Advent I have decided to bring all my "daily" entries into my header. It may make the header longer but will make finding the inserts much easier. 
"She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7-8Advent is known as the beginning of the Church Year and the four weeks leading up to, and concluding with Christmas, is the period of time in which Christians prepare for Christmas.
It is from the Latin word "adventus" or coming – meaning a period of time before Christmas.
Traditionally it begins on the Sunday closest to NOV-30 when the birth of Jesus is recalled.
Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation and of preparation.
The Advent candleA special wreath (usually a circle of fresh green leaves) containing five candles is used as a reminder of the four Sundays before Christmas. Four of the candles, three purple and one pink are arranged in a circle, the fifth--a white candle--is placed in the centre. By tradition, the candles are lit on each of the four Sundays in Advent, in the order two purple, one pink, one purple, until Christmas Day, when the fifth candle, the white one, is lit.
During the season of Advent, the clergy and the altars of most liturgical churches sport purple vestments. The purple candles reflect the contemplative nature of the season, and they symbolize repentance. Purple was the most costly dye in ancient times and was therefore used by kings to indicate their royal status. Purple also signifies the repentance and patience of God's people as they await the arrival of their Lord.
The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, which is also referred to as Rose Sunday or Gaudete Sunday. (Gaudete means "Rejoice" in Latin.)
Advent link Advent linkDecember 1st - Holly and IvyBoth of these evergreen plants are used as Christmas decorations. Many superstitions surround the holly. It is a man's plant and is believed to bring good luck and protection to men while ivy is supposed to give the same to women. It is thought that whoever brings the first sprig of Christmas holly into the home will be the master in the house for the following year. It was hung about the house to keep away evil spirits, witches, and goblins.
The Druids thought that the holly was sacred and symbolized eternal life. The sharp leaves were thought to represent the thorns in Christ's crown and the red berries drops of his blood. Holly is symbolic with Christmas.
December 2nd - CrackersChristmas crackers are made of a paper tube, covered with a bright paper or foil, twisted at both ends. Inside the cracker there is a paper hat, usually a crown of tissue paper, a joke and a small gift. It is traditional that the cracker is pulled by two people before the Christmas dinner, and the inserted strip makes the cracker go with a “bang” !
The first cracker is thought to have been invented by Thomas Smith in 1847, when he hit upon an idea to make Chinese New Year type crackers - but in a form that could be used inside.
December 3rd - Advent SundayDecember 4th - MistletoeMistletoe has been used for centuries as a decoration in the home, and was associated with many pagan rituals. The Christian church banned the use of mistletoe in any form because of its parasitic nature and because the Druids thought it helped keep away evil.
The Christmas custom of kissing under the mistletoe is thought to have begun in the 16th century. The man should kiss the woman under the hanging branch and then take a berry from the mistletoe. It was thought to have a beneficial effect on fertility and conception and lead to happiness and long life.
One word of warning – the berries are poisonous!
December 5th - Mince PiesThese are a small pastry dish, usually made with short crust pastry, filled with a sweet mixture of dried fruits and spices, known as mincemeat. The pastry lid is usually sprinkled with sugar.
The tradition of eating mice pies began hundreds of years ago. It is said King Henry was served a mincemeat pie at his coronation in 1413. Originally, the mincemeat did contain meat. It was a way of preserving meat by mixing it with fruit, spices and alcohol. They were originally cooked in an oblong tin, which usually sank in the middle making it look like a crib, hence the link with the Christian nativity story.
The amount of meat was gradually reduced until the late 19th Century when it became just fruits and spices. They were also known as “wayfarers' pies" because they were given to visitors over the Christmas period, making another link to Christmas.
Decemeber 6th - Christmas CardsIt is thought that the first Christmas card was created by Sir Henry Cole in 1843, who felt he needed a way of sending his friends Christmas greetings, as he had too many to write by hand, so he commissioned John Calcott Horsley to design a card for him to have printed.
His design showed Christmas celebrations being enjoyed by a happy family group but around the edges of the main picture were images of the poor being clothed and fed, which help to remind all who received them, to think of others in the spirit of Christmas.
NB - Charles Dickens also wrote his novel “A Christmas Carol” in the same year!
The idea of the Christmas card spread quickly throughout the world. Last year in the US alone, 1.9 billion cards were sent.
December 7th - Trafalgar Square Christmas treeToday at 5:45 pm GMT the 60th Norwegian Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, will be lit by HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway. This is probably the most famous Christmas tree in the world – and has become so much a part of Christmas for Londoners.
The first tree was brought over in 1947 as a token of Norwegian appreciation of British friendship during the Second World War. The tree has become a symbol of the close and warm relationship between the people of Britain and Norway.
The tree is usually 70-75 feet in height is erected in Trafalgar Square by a special crew who bring it over from Norway. It takes two days to put the tree up and to string it with the lights.
