#good tidings of comfort and joy to all who read this

[masterjedilenawrites]

Here's To Many More

Clone x Reader Life Day Exchange 2024

Echo x reader | 1.9k words

Content: themes of angst - such as having a difficult year and feeling alone, references to past anxiety attacks, hand scars and tremors, comments about life & death, an almost-kiss, themes of hope and joy at the end

Prompts Used: 

"Breathe. Hi, we found you, just breathe for me, okay?"

"Hey there, take it easy. Your body went through a lot."

generally healing after physical & emotional trauma

Note: Hiya @writersnook11, nice to meet you! Holiday angst - what a fun challenge. I ran with a vibe from a Christmas song that's been hitting me in the feels this season - sort of has a melancholy-turned-hopeful tone to it. I linked it at the end but it's not a requirement to listen, just thought I'd pay credit to my inspiration.

Leaves fluttered and rustled against the pavement as your speeder, contributing to the symphony with its own soft hum, drove over them. The suns setting earlier meant an otherwise bustling neighborhood now lay quiet and peaceful in the dark, adorned in their twinkling holiday lights and warmed by their fireplaces and gathered loved ones.

You drove through the rustling and the twinkling, noticing every detail with an odd, sort of detached calmness. You'd been down these lanes countless times in your life, but it was like it was the first time you were truly seeing everything. All the colors and textures and temperatures. So many homes, full of so many people, living so many lives. There was a whole world out here, outside of your head.

Eventually your own home came into sight. You pulled up next to the first bit of empty curb, just one house away, and killed the engine. The hum of the speeder died down, leaving you in still, quiet air. Cold air. You flexed your gloved fingers, grateful you'd been able to scrounge up a pair for the trip, though your poor, frozen nose hadn't been so lucky. You cupped your hands around your face and took a few open-mouthed breaths to generate some heat. It didn't quite do the trick, so you dropped your hands back down into your lap with a sigh. Of course, you could just run inside and get warmed up soon enough. But that would require energy, urgency, things you'd been in short supply of most of the year. So instead, you lingered. Took your time. Paid attention to the sensations of the world around you and not on exhausting thoughts like running.

Something was tickling your face. You ran a finger across your cheek and pulled it back to inspect the tiny flecks of snow now caught on your glove. You wanted to feel them fully so you gingerly took off both of your gloves, finger by finger, until the skin of your hands was exposed. Hands that looked nothing like your own. You knew they were yours, they moved like yours, they felt like yours, but they didn't look like yours. They were scarred and calloused, palms barely able to flatten out as you held them up in hopes of catching more snow. As predicted, your right one immediately started shaking, unable to hold the position without triggering its tremors. You quickly closed your fist and held it to your chest with your other hand. 

It's okay, it's okay. You squinted your eyes shut, trying to keep your breathing steady and not to let your mind wander in all the usual dark places. It's okay. Just breathe.

Just breathe...

Your own inner voice started to shift into the voice of another. A firm, steady voice you had been reaching out to in your memory more often these days.

Breathe. Hi, we found you, just breathe for me, okay?

You cracked your eyes open, half expecting to see his face just as you had in that closet. Panicking. Overwhelmed. Unable to catch your breath until he'd grasped your shoulders and coaxed you into calming down. When you'd opened your eyes and met his, so full of care and understanding, it hadn't mattered that half the party was crowded behind him, staring and whispering nervously. All you had been concerned with was following his gentle instructions, trusting that he'd lead you to safety.

Opening your eyes this time, you of course were met with the darkness of the night, broken up only by the tiny flakes of snow drifting in it. You were still clutching your hand to your chest, but that little well of anxiety that had threatened to rise up had been quelled. You were breathing just fine.

You were fine.

Alone, but fine.

A soft crunching of leaves grabbed your attention. You peered down the sidewalk and saw someone approaching. It could have been worrisome, a mysterious dark figure headed your way you at night. Except you could clearly see one of the limbs ended not in a hand, but a scomp link. There were very few people it could be, and only one given the context.

"Ah, I was hoping it was you! Saw some head-beams, thought I'd come out and see if anyone needed help."

"Hey, Echo." You hadn't known his name when he'd found you hiding in your friend's closet all those months ago, and now you knew him as a friend, too. Perhaps not as close as the ones you'd known since childhood, but he was a good one all the same.

You briefly considered jumping out of your seat and meeting him on the sidewalk, slipping an arm through his and guiding him back inside where it was likely so much warmer and merrier. That's what old you would have done. Before... well, before you became the present you. The one that struggled to think quickly enough to make decisions and just wanted to get through one day without feeling like dead weight.

Thankfully Echo didn't skip a beat. He walked right up to your speeder, opened the passenger door, and slid into the seat next to you.

"You alright?" he asked with a half-smile. But he didn't wait for an answer, knowing you hated the question. "It's been a while since I've seen you. You're looking a lot better."

You couldn't help but return a small smile of your own. You knew he wouldn't lie to you. It felt good to hear you didn't look like such a mess anymore.

"I'm feeling better," you responded.

"Oh?"

"Not great," you quickly caveated. "But better. Fine. I feel fine."

Echo nodded. "I'm really glad to hear that. And I'm really glad you're here. We weren't sure you'd make it."

You were pretty sure you knew what he meant but decided to take the opportunity to indulge in some dark humor.

"What? That I wouldn't come tonight? Or that I wouldn't be alive for another Life Day?"

Rather than smack you upside the head for such a comment, like all of your other friends surely would, Echo merely leveled a look back at you that made you smirk in amusement.

"You know very well I was referring to your annoying habit of canceling plans at the last minute. How many times now have you said you'd be home soon?"

You merely rolled your eyes, refraining from comment. You knew that he knew that you had your reasons for being away for so long. He was only teasing.

Echo reached over and set one of his hands on top of yours. "That said, you did worry me a few times. So yes, I'm really glad you're here. In both senses of the word."

His smile made you feel warm, and the way he was looking at you lit a small but happy fire within your chest. Perhaps that's why you didn't notice how cold your fingers had gotten in the night air without gloves. Though with his hand over your own, Echo could certainly tell.

"And on that note, let's get you inside. Everyone else will be excited to see you, too."

Echo scrambled out as you slowly got your own door open. You shoved your gloves into your coat before they could fall off of your lap as you stood.

"Here, let me," you could hear Echo calling as he hurried around to your side of the speeder. Ever the gentleman. Unfortunately, in his haste, his foot caught on something, maybe a branch or a crack in the pavement, and he went stumbling forward. You were already on both your feet and quickly reached out to help steady him, bracing your arms underneath his.

"Hey there, take it easy. Your body went through a lot this year, too," you smirked a bit as you both caught your breaths from the unexpected activity.

Echo chuckled. He was embarrassed, you could tell by the bright pink flush to his cheeks, but your comment seemed to lighten the mood. That, and the fact you were now standing very close together, still holding each other up. Echo blinked down at you, awkward and confused at first, and then relaxing as his gaze stayed in yours. That quiet stillness of the night you'd been thinking about earlier made its way back. Only now you weren't so alone in it.

Just when a sudden, pleasant thought entered your mind, that maybe he would kiss you, Echo cleared his throat and shifted back. He withdrew his scomp quickly while his good hand softly dragged along your arm as it fell away. A line of goosebumps surged in its wake, causing you to shiver, and unfortunately reminding Echo why he had rushed over here in the first place.

"Time to go inside," he nodded matter-of-factly. And you found you couldn't argue. It was getting pretty cold. So you fell into step beside him as you finally walked the final steps back home.

A wave of warmth and light and laughter hit you as the front door opened. Somewhere between the group hugs and the smell of baked goods, you'd forgotten why you'd been so anxious to come back here all those times. All of your loved ones were here, every single one. Seeing their faces, hearing their voices, was now filling a part of you you hadn't realized had been so empty for so long. The thought would have delighted you had you had the energy for such a strong emotion. So instead you settled for serenity. A calmer, quieter version of happiness. And though you weren't matching everyone else's liveliness, you still found yourself able to keep up with their conversations. You helped where you could, being mindful of your limits but never dwelling on them. And you even joined in on singing an impromptu carol.

Echo stayed close by you throughout the evening. You weren't sure what had happened, or almost happened, between you earlier, and you suspected he was still thinking about it too as you caught him gazing the same way at you several times. You'd be here for a few more nights, as would he, so you were sure there'd be other opportunities to figure things out. Tonight was for catching up and keeping warm and finally putting some of your deepest troubles to bed.

