By MONICA J. O’DESKY Hanukkah was a mixed bag in our house as it is in many households. I don’t think anyone in the family really knew what we were celebrating and, most likely, if not for the proximity to Christmas, probably would not be having a Hanukkah celebration at all. It wasn’t until I was much older that I
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By BISHOP MICHAEL SIS The English word “advent” comes from the Latin word “adveniens,” which refers to an arrival, entry, or coming. The one who is coming is Jesus Christ. There are really three “comings” of Christ: in history, in mystery, and in majesty. These take place in the past, the present, and the future. The season of Advent focuses
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By JANICE SIX It occurred to me that even though we define Advent as a time of preparing for the coming of Christ, the majority of our attention focuses on that which has already taken place: Christ’s birth, and Christ’s ongoing presence with us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, rather than preparing for the coming of Christ,
Read moreThe Grace Museum is sponsoring a free Advent Music Series on Tuesdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Advent, which begins Sunday, Dec. 2, is the month-long period leading to Christmas and is the beginning of a new year for churches that follow a liturgical calendar. The concerts will be in different locations but all will be 12:15-12:45 p.m. The first
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Abilene’s most famous, and possibly most revered citizen, Dr. Virginia Connally, turns 106 on Tuesday, Dec. 4. Connally was moved in October to a facility near Waco but remains in Abilene in spirit. Her many friends and admirers in Abilene wish her a great big “Happy Birthday!” Connally, a 1933 graduate of then Simmons University, was born Dec. 4, 1912, in
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By PHILIP LeMASTERS Orthodox Christians celebrate the memory of Saint Nicholas on December 6. He is a saint so beloved that he is the basis for the figure of Santa Claus. Living in the fourth century in what is now Turkey, St. Nicholas had a sizeable inheritance from his family, which he gave away in secret to the poor. He
Read moreCantor Monica O’Desky will lead a Hanukkah service Friday, Dec. 7, at Temple Mizpah, 849 Chestnut St. A dinner will begin at 6 p.m., with services to follow at 7. Cost for the dinner is $5. Call 572-3037 for reservations. Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights that begins at sundown on the first day, which this year falls
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