The Holly and the Ivy

Song: The Holly and the Ivy

Artist: King College Cambridge 

MERRY WEEK OF CHRISTMAS!! 🎄🎅🌟

Wow. Christmas will be here so soon! I'm out of time...I have only so many days to wear so many Christmas sweaters, finish watching all the Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music, etc. It's a little stressful but I've also been happy with what I've done so far, so I'm going to calm down. And allow these next three days to just be. Live in the moment. Don't stress and rush so much. My shopping is done. Neighbor and friend gifts have been given. It's time to just...be. Let myself relax a little and take in the season.

Today was the Christmas service at church. It was nice although I didn't love the remarks of the last speaker, it felt a little condemning and then they just threw in Jesus; I don't know, it was weird. Not exactly the "Christmasy" message I was hoping for. But that doesn't matter. The music was beautiful and I got choked up more than once singing about Jesus Christ and Peace on Earth. I know I haven't been in the best place spiritually and mentally for a while, but I'm going to keep working to change that. Today, I feel a little less hopeless than usual. Which is nice since I had a terrible night and was lost in hopelessness and despair.

I loved one of the messages shared at church today. They shared a story called the Parable of the Bicycle. Something I had never heard about before, but it was so sweet and helped bring the peace and desire to change that I've been needing and praying for. I want to make Christmas last all year because I want to always be thinking of Jesus Christ, the Hope of life.

This song seemed appropriate to share for Christmas Sunday. I love it so much! The sweet angelic voices and the lyrics/message of the song. Beautiful!

The holly and the ivy

when they are both full grown,

of all the trees that are in the wood

the holly bears the crown.

The rising of the sun

and the running of the deer,

the playing of the merry organ,

sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossom,

white as the lily flower,

and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

to be our sweet Saviour.

The holly bears a berry,

as red as any blood,

and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

to do poor sinners good.

The holly bears a prickle,

as sharp as any thorn,

and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

on Christmas day in the morn. 

The holly bears a bark,

as bitter as any gall,

and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

for to redeem us all.

The holly and the ivy,

when they are both full grown,

of all the trees that are in the wood

The holly bears the crown.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!