Oh it had been such a long, long year. You'd been tested in ways you never knew possible, each seemingly worse than the last. Your heart often sat heavy within you and several times you'd wondered if you could keep going.

And then... you did.

You pushed through one trial and into the next tribulation, again and again, and eventually you made your way here. To this very spot where you suddenly, finally, felt good. Your body had been through it, but you weren't broken beyond repair. You'd experienced far more than your fair share of grief, but you hadn't lost everything. You weren't thriving, but you also weren't hanging by a thread. You had hope. For the first time in a long time, you were allowing yourself to look ahead.

And toward the end of the night, when you'd all gathered around the fireplace and were holding mugs aloft in a toast to the season, you had your chance to declare your intentions for the future.

"Happy Life Day!" everyone cheered together.

"Happy Life Day," Echo whispered next to you.

You smiled up at him and clinked your mug against his.

"And here's to many more."

Song Inspo: Merry Christmas, Here's to Many More - Relient K

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[rainbows-r-nice05]

Frozen Camera

I watched Rise of the Guardians and fell in love with Jack Frost because he is my baby. Anyway here is something I just whipped up and I know it's bad but I needed to so it to ease my mind.

I hate studying, I really do. My mind tries to focus but it drifts into dreamland. Dreaming of the impossible. Fighting dragons, ruling a kingdom….....finding true love. But enough about that. To relax a little, I decided to go read a book outside. Since it was Christmas time, I picked up the story about all the different kinds of Christmas characters. It was night time so I made sure to bring some blankets out. As I stepped outside on my back porch, coldness engulfed me. My porch was spacious with lawn chairs and a brick pillar on the side that leads into the grass. Oh, how beautiful it was. Christmas lights dance around my neighbors backyards across the lake connecting them. Lights from blue and white to red and green. The fountain was still going as the wind danced through it. I sat down in order to enjoy reading a bit into my novel. This section was about the famous Jack Frost to whom I believed in when I was a little kid. But not anymore since I am a junior in high school.   About 10 mins into my book, I absentmindedly start singing a famous Christmas Carol.  

God rest ye merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day

I heard distant barking of dogs nearby which was normal. And the rustle of plants that were caused by the wind.  

To save us all from Satan's pow'r

When we were gone astray

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joyI

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

All of a sudden, my ears perk up at this crinkle or a sound of frost covering something. Like a tingling sound of some sort. I looked around and saw one of my security cameras had frost covering the lens. 

“That's weird,” I muttered to myself as I stood up, set my book down and walked toward the camera. Over the lens it looked blueish with little snowflakes covering it. My curiosity got the best of me so I decided to go inside and get a ladder. (The camera was on the ceiling). I got the ladder from the garage and walked back outside. I opened it and climbed all the way to the top. I looked closely at the camera and scratched the frost off of it. Somehow, the frost just would not come off. 

“OH GOS-,” suddenly I lost my balance and was headed toward the ground. 

“Gotcha,” I was caught by someone who was levitating off of the ground and wrapped my arms around this persons neck. It seemed to be a boy around my age who had piercing blue eyes and platinum blond hair. His skin was pale white and freezing for that matter. His dazzling white teeth showed as he smiled lovingly at me. My goodness was he handsome.  

“Woah…” I was too starstruck to even comprehend what was happening. 

“Lost your balance, there sweetheart,” the mysterious man said.

“You-your-you…” 

“Jack Frost is the name,” he said as he lowered me to the ground. 

“Oh my goodness.. It's really you,”

“Of course it's me, alive and in person.” His smile…. Is so…..loving. I finally got a good look at him and he was wearing a blue hoodie with some light brown pants. He was indeed barefoot as he was Jack Frost.  

Oh my gosh.  OH MY GOSH The Jack Frost in front of ME!!!

“And what might your name be pretty girl,” 

Pretty girl…. I flushed deeply at that. I smiled sheepishly as I introduced myself. 

“(Y/N) (L/N) at your service,” as I extended my hand out for him to shake. 

He shook it softly and his hands were beyond freezing. 

“Wait, what are you doing here?” I was so puzzled as to why he was here. It was December right, but it does not even snow over here. 

“Oh.. Well…” he walked around with his staff tapping the bird bath with it and it froze solid. 

“I got quite bored while I was patrolling so I decided to fly across a random area where I found a beautiful singing voice in this very backyard.”

As if I could ever be more redder, my face would be a tomato. 

“What were you doing out here,” he said as he pointed his staff at me. 

I gently pushed his staff out of my face and raised an eyebrow. 

“Well, It is my backyard” I started to walk around him. 

“But if you want to know, I was reading a book.”

“Oh��� interesting” 

“Y’know, you have a very nice backyard,” he stated as he walked around and faced the lake. 

“And a very nice show you get to watch.” 

I giggled lightly at that. 

“Oh yes, Christmas is the best time of the year when I get to sit outside in the cold and light a fire. I see all the Christmas lights in their glory.” I smiled at last night's occurrence which was just like how I described. 

“Well, isn’t that nice,” he said as he gazed at me. 

All of a sudden I hear this ringing noise that sounds jolly. Jack takes a small device out of his hand and looks very disappointed. He verbally groans. 

“Wish I could stay, but Santa needs me.”

“You mean North,” I say out of the blue

“Wait how do you-” 

“Jack,” I giggle a little, 

“Might want to go see him” I say as I step in front of him pointing at the device smiling. 

He smiles as he is about to fly away. 

“Wait!” I put a hand up signaling him to not go yet. 

“Will I ever see you again?” 

“I’ll make sure I will see you again, snowflake.” He says as he takes my hand and kisses it with his cold yet soft lips. 

I smile and yet again, I flush at the nickname. 

He then flies away and I am left alone outside. I walk back to the camera and see that the frost has disappeared. I smile as I walk back inside. I gaze back out across the lake where I think of the many events that Jack Frost will show me. 

thinking on a part two maybe or a milti series thing idk yet lol

I have to get back to studying though

[luvhiromi]

i love you, i'm sorry | satosugu

content: inspired by gracie abram's song "i love you, I'm sorry". so basically this is about gojo's pov about geto and i thought the bridge from that song was perfect for it. the lyrics in this fic are in italic but not bold just an fyi for you guys. happy reading!

c/w: satosugu itself is a warning, angst.

w/c: 664, so short ik

He was… everything. In the quiet of the night, his words linger like a beloved whisper, soothing my soul and filling my heart with comfort. He says my name in such soft loving whispers that send shivers down my spine. In his arms, I find my sanctuary, a warm embrace that shields me from the world. With him, we were the strongest. 

Unfortunately, he is just a wistful memory. I always find myself drifting back to the times we've shared. Those memories both warms me and leaves me yearning for him. I’ve always thought of the laughter we shared under the summer sky, the quiet whispers in the night, and the way his eyes would be shaped like a crescent moon when he smile.

I’ve always thought how I didn’t realize. How sudden everything about him seems so gray. He was so devoid of color, lost all of his brightness. When I finally saw, It was all too late wasn’t it? You’ve made up your mind. I couldn’t bring myself to hate you for it. 

Suguru. Do you know what a wistful memory is?

Here’s a brief definiton:

Wistful Memory, moments have become—bittersweet, tender, and ever so precious. They are the echoes of our love, lingering in my soul, reminding me of what we had, what we have, and what we will always carry with us.

When I saw your mind and body conquered by another when you have no control of it… Your soul still recognize me didn’t you? You were standing right before me, my brain and my eyes knew it was you. But my soul said otherwise. 

You were the best as much as you were the worst. You were the sweetest of dreams, wrapping me in bliss, and the most haunting of nightmares, killing my peace. You were my greatest joy and my deepest sorrow, the one who lifted me high above the clouds, only to let me fall into the abyss. You were everything good that ever happened to me, and everything that broke me, all at once.

As sick as it sounds, I loved you first. In the quiet corners of my soul, where no one dared to pursue, I loved you—long before the world made it seem wrong. It started long before the higher-ups told I had to execute you. And though it may never be understood, it was the first love, the truest love, that I ever knew. 

I was a dick, a habit to kick and age-old curse. Times I pushed you away, not because I didn’t care, but because I didn’t know how to show it. I’ve carried the weight of my own shortcomings, the scars of past mistakes. It’s not easy to break free from the patterns that have haunted me for so long. 

