Winter has arrived

Each season has its own special beauty. Winter officially started yesterday and we woke up this morning to a frosty trip to church. Three and a half hours later as we walked back from the train, I noticed that some of the bushes that had not yet been bathed in sunlight still held on to the frost, so I took a few pictures.

Today we celebrated the Christingle service at ACB - it is a wonderful celebration of the coming of Jesus at Christmas. As part of the service, we were all invited, especially the children, to make a Christingle. It originates in the 18th century in Germany. The Christingle is:

An orange: representing the world;
with a candle inserted: Jesus, the light of the world;
four toothpicks (the four seasons) skewered with raisins or sweets (the fruits of the earth)
and a red ribbon tied around the center: Jesus's blood given for us.

As Rev. Geoff called it: "the good news in the palm of your hand." It was huge fun. There is a picture on Wikipedia.

Peace and joy to all.