Linking with the author's writing Mark remembers one of his visits to Algeria as an NGO manager. He felt he had gone back to the days of the Early Church. Small church groups met in a barn/garage/cellar and held much in community. The whole experience was very moving.

One of Mark's best memories is being an active part of the services of '9 Lessons and carols'. Church lit by candles only, pews packed with happy villagers dressed in Christmassy attire, all ready to celebrate Jesus birthday with favorite carols. Heaven on earth! Words cannot describe ....

Job 12:7 "But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air and they will tell you;" for me this verse connects nicely with St Francis of Assisi's love for animals, creatures of God. One of his encounters goes like this: "O my sisters, simple, innocent, chaste turtle-doves, why do you let yourselves be taken? Now I desire to save you from death and to make nests for you, so that ye may bring forth fruit and multiply, according to the commandments of our Creator."...

For me there is a question: how can we gaze in the others' eyes if we cannot slow down and take time to stop? Our culture is all about what I call 'Christmas competition' so well portrayed in Christmas films... more lights, more food etc. We are part of this culture and realize that because this year we'll have a quiet Christmas, we can focus more on the significance of the arrival of Jesus in the world so many years ago. We take deep breath and feel his love and peace.

Another very touching moment; thanks Ellen. Learning through the experience of others.

Thank you very much for sharing this with us. It is very humbling.

Getting the balance right to support someone who cries is a fine line. Being alongside the person as close as they want without being intrusive. Respect the personal space unless they crave for a hug. Listen and do not try to 'fix the problem'. Tears carry sorrow, they help wash it away or materialize the joy that cannot find words.

JOY, one of God's Spirit gifts, sits well with all the joy given by our family and friends. They are the most valuable treasures given by God. This is what I came up, with Mark, sitting in our 'nook', surrounded by our earthly treasures: books... 😊

Well known Quaker, Isaac Penington wrote: 'But of what nature is this light, which shineth in man in his dark state? It is of a living nature; it is light which flows from life; it is light which hath life in it; it is the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Word eternal, which is the light of men. And he who cometh to the true understanding may thereyby distinguish it from all other lights whatsoever.' For me, this quote links beautifully with Kathy's text about Quiet because Quaker meetings are mostly silent, focused on the Light.

Today we started our Advent calendar. A simple beige felt star with 24 little pockets. Only Christmas pegs attached to the pocket and a little bear in the next pocket showing the way to Christmas. On 24 we put baby Jesus in the last pocket. Every year I have progressively simplified my Christmas ornaments' display to try to focus on Jesus. Our new next door neighbors (a much younger couple than us) will be on their own for Christmas as we will too. So, we are planning a surprise invitation to share hot chocolate and 'brioche' with them on 24.