The ceremony of switching on the lights takes place in the early evening of the first Thursday in December, (tonight). A band plays, and a choir sings, Christmas carols as thousands wait for the lights to be switched on.
December 8th - Christmas PuddingThe pudding is the most special part of any British Christmas meal. Originally the Christmas pudding was referred to as hakin because of its multitude of ingredients. One form of the Christmas pudding was called frumenty and surfaced in the 14th century. The ingredients included beef, mutton, raisins, currents, prunes, wine, and mixed spices. It was more of a soup than a pudding, and was eaten as a fasting dish in preparation for the Christmas festivities.
In 1595, spirits, dried fruit, eggs, and breadcrumbs were added to the recipe and it became plum pudding. By Victorian times Christmas puddings had evolved into something which looked similar to the ones enjoyed today. The pudding became specifically associated with Christmas, rather than merely any festive occasion, when it was introduced to the Royal Christmas dinner table by Prince Albert.
There are many traditions and superstitions surrounding the Christmas pudding. Tradition says that the pudding should be made with 13 ingredients to represent Christ and His Disciples. It should be stirred with a wooden spoon in an East to West direction in honour of the three wise men.
Every member of the family is to take a turn stirring the pudding, making a wish, and bringing good luck to the family. Some families add a silver coin to the pudding and the one who gets it in their serving is said to have their wish come true. Traditionally puddings were made on the Sunday before advent on "Stir-up Sunday" so that they could mature before Christmas Day.
December 9th - Christmas CakeThe rich fruitcake we eat at Christmas comes from two customs, which combined to become one about 1870 in Victorian England. Originally, there was a porridge, (see the entry on Christmas pudding) the origins of which go back to the beginnings of Christianity. Then there was a fine cake made with the finest milled wheat flour that was baked by the rich in their Grand Houses in the 14th century.
In the 16th century, the boiled Plum pudding became a cake when butter and eggs were added. The rich spices represented the exotic spices of the East, and the gifts of the Wise Men. During the 17th Century, the “Festive cake” became very much part of the Twelfth night festivities, until1870, when Queen Victoria banned the celebration of Twelfth night as an unchristian festival. The rich fruitcake then became a Christmas cake. There are as many recipes for traditional cakes, as there are days in the year. Should it have almonds, almond essence, dark sugar, light sugar, butter, oil, fresh fruits, dried fruits, sherry, whiskey, brandy, almond paste, royal icing and so on – the list is endless!
December 10th- The Second Sunday in AdventDecember 11th- Christmas CarolsThe tradition of singing Christmas carols can be traced back to the thirteenth century, when carols were sung during festivities like “harvest” as well as Christmas. The singing of carols originated from the songs the angels sang when they met the shepherds to give the news of Christ's birth. Another legend says that Christmas carols are actually named after a little girl named Carol Poles who disappeared in 1888 in the Whitechapel district of London. According to the myth the girl was found missing around Christmas time. So, people went searching for her at night. In those days, the district of Whitechapel was haunted by the terror figure Jack the Ripper, the serial killer. So, the masses sang Christmas carols upon knocking on the door in order to declare their good intentions. Interesting, hmm…
So, let’s leave behind the misty traditions and peep into the real history of carols. Carols were actually communal dances which used to take place at any time of the year. The scene brought images of "coronet" and from there the term "carols" is derived. It was from 16th century onwards they became an integral part of the celebrations of Christmas
December 12th- Christmas PlantPoinsettias are traditional Christmas plants. Their vivid red bracts (leaves) have become associated with Santa's coat and robins' breasts.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where the Aztecs used them in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries both for medicinal purposes and for making dye.
The Christmas connection to poinsettias comes from a Mexican legend which tells of a poor girl who dreams of bringing a beautiful gift to favour the Virgin Mary for a Christmas Eve service, yet has nothing worthy.
On the way to Church, she meets an angel who tells her to pick some weeds. She kneels by the roadside and, despite her protests that they are far from desirable, gathers a handful of common weeds. and makes her way to a small chapel where she places her offering on the altar.
The moment she does, they burst into blooms of brilliant red poinsettias and her sorrow turns to joy. The Mexicans renamed it "Flor-de-Nochebuena" (Christmas Eve Flower).
"Poinsettia Day" is today, December 12th. It was declared in honour of the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, whom the plant is named after.
December 13th Christmas WreathsThe origins of the Advent wreath are found in the folk practices of the pre-Christian Germanic people who, during the cold December darkness of Eastern Europe, gathered wreaths of evergreen and lighted fires as signs of hope in a coming spring and renewed light. Christians kept these popular traditions alive, and by the 16th century Catholics and Protestants throughout Germany used these symbols to celebrate their Advent hope in Christ, the everlasting Light. For some it symbolizes the strength of life overcoming the forces of winter. Back in ancient Rome, people used decorative wreaths as a sign of victory. Some believe that this is where the hanging of wreaths on doors came from.
