Dale's Divertissements

Today is the Second Sunday of Advent and our attention is turned to PEACE. Into a world filled with so much strife and unrest our Saviour comes as the Source of Peace. Be ready today to be a peacemaker.

With lots of fanfare to get your attention – today we look East to see the Lord of hope, peace, joy and love – arriving. Time to get ready….

Today we have the “overworked” hymn tune “Hyfydol” using the words “Come, thou long expected Jesus. Gordon Young meanders around hinting at the tune as a way of teasing us – but then isn’t Advent like that? But when he gives us the tune – it is in all its full glory.

This little known Advent song is one of the best songs about HOPE I know. It is quiet and gentle just like that first Christmas so long ago. But yet it encompasses the most powerful message of the season. HOPE is born AGAIN, by Jim Brickman.

Today Douglas Wagner takes us for a walk through the winter’s snow. In the background we hear the church’s bells ring the tune. Thank you for taking this journey with me.

Today to we are setting the nativity scene up. This is a Fontanini nativity set, I have added a new figure each year. The music is arranged by Michael Ryan.

“Hope is a star” is one of my favourite Advent carols. It places the themes of Advent (Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love) in one complete musical present. May all these themes be part of your celebrations today and forever.

One of the “instant” classic hymns of the church embraced by Roman Catholics and Protestants alike. May God raise you up on eagles wings today.0

The prayer of St. Francis is set to music, arranged by Jane Holstein, and played by Dale Burkholder

I am so proud of my bell choir. This song was a big stretch for them. But the long hours of practicing paid off.