepare the way for the return of our be getting there. First of all, there would Lately that “Oh, yeah” feeling has been Savior,” writes Kathryn Kleinhans . be no reindeer because they would all happening often. The fog of new- This Christmas season may we pause be dead, gutted and strapped to the momma brain is partly to blame. But from what is distracting us long enough rear bumper of the sleigh amid wide- even before my little girl arrived, my life to say, “Oh, yeah” to what Jesus’ story eyed, desperate claims that buck seemed to be happening in fast forward. really means for us: a call to love our season had been extended. Blitzen's It’s been too easy to for-get things that neighbor, and to, as the song of Zachari- rack would already be on the way to were once all-consuming. In those first ah urges, “give light to those who sit in Continued on page 21 What kind of fish do they have at the North Pole? Jollyfish. 6 While we are unable to gather together in person at this time, check out opportunities to connect to worship . . . to Grace . . . and to each other E-mail [email protected]

gone unfulfilled. Most people had not stuck in old patterns and habits. The so- honored even a half of their dreams and called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed had to die knowing that it was due to into their emotions, as well as their choices they had made, or not made. physical lives. Fear of change had them Health brings a freedom very few real- pretending to others, and to their selves, ize, until they no longer have it." that they were content, when deep 2. I wish I had not worked so hard. within, they longed to laugh properly 5 Top Regrets People "This came from every male patient that and have silliness in their life again." Have At the End of Their Lives I nursed. They missed their children's SOURCE: https://www.alternet.org/2013/02/5- here was no mention of more sex youth and their partner's companion- top-regrets-people-have-end-their-lives/ T or bungee jumps. A palliative nurse ship. Women also spoke of this regret, who has counselled the dying in their but as most were from an older genera- last days has revealed the most com- tion, many of the female patients had mon regrets we have at the end of our not been breadwinners. All of the men I lives. In addition, among the top, from nursed deeply regretted spending so men in particular, is 'I wish I hadn't much of their lives on the treadmill of a worked so hard'. work existence." Bronnie Ware is an Australian nurse who 3. I wish I had had the courage to Remember: Everyone has regrets spent several years working in palliative express my feelings. e are all constantly learning and care, caring for patients in the last 12 "Many people suppressed their feelings W developing. Each new experi- weeks of their lives. She recorded their in order to keep peace with others. As a ence affects how we view the world and dying epiphanies in a blog called Inspira- result, they settled for a mediocre exist- the choices we make. We may opt not tion and Chai, which gathered so much ence and never became who they were to do something at age 25, and then attention that she put her observations truly capable of becoming. Many devel- decide to do it at age 45 — after our life into a book called The Top Five Regrets oped illnesses relating to the bitterness experiences have provided new of the Dying. and resentment they carried as a result." knowledge and perspectives. Ware writes of the phenomenal clarity 4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my Throughout our life, it’s important to of vision that people gain at the end of friends. step back regularly and make sure we’re their lives, and how we might learn from "Often they would not truly realize the living the way we want– so we can get their wisdom. "When questioned about full benefits of old friends until their the most out of life and minimize our any regrets they had or anything they dying weeks and it was not always possi- end-of-life regrets. When we reach the would do differently," she says, ble to track them down. Many had be- end of life, we also need to forgive our- "common themes surfaced again and come so caught up in their own lives selves and one another for the missteps again." that they had let golden friendships slip and mistakes we made along the way. Here are the top five regrets of the by over the years. There were many None of us is perfect! dying, as witnessed by Ware: deep regrets about not giving friend- Moreover, we can’t know how things 1. I wish I had had the courage to live a ships the time and effort that they de- would have turned out if we had made life true to myself, not the life others served. Everyone misses their friends different decisions. There’s no guaran- expected of me. when they are dying." tee our life would have been better in "This was the most common regret of 5. I wish that I had let myself be happier. the long run. But when a loved one all. When people realize that their life is "This is a surprisingly common one. nears the end of life, we can help them almost over and look back clearly on it, it Many did not realise until the end that is easy to see how many dreams have happiness is a choice. They had stayed Continued on page 21 Which of Santa's reindeer needs to mind his manners the most? Rude Olph. 7 WE CONNECT THE DOTS ·TO ENGAGE ·TO ENRICH ·TO EDUCATE ·TO ENTERTAIN ALL ARE WELCOME—PLEASE JOIN US WHEN YOU CAN! COVID-19 UPDATE Grace Lutheran Church is not hosting any in-person gatherings, of any size, inside our building at this time. Look for opportunities for online or new connection activities on the Grace website: www.gracelg.org across the month of December. Advent Meaning & Symbolism of the Advent lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christ- Candles mas. The Advent season not only symbol- Advent candles shine brightly in the izes the waiting for Christ's birth but also midst of darkness, symbolizing and re- for his final return. minding us that Jesus came as Light into What Is the Advent Wreath? our dark world. The candles are often The Advent wreath first appeared in Ger- set in a circular Advent wreath. In Scan- Advent many in 1839. A Lutheran minister work- dinavia, Lutheran churches light a candle dvent is a time of expectation and ing at a mission for children created a each day of December; by Christmas, A hope. “Advent” means “arrival” or wreath out of the wheel of a cart. He they have twenty-four candles burning. “coming,” and it prompts us to pause placed twenty small red candles and four Another Advent candle option is a single each day in December and remember large white candles inside the ring. The candle with twenty-four marks on the why Jesus came at Christmas. Traditions red candles were lit on weekdays and the side--the candle is lit each day and al- vary by country, but common ways of four white candles were lit on Sundays. lowed to melt down to the next day’s commemorating Jesus’ birth are Eventually, the Advent wreath was creat- mark. through Advent calendars, wreaths, and ed out of evergreens, symbolizing ever- The most common Advent candle tradi- candles. Ideally, any Advent tradition lasting life in the midst of winter and tion, however, involves four candles should involve families in a fun activity death as the evergreen is continuously around the wreath. A new candle is lit each day of December, helping them green. The circle reminds us of God’s un- on each of the four Sundays before remember why we celebrate Christmas. ending love and the eternal life He makes Christmas. Each candle represents The History of Advent possible. something different, although traditions The word “Advent” is derived from the Advent candles are often nestled in the vary. Often, the first, second, and fourth Latin word adventus, meaning evergreen wreath. We will go further candles are purple; the third candle is “coming,” which is a translation of the detail on the purpose and meaning be- rose-colored. Sometimes all the candles Greek word parousia. Most know Ad- hind each advent candle below. Addition- are red; in other traditions, all four can- vent today as a time of anticipation and al decorations, like holly and berries, are dles are blue or white. Occasionally, a expectation of the birth of Christ. How- sometimes added. Their red color points fifth white candle is placed in the middle ever, Advent began as early as the 4th ahead to Jesus’ sacrifice and death on the of the wreath and is lit on Christmas Day and 5th centuries as a time of fasting cross, shedding his blood for our sins. to celebrate Jesus’ birth. and prayer for new Christians. The first Pinecones can symbolize the new life that The first candle symbolizes hope and is mention of Advent occurred in the 300’s Jesus brings through His resurrection. called the "Prophet’s Candle." The A.D at a meeting of church leaders called Families begin lighting a candle on the prophets of the Old Testament, the Council of Sargossa. It gradually de- fourth Sunday before Christmas, and they veloped into a season that stretched light another candle each subsequent Sunday. continued on Page 11 Why does Santa Claus go down the chimney on Christmas Eve? Because it soots him. 8 Suggestions For Your Reading Enjoyment READ-WRITE-THINK