I tend to laugh whenever I’m sad, I stare at the crash it actually works. My laughter becomes a balm, soothing the wounds that losing you has carved. I gaze at the wreckage of my life, the chaos and the pain laid bare before me, and in that midst, I find a strange sort of solace. Laughter becomes my defiant cry against the darkness. Laughter has become the wall to guard my past, charmed with humor as people say. 

Making amends, this shit never ends. The quest for redemption feels like a relentless tide, washing over the shores of my regret, where every effort to amend seems to dissolve into an unending sea of resolution. It feels like rubbing salt into my wound every time I saw you. I couldn’t bare to do it when I first saw you, I don’t know if I regret it.

I’m wrong again. I was always wrong, seeing only shadows where there was light. As time unfolded, it got worse.  I’ve misread the map of your soul, casting shadows where light was meant to dwell. Your presence was my guiding star. My one and only best friend. 

Love is the the most twisted curse of all. I love you Suguru, I’m sorry.

a/n: my first fic here! english ain't my first language so don't be too harsh on me. i recommend reading this while listening to the song. i also saw an edit of them with this song in tiktok *chef's kiss* it's so good.

[jessthebaker]

Everywhere You Go

Summary: Joel wants to bridge the gap between him and Ellie. It's Christmastime. What to do?

Rating: Teen, I guess?

Warnings: just angst, memories, dangerous levels of Christmas nostalgia.

a/n: This is for @bumblepony, the wisest and kindest of them all, and my wonderful secret santa! I know I already put this on AO3, but I also wanted it here so I could give you your moodboard too!

Title is from the carol "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas". Pure angst and fluff. No spoilers or canon events for TLOU2, we don’t know her. Happy holiday vibes only around here. I know nothing about tree chopping so just pretend it’s correct.

Dividers many thanks to @saradika @saradika-graphics

w/c 4.4k

Read on AO3

Joel knows they’ve had a rough few months together since returning to Jackson after the debacle at the hospital. There was that period after they came back that he doesn’t like to remember because he’s still ashamed of himself for it.

But...she was willing to give him another chance. Eventually. He talked, she listened, she...forgave, if not forgot.

He knows that their peace is tentative and he doesn’t want to do anything to shatter that. But. She is still cautious with him and it’s breaking his heart. He wants to do something, anything to bridge the gap between them.

It’s late autumn, close to first snowfalls, and he keeps coming back to the idea of Christmas with her. He knows the first time they were in Jackson that it was around that time, so she must have seen the giant tree in the main square and heard people mentioning it – but they were there for so short a time that it barely registered with him as ‘Christmastime’. He’s thinking it might be the same for her.

He goes to Tommy and Maria’s house one day in slight desperation. Tommy is out on patrol with Eugene, but Maria invites him in. Joel takes a seat on the couch while Maria settles herself on the rocking chair with TJ on her lap. TJ babbles angrily and reaches out for Joel; his entire top half is teetering dangerously away from Maria. She laughs and passes him to Joel before he can fall in his eagerness.

Joel sits up straighter on the couch, cradling his tiny nephew with hands that he never expected to ever use in this way again. His eyes soften as he gazes into the baby’s eyes, then looks back up to Maria.

He doesn’t dance around the subject now, because he knows Maria doesn’t have time for idle chit-chat. “What do y’all normally do for Christmas here?”

Maria thinks for a moment. “Well, we’ve been putting up the big tree in the square for a few years now and that’s pretty popular. We’ll do that in a few weeks. The teacher at the school gets the kids to make decorations, we string up lights, and we have a tree-lighting celebration with some carol singing. Whoever can play an instrument is welcome to play along. Hot cider, food from our winter stores. On the day, we serve Christmas lunch at the dining hall. Everyone in town is invited. Why do you ask?”

Joel’s arms tense slightly around TJ. “I know Ellie...me and Ellie, we’re doin’ better, but...I don’t think she’s comfortable around me yet. Not really, I mean. I want to try something different to try and...I don’t know. Surprise her. It’s comin’ up to Christmas and I thought it might...might be a good time to do it.”

TJ starts to fuss with being squeezed, so Joel takes a deep breath and deliberately loosens his hold. He ducks his head down to cross his eyes and make a goofy smile at TJ. The little boy breaks into a gummy grin and Joel bounces him gently on his knee, causing him to break into giggles.

Maria looks thoughtful. “Has Ellie ever experienced a Christmas before? Like a real Christmas?”

Joel scoffs. “I doubt it, from what she used to say about that FEDRA shithole she was dumped at in Boston. Don’t think they cared much about tidings of comfort and joy, you know?”

Maria gazes fondly at TJ, who is having the time of his life wriggling on his uncle’s lap. Then she looks back up to Joel.

“What about a Christmas tree for your house? The pine forest where we’ve been getting our trees from the last few years - the last patrol out that way said there’s quite a few trees that are a good size for houses now. Why don’t you see if she wants to get one and put it up with you?”

Joel feels himself nodding slowly. The idea of celebrating the holidays after everything he’s done, everyone he’s lost, hurts in a visceral way. But the pull of having Ellie laugh again, relax around him again, is stronger. He’s ready.

Three days later, Joel has managed to convince Ellie to go out of the walls for a ride with him. He doesn’t tell her what it’s for because he doesn’t know if she’ll be interested in ….that. She’s agreed to come but only if Tommy and Maria come too. Joel accepts; he knows it’s the best chance he has to get her to spend any more time with him than necessary.

Ellie’s unsure about what the fuck they’re doing out here if not on patrol. Joel’s brought a hacksaw and a hatchet from his workshop. Maria has brought an extra coil of rope and an old tarp folded up tight, and Tommy has brought his best (worst) uncle jokes. None of them will tell her what they’re really doing but they don’t let her turn back, either. She keeps a little distance between her horse and the other three and tries to keep her fuck off face firmly in place. But Tommy doesn’t make it easy.

“Hey Ellie, can a frog jump higher than a house?” he calls over to her. “‘Course it can, a house can’t jump!”

She smiles a little in spite of herself. “Shit joke, I knew that one already.”

“Hey Ellie, why can’t dinosaurs clap their hands?” Tommy grins at her suspicious look. “Because they’re extinct!”

She giggles for real at this one. “Three out of ten, dude!”

Joel is listening quietly to this exchange, thankful that Ellie’s finally starting to laugh and looks happy, instead of closed off and tense around him.

They arrive at the edge of the forest about four miles out of Jackson. Joel, Tommy, and Maria dismount. Joel unpacks his tools while Maria unfurls the tarp and rope from her pack. Tommy gathers the group’s guns to himself, checks them to his satisfaction, and prepares to stand watch. Ellie is confused.

“Okay, someone tell me what the fuck we’re doing here now. Is this like axe-throwing practice or something?”

Tommy and Maria both look at Joel. This is his plan, after all. He clears his throat, a little nervously.

“I was thinkin’ that the house needed something for...for Christmas. It’s kinda bare in there. And since we have a whole forest here, I was thinkin’ about a tree. And -”

Ellie’s eyes widen. “Shit, a Christmas tree? Is that what you wanted to do today?”

She looks back to the trees in the forest, eyes going distant with some memory, and Joel feels a momentary dread. She hates it, she wants to go back to Jackson. This was a mistake.

Then she looks back at him and there’s something vulnerable in her expression that he hasn’t seen in a while. “Yes. Let’s do it. I’ve never had a real Christmas tree before.”

The adults collectively decide that Ellie gets to choose the tree. She stalks up and down the scattered rows of trees, looking for the absolute perfect one. Maria walks along with her, while Tommy and Joel hang back and keep watch with rifles at the ready. The area has been cleared recently, but there’s no sense in being lax out here.

After a half hour or so, Ellie comes trotting back to Joel with Maria not far behind. She’s pink in the cheeks and missing her beanie. Her eyes are wide and her breath coming out in smoky puffs as she launches into speech. She’s practically vibrating with excitement but she manages to keep her voice down anyway.

“Dude, I found one! It’s the perfect fucking tree! You gotta come and look!” Joel feels his heart skip a beat at Ellie’s exhilaration.

He glances over at Tommy, who nods at him. “We’ll stay and keep watch, brother. You go on.” Maria stays with Tommy, pulls out her own pistol and assumes her watch position.

