christianity

Countdown to Christmas: The Season of Advent

December 8, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Getting ready for Christmas is not just about the lights, the tree, the cookies, or the presents. The season of Advent, preparing for the birth of Jesus Christ is the real reason for the season. Advent is about the anticipation of the coming of Christ. In the middle of all the hectic rushing around preparing for our “worldly” Christmas, Advent reminds us to slow down and reflect on the real gift of Christmas, the gift of God’s own Son.

Advent in Narnia: Reflections for the Season

The birth of Jesus Christ is the real reason for the season.

I prepare in many ways, but during this special church season, we add vesper services on Wednesday nights.

It’s a shorter liturgical service, without communion. Pastor reads the Christmas story during the reading, one section at a time, one week at a time, and then brings it to life during the sermon.

I play the piano for Wednesday night Advent services, and I love to sit quietly in front of the church and absorb the message and hear the congregation sing. It fills the church and my soul.

The Advent hymns help me prepare for Christmas and reflect on the true meaning of the season. It’s not just about gifts, presents, and the hectic pace everyone sets for them.

On Sunday I help the kids get ready for the childrens’ program on Christmas Eve, not only do I play during Advent services but for the Christmas Eve program. The organist and I rotate songs and end with a piano-organ duet to Joy to the World.

God Is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas Purple Ribbon Advent Wreath Purchase Nativity Advent Candle set
Nativity Advent Wreath

The church is decorated not only with an Advent wreath and candles, but poinsettias, candles, and the blue vestments of Advent. I love many of the church seasons, but the season of Advent and Christmas as two of my favorite.

National Day of Prayer

May 1, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The first Thursday of May is designated as the National Day of Prayer and people from all over the country will gather at flag poles for “See you at the Pole” events to pray for our country, our government, and good leaders. At our local school district students will meet in front first thing in the morning to observe the National Day of Prayer. To pray in Jesus name to ask Him to come into our lives, give us peace, hope, unity and strength.

History of the National Day of Prayer

You might be surprised to learn that it was the United States government under President Truman that enacted the first official Day of Prayer.

The National Day of Prayer (36 U.S.C. § 119)^[1] is an annual day of observance held on the first Thursday of May, designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation”. Each year since its inception, the president has signed a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.^[2] The modern law formalizing its annual observance was enacted in 1952; however, days of prayer have been called for since 1775, when the Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in forming a new nation.^[3]http://en.wikipedia.org

Prayer and religious freedom is why the United States was founded. People escaped from religious persecution and found a home in America where they could worship freely. Now, more than ever we need to remember this. The Christian faith is being attacked from all sides. The military is limiting outward signs of prayer and faith. However, at least in the Marine Corps, chaplains, faith and God are a cornerstone. A prayer is said by the chaplain during the graduation ceremony.

Marine Corp Champlain leading off the graduation — Marine Corp Chaplain, Captain Johnson, leading off the graduation with prayer

The National Day of Prayer has been challenged over the years by the Freedom of Religion Foundation, but they have lost several times. When such government entities dating back to 1775 and the Continental Congress reaches all the modern day governors from all fifty states, there is support that no many can put asunder.

Let’s continue to keep God, Christ, faith, and prayer in the United States, our country and out hearts.

Listen to “We Pray”, recorded for the National Day of Prayer

How will you recognize the National Day of Prayer? Will you attend a rally, have a small group. Or will you prayer privately, alone with your Father who knows and hears all things. Regardless of how you prayer, just pray, not just today, but every day. If you don’t know what to pray, or how to start, start with the Lords Prayer, which is the perfect prayer.

Links to the National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer to Encourage a United Voice

Thursday marks the 63rd annual National Day of Prayer. This year’s theme is “One Voice, United in Prayer.” An estimated 40,000 people nationwide will mark the day with special events, including many at local and national government buildings.

And furthermore … National Day of Prayer

Thursday is the National Day of Prayer. Now more than ever, it is appropriate to offer thanks, ask forgiveness and seek guidance. Private gatherings to offer prayers for our city, state and nation are appropriate. Indeed, they are essential. A local …

Does Fox News Know That Shirley Dobson Sees National Day Of Prayer As …

Fox News, in attacking the Military Freedom From Religion Foundation, provided a warm and affirming platform for the National Day of Prayer. Megyn Kelly interviewed former Focus on the Family head, Dr. Pat Dobson, and his wife Shirley Dobson, both of …

National Day of Prayer to Encourage a United Voice – US …

Thursday marks the 63rd annual National Day of Prayer. The theme this year: One Voice, United in Prayer.

