I took this photo last week from Tullig Hill, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)
A fall of snow transformed the landscape the town of Millstreet and the surrounding countryside
On This Day
On Dec 4th 2014 The United Nations warns that the world is on course for the warmest year since records began
On Dec 4th 2018 French President Emmanuel Macron dropped a controversial rise in fuel tax after three weeks of mass protests
Saint For Today
The Saint for December 4th is Saint Barbara. She was an early Christian martyr and the daughter of a wealthy pagan. Barbara is the patron saint of architects, mathematicians, and prisoners.
Significance Of Today
Today is World Wildlife Conservation Day. There are ongoing dedicated efforts to protect our planet’s incredible creatures and their habitats, ensuring future generations get to share in the wonder of nature.
Interesting Quote For Today
“Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.” ~Gary Snyder
Did You Know
Did you know that at least 800 marine species are threatened by debris in the ocean — mostly plastic — that causes suffocation and starvation when ingested by species like sea turtles.
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.