The End of Old Age: Living a Longer, optimize your unique age-given important book explores the counterin- More Purposeful Life strengths. It's nothing short of an action tuitive message that we grow spiritually By Marc Agronin plan to help you age better by improving much more by doing wrong than by he acclaimed how you value the aging process, guide doing right T author of How yourself through stress, and find ways to The God We Never Knew: Beyond Dog- We Age, whose creatively address change for the best matic Religion to a More Authentic Con- "descriptive powers possible experience and outcome temporary Faith are a gift to read- Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the By Marcus J. Borg ers" (Sherwin Nu- Two Halves of Life ow to have land), presents a by Richard Rohr H faith—or even hopeful and practical fresh way of think about God— model of aging--a A thinking about without having to guide to understanding how we can all spirituality that stifle modern ration- make the journey better. grows throughout al thought is one of As one of America's leading geriatric life In Falling Up- the most vital chal- psychiatrists, Dr. Marc Agronin sees ward, Fr. Richard lenges facing many both the sickest and the healthiest of Rohr seeks to help of us today. Marcus seniors. He observes what works to readers understand J. Borg, author of the bestsel- make their lives better and more pur- the tasks of the two ling Meeting Jesus Again for the First poseful and what doesn't. Many authors halves of life and to show them that Time, traces his personal spiritual jour- can talk about aging from their particular those who have fallen, failed, or "gone ney to the discovery of an authentic yet vantage points, but Dr. Agronin is on the down" are the only ones who under- fully contemporary understanding of front lines as he counsels and treats stand "up." Most of us tend to think of God. In a compelling, readable way, he elderly individuals and their loved ones the second half of life as largely about leads us from the distant, authoritarian on a daily basis. The latest scientific re- getting old, dealing with health issues, God of our childhood to an equally pow- search and Dr. Agronin's first-hand expe- and letting go of life, but the whole the- erful, dynamic adult image of God—"the rience are brilliantly distilled in The End sis of this book is exactly the opposite. beyond in our midst," the life spirit that of Old Age--a call to no longer see aging What looks like falling down can largely is within us and all around us—that rec- as an implacable enemy and to start be experienced as "falling upward." In onciles faith with science, history, critical seeing it as a developmental force for fact, it is not a loss but somehow actually thinking, and religious pluralism. Source: enhancing well-being, meaning, and a gain, as we have all seen with elders Goodreads.com longevity. who have come to their fullness. Throughout The End of Old Age, the Explains why the second half of life can focus is squarely on "So what does this and should be full of spiritual richness mean for me and my family?" In the Offers a new view of how spiritual final part of the book, Dr. Agronin pro- growth happens?loss is gain Richard. vides simple but revealing charts that Rohr is a regular contributing writer for you can fill out to identify, develop, and Sojourners and Tikkun magazines This What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet? "Supplies!" 9 live in infamy”. Shortly example, the USS Arizona Memorial afterwards, Germany in Pearl Harbor is a marble memorial also declared war on built over the sunken USS Arizona, the United States. which was dedicated in 1962. The In the months that memorial remembers all military followed the attack, personnel who were killed in the the slogan “Remember Pearl Harbor attack. The memorial Pearl Harbor” swept was designed by architect Alfred the United States and Preis, an Austrian-born resident who radio stations repeat- lived in Honolulu and was placed at edly played a n Sunday morning, December song of the same name. O 7, 1941, the American Army In 1991, which marked and Navy base in Pearl Harbor, the 50th anniversary Hawaii was attacked by the Imperial of the attack on Pearl Japanese Navy. The attack came as a Harbor, the United surprise to the American Army and States Congress estab- Navy and lead to great losses of life lished the Pearl Harbor and equipment. More than 2000 Commemorative Medal. USS Utah Memorial American citizens were killed and This is also known as more than 1000 were injured. The the Pearl Harbor Survivor's Medal a detainment camp after the Pearl Americans also lost a large propor- and can be awarded to any veteran Harbor attack as part of the intern- tion of their battle ships and nearly of the United States military who ment policy of Japanese and German 200 aircraft that were stationed in were present in or around Pearl Americans at the time. the Pacific region. More than 60 Harbor during the attack by the Another memorial that commemo- Japanese servicemen were killed, Japanese military. The medal can be rates Pearl Harbor Day is the USS injured or captured. The Japanese Utah, a battleship that Navy also lost five midget subma- USS Arizona Memorial was attacked and sunk rines and 29 aircraft. in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. A memorial to honor the crew of the USS Utah was dedicated on the northwest shore of Ford Island, near the ship's wreck, in 1972. The ship was added to the National The Japanese military had hoped Register of Historic Places and de- that the attack on Pearl Harbor clared a National Historic Landmark would prevent the United States in 1989. It is also Utah’s official state of America from increasing her influ- ship. ence in the Pacific. However, the events in Pearl Harbor actually led to the escalation of World War II. The day after the attack, the United USS Arizona Memorial wall States declared war on Japan and so awarded to civilians, who were killed entered World War II. President or injured in the attack. Franklin Roosevelt in a speech to Symbols Some Gave All: Congress stated that the bombing of Memorials have been built to re- Pearl Harbor was “a date which will Pearl Harbor member or to symbolize the day. For Marine Corps Memorial What do snowmen eat for dessert? Ice crispies. 10 Advent continued from Page 8 ideals of Judaism and commemorates in story or at least the practice of lighting particular the rededication of the Second especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the eight candles is confirmed by the debate Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of the 1st-century- Messiah’s arrival. of candles on each day of the festival. CE scholars Hillel and Shammai. Hillel The second candle represents faith and Although not mentioned in the Hebrew and his school taught that one candle is called "Bethlehem’s Candle." Micah Scriptures, Hanukkah came to be widely should be lit on the first night of Hanuk- had foretold that the Messiah would be celebrated and remains one of the most kah and one more each night of the born in Bethlehem, which is also the popular Jewish religious observances. festival. Shammai held that all eight birthplace of King David. Hanukkah is celebrated from Friday, candles should be lit the first night, with The third candle symbolizes joy and December 11 to Friday, December 18 in the number decreasing by one each is called the "Shepherd’s Candle." To 2020. night thereafter. According to I Maccabees, the celebra- The celebration of Hanukkah includes a the shepherd’s great joy, the angels tion of Hanukkah was instituted by Judas variety of religious and nonreligious announced that Jesus came for humble, Maccabeus in 165 BCE to celebrate his customs. The most important of all is the unimportant people like them, too. In victory over Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the lighting of the menorah, a candelabra liturgy, the color rose signifies joy. Seleucid king who had invaded Judaea, with eight branches plus a holder for The fourth candle represents peace and tried to Hellenize the Jews, and desecrat- the shammash (“servant”) candle that is is called the "Angel’s Candle." The angels ed the Second Temple in Jerusalem. used to light the other eight candles. announced that Jesus came to bring Following his victory in a three-year Olive oil was traditionally used for light- peace--He came to bring people close to struggle against Antiochus, Judas or- ing the menorah, but it was replaced by God and to each other again. dered the cleansing and restoration of candles, which are inserted in the meno- the Temple. After it was purified, a new The (optional) fifth candle represents rah incrementally each night of the festi- altar was installed and dedicated on val from right to left but are lit from left light and purity and is called "Christ’s Kislev 25. Judas then proclaimed that the to right. A blessing is also offered while candle." It is placed in the middle and is dedication of the restored Temple the candles are lit each night. The meno- lit on Christmas Day. should be celebrated every year for eight rah was originally kindled outside the

SOURCE: https://www.crosswalk.com/special- days beginning on that date. In II Macca- home, but it was brought inside in an- coverage/christmas-and-advent/advent-wreath- bees the celebration is compared to the cient times to guard against offending candles-understanding-the-meaning-history- festival of Sukkoth (the Feast of Taber- neighbors. tradition.html nacles or Feast of Booths), which the Chanukah is a happy and joyous festivi- Jews were unable to celebrate because ty. There is no fasting no eulogies, and of the invasion of Antiochus. Hanukkah, no sacrifice. Small gifts are given to fami- therefore, emerged as a celebration of ly and friends each of the eight days of the dedication, as the word itself sug- Chanukah. SOURCE: https:// gests. www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah Although the traditional practice of light- ing candles at Hanukkah was not estab- lished in the books of the Maccabees, the custom most likely started relatively Feast of Chanukah or Hanukkah early. The practice is enshrined in Hanukkah, (Hebrew: “Dedication”) also the Talmud, which describes the miracle spelled Ḥanukka, Chanukah, of the oil in the Temple. According to the or Chanukkah, also called Feast of Dedi- Talmud, when Judas Maccabeus entered cation, Festival of Lights, or Feast of the the Temple, he found only a small jar of Maccabees, Jewish festival that begins oil that had not been defiled by Antio- on Kislev 25 (Kislev is the third month of chus. The jar contained only enough oil the civil year and the ninth month of the to burn for one day, but miraculously the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calen- oil burned for eight days until new con- “Love is what’s in the room with you at dar. In December, according to the secrated oil could be found, establishing Christmas if you stop opening presents Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated the precedent that the festival should and listen.” ~ Author unknown, for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the last eight days. The early date for this attributed to a 7-year-old named Bobby What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic. 11 can as individual congregations, ELCA Global Mission:  stewards the international web of ELCA relationships  listens to companion church bodies and responds to their priorities in mission with program grants and personnel  receives the gifts of Christian witness from the global church in order to build our own capacity for witness  funds long-term, sustainable develop- ELCA Global Missions Purpose ment projects and responds to inter- national disasters  Mutually: All of us have gifts to support ooted and built in Jesus! This is the  calls and prepares mission personnel God’s mission. There is no mission to, R core of our work as the ELCA walks for service in response to requests only mission with and among. with more than 80 companion churches from companions in other countries to participate in God’s  Inclusively: We seek to build relation-  provides scholarships for international reconciling mission through proclama- ships across boundaries that exclude post-graduate study to global church tion and service. Participating in these and divide. leaders relationships, ELCA members see how  Vulnerably: Just as Jesus became vul-  provides tools to equip ELCA mem- people’s lives are touched by the gospel, nerable to us, we open ourselves to bers for faithful global engagement. how their lives are transformed and others. renewed, and how their communities As an ELCA member, you already walk  Empowering: We seek to identify and live in hope. Our living, daring confi- with companions and participate in correct imbalances of power, which dence in God’s grace propels us, along God’s mission. In these pages you can may mean recognizing and letting go of with our companions, to say “yes” to a also find out how to serve as a mission- our own. world searching for renewal and whole- ary, get involved in a companion synod ness. As part of a global Lutheran  Sustainably: To ensure local ministries relationship, make a gift to global mis- community, we gratefully receive the last for a long time, we seek to embed sion, learn more about accompaniment, witness of global brothers and sisters mission in ongoing relationships and and find resources and events that whose faith, hospitality, resilience and communities. equip you for global engagement. zeal energize us and our own congrega- Flourishing, long-term, mutual relation- SOURCE: https://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Global- tions. In response, we share our gifts ships strengthen the worldwide Lutheran Mission and talents to address the root causes of community as they deepen our global poverty and hunger and meeting mission engagement. The church-to- human needs, fight HIV and AIDS, build church relationship between the ELCA To learn more about ELCA’s Global communities that coexist in peace, and and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mission , follow this link to an prepare women and men to preach the Tanzania, for example, includes 20 more E magazine detailing the work good news of Jesus Christ throughout relationships between ELCA synods and of the ELCA World Mission the world. Tanzanian dioceses. With over 120 such Walking and working together, we seek relationships, the ELCA Companion Syn- to accompany our companions. Accom- ods Program connects thousands of Lu- https://download.elca.org/ELCA% paniment is defined as walking together therans, who share joys and sorrows, pray 20Resource%20Repository/ in a solidarity that practices interde- together, and collaborate on mutually Global_Mission_Updates_Summer- pendence and mutuality. The ELCA lives beneficial ministries — most notably as a Fall_2020.pdf? out accompaniment in relationships member of The Lutheran World Federa- _ga=2.20616312.1733391009.16061 with global companions, striving to tion, a global communion of 143 member 66780-1820380721.1594830720 share God’s love and participate in churches in 79 countries worldwide. Be- God’s mission together: cause we can do more together than we