Joel takes a moment to hitch his rifle firmly over his shoulder and grab the hatchet and hacksaw. He follows Ellie back into the woods. Luckily they don’t have to go far beyond the treeline before he spots Ellie’s beanie hooked on the branch of the small tree that is clearly her chosen one. It’s not terribly tall, a little thin in the branches, but he isn’t about to argue with her interpretation of a “perfect fucking tree”.

He circles the tree, looking it over for any dead branches that need trimming off before he can start chopping. Ellie is watching him – taking it all in, as she does – so he finds himself starting to explain his method as he goes. It always feels easier for him to teach her something rather than talk about their elephant in the room – alright, forest – and this is no exception.

“You can’t just start hacking away at it, you hafta trim off the bottom branches to give yourself more trunk to work with. You also gotta check for dead branches and get rid of those before you cut the tree down. That way you don’t hafta haul them back with you.”

Ellie nods, listening hard. Joel finds a branch toward the bottom that he points out to her. “This one has to go, see how it looks all spindly and brown compared to the others? It’s dead, no point in keeping it.” He drops to one knee in the snow and hands her the saw. She looks uncertain, but he reassures her with a, “go on, you got it.”

He directs her where to place the saw and shows her how to get the motion started, holding the branch taut to help her. Ellie grunts a little with the effort of pushing the saw forward on the branch. After a few back-and-forth passes, it’s cutting cleanly and the branch soon falls to the ground with a thunk.

She crows in delight. “Take that, branch! You’re no good to us, bitch.”

Joel chuckles at that. He hoists himself up and reaches into the middle of the tree, grabbing the trunk and giving it a good shake. Some snow falls off the branches, but nothing else happens. “Okay, looks like there’s no bird nests or other critters livin’ in the tree, so that makes it easier to cut down.”

He takes the hatchet and drops to one knee again. “Here, you stand opposite me and just hold the tree back a little. You gotta pull back on it a little as I’m cuttin’.”

Ellie obliges, filling her hands with tree branches and leaning backwards with her arms stretched out. She has a small grin on her face. Joel hopes it’s because she’s enjoying herself and not because she’s about to let the tree go to whack him in the face. He wouldn’t put it past her.

He decides to trust her, and ducks his head so he can get a better look at what he’s doing. He takes a few small swings of the hatchet on the trunk to create a better target for himself. Then chop - chop - chop - chop, and he hears the tell-tale cracking sound.

“Okay, stop pullin' for a minute. We gotta switch spots now. I’m gonna chop from the other side of the tree while you pull again. That way the trunk don’t splinter too much.”

She obeys and scampers to take his place. It doesn’t take long before they have the tree felled and lying on the ground. Joel passes the tools to Ellie to hold. He rescues her beanie from the fallen branches, and plunks it on her head, pulling it down all the way to her mouth while her arms are full. He resists the urge to tweak her wool-covered nose.

“Dude, what the fuck?” comes the garbled cry as Ellie drops the tools and adjusts her hat back up so she can see. Joel throws her a mischievous grin and she scrunches up her nose at him. She doesn’t seem resentful, though, for which he’s grateful.

“Come on you, grab them tools and I’ll haul the tree back.”

He drags the tree backwards by the trunk and Ellie trudges alongside him, holding the saw and hatchet in her arms. She walks on his right side, he notices, a hold-over from when they were travelling Before. She would cover him from that angle because she knew he couldn’t hear well from that side. His heart swells a little at the open expression on her face.

They emerge from the trees together to find Tommy and Maria arranging the tarp on the ground. The rope secures the front two corners to each of their saddle horns. Joel drags the tree into place and shows Ellie how to tie it down with the other end of the rope, then helps her mount up.

The ride back to Jackson feels lighter, somehow. Joel keeps sneaking glances over at Ellie as they ride, and it feels like magic that she’s smiling again.

Once inside the walls, everyone dismounts and helps to put away the horses. Tommy and Joel drag the tree from the stables to the house on Rancher Street. Maria and Ellie follow, though Maria peels off toward her own home to check on TJ with the babysitter briefly before re-joining Ellie for the walk to their house. She’s carrying a large box in her arms.

“You’ll see,” is all she responds to Ellie’s questioning look.

It takes some wrestling from Joel and Tommy before the tree is inside and in the living room. Joel produces a tree stand from behind the couch that he’s been keeping out of sight until now – a good find from the community storehouse.

Maria pops the closed box on the floor next to the fireplace and pulls Ellie aside with an arm around her shoulders. “Come on, let’s stay out of the way. Men seem to like to do this bit on their own for some reason.” They seat themselves on the couch, out of reach of the brothers fighting with the tree.

Tommy grunts as he and Joel heft the tree upright and plop it into the stand. As the tree settles, Joel kneels to tighten the long screws into the trunk that will hold it in place.

Ellie “helps” by calling out directions.

“It’s leaning over, pull it back up!”

“Too far, now it’s leaning the other way – ”

“Joel, I thought you were GOOD at wood stuff?”

Joel can’t take much more of this; his back is already pinching from the day on horseback and crawling around in the woods.

“Ellie. Whyn’t you go make yourself useful. Go bring me that spirit level from the workshop.”

“The long thing with the bubble in the middle?”

“That’s the one. Git,” he grits out through clenched teeth.

Ellie retreats, shaking her head and muttering something about old man, old back, but she does return with the right tool. After this, the process goes much more smoothly.

When the tree is upright to everyone’s satisfaction, Joel straightens up with a grimace and knuckles at his lower back, ignoring Ellie’s smirk. He hauls Tommy up to his own feet and goes to pull away, but Tommy keeps hold of his arm for an extra moment. The brothers share a long look in silence, then Tommy quirks a smile and nods at Joel with slightly glassy eyes.

He turns to Maria and throws her a mock salute. “Ma’am.” He relaxes and softens his stance, turns to Ellie. “Enjoy your tree decoratin’, darlin’.” Then he’s gone, Maria following with a soft smile over her shoulder at them both.

With Tommy and Maria gone, Joel feels the silence in the house hang heavy again as he and Ellie look at each other. He’s not quite sure how to break the ice now that it’s just the two of them on their own again.

The tension breaks when Ellie remembers the box left by Maria. “Oh, shit!” She stoops to pick it up, then grunts in surprise when it’s much heavier than it looks. “What - the - fuck - is - IN - this thing?”

Joel helps her drag it over in front of the tree so they can sit on the floor and open it together. Joel hears Ellie’s gasp, but he’s too busy trying to keep his own heartbeat in check as he looks too. There’s a treasure trove of Christmas decorations inside, the kind of things he hasn’t seen in decades, as well as some unknown items neatly wrapped in old paper and twine. There’s a single folded piece of handmade paper on top of the pile with “Joel and Ellie” written in Maria’s tidy print. He opens this and reads silently:

Dear Joel and Ellie,

These are ornaments that people here have contributed to the community collection over the years. Most houses already have some decorations that were stored there from the people who lived here in the old days before we got here. But we also like to make sure that each household has something extra for their first Christmas in Jackson. We hope you enjoy these together.

Maria

Tommy’s signature is messily scrawled under Maria’s neat one, as if he couldn’t miss his chance at proving his contribution to the day.

Joel swallows down the lump forming in his throat and passes the note to Ellie. She reads it to herself with her eyebrows raised as if in disbelief. Without a word, she puts the note on the coffee table next to her with reverent hands.

Joel turns back to the box and the pile of ornaments and shiny objects that has been revealed. He picks each one up shakily and passes it to Ellie for her inspection. Her eyes get bigger and bigger with each item she touches. She doesn’t speak though - Joel thinks he understands why. The moment feels sacred, too special, too big for mere words.

Together, they unpack the whole box in silence and lay the contents out on the floor, the couch cushions, the low coffee table, the flagstones of the fireplace:

A very long crocheted chain of white woollen yarn, wound and looped around a metal star that probably used to be bright gold. The star has faded to a soft yellow with metallic grey spots showing through in places. Joel suspects the chain of yarn was made to be a garland.

A string of fairy lights with most of the bulbs intact, coiled in a neat loop under the star. He can’t believe these things are still around after twenty-odd years, much less in decent condition. A not-so-fond memory flashes through his mind of having to untangle the bastard one year after a tiny Sarah had “helped” put it away the previous Christmas.

A small parcel wrapped in faded tissue paper; Ellie reaches in over Joel’s hands before he can take it. She unwraps it carefully; even she can tell it’s fragile. It’s a small clay sculpture of a black-painted dog. There’s a line of blue and red sequins glued around its neck for a collar. She examines this solemnly for a moment before gently placing it on the coffee table.

