Finding Jesus

Advent - Looking Forward to Christ's Birth

In Austria, we enjoy the same religious freedom that we've long since learned to expect and appreciate. As with many countries, Austria is home to peoples from around the word, each bringing their own beliefs and traditions. Based on countless years of history and tradition, the prominence of Christmas in Austria cannot be overstated. We've seen how this can lead to interest for those who do not have a Christian background.

The shops and retail scenes begin as early as October to display holiday items. Christmas gains extra focus beginning with Advent, marking the last 4 weeks leading up to Weihnacht, literally translated as Holy Night. The observance of various aspects of Advent can be traced back to the earliest days of Christianity. Yet, not until the 1800's were the Advent wreaths with candles and the Advent calendars first introduced in Germany.

With Advent upon us, Trudy came across this lovely handmade Advent calendar in a local thrift store. Alas, the pocket for each day in December did not contain any items to remind us of Jesus' birth, but a small miracle was in the works.

Unbeknownst to us, our daughter, Dakin, and her family had prepared and sent us a truly remarkable gift--24 cards with different names of Christ, including scriptural references. Each day of December, we opened a new envelope with a different name of Christ, a handwritten note, and a small gift.

Our Advent Calendar - The Names of Christ

Needless to say, when one thinks about Christmas in this part of the world, it's nearly synonymous with thoughts about Christmas trees which in German are referred to as either Weihnachtsbaum or Christbaum (baum = tree). As soon as our largely North America celebration of Thanksgiving had come and Avent had begun, Trudy started looking for a tree. Historically, a Weihnachtsbaum would only be put up and decorated on Christmas Eve, corresponding to the arrival of the Christ Child (Christkind), which would be directly followed by the receiving of gifts. In German speaking countries, children would be excused from the living room, and in their absence, the Christkind would see to it that the tree was decorated. The Christkind, not Santa, would then deliver gifts for the children.

It's uncommon in these days that real candles are used to light the tree, though it does still take place. We opted to go completely with the spirit of Austrian tradition, but with the most modern implementation. Trudy opted for an "artificial" tree, and I selected "LED" candles, which even came with remote control.

Christmas Tree with Candles - Modern Version

Candle Glving Light to the Angel

One of the most significant traditions is the opening of Christmas markets in the town square. We're delighted that our town of Leoben has held this tradition going back to the 1700's. In German, these markets are referred to as a Weihnachtsmarkt or Christkindlmarkt. As you read in the previous post, they most certainly brighten one's spirit when the days are short and the temperatures have dropped.

And right in the center of the Christkindlmarkt is a wonderful full size nativity. Our search for Jesus led us to find him wrapped in swaddling close and lying in a manger.

Trudy on Leoben's Town Square Christkindlmarkt

Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, with a Shepherd and his sheep

Return to Vienna - In Search of the Christ Child

This holiday season we had a priceless visit from my brother-in-law, Scott, who's wife, my sister, Karen passed away in July. We were so pleased to spend a few days together.

When planning our visit, there were three items that were top of list. The first was to go one of the many Weihnachtsmarkt in Vienna. The second was to visit one of the many museums. Lastly, we wanted to visit an imperial palace.

Scott had booked hotel rooms for us in the very center of town on St. Stephansdom Platz - the plaza at St. Stephan's Cathedral. From this point it's easy to drop down to the U-bahn (subway) and quickly travel most anywhere in Vienna.

Here are two pictures taken from our hotel window. The first is a direct view of St. Stephansdom. In the second photo, you can see the Weihnachtsmarkt on the adjoining plaza.

Scott - as we travel together on the U-bahn

St. Stephansdom - The Symbol of Vienna

Christmas Market on St. Stephan's Cathedral

We made our way to the plaza in front of the Vienna Town Hall, which hosts the largest Christmas Market in the city. One of its major attractions is an ice skating path that circles the plaza, which gives quite a unique feeling as compared to being held within a rink.

As we entered the market, we were quickly greeted with a beautiful life-size nativity scene. Being able to come in close gave us the the experience that we were there at the Savior's birth. We found the Christ Child, just as we read from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew.

