Day 13: Christmas Connections

 Day 13 Christmas Connections

Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. 

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:19

Lizabeta and Mariela led the line waiting to check out books. After oohing and ahhing at the lights, the tree, and the wreath of books, Lizabeta pointed at the calendar. “What’s that for?”

“It’s our connections calendar,” Gina explained from behind the front desk. “Every day has an activity to help us connect with new friends. Every Wednesday at 4:30, we’ll have games to play.”

“Today’s Wednesday!” said Lizabeta. “What’s the game?”

“To make as many people smile as you can,” said Carol.

“How do I do that?” asked Lizabeta.

“By sharing a favorite song or book or helping with chores, sharing or listening to a story, or just by smiling a great big smile”

“I have lots of favorite songs,” said Lizabeta. “Lo mas que nos reunimos, reunimos, reunimos,” she sang. Patrons waiting behind her to take out books broke out in smiles as Carol raised a hand.

“Why don’t you save the rest for game time today,” Carol suggested from behind her own smile. 

“Here’s a copy of the calendar to take home with you. It’s in Spanish and English.” Gina added before Lizabeta could ask. She placed a calendar on with the pile of Lizabeta’s books.

Mariela looked through the pile. “El Dia en Que Descubres Quien Eres.*  “El Regalo de Navidad,* El Homrecito de Mazapón*, Como el Grinch roby la Navidad,*” she read.

“I know that one!” Lizabeta cried, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.* Vamos, Tia! I can’t wait to get home to read it.” Gina’s smile mirrored the ones on Mariela and Lizabeta as they left.

Lizabeta wasn’t the only person excited about the calendar. Copies flew off the front desk as patrons came and went. Linh, Harry, and Ron chatted about coming activities. Kids and parents rummaged through the pile of books Gina had in the Staff Picks display. Shining faces reflected the twinkling lights around the calendar and on the tree. Smiles bloomed on every face. 

Advent Challenge: Share a song with someone today. Burst out in song or play a recording. Share your reasons for choosing the song. Does it make you happy? Does it remind you of someone or some special time in your life? Does it lift your spirit or connect your heart to God? Offer God your praises in song. 

Prayer: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness, come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord, he is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:1-5) Lord accept the music of my heart as praise to you! Amen

*Available on YouTube