How peace and goodwill was restored on earth/Christmas celebrations in India

A few days ago Mother and I were enjoying a little bit of peace

and goodwill in the afternoon

when we were disturbed by sounds of unlawful

activity at the back of our house.

A window survey revealed 2 brats

(neighbourhood urchins actually)

foraging among our banana and lemon trees.

I was so mad.

I yelled at them threatening to send them

to the electric chair - gallows whatever.

This time it worked and they quickly scrambled back over

the wall. They were the same boys

who had pelted our house with rocks

for 45 minutes on a Sunday afternoon.
With peace restored I could return

to my desired activity

Dancing with an angel in high heels


and snoozing with buddies

We had a little rain in the past 2 days
and the temperature is in the 70s , very
pleasant except for the grey skies.
I am preparing for Namrita and her boys and Christmas too.
Lot of things to do and because of my fibromialgia
I have to take things in bits and pieces
and also supervise the church wall building.
My friend FELISOL writes about the wonderful
Christmas traditions and celebrations of Norway,
she asked me how we celebrate Christmas in India.
Well, since there is so much diversity in my country each region has its own unique customs.
But all over India there are special Christmas church services
Sunday school programs, Christian community
and get togethers with food or Pot Lucks too.
Christmas fairs and festivals and outreach programs.
Many churches have picnics and sports.
There is house to house carol singing too.
Christian schools and institutions have
Christmas concerts, nativity plays and carol singing.
A good way to present the gospel.
The Christmas cake is a sacred item of celebration
specially in the cities.
In my state people throng the local bakeries
to get their cakes baked.
People get 20 to 30 (even more) little rich fruit cakes
to share with family and friends.
Is a kind of British tradition.
Also cookies and un-iced cupcakes.
They take all their raw ingredients to the bakers and his team mixed up everything and bakes it in his large oven.
We used to do that too till my Dad was alive.
But now I bake my cakes and cookies at home.
I must get you photos of a bakery.
Many churches have midnight Christmas
watchnight services.
But a Christmas Day morning service is a must.
After that you can have a family or church lunch.
People visit friends and family impromptu and are served cake and
homemade snacks and treats.
Of course the kids get presents.
Homes and churches are decorated with lights, the Christmas Star
Christmas tree etc.
Many non Christians also join in the celebrations.
So there is a lot you can do.
But the important thing is to keep your eyes on Jesus.
Christmas is not merely a holiday -
it is the birth of Christ with a capital C.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
(Isaiah 9 -Bible)