Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 539

The Advent Wreath - While Shepherds Watched...

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

This Sunday, December 12, is the third Sunday in Advent, but it's never too late to participate. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Advent Week Three - The Shepherds' Candle

Candles:
Light two purple candles (the Prophets' Candle and the Bethlehem Candle), and the pink candle (the Shepherd's Candle). The pink symbolizes joy. Traditionally, the mother lights the candles.

Story:
Explain how the shepherds watched their flocks, heard the news that the Messiah had born, and went to see the Baby Jesus in the manger - and how they reacted with great joy.

Scriptures:
Isaiah 9:6-7 (Isaiah's prophecy of how the Messiah would be born as a child, of David's line, the Mighty God)
Luke 2:8-20 (how the shepherds heard the news and visited Jesus)
John 10:1-18 (Jesus as the Good Shepherd)
Philippians 2:1-11 (Jesus' attitude of humility, shedding his majesty to come to earth as a baby)

Songs:
"The First Noel"
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night"
"Joy to the World"

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 10, 1940: British take Sidi Barrani, push Italians out of Egypt.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 9, 1940: British launch offensive against larger Italian force at Sidi Barrani, Egypt.
65 Years Ago—Dec. 9, 1945: US Gen. George S. Patton is injured in a car accident near Mannheim, Germany.

It's All in Your Head

For a writer, interior monologue (the character's thoughts) is a powerful tool to help your reader get into your character's head, feel what they're feeling, and understand them better.

Today I'm guest blogging about interior monologue on Romance Writers on the Journey for their Wordsmithing on Wednesday feature - "It's All in Your Head - Bring Your Characters to Life Through Interior Monologue." Here's the link:

http://romancewritersonthejourney.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/its-all-in-your-head-bring-your-characters-to-life-through-interior-monologue/

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 7, 1940: New songs in the Top Ten: "Down Argentine Way" and "Frenesi."
65 Years Ago—Dec. 7, 1945: Japanese Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita is sentenced to death for his role in atrocities in the Philippines.

Lessons from the 1940s - Remember Pearl Harbor

On December 6, 1941, twelve B-17 Flying Fortresses left Hamilton Field, north of San Francisco, bound for their new station on Mindanao in the Philippines. My great-uncle, Roderick M. Stewart, was a second lieutenant with one of the crews.

The first leg of their journey would take them to Hickam Field in Honolulu. Weighted down by gasoline for the thirteen-hour flight, they were unable to carry ammunition. But why would they need it? The United States of America was at peace.

When the B-17s neared Hawaii the next morning, they were pleased to see fighter planes approach - to escort them to the landing field, they assumed. Can you imagine their shock when the fighters opened fire on them? When the fighters careened past and the Americans saw the red circles on the planes? Japanese Mitsubishi Zeros. The United States of America was no longer at peace.

The twelve unarmed bombers dodged both enemy bullets and friendly antiaircraft shells and landed where they could on fields cratered by bombs. Eight of them landed at Hickam Field, two at Haleiwa Field, one at Bellows Field, and one put down on Kahuku Golf Course. One of the planes was destroyed, and three were damaged. Six men were wounded, and one man was killed.

Lt. Rod Stewart emerged unscathed, served illustriously in the Army Air Force, and went on to live a long life. However, over 2400 Americans lost their lives that day.

The horrific results of "The Day Which Will Live in Infamy" still shock us, as they should. The cost of unpreparedness must never be forgotten. We commemorate those who gave their lives for their country, not even knowing that country was at war, and give thanks for the millions who fought to end that war. Never take freedom for granted.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Dec. 6, 1945: USASTAF inactivated (USA Strategic Air Forces), based in the Pacific.

The Advent Wreath - O Little Town...

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

This Sunday, December 5, is the second Sunday in Advent, but it's never too late to participate. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Advent Week Two - The Bethlehem Candle

Candles: Light the first purple candle (the Prophets' Candle) and the second purple candle (the Bethlehem Candle) as shown. The purple symbolizes penance. Traditionally, the older children light these candles, but use your judgment.

Story: Explain how the prophets foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem of the family of David. Joseph and Mary came to the little town, which was crowded with visitors for the census, and the only place for them to stay was in a dark stable.

Scriptures:
Micah 5:2 (the prophecy that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem)
Luke 2:1-7 (how Jesus came to be born in Bethelehem)
Matthew 2:1-11 (the Magi come looking for Messiah; the Jewish leaders tell Herod of the Bethlehem prophecy)

Songs:
"O Little Town of Bethlehem"
"Silent Night"
"Away in a Manger"
"We Three Kings"

During this hectic holiday season, may you find stillness and peace with the Child of Bethlehem.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Dec. 3, 1945: Movie premiere of The Lost Weekend, starring Ray Milland; 1945 Oscar winner for best picture, best actor, and best director—Billy Wilder.

Today in World War II History

65 Years Ago—Dec. 2, 1945: US Ninth Air Force (tactical air force based in England) inactivated.