Selfie in the Ornament - AZ style

After taking a few sunset pictures on Christmas, I walked around to admire the Christmas decorations around the RV resort. Some had decorated their cactuses or wrapped palm trees in lights. With its flower blossoms and shiny ornaments, this decoration caught my eye. Although I was interested in capturing some details and bokeh effects, I realized that I inadvertently had taken a selfie. So here is my accidental selfie, Arizona style. Merry Christmas!

via Instagram

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Joyfully Announcing Christ's Birth

All over the world, church musicians are polishing their songs in anticipation for upcoming Christmas services. Only the best will do for their Savior, whose birth we celebrate.

Others will join in the praise, whether in perfect pitch or not, rejoicing and singing some of the most beautiful songs ever written. 

No matter who we are, what status we might have or what we have done, Christ came for us, the perfect sacrifice so that we one day join all believers in heaven. Come, let us Adore Him! Christ, the Lord. 

These photos were taken at Old World Wisconsin Museum in Eagle, WI.

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Santa's taking it easy in his La-Z-Boy Sleigh

Here in the land of retiree Snowbirds, even Santa is taking it easy. In his modified La-Z-Boy sleigh, he can put up his feet in style. Illuminated deer light the way. Rudolph takes up the rear.

Santa has some extra help from a few golf carts, all decked out for their mission of spreading cheer.

A Merry Christmas to all!

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You Better Watch Out..for Krampus is Coming to Town.

While strolling through Old World Wisconsin, I stumbled across this fellow...er...creature. He was sitting on a bench and encouraged some kids to come sit by him. A few curious ones did, while others suspiciously eyed him from a distance. When I inquired about his furry appearance, this chap told me that he was Krampus. I had never heard of this Christmas creature who was part goat, part demon.
Of interest, Krampus and St. Nicholas are friends who play on opposite sides of the coin. Dating back to pre-Germanic pagan times,  the name Krampus means "claw." He is said to be the son of the Norse god of the underworld. He was particularly popular in Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. A Krampus resurgence has occurred in these countries, and now the USA has gotten in on the act.

While St. Nick/Santa comes with presents if you were well-behaved, Krampus' presence is a direct indication that you weren't quite so good. He is said to carry a bundle of birch sticks on his back, and will pull these out and start beating the naughty child. Sometimes he leaves behind some sticks to remind kids of his presence. Parents in Austria might prominently display gold-painted bundles of sticks on the walls as a reminder to behave.

Note that our Krampus is carrying a sack. He might use this to put naughty children in it, taking them back to his lair to torture or be eaten.

According to tradition,  December 5th was known as Krampusnacht, meaning Krampus night. On this fateful night, Krampus and St. Nicholas would visit each house. If the children were good, St. Nick would put candy in their shoes;. iff bad, the goat-devil would put birch twigs in their shoes. Parents sometimes arranged for the appearance of Krampus. Even after December 5, kids couldn't necessarily breathe a sigh of relief and resume mischief, since Krampus threatened that he could return at any time.
It seems that a lump of coal in one's stocking is rather tame, when compared to the actions of Krampus.

So tonight, it's not just St. Nick who's coming to town, it's his horned, hairy, long-tongued buddy Krampus who is joining him. You better watch out....

More info - from Smithsonian and Weird History.  

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Remembering our Savior

A blessed Christmas to all! Remembering the birth of our Savior on this Christmas Day.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

- Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

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Nativities Around the World

A few of the Nativity scenes on display in Mesa. Merry CHRISTmas!

Bali

France

Japan

Philippines

Scotland

Tibet

Zulu (South Africa)

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Pizza and a Wurlitzer

This past week we went to Mesa for a double-treat; pizza and music. Our destination was Organ Stop Pizza. Waiting for our pizza to be finished wasn't a hardship, with plenty of awesome music to pass the time. From our balcony table, we had a good view of the veteran organist (who was named "Organist of the Year" in 2000 by the American Theatre Organ Society) who commanded mastery over the instrument and its plethora of keys, stops, and buttons. Being right before Christmas, he played plenty of holiday songs. It was amazing to hear him play Mannheim Steamroller's version of "Carol of the Bells" in such a way that he was nearly able to replicate Chip Davis' entire band. Nary a sheet music could be seen, as he expertly switched between a variety of music styles, rhythms, etc.