National Day of Prayer 2014 – American Association of …

May 1st marks the 63rd Annual National Day of Prayer Celebration, and we encourage you join the hundreds of thousands of Americans who will be assembling across the nation! From the country’s inception, many of our …

God’s Blessings and Easter Miracle Stories

April 20, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Easter Miracle Stories Can Happen

I believe in Gods’ blessings and the Easter miracle stories because I witnessed a personal Easter miracle.

Miracles from Heaven: A Little Girl and Her Amazing Story of Healing

Many of you hear of Easter miracles, stories testimonials and casually dismiss their validity. You may patiently listen, smile, and nod your head. But truly not believe.

I did the same. But no longer. My father was dying in a hospital. The doctors and nurses were saying any minute, any hour. But I witnessed my own miracle on Easter.

All we need to do is believe and have faith. It’s that simple. Christ died for us on Good Friday many years ago and through the miracle of his Resurrection showed how we can have everlasting life.

For by Grace you have been saved through faith and it is not your doing, but a Gift from God (Ephesians 2:8).

Easter has a special meaning for me and the traditional Easter hymns bring me back to certain times in my life when I have witnessed miracles.

There are true life miracle stories that happen every day. Stories that have no explanation that can only be attributed to the grace of God.

My Easter Miracle Story

In 1995 I received a call from my Mother on Good Friday. Dad was in the hospital and not expected to make it through the weekend.

I immediately flew 1500 miles to Connecticut and we started a 24-hour bedside vigil.

The years of emphysema and COPD had taken a toll, Dad was laying in the hospital bed, nonresponsive and hooked to machines that beeped his life story.

I had the overnight shift on Saturday night and spent the hours repeatedly putting his oxygen mask back on his face, as he kept pulling it down. The nurses came in and asked me what I wanted them to do if he stopped breathing.

They did not expect my Father to live through the night.

I just gave them a stern and outraged look and said, “He can hear you, we aren’t going to talk about it.” You see, my Father had not yet met his brand new granddaughter, who had just been born a few months earlier.

The next morning was Easter, and I left the hospital when I Mom arrived to attend Easter Service at my home church of Grace Episcopal in Broad Brook CT. Traditional Easter songs have always moved me in ways I can’t explain.

I sat in the back, in one of the Mother rocking chairs with my baby girl, and listened to the traditional Easter hymns in that small church. I prayed, I held my baby girl, rocked her, and wept. The He’s Risen hymn touched my heart and soul and I can’t explain the feeling I felt.

It was a warmth, a radiating “tingle” throughout my entire body that did not cease. I tried to sing, but could not because of the lump in my throat.

Pretty Flower Christian Happy Easter Card
by ChristianGiftIdea

I prayed for an Easter miracle.

After church, I went anxiously to the hospital. My Dad was sitting up and drinking coffee.

I have no explanation except as an example of the many Easter miracle stories that abound. Afterward, I learned he was on seven prayer lists that morning.

Thank you for that Easter miracle and those last few days with my Dad. Christ is Risen indeed, and Jesus gives life.

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Hymns to Enjoy this Happy Easter

To me, these hymns are Easter. They are my favorite traditional hymns and I look forward to singing Jesus Christ is Risen Today hymn during church every Easter morning. I do have to admit there is always a lump in my throat as I remember sitting in my hometown Episcopal church praying for my Father.

Jesus Christ is Risen Today Hymn

Traditional Easter songs cross over various denominations. The following Christian hymns and music are sung in churches of various denominations including Episcopal, Lutheran and Catholic churches.

Christ the Lord is Risen Today Hymn

My favorite traditional Easter hymn is “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.” It reminds me of not only my own Easter miracle story but God’s grace in my life every day.

He’s Risen, He’s Risen Hymn

Another favorite hymn in both the Lutheran and Episcopal church is the He’s Risen Hymn. It’s also one of mine. The majesty of the He’s Risen hymn played by an organ is magnificent and will send a chill through your soul.

Thank you for reading and listening. If you have a favorite Easter Hymn or Easter miracle stories please share them, below.

Remember Easter is not just one day, but all year round. Christ is Risen!

Have a Happy Easter and look for Easter miracle stories in your life, not just on Easter, but every day.

If you love the traditional Easter songs and are looking for Easter hymns and sheet music for the piano try the music books below.

Lorie Line – The Heritage Collection Volume 6 – Piano Solo Personality Heritage Collection 2 by Lorie Line (2000-09-29)Christ Is Risen! – 26 Easter Songs Celebrating the Resurrection A Month of Sundays: Easter and Lent (Sacred Performer Collections)

Glory Laud and Honor, My Favorite Hymn for Palm Sunday

April 13, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Palm Sunday Traditions
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Sometimes I think I look forward to Palm Sunday more than Easter. It’s when I get to sing my favorite hymn Glory Laud and Honor.