Standing between the Wise Men and the Shepherds at the Savior's Birth

The next day we made our way to the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) in Vienna. Here you can find artifacts from ancient Egypt and Rome, coin collections from antiquity to the middle ages, and beautiful art throughout the renaissance. With centuries of support for the arts and music in Vienna, we hoped to find our great reverence for our Savior in pieces on display.

We were delighted to find that a significant percentage of the art depicted Christ. With camera in hand I captured many beautiful images. Pictured below are a few paintings surrounding Jesus' birth--visits from the shepherds and kings, Christ in the Temple, and lastly, and my favorite, Mary and the Child. For me, the artists have created narratives that show profound devotion through careful composition, color and lighting.

Adoration of the Shepherds - Pier Francesco Mola, abt 1640-43

Adoration of the Kings - Corrado GIaquinto, abt 1740-45

Depiction of Christ in the Temple - Fra Bartolomeo, 1516

Mary with the Child - Carlo Maratta, abt 1660

Our Christmas Service

On Sunday, December 22nd, we had a lovely Christmas service at the church in Bruck an der Mur. We were delighted that many people made an extra effort to travel long distances. It was a heartfelt reunion for those who had not seen each other for some time.

Our service proceeded as it does each week with songs and prayers and the administration of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. We then had two short messages and a wonderful Christmas musical number sung by one of the members. I was asked to give one of the short messages - which I titled "Finding Jesus." It is included below, both in German (original) and English.

We then enjoyed a nice event. We watched a film that tells the story of the original Christmas carol, "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night). On Christmas Eve in the year 1818, the young priest, Joseph Mohr, played guitar and together with choir director, Franz Gruber, sang "Stille Nacht" for their small parish in St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria. Mohr had written the lyrics, and Gruber had composed the melody. You can watch this same video, produced by BYU and filmed in Austria in English, with this link. Watch it this evening and invite a wonderful spirit into your home and heart.

Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious Weihnachts-Buffet, with wurst, rotkohl (red cabbage), sauerkraut, semmelknödel (bread dumplings) and a wide assortment of traditional cookies and strudel for dessert.

Frohe Wiehnacht - Merry Christmas with all our Love, Elder and Sister Fjeldsted

Finde Jesus

Wir alle kennen die Geschichte der Geburt Jesu.

An dieser Nacht erschienen Hirten Engel und baten ihnen, das Christkind zu finden.

Kurz nach der Geburt machten sich die Weisen aus dem Osten auf die Reise nach Bethlehem, um das Kindlein zu ehren und ihm Geschenke zu opfern.

Christus will, dass wir uns genauso auf den Weg geben und Ihn suchen. Jede Person ist anders, und jeder muss Ihn allein und auf seine/ihre eigene Weise finden.

Für welche, sie finden Jesus durch den Mut, den sie von Ihm bekommen. Andere finden Jesus, durch die Liebe, die von Ihm kommt. Andere erkennen, dass sie ihre Beziehung zu Christus in der Vergebung und Hoffnung, die sie von Ihm erlangen. Für andere kommt es durch die Erleuchtung, die Sein Licht bringt.

Das Kindlein, das vor 2000 Jahren geboren wurde, lebt heute und will, dass jeder von uns durch unser ganzes Leben Ihn sucht und findet. Es ist meine Hoffnung und Gebet, dass jeder von uns nicht nur zu Weihnachten, sondern das ganze Leben lang auf der Suche bleibt und Ihn findet.

Im Namen Jesu Christi, Amen.

Finding Jesus

We all know the story of the birth of Jesus.

That night, angels appeared to shepherds. The angels proclaimed Christ's birth and invited the shepherds to find the Christ child.

Shortly after Christ's birth, wise men from the East traveled to Bethlehem to honor the child and offer him gifts.

Christ wants us to set out and seek Him today. Each person is different and has to find Him in his/her own way.

For some, they find Jesus through the courage they receive from Him. Others find Jesus through the love that comes from Him. Others recognize that their relationship with Christ lies in forgiveness and hope that they receive from Him. For others, it comes through enlightenment that His light brings.

The Child who was born 2000 years ago is alive today and wants each of us to seek and find Him throughout our lives. It is my hope and prayer that each of us will continue to seek and find Him, not just at Christmas but throughout our lives.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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