A few plastic round baubles scattered here and there throughout the box. They still have their lurid red and green paint, with their little silver toppers and string looped through. Somehow they’re still shiny after all this time.

A dozen or so dried orange slices, sliced so thin Joel can see the light shining through when he holds one up to the window. Each one has a small hole bored into the top with a strip of precious yellow ribbon looped through it. He passes one to Ellie, who takes a sniff of it, and holds it up to look through the dried pane before carefully putting it on the floor with its fellows.

A final parcel of brown paper, tucked towards the bottom of the box. Joel lets Ellie unwrap this one. It’s a pair of flat wooden discs with a hole drilled into the top of each. Each disc has a shaky scrawl of paint in what looks to be a letter - one is a wavy ‘J’, and the other looks like a wobbly ‘E’. Ellie turns each over to see the words “love from TJ” and the current year, painted neatly in black in Maria’s hand. She hands them over for Joel to see.

He sucks in a shaky breath - it’s too close to what Sarah used to make for him at preschool - and swipes at his eyes, but he can’t prevent a tear from leaking out. Ellie tentatively reaches out to grasp his hand, and he squeezes hers back tightly. She looks into his eyes and doesn’t immediately look away. It’s been a long time since she did that. Joel can see now that her eyes are red and shiny too.

Together they stand and start putting up the ornaments, still not speaking. It’s as if neither wants to break the spell placed on the room. If the odd small sniffle interrupts the quiet as they work, nobody mentions it.

They work together, each handing an ornament to the other and placing it on the tree in turn. A swirl of Joel’s hands communicates to Ellie how the crocheted garland and lights are supposed to wind around the tree. They play pass-the-string around the tree with little grins. Ellie loops the orange slices onto tree branches at random, and the red and green plastic ornaments. She passes up the star to Joel so he can press it onto the topmost branches. He has to tie it in place with a spare length of twine. Ellie gently hangs the black dog statue, and then the ornament TJ had painted for her. Joel hangs his J next to Ellie’s E.

When all of the decorations are on the tree, Joel plugs the string of lights into the wall and they blaze on. Ellie turns off the overhead light and lights the candles on the fireplace mantel. They sit side by side on the couch and just stare at the scene for a moment, watching the play of light flickering over the decorations and across the walls.

Joel’s mind is racing with memories of Christmases past. As a boy with Tommy and their parents. Sarah’s first Christmas with him and a teenaged Tommy. All the subsequent years with Sarah as a toddler, a little girl, a growing young woman. The many painful Christmases he spent with Tess, gone unacknowledged and uncelebrated because neither of them could bare their hurts to each other.

His heart is back up in his throat. He gulps, swallows it down, sniffles some more. His eyes are aching with his unshed tears. He looks over at Ellie to see her eyes just as glassy as his. He silently stretches his arm out to her. She hesitates a moment, and then leans into him, allowing him to settle his arm around her shoulders. She slowly winds her arm around his middle and relaxes her head into his chest. Joel’s heart is thudding as fast as he’s ever felt it. Feeling the warmth of her small body, willingly cuddled next to his, is something he’ll never take for granted again, he promises himself.

Joel is concentrating so hard on holding himself together that he misses the sound at first. Ellie’s whisper is so quiet. She stops, clears her throat, and starts again. “I never - never thought I would have a Christmas. Riley used to talk about it, about when she lived with her family. Before - before they - died. Before she - ”

Joel’s arm tightens around her. She gulps a little and continues.

“She told me about how they would have a little Christmas tree, they put it up with like, lights and ornaments. They sang songs. They didn’t give presents because there were no fucking presents to give, but…she actually had Christmas. With a family. It’s not something I ever expected to exist. For me. It was always just a story for me. Kids with a real family get Christmas. Not me.”

She’s curled into him even further now, if that’s possible. Joel reaches back, one-handed, to the knitted blanket tossed across the back of the couch. He pulls it over them both and tucks it in around her feet. Replaces his arm around her shoulders and gives her a gentle squeeze. Clears his throat around the giant lump of his heart. Takes a shaky breath.

“It’s…it’s been a long time for me, havin’ Christmas - with a tree like this, and decorations an’ all. With - with - family. Sarah and Tommy used to go all out for decoratin’ and stuff. They were good times. I reckon the family part, that - that’s what makes it a real Christmas.” It wasn’t time that did it, he keeps to himself.

He looks down at the top of her head. She’s refusing to look up at him now, she’s buried her face into his chest and is burrowing into him as tightly as she can. She’s trying not to sniffle but he can feel the heaving of her shoulders.

Joel clears his throat again, rubs his hand up and down her arm. “If…if you want. We could…we could have Christmas here. In Jackson. You and me. And…and Tommy, and Maria, and TJ. All of us. Together.”

He feels her stiffen as he speaks, feels her pull away. His heart sinks again. Now it’s been replaced in his throat by his stomach. She sits up with tear-tracks down her face, fixes him with a severe look. “You’re for real? Don’t swear. Just - say it. Yes or no.”

He won’t swear. He can’t. He broke her trust once and he’ll never do it again, so long as he lives.

“Yes. Yes, Ellie, if you want it.”

She’s still for a moment. Thinking. Then her whole face beams as she launches herself into him with both arms, causing him to woof out the breath he’d been holding.

She’s crying again, and he’s finally crying too, and she’s hugging him so hard he’s afraid she’s going to break his ribs. He holds her tight and rocks her back and forth with old instincts re-awakening. He feels like the piece of himself he broke after Salt Lake City has been repaired. His heart is back in its chest, whole, where it belongs.

“Shh, babygirl, it's okay, it’s alright. I got you.”

[bibleversegarden]

The River of God is Life

Loving, faithful God our salvation, merciful and true, is He who purges sin and iniquity, and fills our lives with His beauty and the bounty of His goodness. He causes to flow out of the belly, rivers of living water. He waters and prunes His fruitful trees of righteousness, His planting, so that they may bear more fruit, to the glory and praise of His name. 

He cares for His earth; He waters it and causes things to grow.

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Genesis 2:8-10

The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads.

Genesis 2:15-17

Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.

Psalm 65:9-13

You visit the earth, and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, for so You have prepared it. You water its ridges abundantly, you settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth. You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance. They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing.

Revelation 22:1-2

And He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (See also Revelation 21:6)

Read the full devotion

A Walk In The Garden On Pinterest

[amillionpagesfromhome]

Home is F****** Burning

Home is F****** Burning - Dan Marshall

This memoir is probably not for everyone. As you can probably guess from the title, it’s not always the most appropriate on the language front. Really, I think that’s a good warning for the fact that this autobiography takes a pretty unflinching look at grief and how it impacts family dynamics. Grief is a topic that I find media tends to either shy away from or dramatize, like the reality is fragile enough that we try to maintain a certain distance from it in one direction or another, and I know, most of the time we read or watch movies to take us away from worries or concerns, but sometimes feeling like you can commiserate over something difficult is rewarding in its own way.

The book focuses mainly on the time period after his father has been diagnosed with ALS, his mother’s cancer has returned, and the children are all facing their parent’s mortality. If you’re in a place where you feel like grief, inappropriate discussions (sexual or language wise), or just the general stress of dealing with family during a challenging time might be triggering or unpleasant, this book isn’t for you.

That said, I loved it. Having had a family member with ALS, there was something comforting in hearing that other people also struggle with the adjustment of seeing loved one so drastically changed.

The family it focuses on is very wealthy, and they don’t always seem aware of the privilege that affords them. I do think that it’s clear that he seems a bit more aware of it in hindsight, as he at times seems to point out that unawareness as he tells the story. He doesn’t shy away from making himself look bad, which at times makes him relatable and at times unlikable. Then again, I think with some honesty we could all look back on moments we’ve probably been unlikable, especially when dealing with extreme times of stress or grief, so that added to the relatable feeling during parts.

The story details a lot of the progression of the ALS for his father. Less about the treatment his mother is going through, primarily because the author spends a lot of the book being a caretaker for his father.

If you’ve ever been in the position of being a caretaker for a loved one and have felt alone, out of your depth, like you can’t do anything right, and completely unaware of where to turn or how to process the grief of watching them reach the end of their life, this book should make you feel better about that – or at the very least, less alone in those feelings.