What do you call a chicken at the North Pole? Lost. 12 Cooking for One or Two Nutritional analysis per serving Serving size: About 2 1/2 cups Total carbohydrate; 64 g Dietary fiber; 10 g Sodium; 142 mg Saturated fat; 4 g Total fat; 8 g Trans fat; 0 g Cholesterol; 13 mg Protein; 17 g Monounsaturated fat ; 1 g Calories; 396 Added sugars; 0 g

Penne tossed with cherry toma- Orange roughy toes, asparagus and goat cheese with lemon and thyme by Mayo Clinic Staff By Mayo Clinic Staff Dietitian's tip: Dietitian's tip: Though this recipe calls for penne — One serving of this broiled orange a diagonally cut tube pasta — you can Berries marinated in balsamic vinegar roughy has only 100 calories. Serve it substitute any type of pasta, including By Mayo Clinic Staff with steamed fresh green beans, roast- bow ties, rotelle or ziti. Dietitian's tip: ed red potatoes and whole-wheat rolls. Number of servings For a variation of this recipe, use huckle- Number of servings—Serves 2 Serves 2 berries, gooseberries and blackberries. Low Fat, Low Sodium, High Fiber; Low Sodium; Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Ingredients Ingredients Number of servings 2 orange Roughy fillets, each 4 oz. 1/3 pound whole-wheat penne pasta Serves 2 — Low Sodium 1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges 1/2 cup chopped asparagus, 1” pieces Ingredients 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon water 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Directions 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes 2 tablespoons brown sugar Heat the broiler (grill). Position the rack 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus whole 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 inches from the heat source. Lightly leaves for garnish 1/2 cup sliced strawberries coat a baking dish with cooking spray. 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1/2 cup blueberries Place the fish on the prepared baking 1/8 teaspoon fresh black pepper 1/2 cup raspberries dish. Squeeze the juice from 2 lemon 2 ounces goat cheese 2 shortbread biscuits wedges over the fillets. Sprinkle with Directions Directions thyme. Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and In a small bowl, whisk together the bal- Broil (grill) until the fish is opaque bring to boil. Add the pasta and cook samic vinegar, brown sugar and vanilla. throughout when tested with the tip of until tender (al dente), 10 to 12 minutes, In another bowl, add the strawberries, a knife, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove or according to the package directions. blueberries and raspberries. Pour the from the oven. Serve immediately, gar- Drain the pasta thoroughly. balsamic vinegar mixture over the ber- nished with the remaining two lemon While the pasta is cooking, put the as- ries. Let the fruit marinate for 10 to 15 wedges. paragus and water in a microwave-safe minutes. Drain the marinade. Nutritional analysis per serving bowl. Heat the asparagus on high power Refrigerate or serve immediately. To Serving size: 1 fillet—Calories100 until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. serve, divide the berries into 2 serving Total fat; 1 g Saturated fat; Trace In a bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, dishes. Place the shortbread biscuit on Trans fat; Trace Monounsaturated fat; 0.5 basil, garlic and pepper. Add the aspara- the side of the bowl. g Cholesterol; l68 mg Sodium; 83 mg gus, pasta and goat cheese and toss until Nutritional analysis per serving Total carbohydrate; 3 g Dietary fiber; 0 g well-mixed. Place in the refrigerator for Serving size: 3/4 cup Total sugars; 0 g Added sugars; 0 g at least 20 minutes to cool. Calories; 176 Total fat; 4 g Protein; 19 g Divide the pasta between the plates. Saturated fat; 2 g Trans fat; 0 g Garnish with fresh basil leaves and Monounsaturated fat; Trace SOURCE for all recipes shown: https:// Cholesterol; 5 g Sodium; 56 mg www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/recipes  serve. Total carbohydrate; 33 g Dietary fiber; 4 What do you call an elf that can sing? A wrapper. 13 g Added sugars; 8 g Protein; 2 g The Continental Drift Theory: Revolutionary and Significant–Part 2 "The Origins of Continents and Oceans," also helped when it was published in multiple languages in 1922, which brought it worldwide and ongoing at- tention within the scientific community. When Wegener gained new infor- mation, he added to or revised his theo- ry, and published new editions. He kept the discussion of the plausibility of the continental drift theory going until his untimely death in 1930 during a mete- orologic expedition in Greenland. The story of the continental drift theory and its contribution to scientific truth is a fascinating example of how the scientific process works and how Data Supporting scientific theory evolves. Science is in Brazil. South America and Africa were based on hypothesis, theory, testing, Continental Drift Theory not the only continents with simi- ossil remains of similar organisms on and interpretation of data, but the inter- lar geology, though. Wegener discov- pretation can be skewed by the per- F widely disparate continents support ered that the Appalachian Mountains of the theories of continental drift and plate spective of the scientist and his or her the eastern United States, for instance, own field of specialty, or denial of facts tectonics. Similar fossil remains, such as were geologically related to the Caledo- those of the Triassic land rep- altogether. As with any new theory or nian Mountains of Scotland. discovery, there are those who will resist tile Lystrosaurus and the fossil Wegener's Search for Scientific Truth plant Glossopteris, exist in South America, it and those who embrace it. But According to Wegener, scientists still did through Wegener’s persistence, perse- Africa, India, Antarctica, and Australia, not appear to understand sufficiently which were the continents comprising verance, and open-mindedness to the that all earth sciences must contribute contributions of others, the theory of Gondwanaland, one of the superconti- evidence toward unveiling the state of nents that broke off from Pangaea about continental drift evolved into the widely our planet in earlier times, and that the accepted theory today of plate tecton- 200 million years ago. Another fossil type, truth of the matter could only be that of the ancient reptile Mesosaurus, is ics. With any great discovery it is reached by combing all this evidence. through the sifting of data and facts only found in southern Africa and South Only by combing the information fur- America. Mesosaurus was a freshwater contributed by multiple scientific nished by all the earth sciences would sources, and ongoing refinements of the reptile only one meter long that could not there be hope to determine "truth," that have swum the Atlantic Ocean, indicating theory, that scientific truth emerges. is to say, to find the picture that sets out Acceptance of Continental Drift Theory that there was once a contiguous land- all the known facts in the best arrange- mass that provided a habitat for it of When Wegener died, discussion of con- ment and that therefore has the highest tinental drift died with him for a while. It freshwater lakes and rivers. degree of probability. Further, Wegener Wegener found evidence of tropical plant was resurrected, however, with the believed that scientists always need to study of seismology and further explora- fossils and coal deposits in the frigid arctic be prepared for a possibility that a new near the North Pole, as well as evidence tion of the ocean floors in the 1950s and discovery, no matter what science fur- 1960s that showed mid-ocean ridges, of glaciation on the plains of Africa, sug- nishes it, may modify the conclusions we gesting a different configuration and evidence in the seafloor of the Earth's draw. changing magnetic field, and proof of placement of the continents than their Wegener had faith in his theory and present one. seafloor spreading and mantle convec- persisted in using an interdisciplinary tion, leading to the theory of plate tec- Wegener observed that the continents approach, drawing on the fields of geol- and their rock strata fit together like piec- tonics. This was the mechanism that ogy, geography, biology, and paleontolo- was missing in Wegener's original theo- es of a jigsaw puzzle, particularly the east gy, believing that to be the way to coast of South America and the west ry of continental drift. By the late 1960s, strengthen his case and to keep up the plate tectonics was commonly accepted coast of Africa, specifically the Karoo stra- discussion about his theory. His book, ta in South Africa and Santa Catarina rocks continues on Page 15 What do you get when you cross vampires and snowmen? Frostbite. 14 by geologists as accurate. Interesting Facts About Christmas ing this very old tradition. But the discovery of seafloor spreading hristmas is celebrated in many 8. America’s first batch of eggnog was disproved a part of Wegener's theory, countries all over the world and in made in the Jamestown settlement in because it wasn't just the continents that C a wide variety of ways. Many of the 1607. Its name comes from the word were moving through static oceans, as he customs and decorations we use to “grog”, meaning any drink made with had originally thought, but rather entire make the holiday special have rum. Non-alcoholic eggnog is popular as tectonic plates, consisting of the conti- developed in interesting ways and well. nents, ocean floors, and parts of the up- their origins may be hidden in history. 9. Between the 16th and 19th centuries per mantle. In a process similar to that of 1. The image of Santa Claus flying his global temperatures were significantly a conveyor belt, hot rock rises from the sleigh began in 1819 and was created by lower than normal in what was known mid-ocean ridges and then sinks down as Washington Irving, the same author as a “little ice age”. Charles Dickens grew it cools and becomes denser, creating who dreamt up the Headless Horseman. up during this period and experienced convection currents that cause move- 2. The Montgomery Ward department snow for his first eight Christmases. This ment of the tectonic plates. store created Rudolph the Reindeer “White Christmas” experience influenced The theories of continental drift and plate as a marketing gimmick to encourage his writing and began a tradition of tectonics are the foundation of modern children to buy their Christmas coloring expectation for the holidays. geology. Scientists believe that there were books. 10. Since 1918 the city of Boston has several supercontinents like Pangaea that 3. The original received a giant Christmas tree as a formed and broke apart over the course Rudolph did not gift from the Canadian province of Nova of Earth's 4.5-billion year lifespan. Scien- have a red nose. Scotia. Boston lent considerable support tists also now recognize that Earth is con- In that day and age, to the city of Halifax during their 1917 stantly changing and that even today, the red noses were seen explosion and subsequent fire disaster. continents are still moving and changing. as an indicator of chronic alcoholism and 11. In 1914 during World War I there For example, the Himalayas, formed by Montgomery Ward didn’t want him to was a now famous Christmas truce in the the collision of the Indian plate and the look like a drunkard. To complete the trenches between the British and the Eurasian plate is still growing, because original picture, he was almost named Germans. They exchanged gifts across a plate tectonics is still pushing the Indian Reginald or Rollo. neutral no man’s land, played football plate into the Eurasian plate. We may 4.Clement Moore’s poem introduced together, and decorated their shelters. even be heading toward the creation of eight more reindeer for Santa’s sleigh (Read more about it in the book “Silent Night: another supercontinent in 75-80 million The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce” by and their names were Dasher, Dancer, years due to the continued movement of Stanley Weintraub.) Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Duner tectonic plates. 12. Christmas trees are sold in the US and Blixem (for the German words for But scientists are also realizing that plate since 1850, and on an average, it takes 6- thunder and lightning). These later tectonics does not work merely as a me- 8 years for a Christmas tree to be fully evolved into Donner and Blitzen. chanical process but as a complex feed- grown, although it can take 15. Once a 5. Most of these names are male- back system, with even things such as Christmas tree is harvested, two to three sounding names. Male reindeer shed climate affecting the movement of the are planted in its place because it takes their antlers in winter, however, so the plates, creating yet another quiet revolu- many years for the trees to be fully grown reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh are more tion in the theory of plate tectonics varia- before they can be harvested. than likely female or castrated. ble in our understanding of our complex 13. Bicycle, the U.S. playing card compa- 6. Some leave food out for Santa Claus’ planet. SOURCE:P https://www.thoughtco.com/ ny, manufactured cards to give all the continental-drift-theory-4138321 reindeer as Norse children did, leaving POWS in Germany during World War II as hay and treats for Odin’s eight-legged Christmas presents. These cards, when horse Sleipnir hoping they would stop soaked in water, revealed an escape by during their hunting adventures. route for POWs. The Nazis never knew. Dutch children adopted this same 14. The Christmas wreath was originally tradition, leaving food in their wooden hung as a symbol of Jesus. The holly shoes for St. Nicholas’ horse. represents his crown of thorns and the 7. Dutch children also left out food and red berries the blood he shed. drink for St. Nicholas himself to honor 15. The three traditional colors of most him on his feast day. Today we leave Christmas decorations are red, green and milk and cookies out for Santa, continu- Interesting Facts... on Page 17 How do the elves clean Santa's sleigh on the day after Christmas? They use Santa -tizer. 15 “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Volunteer drivers needed to transport older adult clients an you spare an hour a week in the coming months? C Your time can make a world of difference to one of your neighbors! To Interfaith Community Partners clients, it can mean getting to a doctor’s ap- pointment on time, picking up a prescription, getting to the grocery store, or hav- ing someone to talk with. To our volunteers, it’s rewarding to see the difference the gift of time can make. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, go to: www.interfaithcommunitypartners.org/volunteering

