I'm so sorry, my friend. It's their loss. But knowing that doesn't make it hurt any less.

Angels, announce with shouts of mirth
Christ who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming
With the word, the Lord is coming.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Lord, is on the way.

Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the star, is on the way.

Birds, though you long have ceased to build,
Guard the nest that must be filled.
Even the hour when wings are frozen
God for fledging time has chosen.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the bird, is on the way.

Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,
One more seed is planted there:
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
That in course the flower may flourish.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the rose, is on the way.

I have two more weeks before break but since our grades aren't due until after break I usually take some grades home. But I really should be able to submit grades before break without grading on the weekend.

I like purple, so that wasn't an issue. But I now have a bright pink blouse bought specifically for the third Sunday in Advent.

Did I mention that I wear shirts in both Advent and Lent to align with the liturgical colors?

This was an Irish red at our local brewery.

It's more purple in person. Then pink during the third week of Advent and back to purple before going to red and green on Christmas Eve.

I also do Green and Gold (our school colors) during marching band season.

I just worked on cleaning up the spaces for decorating today, since that involves moving around the cat trees.

What always irritates me is the time between undecorated and decorated when I am still stepping around tubs.

Welcome Mila! You have a great cat mom and are very loved!

Fling wide your gates, O Zion;
your Savior’s rule embrace,
and tidings of salvation
proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow rejoicing,
their adoration voicing.
O blest is Christ who came
in God’s most holy name.

He brings God’s rule, O Zion;
he comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom,
and justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding,
for grace and joy abounding.
O blest is Christ who came
in God’s most holy name.

He speaks with Dove-voice of exceeding love,
And she with love-voice of an answering Dove.

Behold, the Bridegroom cometh: go we out
With lamps ablaze and garlands round about
To meet Him in a rapture with a shout