I have very fond memories of my Godmother and growing up in a small country church in Connecticut. The significance of Palm fronds on Palm Sunday represents Jesus Christ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem to celebrate Passover.

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week for Christians and the celebration of His coming. This is a marked difference in how Christ was treated just a few days later on Good Friday.

Church Traditions on Palm Sunday

At my small country church of Grace Episcopal in Broad Brook Connecticut we would be handed palms.

The whole church would parade around the church waving palms and singing Glory Laud and Honor. The windows in the church would be open and the organ would echo the full refrain in celebration.

My Godmother, Alice Turcotte, would hold my hand and smile at me as if this was the most wonderful moment in her life. She often told me this was her favorite hymn, and it has held a special place in my heart ever since.

Below you can listen and sing along with the words to the traditional hymn All Glory Laud and Honor, YouTube edition. You can believe that’s it’s on my YouTube Hymn Playlist.

All Glory Laud and Honor Lyrics

I get chills whenever I hear All Glory Laud and Honor. It is such a majestic hymn sung is the very popular key of C, which is very easy to sing. I enjoy it all year, not just on Palm Sunday.

All glory, laud, and honor
To You, Redeemer, King,
To Whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel
and David’s royal Son,
Now in the Lord’s name coming,
The King and Blessed One.

The company of angels
Is praising You on high;
And we with all creation
In chorus make reply.
The people of the Hebrews
With palms before You went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems
Before You we present.

To You before Your passion
They sang their hymns of praise;
To You, now high exalted,
Our melody we raise.
As You received their praises,
Accept the prayers we bring,
For You delight in goodness,
O good and gracious King!

Lessons from my Godmother

Granny Turcotte was a wonderful person. After her husband died she was a foster parent to over twenty special needs kids and raised a brother and sister with muscular dystrophy from infant to adulthood. The new people and crowds on Easter morning made it difficult to bring Mary and James to Easter service.

The regulars in the congregation knew them, didn’t stare, and thus made Palm Sunday service easier and welcoming. She would often skip Easter service and attend Palm Sunday service as she got older. She celebrated life as if every day were Palm Sunday. With Shouts of joy and thanksgiving!

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She was the epitome of what a Godmother is supposed to be and took her role seriously.

We went to her church where I went to Sunday school and repeated the lessons to her after church, she helped me learn the Lords Prayer and I recited my confirmation lessons and memory work after church.

She gave me my first Bible and was there when I was confirmed. She died in 1988 and every Palm Sunday when I sing Glory Laud and Honor I get a lump in my throat as I remember her and the impact she had in my life.

Grace Episcopal Church, Broad Brook Connecticut

Palm Sunday story kids — Small country church in Broad Brook CT

I have been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Murdock Nebraska for over twenty years. Every morning when I woke the first thing I think of is hearing and singing Glory Laud and Honor.

The tradition at Trinity is to hold the youth confirmation ceremony on Palm Sunday, and how appropriate it is to celebrate the newly confirmed members of the church.

Sheet Music for Glory Laud and Honor

It never fails, every Palm Sunday I come home, find my All Glory Laud and Honor sheet music and sit at the piano and smile. I would like to think my dear Godmother is looking down from me from heaven and smiling. I hope she knows how she greatly influenced my life.

All Glory Laud and Honor: Sheet Music for String Quartet Hymn All Glory, Laud and Honor Sheet Music Hal Leonard All Glory, Laud and Honor (An Organ Suite for Holy Week)All Glory, Laud and Honor: Hymn Arrangements for Solo Piano (Moderate)PROCESSIONAL ON Palm Sunday All Glory, Laud and Honor: Organ Expressions for Palm Sunday Through Eastertide

What memories of Palm Sunday do you remember most?

How do you celebrate Holy Week and Easter?

Palm Sunday Bible Story Books for Kids

It is easy to find Easter story books for kids, but it’s harder to find Palm Sunday Bible story books. Here are a few books to for a Palm Sunday Bible Story lesson.

The Littlest Donkey: A Palm Sunday Story Humphrey’s First Palm Sunday The Little Donkey: A Palm Sunday/Easter Story for All Ages The Colt and the King

Season of Christmas: Day 2

December 26, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Why do some people think Christmas is just one day? Christmas is a season, starts on December 25th and runs through Epiphany. I’m going to try and post a photo a day for all the days of Christmas.

May the God’s angels watch over you, protect you, and guide you this Christmas season.