ging Care Connections (ACC) is a leader in providing client-centered care to older A adults in Chicago’s west suburban townships. Based in La Grange, IL, this Grace long- time partner is a non-profit organization serving over 8,000 older adults, caregivers and their families from 38 communities in the Lyons, Proviso, Riverside, Leyden and Norwood Park townships. The mission of Aging Care Connections is to enrich the quality of life in our community by providing older adults and their families with guidance and support that enhances the ability to age well. For more info visit: www.agingcareconnections.org

WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY? Stephen Ministry is a way congregations provide high- quality care and outreach to hurting people in the congregation and community. Stephen Ministers are congregation members who have gone through 50 hours of training to provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care. Each Stephen Minister is matched with a hurting person—men are paired with men, women with women—and meets weekly with that person to listen, care, pray, and encourage. Stephen Ministers care for those dealing with grief, divorce, job loss, hospitalization, financial struggles, loneliness, convalescence, terminal illness, and many other life difficulties. To learn more about how this program might be of benefit to you or someone close to you, go to: www.gracelg.org/stephen-ministries

DISTRIBUTION CHANGE Due to COVID - 19 Bring food directly to the Food Pantry, Mondays 9-Noon Located in the basement of St. Francis Xavier Church rectory (124 N. Spring Avenue, LaGrange). You may leave donations in plastic sealed bags at the black door on east side of rectory. Please contact Mary Freeman, Food Pantry Coordinator, by email [email protected] or call (708) 352-0168 for more information. Non-perishable food items such as peanut butter, canned tuna, and fruit or vegetables are the most requested items. coupons cannot be used. Please do not offer outdated foods.

The Veterans Ministry Team (VMT) he VMT is collecting: Toothbrushes & toothpaste, deodorant, combs, emery boards, hand T towels, washcloths, small note pads, new white socks, paperback books, disposable razors, Shaving Cream or Gel, decks of playing cards, Hand & Body Lotion, Lip Balm, Denture Cleaner, Denture Adhesive, Crossword/Word Find/Sudoku Books.

