RHC Fortnightly Quotemail
Compiled & Edited by Rob Chappell (@RHCLambengolmo)
Vol. XXIX, No. 3: Mid-December 2024
Art Director: Verena Keegan
Editorial Associate: Sabrina Saelind
Editorial Assistant: Jessica Breckinridge
Editor’s Note
December is here, and with it comes a cavalcade of holidays and celebrations. In this special blog posting, we have both poetry and prose to commemorate and reflect upon the Advent season, St. Lucia’s Day (a festival of light on December 13th), and Hannukah (which runs from December 25th through January 2nd this year). Our family of staff writers wish all our readers a very happy and safe holiday season and all the best in 2025!
Sophie’s Introduction
As the calendar flips to December, many people around the world embark on a season of Advent, a period of preparation for the arrival of Christmas. Derived from the Latin word meaning 'coming,' Advent is a time of anticipation, expectancy, and renewal, and it marks the beginning of the liturgical calendar year in many Christian traditions.
The practice of observing Advent has become popular in many communities beyond the Christian faith in recent years, as people seek a time of quiet contemplation and reflection in the midst of the holiday bustle. As we await the arrival of Christmas, we can use the opportunity provided by Advent to focus on gratitude, giving, and spreading joy to others.
Advent offers us the chance to take a break from the busy-ness of our everyday lives and remember the true meaning of Christmas: the celebration of Jesus' birth, and of the eternal hope his coming represented for the world. As the carol proclaims, 'Joyful all ye nations rise / Join the triumph of the skies / With angelic hosts proclaim / Christ is born in Bethlehem!'"
Our Co-Editor Sophie is pictured here in one of her favorite Yuletide sweaters. (Digital image processed by the Editor.)
Baruch 4:36-5:9 (King James Version)
(4:36) O Jerusalem, look about thee toward the east, and behold the joy that cometh unto thee from God. (4:37) Lo, thy sons come, whom thou sentest away, they come gathered together from the east to the west by the word of the Holy One, rejoicing in the glory of God.
(5:1) Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of mourning and affliction, and put on the comeliness of the glory that cometh from God for ever. (5:2) Cast about thee a double garment of the righteousness which cometh from God; and set a diadem on thine head of the glory of the Everlasting. (5:3) For God will shew thy brightness unto every country under heaven. (5:4) For thy name shall be called of God forever The peace of righteousness, and The glory of God's worship.
(5:5) Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high, and look about toward the east, and behold thy children gathered from the west unto the east by the word of the Holy One, rejoicing in the remembrance of God. (5:6) For they departed from thee on foot, and were led away of their enemies: but God bringeth them unto thee exalted with glory, as children of the kingdom. (5:7) For God hath appointed that every high hill, and banks of long continuance, should be cast down, and valleys filled up, to make even the ground, that Israel may go safely in the glory of God, (5:8) Moreover even the woods and every sweet-smelling tree shall overshadow Israel by the commandment of God. (5:9) For God shall lead Israel with joy in the light of his glory with the mercy and righteousness that cometh from him.
“People Look East” (1928)
By Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965)
1. People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way.
2. Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,
One more seed is planted there:
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
That in course the flower may flourish.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the rose, is on the way.
3. Birds, though you long have ceased to build,
Guard the nest that must be filled.
Even the hour when wings are frozen
God for fledging time has chosen.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the bird, is on the way.
4. Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the star, is on the way.
5. Angels, announce with shouts of mirth
Christ who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming
With the word, the Lord is coming.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Lord, is on the way.
“Advent: Waiting for the Light”
By Marie Davis, Staff Writer
The days grow short, the nights grow long,
As winter's chill begins to throng.
But hope and joy are found within the light,
As we await the Infant's birth to the day.
The candles burn, the carols we sing,
As the Advent season brings its hope and ring.
In this time of year, we take a step back,
And wait for the day when the light shall come to our path.
“Wolcum Yole”
Anonymous Middle English Carol (14th Century)
Wolcum, Wolcum,
Wolcum be thou hevenè king,
Wolcum Yole!
Wolcum, born in one morning,
Wolcum for whom we sall sing!
Wolcum be ye, Stevene and Jon,
Wolcum, Innocentes every one,
Wolcum, Thomas marter one,
Wolcum be ye, good Newe Yere,
Wolcum, Twelfthe Day both in fere,
Wolcum, seintes lefe and dare,
Wolcum Yole, Wolcum Yole, Wolcum!
Candelmesse, Quene of Bliss,
Wolcum bothe to more and lesse.
Wolcum, Wolcum,
Wolcum be ye that are here, Wolcum Yole,
Wolcum alle and make good cheer.
Wolcum alle another yere,
Wolcum Yole. Wolcum!