This really felt to me like someone being very honest about one of the hardest times in life and how he, and sometimes the people around him, failed to do or say the right thing as they navigated their changing lives and the tide of grief that creeps up further and further and sometimes feels like instead of receding it will just swallow everything. What I liked best was that he seemed to make pains to include his father’s reactions, thoughts, and feelings. It’s hard to watch someone die, but this book gave good perspective to how difficult it also is to be the person passing and trying to handle the end of your life while still dealing with your affairs, the people who are going to be left, and still trying to live out the remainder of your days with as much comfort and joy as you can.

His siblings also all get mentioned. While it’s hard to tell if there’s some bias in how they’re presented (anyone with multiple siblings knows that some of you usually get along better than others, and that how one sibling sees things is usually very different from the others) but they are all shown handling their grief differently as well as the fact that their own lives and problems haven’t stopped just because ‘home is burning’. Seeing their interactions can sometimes feel just as messy as watching them all handle the illnesses.

If this one doesn’t make you cry I’d be surprised. Again, it’s not for everyone. There is some humor, but the subject matter here is heavy. If you feel you’re in a place to handle that, I’d recommend this.  

[herwrittenuniverse]

HWU's Catalog of TDP Stories!

At this point, I've written quite a bit for The Dragon Prince - and there is certainly more along the way! Here is the catalog of my stories so far! It will be updated as more are added to the mix.

Which ones have you read??

By the way - a reblog is much appreciated!

In-Progress The Fantastical Phases of the Silvergrove: (T) The unscripted, unfiltered experiences of Callum, Rayla, Runaan, and Ethari as they navigate new relationships with one another. Takes place within the two weeks that Callum and Rayla visited the Silvergrove in S7.

Multi-Chapter Through the Surface: (T) Takes place immediately after Umber Tor. Callum and Rayla secretly rekindle their romance, undressed in a natural spring. Old feelings and new grudges arise, prompting them to finally have 'the talk.' Lunation: (T) A direct sequel to Through the Surface, but can stand alone. My version of their reunion! Lots of friendship between the Dragang, wisps of Sorvus, angst for days, and a funny as hell pub scene between Soren and Callum. My most popular work to date! Manus. Pluma. Volantus.: (T) After years of drawing draconic runes on his skin, Callum makes the journey into Xadia seeking a more permanent solution. Virus Sanguis: (T) A mysterious virus overtake Katolis, and it forces Rayla to come to terms with her past.

One-Shots Promises, Promises: (M) Rayla must face her deepest fears when asked to keep Callum's fatal promise. Breathe Into Me: (T) An angry Rayla confronts a disgruntled Callum at midnight. Words lead to something more. Distractions: (T) Callum loses magical control as he and Rayla begin to take their relationship to the next level. In the Shadows: (T) Ethari reflects on losing the people he loves most. What We Need (A Lunation Story): (T)Takes place in between chapters of Lunation. Opeli admonished Soren for taking Callum out to drink. Uneasy: (G) Callum comforts a seasick Rayla. Inspired by this poster! Put Your Lights On: (T) Callum struggles with his decision to use dark magic. Inspired by this song! A Moment of Rest: (G) While on their way to Xadia, Rayla and Callum spend a night at an inn. Takes place during S5E2: Old Wounds. (Technically two chapters but it's really one long shot!) Bubbling: (T) Rayla interrupts Callum in the bath. Inspired by this S5 end credits sketch! Eye for an Eye: (T) Claudia seeks revenge on the elf who took her leg. Terry wonders if its the righteous path. Control: (T) With the pearl in possession, Callum agrees to be the bridge to Aaravos - but not without consequences. Perspective: (G) Callum converses with Aaravos, leading to both his own realizations and discoveries about the mysterious elf's past. Take My Heart: (T) The final moments between Soren and Viren. Like the Tides: (G) Rayla sees a Ghost as she passes through Scumport. As The Ocean Is Deep: (G) While undertaking a near-fruitless task for Rayla, Callum is faced with a tempting decision. After all, he would do anything for her. Be Good To Your Daughters: (G) Claudia triggers a very distinct memory for Aaravos. In Knowing: (G) Soren comes to terms with facing his mother.

Ficlets Red: Ezran copes with the destruction of Katolis. The Light Inside: Miyana's internal struggle as she reunites with Karim.

Happy reading! Thanks for supporting writers like me. Remember, we do this out of love, during out free time, and get nothing out of it except for the pure joy of writing!

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

24th October >> Mass Readings (USA)

Thursday, Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time 

or

Saint Antony Mary Claret, Bishop. 

Thursday, Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II))

First Reading Ephesians 3:14-21 Rooted and grounded in love, you may be filled with the fullness of God.

Brothers and sisters: I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

For upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine.

R/ The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation Philippians 3:8-9

Alleluia, alleluia. I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 12:49-53 I have not come to establish peace but division.

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

-----------------------

Saint Antony Mary Claret, Bishop 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Thursday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Isaiah 52:7-10 All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, Announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, For they see directly, before their eyes, the LORD restoring Zion. Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the LORD comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8, 10

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Announce his salvation, day after day. Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Give to the LORD, you families of nations, give to the LORD glory and praise; give to the LORD the glory due his name!

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Say among the nations: The LORD is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity.

R/ Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Gospel Acclamation Mark 1:17

Alleluia, alleluia. Come after me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mark 1:14-20 I will make you fishers of men.

After John the Baptist had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[fanficapologist]

Heyyy!! Fluff and joy indeed! I love how despite the ongoing tensions between them, Maera and Aemond had a bit of respite. I do think the tension won’t let up; not while Alys is there. And as Maera mentioned, Aemond seemed to become a different person around her. And I think it irks Maera because she realizes that Aemond trusts Alys’ visions blindly. I mean it could be that Aemond trusts Alys given his previous time at Harrenhal and the fact that she managed to turn the tides in their favor - like wiping out Maera’s kin. He probably thinks her power is absolute. Unlike Maera who probably has an inkling that her visions are possibilities therefore, not set in stone.

I think this tension between them would bubble over until it goes to a head and that will most likely be the last we see of Alys. Now, the question is, what is that event and how 🤔 For now, we have to endure those little barbs of audacity that Alys shows Maera.

Still, it is very satisfying to see Aemond get affected by Set Arryk. For all his talk of nothing is between him and Alys, I’m sure it’s not pleasant seeing your wife get comfortable with another man, even if he knows Maera is an honorable woman. Can’t say I feel bad for him. I’d like to think Maera also laid it on thick when Aemond saw them to piss him off. Though I doubt Maera has feelings for Ser Arryk, I’d like to think Ser Arryk feels protective of her like an older brother would. Or a dear friend you know is strictly platonic because they already feel like family.

I enjoyed reading their time in the God’s Eye. I think Aemond did it to get a reaction out of her, to lighten the mood. And they ended up getting surprised by the dragon egg!! I hope this is a good sign for them and their unborn child ☺️. It’s funny because I too am experiencing tension at home with a relative so it’s nice to see I’m not alone in that regard. Yeah, it sucks but it’s moments like these that make you think it’s not the end of the world, and you’ll be okay.

Okay, now that’s settled. I am ready for the next chapters 🙌🏻 hope you’re enjoying the week and wishing you a happy easter if you celebrate it!

P.S. can I just say I love it when I’m called pet names, I’m giggling like a school girl 😚 do you have a nickname I could call you by? Only if that’s fine with you and I hope this wasn’t too weird 😬🙇🏼‍♀️

Good afternoon! (Or at least it is where I’m at 🤣)

We’re gunna explore more about Alys and Aemond during the next POV which I’m excited to upload 👀

And Ser Arryk is just a bro 😎 and Aemond is insecure af 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’m glad you enjoyed it! I can see a few people getting annoyed in the comments about the fluffy chapter but like I said earlier, there is no divorce here! And she’s pregnant with his child, there is nowhere to go in this universe. As a married person myself, it is not a straight line, there are peaks and troughs, even during arguments!

P.S- you make a good point! I’m just some random person on the internet for now aren’t I 🤣 I’ll do a little introductory post and I’ll tag you 😘

[quoteablebooks]

Genre: Fiction, Adult, Magical Realism

Rating: 5 out of 5

Content Warning: Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Confinement, Death, Mental illness, Gun violence

Summary:

Piranesi’s house is no ordinary building: its rooms are infinite, its corridors endless, its walls are lined with thousands upon thousands of statues, each one different from all the others. Within the labyrinth of halls an ocean is imprisoned; waves thunder up staircases, rooms are flooded in an instant. But Piranesi is not afraid; he understands the tides as he understands the pattern of the labyrinth itself. He lives to explore the house.