For more information please contact Cari Hermann at [email protected] What do you call a reindeer ghost? Cari-boo! 16 'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.' Interesting Facts...From Page 15 Mrs. Miller, who had been standing near- gold. Red symbolizes the blood of Christ, by, came over to help me. green symbolized life and rebirth, and With a smile she said, 'There are two gold represents light, royalty and wealth. other boys like him in our community, all 16. In Poland spiders are considered to be three are in very poor circumstances.. Jim symbols of prosperity and goodness at just loves to bargain with them for peas, Christmas. In fact, spiders and spider webs apples, tomatoes, or whatever.. are often used as Christmas tree decora- When they come back with their red tions. According to legend, a spider wove marbles, and they always do, he decides baby Jesus a blanket to keep him warm. he doesn't like red after all and he sends A nice reminder of how we should 17. Tinsel was invented in 1610 in Germa- them home with a bag of produce for a be...... ny and was once made of real silver. green marble or an orange one, when The Red Marbles 18. The tradition of hanging stockings they come on their next trip to the store.' was at the corner grocery store buying comes from a Dutch legend. A poor man I left the store smiling to myself, I some early potatoes. I noticed a small had three daughters for whom he could impressed with this man. A short time boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged not afford to provide a dowry. St. Nicholas later I moved to Colorado , but I never but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of dropped a bag of gold down his chimney forgot the story of this man, the boys, and freshly picked green peas. and gold coins fell out and into the their bartering for marbles. I paid for my potatoes but was also stockings drying by the fireplace. The Several years went by, each more rapid drawn to the display of fresh green peas. daughters now had dowries and could than the previous one. Just recently I had I am a pushover for creamed peas and be married, avoiding a life on the streets. occasion to visit some old friends in that new potatoes. 19. The old English custom of wassailing Idaho community and while I was there Pondering the peas, I couldn't help was to toast to someone’s long life at learned that Mr. Miller had died. They overhearing... the conversation between Christmastide and was the forerunner for were having his visitation that evening Mr.. Miller (the store owner) and the the tradition of Christmas caroling. In the and knowing my friends wanted to go, I ragged boy next to me. 13th century St. Francis of Assisi began agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival 'Hello Barry, how are you today?' the custom of singing carols in church. at the mortuary we fell into line to meet 'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' ad- 20. “White Christmas”, Rudolph the Red- the relatives of the deceased and to offer mirin' them peas. They sure look good..' Nosed Reindeer”, “Winter Wonderland”, whatever words of comfort we could. 'They are good, Barry.. How's your Ma?' “The Christmas Song” and “I’ll Be Home Ahead of us in line were three young 'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.' for Christmas” plus the melody for “O men. One was in an army uniform and the 'Good. Anything I can help you with?' Holy Night” were all written or co-written other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits 'No, Sir. by Jews. and white shirts...all very professional Jus' admirin' them peas.' 21. If you gave all the gifts listed in the looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, 'Would you like to take some home?' Twelve Days of Christmas, it would standing composed and smiling by her asked Mr. Miller. equal 364 gifts. husband's casket. 'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.' 22. In Dublin in 1742 the Christmas Each of the young men hugged her, kissed 'Well, what have you to trade me for oratorio, “The Messiah”, by George her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her some of those peas?' Frederic Handel was first performed. and moved on to the casket. Her misty 'All I got's my prize marble here.' 23. The oldest artificial Christmas trees light blue eyes followed them as, one by 'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller. date back to the late 1800s and were one, each young man stopped briefly and 'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.' made of green raffia (think grass hula placed his own warm hand over the cold 'I can see that. Hmm mmm, only thing is skirts) or dyed goose feathers. Next the pale hand in the casket. Each left the this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Addis Brush Company used their mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes... Do you have a red one like this at home?' machinery that wove toilet brushes to Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told the store owner asked.. create pine-like branches for artificial her who I was and reminded her of the 'Not zackley but almost.' Christmas trees that were less flammable story from those many years ago and 'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas and could hold heavier decorations. what she had told me about her home with you and next trip this way let 24. Coca-Cola was the first company that me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller husband's bartering for marbles. With her told the boy. Continues on page Page 25 Continued on Page 19 What would you get if you ate all the Christmas tree decorations? Tinselitis. 17 Brightening Up Coronavirus But decking the halls at home — even as complete with a barrage of bunny Quarantine With Christmas Spirit spring starts to bloom — is a win-win on inflatables. Families are decking the halls many fronts, those who have dragged out Ms. Nickles said it’s been a big hit with to bring light in a dark time. the decorations said. It’s a family-friendly local families, who sometimes stop to By Blane Bachelor activity, using items that many people snap photos. “It may seem like something March 24, 2020 already have at home, and it works well small, but if everyone does something uring a global pandemic, all is with social distancing protocols, since small, it can make a big impact on peo- D certainly not calm. But things are a people can admire displays from their car ple’s lives,” she said. “Especially with kids little bit brighter in some neighborhoods, windows. And even those who are who are going stir-crazy in the house.” thanks to a growing movement that has sheltering in place can see them on social families stringing Christmas lights, blowing media. up holiday inflatables and building spirit- The current trend echoes the origins of lifting snowmen to help bring some much Christmas decorations, when ancient -needed cheer during the coronavirus people decorated with evergreen branch- crisis. es during the dark days of winter, bright- Like the popular hashtag ening their homes and reminding them #CoronaKindness, the idea has taken off that life would return in the springtime. on social media and online neighborhood groups, with people sharing their displays alongside hashtags like #LightsForLife, Photo: “It may seem like something small, but if everyone does something small, it can make a big impact on people’s lives,” Elizabeth Nickles said. Credit...Elizabeth Nickles In Natick, Mass., Summer Peeso’s family has had their programmable LED lights shining for more than a month. In addition to spreading good will among neighbors — including two emergency room doctors who live across the street #ChristmasInMarch and #ChristmasLights. — Ms. Peeso says the lights offer a fun Photo: The Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis relit project for her 5-year-old daughter during its holiday light display on Friday. this difficult time. Credit...Anheuser-Busch Photo: Tanner Huber, a designer in Marietta, Ga., “She is very aware of the current situa- The brewing giant Anheuser-Busch, which mixed lights with greenery from the yard. Credit...Tanner Huber tion, and it helps her to have that con- just announced that it will be producing “We can take what’s in our house and in sistent distraction at night and something hand sanitizer, got into the spirit by our yards and mix the joy of Christmas to depend on despite us not always turning on an elaborate display at its St. with the liveliness of spring, when every- having answers to her tough questions,” Louis headquarters. thing is blooming,” said Tanner Huber, a Ms. Peeso wrote in an email. “She gets to “We’ve been inspired by Americans deco- designer in Marietta, Ga., a suburb of create the patterns on an app so it’s inter- rating their homes with holiday lights in Atlanta, who recently decorated her active for her and a fun family-at-home the spirit of togetherness,” the company house with her husband and their three thing we can all do to spread good cheer said in a statement. “We are proud to join children. and give people something pretty to look in and turn the holiday lights on every Then, of course, there’s the feel-good at, making it less doom and gloom.” night at our house.” Merrymakers are also factor of brightening up someone else’s lighting up lawns and apartments in Cana- mood in these dark times. In Clover, S.C., da, Britain and in parts of hard-hit Europe. Elizabeth and Bill Nickles and their three Media companies are putting on their children got busy decorating their house Santa hats, too: Over the weekend, the with lights and a passel of inflatables and Hallmark Channel aired a “We Need a lawn characters, including kid favorites Little Christmas” movie marathon like Minnie Mouse and the “Frozen” char- featuring some of its most popular holiday acter Olaf. On the other side of the house, titles, and some radio stations in the they decided to go with an Easter theme, Midwest are playing Christmas tunes.  18 The light display at Summer Peeso’s house in Interesting Facts...From Page 17 Natick, Mass., provides an activity for her 5-year- old daughter.Credit...Summer Peeso used Santa Claus during the winter Matt Carino, a senior studying lighting season for promotion. design at Pace University in New York, 25. The Statue of Liberty was gifted to took advantage of being back at home the US by the French on Christmas day in Montclair, N.J., and put his skills to use in 1886. It weighs 225 tons and thus constructing a lighted “Together Apart” you could consider it as the biggest display in cursive lettering in front of his Christmas gift in the world. family’s house. Mr. Carino, known in the 26. Did you know that the first Christ- mas was celebrated A temporary display in Portage, Mich. on December 25, AD Credit...Harlie Cowan 336 in Rome? suburb of Kalamazoo, where they are 27. In 1843, one quarantining together. They posted thousand copies of photos of their creation — wearing a hat the first Christmas cards were sold. A and scarf with the University of Michi- civil servant Sir Henry Cole in London is gan logo and illuminated by mesh lights credited with making the initial sales of — on social media before finally going to the cards. bed. When they woke up the following 28. Hallmark introduced their first day, their snowman was something of a Christmas cards in 1915. local celebrity after a local morning 29. More than 3 billion Christmas cards community for his annual Christmas news show shared their photo. display, Lights on Myrtle, used rope are sent in the U.S. alone, every year. Warm temperatures soon led to the The business of ‘Christmas cards’ is lights and other materials he already snowman’s demise, but Mr. Cowan and had on hand to make the sign, which huge, if you are looking for one. Mr. Barringer had so much fun that 30. Did you know that Christmas trees stands amid a constellation of colorful they’re now working on a themed, all- blinking lights in the trees. are grown in all 50 states including out display. Hawaii and Alaska? “We might go full-on Clark Griswold,” 31. White Christmas by Bing Crosby is Mr. Barringer said. “We haven’t decided the best-selling Christmas song ever. It yet.” Source: https:// has sold more than 50 million copies www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/well/family/ coronavirus-quarantine-christmas-lights.html around the world. 32. Visa cards are used 5-6 thousand times every minute during the Christmas season. 33. Almost 28 sets of LEGO are sold eve- ry second during the Christmas season. 34. A Christmas tale from old wives “I wanted to send a simple, strong and believes that if you bake bread on positive message to the community,” Christmas Eve, the bread will stay Mr. Carino said. “This pandemic is really fresh forever. However, there is no hitting people hard, from having to work evidence to prove that this tale is remotely, schools being canceled, and true as nobody has tried keeping the businesses being closed or limited.” bread up that long. 35. In 1962 – the US issued the first Spreading good cheer can be delightfully “Good news from heaven low-tech, too. Consider the snowman — Christmas postage stamp. the angels bring, Sources: https://thefactfile.org/interesting-facts-christmas/ http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/50-things-yule-never-know-653613 complete with a face mask — that long- http://www.forteachersforstudents.com.au/site/themed-curriculum/christmas/facts/ Glad tidings to the earth they sing: http://www.statista.com/topics/991/us-christmas-season/ time friends Harlie Cowan and James http://www.eauk.org/culture/statistics/christmas-facts-and-quotes.cfm To us this day a child is given, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/8214909/The-worlds-weirdest- Barringer decided to build around Christmas-traditions.html To crown us with the joy of heaven.” http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/ midnight one night recently when snow- http://www.britishturkey.co.uk/facts-and-figures/christmas-stats-and-traditions.html ~ Martin Luther The Statue of Liberty. Image credit – Steve Parker Young Rudolph (right) and Hermey the Elf as seen in the 1964 TV special. Image credit – flakes started to fall in Portage, Mich., a Wikipedia.org

What did the wise men say after they offered up their gifts of gold and frankincense? Wait, there's myrrh. 19 Chicago’s Ultimate Window Dressing: Marshall Field’s Christmas window, 1940s gowns. One window touted red laces, Christmas at Marshall Field’s It is hard to imagine a holiday season in trims, wraps, hats, and – gasp – petti- hether your family arrived in Chica- which the windows and their bewitching coats. Shoppers were smitten, and Mar- W go in the 1850s or last year, it’s designs did not exist. Were it not for tech- shall Field’s windows became a merchan- almost certain you have one thing in com- nological developments that yielded large, dising miracle. mon: A love for the windows at the store durable plate glass, department stores With a huge merchandising budget in on State Street formerly known as Marshall would not have one of their most compel- hand, Fraser designed hundreds of the Field’s. Many of us who have been in this ling marketing tools, let alone sufficient most spectacular window displays imagina- city for quite some time still can’t bring daylight to permeate their huge spaces. ble. When Field opened its new building in ourselves to refer to it as, well, the “M- Not until the late 1800s did the manufac- Word.” Although credit must be given to ture of plate glass allow for a product that the New York-based retailer for preserving could provide for virtually wrap-around the Walnut Room, Frango Mints, and yes, window displays. Once this became availa- the magical window displays. Getting to ble, retailers realized the vast potential of State Street, whether by car, El, bus, com- windows and the space just inside them to muter train or on foot might be one of the promote the new, the stylish, the best they few times each year that die-hard subur- had to offer. banites or out-of-towners traipse into The Marshall Field possessed the vision and City to engage in a beloved ritual. You know work ethic behind what became one of the it will be crowded, that you will have to wait most successful department stores in the your turn to inch up to the windows, and world. He also knew how to hire the best in 1907, its windows became a focal point. that the line for the Walnut Room will be the business. Harry Selfridge, the one-day beastly. But somehow, you find the pa- owner of the legendary London emporium tience because after all, this is the holiday bearing his name, was a junior partner at season, and this is one of the few experi- Field’s when, according to the book, Give ences that you simply cannot capture the Lady What She Wants, he became online. aware of the extraordinary window dis- plays seen in a Creston, Iowa

