ceceliaebee

Christmas trees…

Walk around the city this time of the year, and you will come across Christmas trees of all shapes, colours, sizes and themes. The malls vie with each other to have Christmas trees that are either the largest or tallest or most unique, such as the Swarovski tree with its crystal baubles, the tallest Christmas tree, the all silver decorated tree, and the poinsettia Christmas tree, which is by far my favourite of them all! Nothing puts a greater spell on the magic of Christmas quite like a Christmas tree.

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to Us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Christmas lights…

December descends upon Toronto and brings with it a whole different atmosphere. The shorter dark evenings, the festive lights, the cold sweater weather, and a feeling of holiday cheer. The street cafes advertise holiday nog, hot cocoa and warm muffins and breads. The skating rinks are filled with children and youngsters skating to holiday music and people are busy with their Christmas shopping and activities and a general wind down of the year. The stores are adorned with Christmas decorations and lights of all shapes and colours and the windows advertise special Christmas sales. Homes are lit with magical lights and lawn decor. What a wonderful time of the year. Through of this we need to remember the true reason for the season. Jesus!!

Matthew 2:10-11 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great joy. And when they came into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

Hanging on…

On a morning walk I took these pictures of trees on opposite sides of the street. While some trees lost their leaves quickly to the winds, others held on tightly to their leaves. It made me ruminate on how we can respond to adversity, we can choose to let go or hang tight to life and it’s goodness.

Joshua 1:9 -Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

When Ivy adds charm…

While wandering around Niagara-on-the-Lake I came across these charming homes covered with ivy and Virginia creeper, lending a charm to the structure with its foliage.

Mark 4:17 - And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.

Early Morning…

If you want to experience calm and beauty before the hustle and bustle of the day sets in, then I suggest you do an early morning walk. It gives you time to thank and praise God, gives you a sense of purpose, allows you to get your mind in order, helps you to focus, exercise or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the first moments of the day.

Psalm 57:8 - Awake, my glory!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.