Verena, our blog’s Art Director (and Sophie’s older sister), leads a candlelit Lucia procession last year on December 13th. (Digital image processed by the Editor.)
“Lucia Procession: 12/13/1995”
Text by the Editor
Tune: “Santa Lucia” (Traditional Italian & Swedish)
Radiant Lucia,
Haloed in candlelight,
You cheer benighted hearts
With your smile so bright!
In the Midwinter’s cold,
You bring the Yuletide;
May your sweet memory
Ever with us abide!
“Saint Lucia’s Day”
By Phoebe Syrakousai, Staff Writer
On this day of candlelight's glow,
A saint and martyr of purest show.
Lucia's gaze, a beacon bright,
Guiding hearts through darkness' night.
Radiating love like morning's dawn,
Illuminating path and heart's own.
Her memory shines beyond the years,
Bringing warmth and joy to every fear.
"The Significance of Hannukah: A Celebration of Faith, Freedom, and Renewal"
By Christa Morgenstern, Staff Writer
Hannukah, the Jewish festival of lights, is a joyous celebration filled with tradition, family, and faith. This holiday commemorates a remarkable event in Jewish history: the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after it was desecrated by the Syrian-Greek army in the second century BCE.
I n addition to its historical significance, the festival of Hannukah carries deep religious meaning for Jews. The miracles of light that occurred during the Hanukkah celebration remind the Jewish people of God's presence and compassion for them. Christians also find significance in the festivities of Hannukah, as Jesus himself celebrated this festival, as recorded in the Gospels. The feast of lights serves as a reminder that Jesus is the true Light of the world, as proclaimed by John the Baptist and later by Jesus himself.
Furthermore, the holiday of Hannukah represents hope and resilience. The celebration serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a spark of divinity that cannot be extinguished.
The miracle of the menorah's light, which lasted for eight days despite having only enough oil for one day, is a powerful metaphor for enduring faith and unyielding belief in the face of adversity.
As we participate in the festivities of Hannukah, we are reminded of the power of community and togetherness. Families and friends gather together to light the menorah, exchange gifts, and play games. This communal celebration fosters a sense of connection and unity, both among fellow Jews and between Jews and Christians.
The celebration of Hannukah also provides lessons in perseverance and overcoming obstacles. As the Jewish people faced adversity and oppression, they found strength in their beliefs and in their commitment to their faith. The miracles of light that occurred during the Hanukkah celebration symbolize the triumph of faith over adversity.
The festival therefore serves as a reminder that even in challenging times, we can find comfort in faith and hope for brighter days ahead.
Lastly, the festival of Hannukah is a time for joy and gratitude. In the Book of Psalms, we read, "O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" (Psalm 118:29) The celebration of Hannukah provides an opportunity to express gratitude for the miracles, hope, and unity that are at the heart of this holiday.
In addition to the religious and cultural significance of Hannukah, the festival also carries political overtones. The celebration of Hannukah serves as a reminder of the Jewish people's commitment to preserving their identity and faith amidst adversity and oppression. Through the miracle of the menorah's light, the Jewish people remind the world of their resilience and their commitment to their cultural and religious heritage.
Some Concluding Thoughts
By the Editor
As we celebrate Advent, Christmas, and Hannukah this year, let us resolve to build bridges of understanding, tolerance, and mutual appreciation between the rainbow of religions that humanity has received from the One Divine Source throughout the ages. In that spirit, let us reflect on the following two passages from Jewish and Christian sacred writings to help us continue the work of reconciliation that is already underway.
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, “There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” – St. Paul in Romans 11:26-27 (KJV), Quoting Isaiah 59:20-21; Isaiah 27:9; & Jeremiah 31:33,34
All Israel have a portion in the world to come, and it is said, “And thy people shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified” (Isaiah 60:21). – Ethics of the Fathers 1:1
(The Ethics of the Fathers is a collection of sayings from Jewish sages who lived between 300 BCE and 200 CE.)
To learn more about the historical background of Second Temple Judaism and Hannukah, the Editor recommends the following resources:
· The Works of Flavius Josephus (37-100 CE)
· The Works of Philo (a/k/a Rabbi Jedidiah) of Alexandria (ca. 20 BCE-50 CE)
· The four books of the Maccabees: 1 & 2 Maccabees are considered to be canonical Scripture by the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church; 3 Maccabees is considered to be canonical Scripture by the Eastern Orthodox Church; and 4 Maccabees is often printed as an appendix in Eastern Orthodox Bibles, although it is not considered to be canonical Scripture. All four books of the Maccabees are considered to be noncanonical by Protestant Christians, although they were regarded as “useful and good to read” by the magisterial Reformers of the 16th century.
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