For Unto Us A Child is Born.........

Here in Germany the Advent Celebration has begun in preparation for Christmas Day. 

The Advent tradition is a religious celebration in preparation for the arrival (or “advent”) of the Christ Child (das Christkind) on his “official” birthday, the 25th day of December. The Advent season and its celebration have changed over the years from a more serious, somber character (including giving up things, as for Lent) to one of a more joyous nature — including such treats as chocolate-filled Advent calendars. The four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve are a happy time—at least for those not too caught up in the increasingly hectic and commercial aspects of this time of the year.

In most households the Christmas tree doesn't go up until Christmas Eve which IS the biggest day here. The tree is decorated, delicious eats and treats are served and the gifts are opened. It's a family time, of course, and is a most treasured holiday. In our family Bruce , Rosy and kids make the advent tradition part of their Christmas also and now we have experienced again what a meaningful practice it is.

 Although many of the German traditions incorporate the birth of the Savior, very few of the people here actually participate in Christian religious practice in their everyday lives. Although Europe has some of the most beautiful Christian churches, their benches are not filled on Sundays.

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The above is a picture of my daily log that always goes where I go. From this I transfer  all calls and notes onto our online Missionary Medical record system. 

November was a very busy month for both Lowell and I. I consulted with 48 missionaries which resulted in several doctor's appointments and follow-up treatment, three ER visits, several physical therapy sessions and a whole lot of self care remedies and treatments encouraged. Lots of respiratory and intestinal flu, ingrown toenails, suspicious moles, earaches, toothaches, injured backs, knees and ankles, stress, and even a large coin swallowed accidentally. I love this work and there is never a dull moment. Lowell has helped numerous missionaries obtain hard-to-get visas, has come to the rescue when a missionary's resident permit unintentionally expired which would have resulted in a early release date, labors daily to get all the difficult requirements filled so skilled builders and craftsmen and their families can get into Italy to help complete the temple there, and has even helped with an auto-pedestrian accident involving a missionary sister in Spain. Those are just a piece of his HUGE iceberg of work.

It's so satisfying to work closely with so many amazing fellow senior missionaries who are also working tirelessly to help the Church move forward in this area of the world. Here the girls are enjoying a Christmas Visiting Teaching luncheon and some very important exchanges of knowledge and thought on critical topics like "What dessert ideas do you have for the Devotional tomorrow night?" Represented here are the 2 Area Medical Advisors' wives, 2 mental health specialists, wife of our real estate specialist, 2 wives of Area Legal counsel, the wife of the Executive Secretary to the Area Presidency, and the wife of our Infield Representative. 

Every Tuesday evening is our German cultural class with Sister Enger. She helps us with our language, teaches us about German history and traditions, suggests how we can get around more easily and shows us how to make German tree stars. The brother in the white shirt behind Sister Enger is a new Area doctor who has never done a craft project in his life but made a great star, if I do say so myself.

After sitting at the desk for 4 1/2 hours in the morning, there are a group of 4-5 of us who put on our walking shoes and head for the breathtaking walking trails in the huge cemetery a block away. It clears our minds and helps us get ready for our afternoon work. I've never seen anything like it really. Their grave markers are huge and elaborate for the most part. Not only do you buy your plot, but you have to maintain it, keep it in flowers and shrubs, and manicure it or you lose it.  They really go to extreme lengths to keep the memory of their dead alive. It's a wonderful sanctuary for anyone who enters and walks among the rows of graves. The above entrance is where we enter and for a few moments leave work behind........except me who, more than once, has taken calls along the way.

This stunning monument belongs to a early 1900's scientist/industrialist who invented the first permanent textile dyes, particularly green and red, for which he made a large fortune. He was also very politically involved and was a great champion of the common man. (I was so impressed by his monument that I googled his name.)

This is not a church. It is a family grave site!

This is also a family's final resting place.

The detail of many of the monuments like this one is worthy of a gallery, it seems to me.

This is the entrance to the Jewish cemetery. After WWII many of the Jewish survivors went to the ruins of their synagogue in downtown Frankfurt and salvaged all these dark bricks which they used to construct this entrance and part of the enclosing wall. It has a pretty sacred feel to it.

Our Saturday  trip last week was to the charming Alte Stadt of Bamberg, about a 2 1/2 hr. drive from home. Every city we visit I think is my favorite, and this one is quite exceptional too.

