A New Winter Feast
We hosted a new Winter Feast In the spirit of the historic feasts of St. Nicholas of Myra (A.D. 270-343) this past week. The Feast of St. Nicholas featured tables set in the grand traditions of Christmastide — with a guest list of widows, and children who’ve experienced hardship. Magnalia hosts and hostesses served up a six-course holiday meal in a Hall “decked with balls of holly” and warmed by a crackling fire. Signature Christmas dishes from England and America were prepared by gifted chefs with great love.
But the real magic was in the people who were there at Table. C.S. Lewis was right when he said:
“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal…our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously – no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption.”
Indeed, this Feast was about more than an epic group of people “mealing together.” it was, by God’s grace, a tapestry of both food and song, both young and old, both merriment and tears.
Every person had a unique story, marked by unique suffering and loss, and by a particular beauty that comes from living through it — in faith and with love, and hope held fast. They were living pictures to us witnesses of the words of St. Nicholas himself:
“The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic God’s giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.”
Among the widows and children with special stories of hardship was our own Eddie, who is usually a server for the community meals here at The Homestead. What a joy it was to serve him.
Thanks to the many merry elves behind the scenes who helped to make the magic happen! Experiences like this are why The Homestead at Magnalia exists. We think the real St. Nick would have loved serving alongside us. ❤️🙏
The Annual Homestead Christmas Auction Is Now Live!
And, speaking of St. Nick, the Third Annual Homestead Christmas Auction is now live! It’s our favorite list ever of Christmas gifts for you and those you love. And it’s a wonderful way to help support a bit of the gospel ministry that happens here week in and week out, as the Lord enables it.
So, please, give it a gander here, and consider sharing the Auction link with friends who might want to know!
2023 MAGNALIA HOMESTEAD CHRISTMAS AUCTION
May you all delight in these days of remembering in THE LOVE, THE HOPE AND THE JOY of Immanuel: God with us!
Merry Christmastide to you and yours!
Jim, Rachel & Family
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