Christmas Bells, a New Beginning and Being Thankful!

As Christmas is drawing near, here is a bit more trivia for you:

"In Scotland they have the tradition of First Footing, where at the stroke of midnight neighbors visit each other with a small gift, fruit cake or shortbread in return for a wee dram of whiskey. In other parts it is lucky for the first person to enter the house on New Years Day to bring a piece of coal as good luck for the coming year. Tall dark handsome men are thought to be the luckiest, while red headed women are sadly the least lucky ones to have knock on your door."

And the Christmas greetings you will hear throughout both Wales and Ireland in the traditional Celtic languages are in Welsh "Nadolig Llawn" and in Gaelic "Nollaig Shona duit".

A Merry Christmas everyone!

"Christmas Bells" is known by many but did you know Henri Wadsworth Longfellow wrote it 139 years ago after much sorrows?

Goodwill to Men...What thought to ponder upon especially during this Season during these troubled times! Will Mankind ever learn...

As you greet each friend and family member please remember the many who cannot be amongst us as they serve their Country faraway from home and also their loved ones on the home front...
To all of those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, know that you are not forgotten and we pray you come home soon safe and sound!
Let's be thankful for all that we have! And as you listen to the Bells, remember the real reason for the Season... Christmas, a New Beginning!

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

And thought how, as day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Till, ringing, singing on its way,

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime,

A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound

The carols drowned

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent

The hearth-stones of a continent.

And made forlorn

The households born

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;

“There is no peace on earth,” I said;

“For hate is strong,

“And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

Then pealed the bells loud and deep:

“God is not dead; nor doeth He sleep!

“The Wrong shall fail,

“The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, goodwill to men!”

May you have a wonderful Holiday!