There is one other person in the house—a man called The Other, who visits Piranesi twice a week and asks for help with research into A Great and Secret Knowledge. But as Piranesi explores, evidence emerges of another person, and a terrible truth begins to unravel, revealing a world beyond the one Piranesi has always known.

*Opinions*

This is the best book I have read in a while and definitely, the best book that I read this year. That being said, this is probably going to be a rather short review since I believe it is important to go into this novel knowing very little. The way this story unfolds and the reader learns about Piranesi and his world is truly a joy that I wouldn’t want to take from anyone. I know that it is hard to trust books that get super popular in internet spaces, I have been burned before, but this one deserves every word of praise that I have heard about it. 

Instead of doing a review, I think I want to give the general vibes because I can see this being a book that certain readers would not enjoy. I don’t know if I could even summarize the plot of this book in a way that could do it justice anyway. The storytelling has a fable-type quality to it and you have to be comfortable with being dropped into a world and not knowing what is going on. In fact, you get a good way into the novel before everything starts to make a bit more sense, but the writing loses its fable quality. This is a shorter novel and while I believe that it is fast-paced, again if you are uncomfortable without knowing what’s going on you are going to think that the beginning drags. There is no deep character analysis in this novel, and there are a lot of themes that are presented without being explored, but I think that is part of this novel’s charm. This is a very atmospheric novel and you come to love the rooms in the House the same way that Piranesi does. 

This is a five-star read and my favorite read so far this year (2024). I think that everyone should give this story a try, but understand that it might not be for everyone. It was very much for me, which is surprising because if you had explained the plot to me, I am not sure if I would picked it up. As I stated above, go into this story as blind as possible and let it wash over you like the Tides. 

**Content Warnings**

Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Confinement, Death, Mental illness, Gun violence        

[crowpricorn]

Picking all the pretty birdssss

🦅 🦉 🦜

thank you!! 💗 (Qs)

none of them are actually quotes but whole ass paragraphs🤷🏻 (and all from my wips rather than published fics!)

🦅 an angsty quote (something PAINFUL!! ouch ouch ouch!)

from blind wylan au :)

There were mediks just leaving the property as he arrived. He remembers the lump in his throat, the freezing anxiety clamming at his heart, the way his knees had given and he had fallen, crying, on the marble of the stairs. He remembers a hand on his shoulder and a man with an unreadable expression. "My son is gone," he had said. Before he could add anything, Jesper had ran away, brought by desperate steps in the place he loved most in the world — and that now gloomed over him like a threat.

🦉 a clever quote (something you're proud of!)

from my post canon / jesper character study (i forgot how much hidden gems it has! i need to get back to it asap)

It doesn't get easy to live under a skin that doesn't crawl, with blood rushing furious and thoughts rambling wild and tricking himself into thinking he is fine. It's all clearer now, like a sky empty of clouds, like still water untouched by mud. It's all clear and painful.

Without his lies, his jokes and his anger, the clouds he treaded around his scars, the mud he threw over his pain, he is all but bare.

He feels like a foal who is just learning to walk, unstable on shaky legs bigger than his body but still too fragile to hold him up.

🦜 a pretty quote (you like the prose, or symbolism, or it's poetic, or you just like how it feels/the word choice!)

from witch wylan au my beloved (I love most quotes here!!! it's my pride and joy!):

Now, in the comfort of his home, sea breeze caressing his face with fresh breaths of air, he lets the fatigue of the day roll by and welcomes the rest that night brings. Magic comes easier, at night, aided by the flow of the moon tides and the movement of the stars, adding power to the magic already flowing through his veins. He inhales and exhales, grateful for the scent of the almost ready soup and the lingering fragrance of all the herbs and spices in the tiny room. Tonight will be a good night, and he can already tell because he read it in his coffee cup, just a few hours before, and also because it's a new moon night. The sky will be dark and full of stars, but shy of the luminous presence of the moon. This is a night for resting, charging, flowing with the winds.

[childofchrist1983]

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. - Isaiah 61:1-3 KJV

This is the Bible passage that Jesus Christ read in the synagogue and declared that it pertained to Him. This is the beginning of a long list of what the Jewish leaders considered offenses worth having Him killed. They hated that He challenged their teachings. They objected to the people He surrounded Himself with, that He healed people on the Sabbath and called God Almighty His Father. They believed that He had blasphemed, declaring that He was the Son of God.

They really hated the fact that they were losing their power over the people. They knew that they were already on shaky ground with the Roman rule because they did not acknowledge the Emperor as a god. It was only because the Jewish people said that their God, Yeshua, was not of this world but in Heaven, that they were given the freedom to practice their faith. Jesus was threatening that as well. As far back as the early days of his ministry, John had sent emissaries to Jesus Christ to ask if He was the one or if they should look for another. At that time, Jesus sent them back to tell John what they had seen, "The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them" (Luke 7:22, Matthew 11:2-6). Because of this and all the healings that did occur, the people were beginning to believe that He was in fact the promised and long-awaited Messiah. The leaders couldn't chance this.

As we approach this Holy Week, may we remember again all that He does and has done for us. May we always remember His words and actions and recommit ourselves to living lives that are worthy of Him and His selfless sacrifice. By the time we reach Friday, the plotting and planning will find its culmination in the crucifixion of Christ. May we take some time this week to read one of the Gospel's accounts of the Passion and meditate on it. Picture yourself at the foot of the cross and tell Jesus Christ how you feel about His sacrifice for you.

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He alone is able to save us, forgiving our sins and gifting us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven. It warms my heart to experience the restful peace and presence of His Truth, light and love and to hear the delight and joy in song as He and all of Heaven celebrates my rescue, and it is with joy and thanksgiving that I raise my voice in praise, rejoicing and song to celebrate with Him, and all because of Him. May we all feel the same.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful Lord, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[lifechanyuan]

Everything I See is in Perfect Order

Xuefeng

May 12, 2014

(Translation edited by Qinyou)

The phenomena are myriad, the world is chaotic, disasters are frequent, and changes are constant. Friends turn against each other, kin harm one another, affections shift, and grudges transform. People rush and struggle, change happens hastily, there are conflicts and competition, hidden traps, separation, and disintegration. Old things disappear, new things emerge; everything appears dazzling and disordered, but to me, everything is in perfect order.

Unable to decide, hard to judge, what should be done, torn between choices. When facing a situation, one’s body is not under their control, hastily adapting, acting against one’s will, reading others' expressions, weighing pros and cons, human calculations are not as good as the heavens’ calculations. "A person of integrity, though not actively seeking fortune, the heavens guide them unexpectedly to achieve their heartfelt aspirations. A devious individual, despite craftily avoiding misfortune, the heavens intervene at their cunning moments to seize their soul." If one does not recognize the perfect order in everything, they will spend their life struggling in a sea of worries and turmoil.

Life is impermanent; changes occur too rapidly. Yesterday’s bloom fades today, joy hides sorrow, sorrow contains joy. "Misfortune, that is where happiness depends; happiness, that is where misfortune underlies." In danger, misfortunes turn into blessings; in tranquility, thunder rumbles. Spring is just bright, yet dust rises; peach blossoms bloom, yet autumn's chill is felt. A sudden marriage of three months, followed by the rush for divorce. Is it time, fortune, or destiny? Or is it made by heaven, earth, and human choices?

A rich person can die of starvation, a high official can be imprisoned. Today’s bustling scene turns desolate tomorrow. “Broken walls where foxes sleep, deserted platforms where rabbits walk, all were places of singing and dancing in those days; yellow flowers covered with cold dew, withering grasses looming in mist, all belong to the battlefields of the old times.” Once commanding the winds and clouds, later retreating in defeat; yesterday, surrounded by esteemed guests, today, left in decline and destitution. The tide rises and falls, flowers bloom and wither. Is human life like a revolving wall panel, constantly flipping up and down?

Why do some people live safely and peacefully to the end, while others wander through life and die tragically? Why do some live leisurely and comfortably, while others toil and worry despite their hard work? Why do some, with many children, end up lonely in old age, while others, without children, live peacefully in their later years? Why do some, with vast knowledge, end up committing suicide, while others, uneducated, live a long life? Is it due to genetics, or the merits or sins of past lives?