Window shopping is pretty incredible in Bamberg!

 

These two pictures above and below give you glimpses of the beauty and artistry of the Rathaus or City Hall of Bamberg with the stunning paintings on the outside of the building.

The ornate archway is a fitting entrance to where the Dom or cathedral and the royal Residence Hall are located.

Much of the beauty and uniqueness of this city is its location along both sides of the Bamberg on the Main River.

Sorry, this picture is out of order. This church is one we ducked into earlier on our walk because we could hear the organ being played. We enjoyed a few moments of the recital in the chapel which was undergoing some major renovation.

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This is the huge catholic Dom cathedral that dominates the square. It seems like there are always numerous renovation projects being done in these Altstadts to preserve their precious histories.

Any of you who have read Ken Follet's "Pillars of the Earth" might have an idea of what sacrifice of life and money it probably took to construct this edifice back in the time.

This next series of pictures are taken in the resident halls for the royalty. Even though Bamberg was not a big city by any means, the craftsmanship used to embellish this building is remarkable. It was their desire to lure a visit from the Emperor in Austria at some time during his reign. Thus, they spared no expense in making this modest sized residence of the very highest quality. They commissioned various top sculptors, painters and designers, primarily from Italy, to create the effect they desired. 

I was particularly fascinated with the heating stoves in each of the rooms. They are all made of thick porcelain and are individually designed for each room, its inhabitants and it's purpose.

This ceiling in the large gathering room is very grand and ornate in it's paintings. But the most interesting thing about it is the optical illusion it presents. Because the room by period standards was not very tall, the instructions were given to make it look higher than it was. If you look carefully at the top picture, you can see that the ceiling looks  to be a pretty grand height. Even as close as we were, it was difficult to see that the ceiling was right above the carved iron fireplace.

Here's another view.  I think you have to admit that this is a very impressive painted illusion. It makes the ceiling look enormously high.

This looks like a very pricey carpet. Actually it's two different woods inlayed together to create the design.

I'm not sure the stoves were meant to be the focal point of each room. But that's where my eyes always went first. 

We always feel a little more posh when we put up our various crown moldings in our home. This  brings a whole new meaning to the concept of moldings wouldn't you say?

This was certainly my favorite! Exquisitely delicate and feminine for the royal princesses' room.

I thought Lowell's study was very nice until I saw this one. All to impress the Emperor!

This is the designer's answer to masculinity and sits in the gentlemen's game room which is complete with an enormous pool table. Sorry guys, that I opted for a picture of the stove instead of the table!

Well, sad end to that story is that the Emperor never felt it worth his time or effort to visit this out-of-the way village or the royal residence palace.

These next three pictures were taken of the Bamberg Castle, one of the smallest we've seen so far. If they'd put as much money into the castle as they did into the royal residences, they might have been smarter.

In case this is the last blog I get done before Christmas, and it probably will be, we just want to express our love and appreciation to all of you, family and friends. We pray for a beautiful and very Merry Christmas for everyone. In all of the hustle and bustle of making preparations for the big day, may we all take the time to stop and think about that babe who was born in such humble circumstances, who lived his life as the supreme example  and who suffered and died that we may have eternal life and return to our Father in Heaven.

(The Holy Family- Taggart, Dominique and Bryn)

As the angels of that fateful night heralded in the birth of the little King, may we all let our voices be heard to praise His name and spread His message to those who have not heard it.

(Angels- Abigail and Bryn)

Some last picture entries that we just took last night in downtown Frankfurt. The Christmas Markets are famous all over Germany. Frankfurt's are plentiful and, although very crowded, are festive and a wonderful way to experience the culture here.

 There's nothing like some wonderful sidewalk Christmas chamber music!!

 This display was packed with gingerbread of every kind, almost too beautiful to eat. In fact, I tasted one of the gingerbread men and it honestly tasted like cardboard. I was so disappointed. Maybe best for decoration.

He's just as I would have pictured the jolly German wood carver to be. Such a delightful man.

 We were fairly warned about the shoulder to shoulder crowds when you go later in the evening. It was a bit of a crunch, but everyone was having so much fun and seemed to enjoy it all. 

 The two story merry-go-round was something to behold. It was fun seeing everyone from babies to Opas (grandpas) enjoying the ride.

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Lowell does not like crowds but he was such a good husband to take me and I think he actually enjoyed himself. I rewarded him with a huge Bratwurst sandwich. Love this man!