Handel’s Messiah

Biography George Frederick Handel was born in Halle, Germany on February 32, 1685 (which is the same year that Johann Sebastian Bach was born. His father was a barber and surgeon who planned for his son to be a lawyer. George practiced the harpsichord in the attic, hidden from his father, who believe that music … Continue reading Handel’s Messiah

O Come O Come Emmanuel

Hymn Story:  O Come O Come Emmanuel is the translation of a ninth-century Latin hymn, Veni Veni Immanuel. It recreates O Antiphons that are sung in many churches around the world during the last few days before Christmas. Each verse represents a different Antiphon with the refrain, “Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O … Continue reading O Come O Come Emmanuel

Celebrating Advent

The Season of Advent is a long-standing tradition in many churches throughout the world. It is a crucial part of the liturgical calendar that consists of a focused time of waiting. It’s a season of fasting and spiritual preparation, much like Lent, intentionally hopeful for the arrival of Christ.  Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. … Continue reading Celebrating Advent

Nature Study: Evergreens

Nature study can be as simple as a short walk in the neighborhood or as elaborate as a week in Yellowstone National Park. Don’t make it hard. Just go outside. This month, we suggest you spend some time outside every day that the weather is reasonable, and keep an eye out for Evergreen Trees. We’ll … Continue reading Nature Study: Evergreens

American Christmas Songs

We’ve chosen some common Christmas songs to share with you. Each picture links to a video on YouTube for your enjoyment! Photo Credits: Bing Crosby: By CBS Radio – eBayfrontback, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58423153 Andy Williams: By Sheldon Saltman, public relations – File: Andy Williams 1967.JPG, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71214271 Nat King Cole: By William P. Gottlieb – … Continue reading American Christmas Songs

Norman Rockwell

Norman Rockwell was born just before the 20th century in New York City. Most of the kids in his neighborhood were tougher and more athletic. Norman Rockwell was not like them though. Norman Rockwell was an artist. When he was younger, he would listen as his father read stories at the dinner table and draw … Continue reading Norman Rockwell