Who can guarantee what tomorrow will bring? Is it better to drift with the current or to swim against it? Is it better to follow the teachings of gods, Buddhas, celestial beings, and saints, or to act on one's own accord? Which profession to choose out of the 360 trades? Is it better to consider long-term benefits or to solve immediate problems first? Is it better to eat the food given as charity or to earn one's own sustenance? Is it better to continue working for others or to forge one's own path? Is it better to study diligently or to work in the fields from dawn to dusk? Is a turbulent life better, or a peaceful one? Is experiencing wind and rain better, or resting in a coffin? Can you make the right choice? Is your choice useful? Are you driven by survival pressure, or do you have a clear understanding and control over everything?

The world changes and life is uncertain. To seek permanence, people feel the need for cultivation and practice. Throughout history, there has never been a shortage of practitioners, but what exactly are they practicing and cultivating? What have they achieved in the end? Have their ideals been realized? Have their wishes been fulfilled? Have they attained permanence? Is it self-deception or solid evidence?

Is success three parts human effort and seven parts heaven's will, or seven parts human effort and three parts heaven's will? Or is it fifty-fifty? Is it that human determination can overcome heaven, or is it that destiny is hard to defy? Is fortune and misfortune created by oneself, or is the script of the grand stage of life already set, with everyone playing their roles involuntarily? Is reality a projection of self-consciousness, or is it the arrangement of heaven?

The Tao is in operation, everything is in perfect order. "The net of heaven is vast and wide, yet nothing escapes it." The cycle of cause and effect is precise to the slightest detail. Every thought, action, smile, and anger plays a role. It is hard to determine what is the best course of action, but no matter how it is interpreted, there is a clear and distinct path to heaven: continually giving and dedicating without seeking to take or possess.

How to handle myriad matters? How to make choices when faced with difficulties?

The answer is: go with the flow, do not force or contrive. Everything has its predetermined course, and there will always be a "day of release from imprisonment." Go with the circumstances, every day, the people and events around you are due to fate. Do your best with the connections, speak clearly, and handle matters thoroughly without leaving regrets. Follow your nature, driven by the Tathagata nature, listen to the deepest voice of your soul, without weighing pros and cons or pretending. Speak and act naturally; when the opportunity arises, act; when it does not, don’t get inflamed, but wait patiently.

If you ask why I guide like this?

The answer: The reason is in the holograph, difficult to describe, beyond human understanding.

[catolinewsdailyreadings]

The Nativity of the Lord – Christmas - Mass During the Day

Readings of Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Reading 1

IS 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, "Your God is King!"

Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, for they see directly, before their eyes, the LORD restoring Zion. Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the LORD comforts his people, he redeems Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6.

R./ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. R./ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. R./ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. R./ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD. R./ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Reading 2

HEB 1:1-6

Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways  to our ancestors through the prophets;  in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son,  whom he made heir of all things  and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Gospel

JN 1:1-18 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light,  so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God,  to those who believe in his name,  who were born not by natural generation  nor by human choice nor by a man's decision  but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying,  "This was he of whom I said,  'The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me  because he existed before me.'" From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses,  grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father's side,  has revealed him.

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Tue Dec 24th, 2024 ... The Nativity of the Lord, Year C (Christmas) ... Mass during the Day

Reading I

---------

Is 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him who brings glad tidings,

announcing peace, bearing good news,

announcing salvation, and saying to Zion,

“Your God is King!”

Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry,

together they shout for joy,

for they see directly, before their eyes,

the LORD restoring Zion.

Break out together in song,

O ruins of Jerusalem!

For the LORD comforts his people,

he redeems Jerusalem.

The LORD has bared his holy arm

in the sight of all the nations;

all the ends of the earth will behold

the salvation of our God.

Responsorial Psalm

-------------------

Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6.

R. (3c) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Sing to the LORD a new song,

for he has done wondrous deeds;

his right hand has won victory for him,

his holy arm.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

The LORD has made his salvation known:

in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.

He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness

toward the house of Israel.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation by our God.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;

break into song; sing praise.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,

with the harp and melodious song.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn

sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Reading II

----------

Heb 1:1-6

Brothers and sisters:

In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways

to our ancestors through the prophets;

in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son,

whom he made heir of all things

and through whom he created the universe,

who is the refulgence of his glory,

the very imprint of his being,

and who sustains all things by his mighty word.

When he had accomplished purification from sins,

he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

as far superior to the angels

as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say:

You are my son; this day I have begotten you?

Or again:

I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me?

And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says:

Let all the angels of God worship him.

Alleluia

---------

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

A holy day has dawned upon us.

Come, you nations, and adore the Lord.

For today a great light has come upon the earth.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

---------

Jn 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him,

and without him nothing came to be.

What came to be through him was life,

and this life was the light of the human race;

the light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God.

He came for testimony, to testify to the light,

so that all might believe through him.

He was not the light,

but came to testify to the light.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world,

and the world came to be through him,

but the world did not know him.

He came to what was his own,

but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him

he gave power to become children of God,

to those who believe in his name,

who were born not by natural generation

nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision

but of God.

And the Word became flesh

and made his dwelling among us,

and we saw his glory,

the glory as of the Father’s only Son,

full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying,

“This was he of whom I said,

‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me

because he existed before me.’”

From his fullness we have all received,

grace in place of grace,

because while the law was given through Moses,

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

No one has ever seen God.

The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,

has revealed him.

OR:

------

Jn 1:1-5, 9-14

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him,

and without him nothing came to be.

What came to be through him was life,

and this life was the light of the human race;

the light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world,

and the world came to be through him,

but the world did not know him.

He came to what was his own,

but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him

he gave power to become children of God,

to those who believe in his name,

who were born not by natural generation

nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision

but of God.

And the Word became flesh

and made his dwelling among us,

and we saw his glory,

the glory as of the Father’s only Son,

full of grace and truth.

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

Emmanuel.

God, You are with us, in the thick of our reality –

              The joys, the sorrows, the seemingly mundane, the all of it.

You saw us, the beloved work of Your hands, in need,

              And You came to be among us.

You, the Infinite One, came as an infant,

              A human, entirely dependent.

You came entrusted to Mary and to Joseph, two humble servants of God.

You came, a Light in the darkness, in the most unexpected of guises in the most lowly of circumstances.

The Prince of Peace laid in a manger.

You remind us that the way is through humility, community, love.

In Your coming among us this day, let the glory, praise and honor we render You overflow our lives.

Continue to fashion us, we pray, as

bearers of the Light,

harbingers of hope,

heralders of the Good News,

a people of humility, of love, and of peace,

a people You recognize and claim as Your own.

All glory and praise to You, God with us, this day and all days. Amen.

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[bibleversegarden]

God’s Anointing and Power in Our Lives

Mankind in a fallen, captive state, is incapable of rising to the high stature, high calling of God. Thanks be to God, for the anointing that removes burdens and breaks the yokes of sin, that keeps us bound.

God anointed Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. (See Acts 10:38)

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:1-3)

At God's appointed time, "The Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8)

Jesus who appeared in the flesh, and was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin, was able to resist the devil, and cast Him out of many, for He was full of the Holy Ghost and power. This Jesus, is calling disciples to Himself, to live holy lives, and to proclaim the good news of salvation in the earth, with signs and wonders following.

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."  (Luke 10:19-20)

In order to be effective ambassadors for Christ, we must be sanctified and consecrated vessels, reconciled to God, fruitful in every good work; bringing glory to His name.

"And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:10-11)

"Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

"Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." (2 Corinthians 1:21 and 22)

A Prayer:

All thanks and praise to God our Father, for Christ His Son: Prophet, Priest and King; for the blessing of the Holy Spirit, and the anointing that breaks the yokes, and sets us free; for the power to daily walk in the Spirit; for a new and living way; for an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, that doesn't fade away. Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings:

In the Scriptures, God instructed Moses to make a holy anointing oil. (See Exodus 30:22-33 for its use and purpose.)

Luke 4:1-15; Luke 9:1-3; Luke 10:19 & 20; Acts Chapter 2; Isaiah 10:27; Matthew 11:28-30; Galatians Chapter 5; Colossians Chapter 1, 2, 3 and 4; Psalm 23, Jeremiah Chapter 1; Ephesians in its entirety; First Epistle of John 2:27-29; Acts Chapters 1 and 2; Romans Chapters 6 and 12; Hebrews 1:8 & 9; First Epistle of Peter in its entirety; Philippians Chapter 3; 2 Corinthians Chapter 5; Joel 2:28-32