Field’s Art Deco holiday windows Field’s toy department, 1930s Fraser understood the joyful impact of store. Selfridge obtained the name of the Christmas, especially on children. He start- designer, and one Arthur Fraser instantly ed to showcase Field’s unprecedented became Marshall Field’s window genius. variety of toys in the store’s windows. The At the time of this writing, red has re- displays worked wonders for sales, and a emerged as an It Color for fall and winter window-shopping tradition was born. The fashion. Red was also enjoying a surge in practice of holiday window dressing contin- popularity in 1897, so much so that Fraser ued into the early 1940s when there was a decided that six of Field’s windows would significant change. For the first time ever, succumb to what was then called the “Red Field’s created a unified holiday theme that Epidemic.” Some windows featured volup- tuous silks, others displayed decadent The Great Tree in the Walnut Room, 2017 Marshall Field’s continues Page 25 What kind of linens do gingerbread men put on their beds? Cookie sheets. 20 Santa is a Women from page 6 Ira Byock writes in The Four Things that day – such as 10 minutes in the morning. Matter Most: “Please forgive me,” “I for- Not taking better care of myself. People the taxidermist. give you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you” dying from an illness often wish they’d Even if the male Santa DID have — carry enormous power to mend and done more to stay healthy, from eating reindeer, he'd still have transportation nurture our relationships and inner lives. better and sleeping more to seeing their problems because he would inevitably These four phrases and the sentiments doctor sooner. To avoid this regret – and get lost up there in the snow and clouds they convey can help us resolve interper- help stave off illness — make self-care a and then refuse to stop and ask for sonal difficulties with integrity and grace. priority. Take time each day to unwind directions. Not resolving conflicts with others. Every with a walk, nap, or meditation. Take Other reasons why Santa can't possibly relationship has disagreements that can breaks and vacations from your job. See be a man: lead to anger and hurt feelings. But don’t your family doctor at least annually – and - Men can't pack a bag. let a fight go unresolved. Oftentimes an right away if you have worrisome symp- - Men would rather be dead than caught argument is based simply on a misunder- toms. You’ll be doing a favor for both wearing red velvet. standing or miscommunication! Talk yourself and your loved ones. - Men don't answer their mail. things through, compromise, or agree to Not doing more for others. Many people - Men would refuse to allow their disagree. Really listen to one another. wish they’d made more of a difference in Choose to forgive, and correct any wrongs the world. But it’s never too late to start: physique to be described even in jest as that you’ve inflicted. Don’t sacrifice a gen- Choose a cause that’s meaningful to you, anything remotely resembling a erally positive relationship out of pride or and give a little of your time or money. "bowlful of jelly." stubbornness. Even people who are dying can donate to - Men aren't interested in stockings un- Not saving more money for retirement. charities — and ensure their legacy of less somebody's wearing them. People who don’t plan for retirement can making a positive impact. - Having to do the Ho Ho Ho thing would easily become impoverished once they’re Not choosing work that was meaningful seriously inhibit their ability to pick up no longer able to work. The sooner you to me. People who didn’t enjoy their job women. start a retirement savings plan, the more often wish they’d pursued a different - Finally, being responsible for Christmas comfortable and happy you’ll be in your career path. This is a common regret of would require a commitment. golden years. But it’s also never too late the dying. If you’re unhappy in your job, to start saving, or to increase the amount think about what you’d really like to do Regrets from Page 7 you save. Many online resources, or a and how you can get there now. certified financial planner, can help you by listening to what they’ve learned – SOURCE: https://samaritannj.org/hospice-blog- including their regrets — and showing figure out how much you’ll need to save. and-events/hospice-palliative-care-blog/end- our appreciation for them and the Not taking more risks. Fear of failure often life-regrets/ insights they’re sharing. causes people to take the “safer” path in Regrets we can learn from life. But at the end of life, many regret A Wee Bit of a Christmas Pun At the end of life, it’s too late to change they didn’t take more chances to achieve What is a mountain's favorite type of candy? Snow caps. the way we lived. But those who their dreams. Whether it’s starting a busi- are not near death can learn from the ness or going skydiving, don’t let fear hold What do you call an elf that runs regrets of the dying. Here are additional you back from the things you really want away from Santa's Workshop? to do. Make a “bucket list” and get start- A rebel without a Claus! end-of-life regrets that many people express — and how we can avoid them. ed on it, one item at a time. Did you know that Father Christmas Not saying “I love you” more. Many Spending too much time worrying instead has a daughter? people wish they’d been more loving to of enjoying life. Many people regret Her name is Mary Christmas. their family and friends, and regret not wasting time and energy worrying about Children who don't learn to tie their expressing that love more often. Take a things they couldn’t control. They realize, shoes properly are bound to wind up few minutes to call or write to someone too late, that they missed opportunities on the knotty list. you love, and let them know you care. It for happiness and accomplishments. One Why was the candy cane so will mean a lot to them, and make you antidote: Spend time each day (even just expensive? It was in mint condition. feel good, too. Think about the people a few minutes) doing something that What should you do if your car stalls who are there for you when you need fulfills you. In addition, remind yourself on Christmas Eve? them. Show your gratitude for that worrying is a choice. Try to limit You get a mistletow. them regularly.  your worrying to a certain time each  SOURCE: https://www.southernliving.com/ What do Santa's little helpers like to eat on a cold day at the North Pole? Elf -abet soup! 21 T.S. Eliot Poem and The Journey of lines from a sermon given by Anglican And the cities hostile and the towns un- the Magi Bishop Lancelot Andrewes in 1622 to kick- friendly ourney of the start his own poem. These are the words And the villages dirty and charging high J Magi is a poem from that Christmas sermon: prices: that explores the A cold coming they had of it at this time of A hard time we had of it. journey the wise the year, just the worst time of the year to At the end we preferred to travel all men took when take a journey, and specially a long jour- night, following the ney. The ways deep, the weather sharp, Sleeping in snatches, star to Bethle- the days short, the sun farthest off, in With the voices singing in our ears, say- hem where the solstitio brumali, ‘the very dead of winter.’ ing Christ child was born. It is a metaphori- Eliot the poet used these lines, written That this was all folly. cal poem, representing both birth and three hundred years before by a leading Then at dawn we came down to a tem- death, renewal and spiritual rebirth. theologian, altering them only a little for perate valley, The speaker is a magi whose narrative is his opening five lines. Wet, below the snow line, smelling of split into three stanzas, distinct parts: What makes Eliot's poem so powerful is vegetation; > the journey to the birthplace and the the fact that he makes one of the magi, a With a running stream and a water-mill doubt. magus, the speaker and turns the narra- beating the darkness, > the arrival, the prefiguring and satisfac- tive into a psycho-spiritual journey, typical And three trees on the low sky, tion. of the pilgrim yet interwoven with that of And an old white horse galloped away in > the reflection and acknowledgement the esoteric, religious teacher. the meadow. of a new faith. The theme of the poem is the effect of Then we came to a tavern with vine- Interestingly, there is no mention of spiritual/cultural events on individual leaves over the lintel, gold, frankincense and myrrh, a star or identity and society; the process of re- Six hands at an open door dicing for the name Jesus; there is no indication newal, the journey of the human psyche pieces of silver, that these magi are Persian astrologers, through history. And feet kicking the empty wine-skins. Zoroastrian priests come to welcome Journey of the Magi specifically focuses on But there was no information, and so we the messiah. the epiphany (Matthew 2. 1-12), despite continued The focus is more on the process, the the lack of named references to this And arriving at evening, not a moment inner and outer journeys that a human event. The speaker is deeply affected by too soon (and humanity) has to undertake in or- the birth, the shock waves changing lives Finding the place; it was (you may say) der to experience spiritual rebirth. Here, forever, alienating those around him, satisfactory. the event, the actual birth, which was inviting his own demise. All this was a long time ago, I remember, witnessed by the magi, takes second Journey of the Magi And I would do it again, but set down place to the main theme of change - A cold coming we had of it, This set down death of the old dispensation, birth of Just the worst time of the year This: were we led all that way for the new. The year this poem was writ- For a journey, and such a long journey: Birth or Death? There was a Birth, cer- ten, 1927, was an important year for The ways deep and the weather sharp, tainly Eliot. Not only did he gain British citizen- The very dead of winter.' We had evidence and no doubt. I had ship but he converted to Anglo- And the camels galled, sorefooted, refrac- seen birth and death, Catholicism which he committed to for tory, But had thought they were different; this life. Worshipping in church became a Lying down in the melting snow. Birth was crucial part of his routine and directly There were times we regretted Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, influenced the creation of Journey of the The summer palaces on slopes, the terrac- our death. Magi: es, We returned to our places, these King- 'I had been thinking about it in church And the silken girls bringing sherbet. doms, and when I got home I opened a half- Then the camel men cursing and grum- But no longer at ease here, in the old bottle of Booth's gin, poured myself a bling dispensation, drink and began to write. By lunchtime and running away, and wanting their With an alien people clutching their the poem, and the half-bottle of gin, liquor and women, gods. were both finished.' And the night-fires going out, and the lack Eliot had also done his research, using of shelters, Continued on Page 23 Did you hear the forecast for Christmas Eve? They're calling for rain, dear! 22 I should be glad of another death widespread in the Roman lands, the grew after the positive reception of the Source: https://owlcation.com custom of gift-giving occurred on New 1823 poem The Night Before Christmas This is a complex, perhaps confusing Year's Day. Around the year 336 AD the and the 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. poem. For those interested in an date of December 25 appears to have By the end of the 19th century, Christ- analysis of T.S. Eliot's poem, it can be become established as the day of Jesus's mas Eve replaced early December or found at: https://owlcation.com/ birth, and the tradition of gift-giving was January dates as the most