This is no ordinary organ. Known as a theatre pipe organ, this 1927 Wurlitzer was originally designed to provide background music for silent movies and stage shows. Once an integral part of theatres of every size, these orchestral organs (with plenty of theatrical sound effects) fell out of fashion when talking picture movies became emerged. This particular organ started with 15 ranks/set of pipes, but was rebuilt with parts from other Wurlitzers in the early 1970s to have 23 ranks. In 1997, it was further expanded and now has 78 ranks, 17 tuned percussions, lots of sound effects, and 6,000 pipes. Four large turbine blowers provide the needed wind. The walls of the expansive restaurant are adorned with the pipes and lots of different percussive instruments and lighting designed to complement the music. The curtain in front was opened a couple times to reveal dancing marionette-style cats - perfect for the song "Alleycats." The ornate organ was perched on top of an 8,000 lb rotating hydraulic elevator, enabling all to catch a view of the maestro tickling the keys.

Oh, by the way, the pizza was excellent as well.

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Revealed Bricks and Star Skeletons

I love wandering through older parts of towns and admire the architecture. Although I appreciate the restoration work and other efforts at preservation, I admit that I am equally attracted to some of the crumbling or faded parts. The "story" of the building seems to be stronger and the overall effect, although a bit "gritty," often feels more authentic. 

Such was the case in Vigan, Philippines. In some places, the lime plaster on the 16th century buildings had begun to crumble away, revealing the narrow bricks - the same type I had seen being made in nearby San Nicolas. The shapes formed by some revealed bricks reminded me of continents; the contrasting texture was quite beautiful. 

Combine that with weathered and sometimes brightly-painted doors, and you have a great symphony of colors and textures. 

Hanging above several doors were some stars; perhaps they were decorations from many Christmases ago. Their skeletal framework contrasted particularly during the early morning light, whose tattered edges repeated the pocked markings on the lime-washed walls.   

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Illuminated Christmas, Seoul-Style

The commercial area of Myeongdong in Seoul is beautifully illuminated with colorful Christmas lights. I'm not into buying overpriced designer stuff found inside the malls, but I do like the decorations!

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Preparations for the Christchild

Outside the Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, a worker assembles the nativity scene. It was rather refreshing to see such public displays of CHRISTmas.  

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Christmas around the world

It is a rainy, Christmas Day morning here in Bali. When the rain lets up, I hope to go on a walk through the rice paddies around Ubud, then meet a colleague who is also in town with her family to have Christmas dinner this evening. Right now it's a great time to finish the post I started before I left Seoul for my trip in Indonesia. 

Bali

On some Christmas breaks, I have taken advantage of the time to travel to new destinations. Many of them were to warmer destinations, but others (such as Eastern Europe) were not. When visiting Pondicherry (South  India) with friends, we were able to visit a church celebrating the birth of their Savior, followed by some festive games. In places such as Prague, I relished in the festive atmosphere of the well-lit city squares, enhanced by Christmas carols. In less Christian areas, we made do with secular signs of the holiday-for instance, the skinny Malaysian Santa at our hotel. 

Next year, my Christmas celebrations will be much more familiar to me, as I will be moving back to Wisconsin. It will be nice to once again be with family as we sing those magnificent Christmas hymns in church, followed by family gatherings and other traditions. 

Wherever you are, a most blessed Christmas to you!

Prague

Pondicherry, India

Penang, Malaysia 

Mesa, Arizona 

Cambodia 

Bulgaria

Bratislava, Slovakia

Udaipur, India 

Pondicherry, India 

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Winter - for Today

Winter morning, Czech Republic

As I write this, I sit at my desk in Seoul, warmed by the radiator next to me and the ondol-heated flooring below. Outside, the brisk winds make the temps even chillier. How different things will be for me tomorrow, for I head to Malaysia for Christmas break. The temperature difference will be vast - from 18°F (-7°C) in Seoul with a wind chill of 7°F (-13°C), to around 85° (29°C ) in Kuala Lumpur with sudden tropical showers. That six-hour flight will transport me to a whole new world.