December 14th Christmas BaublesThe shiny blown-glass ball ornaments, which hang on the tree, were invented and first produced over 160 years ago in Lauscha, Germany, a small village 60 miles north of Nuremberg, high in the Thuringian mountains. Over the decades Lauscha-glass making became known world wide and the first ornaments reached America around 1860 and were sold on street corners in the German communities. In the late 1880s, F.W. Woolworth popularized them in his chain of variety stores. Following World War I, companies in Vienna, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Japan began to copy the Lauscha-produced ornaments, and by the late 1930s Corning Glass mass produced the round glass Christmas tree ornaments by machine, and the rest – they say – is history!
December 15th - This evening is the start of HanukkahHanukkah is celebrated from sundown on Dec. 15 through sundown on Dec. 23 in 2006. Hanukkah (also commonly spelled “Chanukah”) means “rededication” in Hebrew. The holiday commemorates an event that occurred 23 centuries ago, marking the survival of Judaism.
Often called the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is one of the best known and most joyous holidays for the Jewish community. While not a particularly important religious occasion, Hanukkah is a special time for gathering and celebrating with family and friends. A candle is lit each of the eight nights of Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of the oil in the Temple. Nine candles are arranged in a candelabra called a menorah – one for each night, plus the shamash or shammus (meaning servant), the candle used to light the others. Candles are lit from left to right, and the shamash is placed in the middle at a different height.
December 16th SANTA CLAUS The original Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, was born in Turkey in the 4th century. He was very pious from an early age, devoting his life to Christianity. He became widely known for his generosity for the poor. But the Romans held him in contempt. He was imprisoned and tortured. But when Constantine became emperor of Rome, he allowed Nicholas to go free. Constantine became a Christian and convened the Council of Nicaea in 325. Nicholas was a delegate to the council. He is especially noted for his love of children and for his generosity. He is the patron saint of sailors, Sicily, Greece, and Russia. He is also, of course, the patron saint of children. The Dutch kept the legend of St. Nicholas alive. In 16th century Holland, Dutch children would place their wooden shoes by the hearth in hopes that they would be filled with a treat. The Dutch spelled St. Nicholas as Sint Nikolaas, which became corrupted to Sinterklaas, and finally, in Anglican, to Santa Claus. In 1822, Clement C. Moore composed his famous poem, "A Visit from St. Nick," which was later published as "The Night Before Christmas." Moore is credited with creating the modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly fat man in a red suit, and Coke Cola are credited to sending images of him around the World as part of their Christmas Advertising!!
DECEMBER 17th
ROSE SUNDAY - The Third Sunday in AdventDECEMBER 18th
The Three KingsWho were the Three Kings, also known as the Magi or Three Wise men?
According to tradition dating back to medieval times, their names were Balthasar, Caspar (or Gaspar), and Melchior. They are often depicted as representing the three races. The Bible says they came from the East, but exactly where is not known. Arabia, Babylon, and Persia are popular choices. According to Armenian legend, Balthasar was King of Arabia; Caspar was King of India, and Melchior was King of Persia.
The Bible, however, does not describe the kings or reveal their names. In fact, it does not call them kings at all, but simply Magi, or Wise Men. They were held in awe as highly educated scientists and scholars who could interpret dreams and even control demons, but little is known of their religion. It is believed that the Wise Men of the nativity tale were Persian magicians.
No one can say for sure how many Magi visited Jesus. The Bible does not specify three. According to Eastern tradition, the number was 12. The Western tradition of three wise men probably arises from the three gifts they brought to Jesus.
DECEMBER 19thThe Gifts
What are those gifts and why were they given by the wise men?
Most people today have heard of Gold, and many may be wearing gold jewellery, as in wedding rings, necklaces and watches. 2000 years ago it was a very expensive commodity and only the rich merchants could afford to own it. It is thought that Melchior was the Wise man to give Gold as his gift.
Caspar, the second Wise man took Myrrh. Myrrh is a gum resin from certain trees, which can be found in Africa and Arabia. During Biblical times, myrrh was used in making perfume and incense. The tree called Commiphora or DinDin produces the sap when the bark is cut. When the myrrh hardens it is usually made into powder. In addition to being used in perfumes and incense, myrrh was also used as an ointment in embalming by the Egyptians. Today myrrh is used in mouthwashes, toothpaste and make-up.
Balthazar was the Wise man who took Frankincense. It is also a gum resin similar to myrrh from the tree Boswellia Thurifera, found in the Middle East and Somalia. When the bark is cut, the sap is left to harden on the tree for about 3 months, and then scraped off into containers. Frankincense was used in incense for religious ceremonies, and a small amount was also used in perfume.