common date humanities/Analysis-of-Poem-The-Journey- tied to the story of the Biblical Magi for gift-giving in the Western culture. of-the-Magi-by-TSEliot giving gifts to baby Jesus; together with With the Christmas season lasting twelve another story, that of Saint Nicholas, a days according to the liturgical calendars fourth-century Christian bishop and gift- of many Christian Churches, a gift is giv- giver, it slowly became a part of Christ- en for each of the twelve days of Christ- mas celebrations in countries such as mastide in some cultures, while in other the United Kingdom; in other Christian Christian households, gifts are only given countries, the practice of gift-giving oc- on Christmas Day or Twelfth Night, the curs early in Advent, on Saint Nicholas first and last days of the Christmas sea- Day. son, respectively. SOURCE: ttps:// Some early Christian rulers, however, en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Christmas_gift interpreted this story as indications that History of the Christmas tree it should be their subjects who should give gifts to their superiors, and insisted The evergreen tree on tributes and tithes during that period. Wise men give gifts to Jesus, woodcut was an ancient by Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld, 1860 This changed around the turn of the symbol of life in the millennium following the popularity of midst of winter. History of Gift giving at Christmas the Good King Wenceslas story based on Romans decorated Christmas gift or Christmas pre- the life of another historical person their houses with A sent is a gift given in celebration of claimed to be a gift-giver, Saint Wences- evergreen branch- Christmas. Christmas gifts are often ex- laus. Christmas gift-giving to superiors es during the New changed on Christmas Day itself, De- became less common, and around the Year, and ancient cember 25, or on the last day of the time of the Protestant Reformation, inhabitants of twelve-day Christmas season, Twelfth customs of gift-giving to children be- northern Europe cut evergreen trees Night (January 5). The practice of giving came increasingly widespread in Europe. and planted them in boxes inside their gifts during Christmastide, according to The custom spread to the United States houses in wintertime. Many early Christian tradition, is symbolic of the around the 19th century. This also coin- Christians were hostile to such practices. presentation of the gifts by the Three cided with the desire of some elites to The second-century theologian Wise Men to the infant Jesus. It is also reduce the rowdiness of adult Christmas Tertullian condemned those Christians symbolic in remembering that Jesus is celebrations, which in some places were who celebrated the winter festivals, or God’s gift to us. tied to begging, as "bands of young men, decorated their houses with laurel The tradition of gift-giving in general is an often rowdy, would "wassail" from boughs in honor of the emperor: old one, but it became associated with home to home and demand handouts “Let them over whom the fires of hell Christian feast of Christmas more recently. from the gentry". Another related as- are imminent, affix to their posts, laurels In ancient Rome, gift giving may have pect was the growing desire by parents doomed presently to burn: to them the occurred near the winter solstice which to keep children at home, away from testimonies of darkness and the omens in Europe occurs in December. This was the "corrupting" influence of the urban of their penalties are suitable. You are a celebrated during the Saturnalia holiday, streets. light of the world, and a tree ever green. which took place that month. As this Another relatively recent change con- If you have renounced temples, make feast was abandoned, the custom died cerned the time of Christmas gift-giving. not your own gate a temple.” out and is not the foundation of the For many centuries, gift-giving took But by the early Middle Ages, the legend Christian custom on the Feast of the place on December 6 around Saint Nich- had grown that when Christ was born in Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas. olas Day or in early January after New the dead of winter, every tree through- As Christianity became increasingly Year's Eve. The popularity of this custom Continued on page 24 How did Rudolph survive his first trip with Santa? He held on for deer life. 23 Christmas tree from Page 23 haps began to set up “paradise trees” in monarchs—although a few rulers used out the world miraculously shook off its their homes to compensate for the the holiday season as an opportunity to give to the poor or to the church instead ice and snow and produced new shoots public celebration they could no longer of green. At the same time, Christian enjoy. The earliest Christmas trees (or Martin Luther and His Family Around a missionaries preaching to Germanic and evergreen branches) used in homes Christmas Tree Lit With Candles Slavic peoples were taking a more were referred to as “paradises.” They lenient approach to cultural practices— were often hung with round pastry such as evergreen trees. These mission- wafers symbolizing the Eucharist, which aries believed that the Incarnation developed into the cookie ornaments proclaimed Christ’s lordship over those decorating German Christmas trees natural symbols that had previously today. been used for the worship of pagan The custom gained popularity through- gods. Not only individual human beings, out the 17th and 18th centuries, against (most notably Duke Wenceslas of Bohemia, whose story inspired the but cultures, symbols, and traditions the protests of some clergy. Lutheran could be converted. minister Johann von Dannhauer, for popular carol, and William the Conquer- or, who chose Christmas 1067 to make a Of course, this did not mean that the instance, complained (like Tertullian) worship of pagan gods themselves was that the symbol distracted people from large donation to the pope). Like trees, gifts came “inside” the family tolerated. According to one legend, the the true evergreen tree, Jesus Christ. But eighth-century missionary Boniface, this did not stop many churches from around the time of Luther, as the cus- after cutting down an oak tree sacred to setting up Christmas trees inside the tom of giving gifts to friends and family members developed in Germany, the the pagan god Thor (and used for hu- sanctuary. Alongside the tree often man sacrifice), pointed to a nearby fir stood wooden “pyramids”—stacks of Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Often these were given anonymously, or hid- tree instead as a symbol of the love and shelves bearing candles, sometimes one mercy of God. for each family member. Eventually den. One Danish custom was to rewrap a gift many times with different names Paradise Trees these pyramids of candles were placed Not until the Renaissance are there clear on the tree, the ancestors of our on each wrapper, so that the intended recipient was only discovered when all records of trees being used as a symbol modern Christmas tree lights and of Christmas—beginning in Latvia in ornaments. the layers were opened. Victorian Christmas 1510 and Strasbourg in 1521. Legend Nicholas and Wenceslas credits the Protestant reformer Martin It also took a long time for trees to In the English-speaking world, the union Luther with inventing the Christmas become associated with presents. of gifts, trees, and Christmas was due to the influence of Queen Victoria and her tree, but the story has little historical Though legend connects the idea of basis. Christmas gifts with the gifts the Magi husband Prince Albert, a native of Saxony (now part of Germany). German The most likely theory is that Christmas brought Jesus, the real story is more trees started with medieval plays. Dra- complicated. Like trees, gifts were first a immigrants had brought the custom of Christmas trees with them in the early mas depicting biblical themes began as Roman practice—traded during the part of the church’s worship, but by the winter solstice. As Epiphany, and later 1800s, but it spread widely after Victoria and Albert set up an elaborate tree for late Middle Ages, they had become row- Christmas, replaced the winter solstice dy, imaginative performances dominat- as a time of celebration for Christians, their children at Windsor Castle in 1841. ed by laypeople and taking place in the the gift-giving tradition continued for a At this point, Christmas presents were usually hung on the tree itself. open air. The plays celebrating the Na- while. By late antiquity it had died out, tivity were linked to the story of crea- although gifts were still exchanged at German and Dutch immigrants also brought their traditions of trees and tion—in part because Christmas Eve was New Year’s. also considered the feast day of Adam Gifts were also associated with St. presents to the New World in the early 1800s. The image of happy middle-class and Eve. Thus, as part of the play for Nicholas, bishop of Myra (in modern- that day, the Garden of Eden was sym- day Turkey), who became famous for families exchanging gifts around a tree became a powerful one for American bolized by a “paradise tree” hung with giving gifts to poor children. His feast day fruit. (December 6) thus became another authors and civic leaders who wished to These plays were banned in many plac- occasion for gift exchanges. During the replace older, rowdier, and more alco- hol-fueled Christmas traditions—such as es in the 16th century, and people per- early Middle Ages, Christmas gifts most often took the form of tributes paid to wassailing—with a more family-friendly What do baby elves learn in Kindergarten at the North Pole? The elf-abet. 24 holiday. This family-centered image was The Red Marbles from Page 17 widely popularized by Clement Moore’s 1822 poem, known today as “‘Twas the eyes glistening, she took my hand and led Night Before Christmas” (which also me to the casket. helped give us our modern picture of 'Those three young men who just left Santa Claus). As many of us make trees were the boys I told you about. and gifts the center of our own Christ- They just told me how they appreciated mas practice, we would do well to re- the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, member that they are ultimately sym- when Jim could not change his mind bols of the One who gave himself to about color or size.....they came to pay unite heaven and earth, and who brings Family decorating their tree 1940’s their debt.' 'We've never had a great deal of the all barren things to flower. http:// Aunt Holly. “Born” in 1946, Uncle Mistletoe www.christianitytoday.com/history/2008/december/why wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but -do-we-have-christmas-trees.html was a huge hit with customers. He even right now, Jim would consider himself the Marshall Field’s from Page 20 had his own television show that ran during richest man in Idaho .' extended through every window on State With loving gentleness she lifted the Street. The windows told a story that would lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. change every year. And every year brought Resting underneath were three more crowds from all over the Midwest to exquisitely shined red marbles. see the mesmerizing displays. Other retailers The Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath. Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself . . . An unexpected phone call from an old 1950 crowds visit Field’s windows friend. . . Green stoplights on your way to work. . . knew how to harness the magic of Christ- the holiday season for four years. He hasn’t mas. One of competitor Montgomery The fastest line at the grocery store . . . changed a bit, as seen by a 1953 Golden A good sing-along song on the radio . . . Ward’s advertising men dreamed up a cer- Book and his presence in the windows tain character known as Your keys found right where you left under Macy’s ownership. them . . .