I have booked hotels that include free internet in their offerings. What kind of service that will actually mean, I'll have to see. So perhaps I'll post some photos while still in Malaysia, but otherwise be looking for some tropical Christmas scenes in the future. Off to new adventures!

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A "Sifty" Christmas Display

Seoul Station has a rather unique Christmasy sculptural display on its plaza. These columnar sculptures looked more substantial until I walked closer. To my surprise, they were constructed out of layered colanders. The plastic red and green utilitarian objects were plastic tied together. I presume the columns were weighted down and otherwise stabilized to prevent tipping by wind or vandals. 

Note the large LCD screens in the background, so typical of Seoul.

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A Blessed CHRISTmas

For the first time in a number of years, I headed back to Wisconsin for Christmas. It's an especially significant Christmas, as on Dec. 22, my niece Hannah was baptized. One of the difficult things about teaching and living so far from home is that I miss many of the significant family events/milestones. This Christmas, the family will finally be together, celebrating Christ's birth at my parents' house in Wisconsin. A direct flight from Seoul to Chicago brought me closer to the frozen tundra of Wisconsin, and my parents flew in from their winter trailer home in Arizona. 

Between the 6-8" of snow that fell on Saturday night/Sunday morning (on top of what already was on the ground) and the frigid temperatures that followed it, winter definitely is upon us. But more importantly, is the opportunity to once again focus on the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus Christ humbling Himself by coming to Earth as both true God and true Man to redeem all of humanity from their sins. The ceramic nativity scene above, from Oaxaca, puts a Mexican spin on the major events of the events of the Messiah's arrival - the birth of Jesus in the stable, angels' announcement to the shepherds, and the later arrival of the Magi. 

Also set up in the dining room at my new condo in Madison is the Christmas tree and winter dolls. 

A Blessed CHRISTmas to all.

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Merry Christmas, Gangam Style

Located at the entrance of Seoul's Nandaemun Market, this Santa sways to the tunes of Psy's viral Gangam Style song, wishing passersby a Merry Christmas with a more modern flare. Off to the right is the Sungnyemun Gate, recently restored after a 2008 arson destroyed much of the structure originally dating back to 1398. 

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A Joyous Christ-filled Christmas from Seoul

Although I have escaped the cold of Seoul for the holidays, I decided to post a photo from there. This scene is from the Yonsei University campus in Seoul, located on the hill next to my school. 

I am thankful for residing in a mostly Christian country and for teaching at a school that freely shares and professes the love of Jesus Christ. As our elementary school division's last chapel event clearly emphasized, it is because of the coming of Jesus, celebrated today, that humanity can truly be joyous.

A Blessed Christmas to all!

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Shopping, Nandaemun-style

Needing to purchase some Christmas lights, I headed over to Nandaemun, a large market area in Seoul.  Still early (for Seoul) on a Sunday morning, the streets were rather empty. If you have enough time to look around (and perhaps bargain), one can find quite a bit in Nandaemun and at better prices than department stores. Food can be purchased street-side or in the shops. Something for everyone. If you wait until the afternoon though, the streets may be packed with shoppers and sellers alike. 

The Christmas decorations and huge numbers of stalls and stores selling winter jackets was a strong reminder of the season to come. Not sure if I'm ready though...

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Merry CHRISTmas

From the streets of Pondicherry to the coconut groves of Kerala, some in India are celebrating the most important birthday recorded in human history. No, not a Bollywood (or Kollywood) movie star, and not even that of a politician. It is someone who grew up in very humble circumstances - much like the village huts of the India of today. This individual was Jesus -or Immanuel, which means God with us. I pray that the Christians of India will hold fast to the true reason for Christmas - the birth of our Savior. Happy birthday, Jesus! 

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Celebrating Christ's Birth

Wishing all of you a most blessed Christmas as we celebrate Christ's birth. 

This photo was taken at a church in Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu in India.

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Immaculate Conception Church, Christmas Eve

In true Indian fashion, even the churches are lit up for festivities. Here we see the Immaculate Conception Church in Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu.

Merry Christmas to all!

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