DECEMBER 20th
The star
O, Star of wonder, star of night
Star of royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.Scholars debate whether the Star of Bethlehem is a legend manufactured by the early church or a miracle which marked the advent of Christ.
But if the Star was a really an astronomical event, what could it have been?
At least four theories have been discussed to explain the Star from a purely astronomical viewpoint.
The first idea was thought that an unusually bright fireball meteor was seen to flash across the sky. But they don’t last long enough to lead the Magi halfway across the Orient. So this theory does not hold much water.
Secondly it is thought it could be a comet, because the famous Halley’s Comet was seen in the sky during August and September in the year 11 BC. The time does not fit exactly, but as no one knows the exact date of the birth, it could be a possibility
Others think it could have been a nova or supernova outburst: a new star shines where none had ever been seen and leaves no trace for us to find in the future. The appearance of a nova is unpredictable; a really bright one becomes visible perhaps once every 25 or 30 years. They can suddenly and unexpectedly flare into prominence literally overnight, but after several weeks of such prominence, they gradually fade and disappear. One nova apparently did appear, bordering the constellations Capricornus and Aquarius during the spring of 5 BC. But the Chinese records, which describe this object, imply that it was apparently not a very prominent nova.
The final possibility is a planet. It is unlikely the Magi could have confused one of the familiar planets with a star. However, sometimes the planets conjoin – and can look like a larger, brighter star. Another possible explanation for the Star of Bethlehem is that Jupiter passed Saturn three times between May and December in 7 BC; a rare triple or "great conjunction." In fact, for eight consecutive months, the time it might have taken to travel the 500 miles or more from Babylonia to Judea, Jupiter and Saturn remained within three degrees of each other, from late April of 7 BC until early January of 6 BC.
Finally, was the Star of Bethlehem truly a miracle star? Is this a mystery that modern science cannot work out? Astronomy gives us four possible solutions, but the final decision is yours, alone.
DECEMBER 21st
AngelsIn Latin it is angelus; in Greek aggelos; in Hebrew it means the "one going" or "one sent"; as in messenger. Angels are represented throughout the Bible as messengers and guardians.
“God sent the angel Gabriel to (Mary). The angel said to her, 'Don't be afraid, Mary, because you will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus'" (Luke 1:26, 30-31).
Angels brought the message of Jesus’ birth to the Shepherds
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:8-14
And finally, who has not heard the famous quote from the film “It’s a Wonderful Life” -
“every time a bell rings, an Angel gets its wings”
DECEMBER 22nd The Manger
Away in the manger, this cold, cold, night,
Lay our little Savior, while the star shone bright;
Leading the wise men to the place where He lay
There, with His mother, Mary, on a mattress of hay ...
Bringing Him gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold;
To worship the baby Jesus, the story's been told.
When God told them of the king that would harm the babe, that day,
They went through another country, out of the way.
Oh, what a wonderful blessing the Lord did to us give;
To send His little Son, the Saviour, our sins to forgive.
How can we ever thank Him except to believe and except His Son,
Knowing, deep inside our hearts, God's Son is the One?
He is the way, the truth, and the light.
He made Heaven and earth, with the stars so bright.
He waits for us to call upon His glorious name, so fair.
And, when we do, He'll write our name in the book of life, up there.
by Pearlie Duncan Walker
DECEMBER 23rd
This is the last entry in The Advent Countdown blog, as tomorrow is the 4th Sunday in Advent and also Christmas Eve.
So may I toast your health, (using the seasonal Christmas drink, mulled wine), and wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a healthy, Happy New Year.Mulled wine
The word "mulled" simply means heated and spiced. Many liquids can be mulled - mead, cider, and of course wine. Mulled wine is a traditional favorite in cooler locations, and goes well with the various celebrations that come around the end of the year, especially Christmas
Mulled wines have a long history. In medieval times these wines were called Ypocras or Hipocris, named after the physician Hippocrates. They were thought to be very healthy, and indeed, with wine at the time being far more sanitary than water, these heated drinks probably did keep people healthy through the cold winters.
Moving forward to the 1500s, cookbooks listed methods of mulling "Clarrey", or Bordeaux. Recipes involved honey, cinnamon, cardamon, galingale and of course French wine. Mulled wine was a favorite in Victorian England, and Negus - a type of mulled wine - was even served to children at their birthday parties.
Today, mulled wine is the favourite drink at many holiday parties.
Mulled wine recipeDECEMBER 24th - 4th Sunday in Advent - CHRISTMAS EVE
Today is offically called the 4th Sunday in advent therefore Christmas Eve cannot begin until sundown.
The white candle in the Advent wreath is lit on Christmas Day. 
