Merry Christmas! Looking for some Christmas period dramas to watch? Here is an updated list of some of the Christmas Specials and movies from the last two decades! Hallmark’s An Old Fashioned Christmas (2010) – Victorian BBC One’s Call … Continue reading
Having recently become a member of the Historic Royal Palaces, I decided to visit three in London for their special Christmas events from 27 December 2015 – 3 January 2016: Kensington Palace, Tower of London, and Hampton Court (it’s in zone … Continue reading
With one more week to go until Christmas, I’m sharing photos of the Christmas decorations and activities around London! #SevenDials’ #wreaths with #whiteroses. 🙂 #christmasdecorations #London #instalondon #igerslondon A photo posted by V (@ladyandtherose) on Dec 6, 2015 at 4:52am … Continue reading
Last year, I visited the top four coffee chain stores (Blenz, Starbucks, Tim Horton’s, Waves) to try their Christmas/winter specials. Here’s a list of my favourites from each store! Blenz (Vancouver only) In 2014, there were 3 different colour schemes … Continue reading
HAPPY CHRISTMAS! FROHE WEIHNACHTEN! JOYEUX NOEL! FELIZ NAVIDAD! 🙂
I hope all of you are having or had a wonderful day today. It’s not yet noon so my day has just started!
I woke up this morning an hour after the Queen’s Christmas message had already broadcast. If you haven’t already, you can watch it on The Royal Channel YouTube page.
The Queen delivered yet another lovely message reflecting this year’s events (namely, the Diamond Jubilee and the Summer Games) and concluded with the important Christmas message:
“This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only son ‘to serve, not to be served’. He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ.
“It is my prayer this Christmas Day that his example and teaching will continue to bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others.
“The carol, In The Bleak Midwinter, ends by asking a question of all of us who know the Christmas story, of how God gave himself to us in humble service: ‘What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part’. The carol gives the answer ‘Yet what I can I give him – give my heart’.
It is clear that this year’s ‘theme’ is about serving, something the Queen has done for her people throughout the Commonwealth since she ascended to the throne at age 25. I admire our Queen for her dedication and her perseverance, as well as her faith. I wish I were brave enough to speak more openly about the importance of today, of the true Christmas message. It is ironic that in this day and age when I live in a country with ‘freedom of religion’, I am still afraid of sharing for fear of being mocked or humiliated. One day, I’ll be brave enough and one day, I trust the LORD will help me overcome my fear. Regardless of what you believe, Jesus came as a present for all of us. HE is mercy. HE is compassion. HE is LOVE. 25 December may not be his true birthday but we borrow this day to remember what HE did.
This morning, while calling my relatives in different countries, I learned that one of my relatives had passed away some time ago. Though I am saddened to learn of her passing, I also remember that she is now at rest and with the LORD. I am always deeply sad when our beloved seniors leave this world. They had gone through so much – a war (if not more), food rations, fear, decades of changes… I am selfish for wanting them to stay a while longer for they represent history and I cannot bear to be parted from them. Yet I must remember that they would want us to be happy and that they were glad we thought and still think of them fondly. Don’t forget to call or see our seniors and let them know how much they are loved. Let us make their last days filled with joy and peace.
I will probably be spending the day or the next few days watching some Christmas favourites:
Cover of Joyeux Noel (Widescreen)
The Nativity Story (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
And of course, mustn’t forget Downton Abbey‘s S3 Christmas Special!
This year, I would like to start a new tradition. My family and I will be volunteering at a shelter (soup kitchen) so that those less fortunate than us may enjoy a Christmas dinner and receive presents filled with necessities. For isn’t that what Christmas is about? Christ came so that we may have hope. HE came to serve. So I shall too. 🙂
Wishing all of you a blessed Christmas. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
The Lady and the Rose 