It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived! Source: A GLC OPUS reader-Thank you!

“Christmas is not just a time for festivity and A young girl gazes at the windows in 1969. merry making. Dolls and reindeer create a winter fairyland. Although Macy’s took ownership of Mar- It is more than that.

shall Field’s in 2006, the chain has seen to it It is a time for the contemplation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Rudolph, that the windows continue to fascinate and the catchy song that bears his name, eternal things. The Christmas spirit is a Chicagoans. SOURCE: https:// spirit of giving and became an instant classic. Looking for its chicagotreasurehouses.com /2017/11/20/chicagos- own Christmas mascot, Field’s marketing ultimate-window-dressing-christmas-at-marshall- forgiving.” team created Uncle Mistletoe, and later, fields ~ J. C. Penney

What did Santa say to Mrs. Claus when he saw their Christmas tree? It looks okay, but you could Spruce it up a bit. 25 LIGHTHOUSE’S OF THE GREAT LAKES An Armchair Travel Experience Big Sable Point Light The Big Sable Point Light is a lighthouse on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan near Ludington in Mason County, Michigan, at the Ludington State Park.It is an active aid to navigation. On July 28, 1866, Congress appropriated $35,000 for a new lighthouse at Big Sable Point. Approximately 933 acres was deeded from the State of Michigan to the U.S. at no cost and in Original early 1867 construction began, making it the first light station in the area. concept Built in 1867, the 112-foot tower was originally made of yellow cream brick. It has a focal plane of drawing 106 feet. The building was made of so-called Cream City Brick. The brick deterio- rated and was thereafter covered with boilerplate in 1900 at a cost of $3,225. The yellow brick now encased in steel plate was difficult to see and a day mark was needed. Several changes to the day mark over the years were made. Cur- rently, the tower is painted white with a black watchtower and a black band around the middle of the tower. The original lens was a third order Fresnel lens,It was removed in 1985, and is now on display at the Rose Hawley Museum at White Pine Village.. In 1986, the lighthouse station was leased to the Foundation for Behavioral Re- search. The foundation has worked with the Big Sable Lighthouse Association to preserve the buildings. In the middle of the 20th Century, 1949, Big Sable was electrified. It was the last Great Lakes light to give up wicks. The foghorn, which was steam and then diesel. Buildings at the light station included the tower and dwelling, fog signal building, boat house, barn, three oil houses, two privy's and a Diaphone fog signal. The fog signal building fell into the lake due to erosion in 1943. The site is the subject of constant erosion, so that keeping the foundation in place and the water away from undermining it has been a recurrent and expensive battle. A historical marker in front of the lighthouse reads: Called Grande Pointe au Sable by French explorers and traders, Big Sable Point was an important landmark for mariners traveling a treacherous stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline between Big Sable Point and present-day Ludington. In 1855 twelve ships wrecked in that area. Commerce linked to the burgeoning lumber industry required Big Sable Point be suitably lighted. State Sen- ator Charles Mears pressed the legislature to ask the federal government for a light station at Big Sable. In 1866 the U.S. Congress appropriated $35,000 for a lighthouse, which was built the following year. As the lumbering era waned, steamers carrying coal foodstuffs and tourists continued to rely on the lighthouse for navigation. The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is one of the few Michigan lights with a tower reaching 100 feet (30 m). Completed in 1867 Big Sable's tower measured 112 feet (34 m) high. In 1900 the deteriorating brick tower was encased in steel. The keeper's dwelling, which once housed a single family, has been enlarged over the years, resulting in the present three-family residence. Indoor plumbing and heating and a diesel electric generator were added in 1953. In 1953 power lines were extended to the Point. In 1966 the tradition of light-keeping begun in 1867 by Alonzo A. Hyde and his wife Laura ended when the station was fully auto- mated. Big Sable Point Light Station is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse was transferred to state ownership on November 1, 2002. The site manager is the Sable Points Light Keepers Association. Big Sable Lighthouse is open daily May 8 through November 4, 2017 from 10am to 5pm. Cost to climb the tower is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children 12 and under. Gift shop and video room are open to all at no charge. (dated information from 2008) 26 What does a festive sheep say at Christmastime? Fleece Navidad. Visitors: 720,659 (in 2018) Crater Lake National Crater Lake Area: 183,224 acres (286.3 sq.mi.) Park is located in southern Oregon. Es- tablished in 1902, Crater CRATER LAKE Lake is the fifth-oldest NATIONAL PARK national park in the Unit- ed States and the only Southern Oregon national park in Oregon. The park encompasses the caldera of Crater Lake, a remnant of Mount Mazama, a destroyed volcano, and the surrounding hills and for- Aerial View of Crater Lake ests. and Wizard Island The lake is 1,949 feet deep at its deepest point, which makes it the deepest lake in the United States, the second-deepest in North America and the ninth-deepest in the world. Crater Lake is often referred to as the seventh-deepest lake in the world, but this former listing excludes the approximately 3,000-foot depth of subglacial Lake Vostok in Antarctica, which resides under nearly 13,000 feet of ice, and the recent report of a 2,740-foot maximum depth for Lake O'Higgins/San Martin, locat- ed on the border of Chile and Argentina. However, when comparing its average depth of 1,148 feet to the average depth of other deep lakes, Crater Lake becomes the deepest in the Western Hemisphere and the third-deepest in the world. The impressive average depth of this volcanic lake is due to the nearly symmetrical 4,000 -foot-deep caldera formed 7,700 years ago during the violent climactic eruptions and subsequent collapse of Mount Mazama and the relatively moist climate that is typi- cal of the crest of the Cascade Range. The caldera rim ranges in elevation from 7,000 to 8,000 feet. The United States Geo- logical Survey benchmarked elevation of the lake surface is 6,178 feet. The national park encompasses 183,224 acres (286.3 sqmi.) Crater Lake has no streams flowing into or out of it. All water that enters the lake is eventually lost from evaporation or Portion of the Pinnacles subsurface seepage. The lake's water commonly has a striking blue hue, and the lake is refilled entirely from direct precipitation in the form of snow and rain. Park fea- tures Some notable park features created by this huge eruption are: The Pumice Desert: A very thick layer of pumice and ash leading away from Mazama in a northerly direction. Even after thousands of years, this area is largely devoid of plants due to excessive porosity (meaning water drains through quickly) and poor soil composed primarily of regolith. (Regolith is a blanket of unconsolidat- ed, loose, heterogeneous superficial deposits covering solid rock. It includes dust, broken rocks, and other related materials and is present on Earth, the Moon, Mars, some asteroids, and other terrestrial planets and moons.) Wizard’s Island The Pinnacles: When the very hot ash and pumice came to rest near the volcano, it formed 200-to-300-foot-thick gas-charged deposits. For perhaps years afterward, hot gas moved to the surface and slowly cemented ash and pumice together in channels and escaped through fumaroles. Erosion later removed most of the sur- rounding loose ash and pumice, leaving tall pinnacles and spires. Wizard Island is a volcanic cinder cone which forms an island at the west end of Crater Lake The top of the island reaches 6,933 feet above sea level, about 755 feet above the average surface of the lake. The cone is capped by a volcanic crater about 500 feet wide and 100 feet deep. The crater was named the "Witches Cauldron" by William Gladstone Steel in 1885, who also gave Wizard Island its name at the same time. The land area of the island is Pumice Desert w/ close up 315.85 acres. What do you call an old snowman? Water. 27

Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange NONPROFIT ORG 200 North Catherine Ave. U.S. POSTAGE PAID La Grange, Illinois 60525 LAGRANGE IL 708-352-0730 PERMIT NO. 66 www.gracelg.org

Reconciling in Christ

The OPUS newsletter is dedicated to ENGAGE, ENRICH, EDUCATE, ENTERTAIN our community of readers. we have and will continue to follow a practice of avoiding the reporting of issues viewed as controversial within our greater geographic community. Diverse viewpoints are important and are best addressed through personal conversations and the variety of mass media outlets. This publication does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional. Team OPUS