I took this photo last Sunday afternoon at Forest Hill, in Carrigaline, Co.Cork
Tractor runs raise a lot of money for charity and last Sunday was another one of those relaxed occasions where people can gather to chat, enjoy the views of a scenic route and then on our return have more chat over a cup of tea. Thanks to everyone who supported the charity on Sunday and thanks to Paddy Foot for giving me the loan of his beautiful tractor for the afternoon!
On This Day
On December 3rd 1967 Christian Barnard of South Africa performed the first human heart transplant, at the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.
On December 3rd 2019 the music streaming service Spotify said the rapper ‘Drake’ was the most streamed star of the 2010’s with 28 million streams. Ed Sheeran’s song “Shape Of You” was the most streamed track with 2.4 billion stream
Significance Of Today
Today is International Disability Day or the International Day of People with Disability. It is a day that has been promoted by the United Nations since 1992. The aim of International Disability Day is to encourage a better understanding of people affected by a disability, together with helping to make people more aware of the rights, dignity and welfare of disabled people.
Interesting Quote For Today
“The time is always right to do what is right.” ~Martin Luther King Jr
Did You Know
Did you know elephansts are the only mammals that cannot jump
Video for the week🎥
We have just begun our journey through Advent and so this video seems most appropriate. Each year I make a wreath using bike tyres and it’s simply called ‘A ‘wheelie’ different Advent Wreath’
The video below I had up last week and it is called ‘One Snow Story’. An unexpected snowfall made sure I got out and about, to create the story with a few reflective thoughts. If you would like to see a selection of my other videos on Youtube you can click this link here. https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMcSweeneyFr/videos
Spiritual Thought For The Week
We have just begun our journey into Advent. Each year Advent can get lost with many other activities taking place. Advent often gets squished and squashed. But the story of Advent is still an attractive one and I would also say necessary and important. It is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness. It is a season of hope and looking forward.
In a months time we will begin our journey into 2025. Pope Francis has called it a Jubilee Year. The theme he has picked for the coming year Is ‘Hope does not disappoint’
It is a really good theme because we need to be people of hope. Without hope we have nothing and if you had just one word to sum up Advent it would of course be hope.
We all look for meaning and fulfilment in life. We crave for stillness, quiet time and quality time for ourselves but seldom find it. Advent allows us to be grateful for the good things in our life.
That is why Advent is never forced but always invites. We are invited to personalise the coming weeks. Give yourself some time. The hectic pace of the next few weeks do not encourage gentleness. But be gentle with yourself.
Advent is also a time of reflection. What is the biggest darkness in your life at the moment? Who or what might bring you a sense of light and hope in your life?
My wish and prayer for you this morning as we begin this season of Advent, is that you will find a sense of hope, light and new beginnings in your life as we gently journey towards Christmas.
