When Does Advent Begin?

December 1, 2011

Yes, we are already on Day 5 of the Advent Calendar. Many people are just starting their Advent Calendar today, Dec. 1, and some are wondering how we got a head start. The Christian season of Advent always begins on Sunday, and there are four Sundays in Advent that precede Christmas Day. So the number [...]

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Day 5: The Moravian Star

December 1, 2011

Beauty and mathematics meet in the form of a Moravian Star. The star originated in an 1830s classroom at a Moravian boys’ school in Niesky, a region that lies at the eastern edge of today’s Germany. The stars are based on variations of a polyhedron. And while most stars displayed today have 26 points, the [...]

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Day 4: The Bethlehem Star

November 30, 2011

If you’re like me, you grew up in a city and lived your life where light pollution blots out the night sky. If you’re fortunate, you might find yourself one day living in the country where the stars at night are spectacular. I made that transition from urban to rural life a few years ago. [...]

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Day 3: Advent Hymns

November 29, 2011

We live in a culture where Christmas Carols hit the airways as soon as trick-or-treat bags are returned to the attic. Who isn’t bombarded by Frosty, Silver Bells, and an occasional What Child Is This long before anyone has thawed the Thanksgiving turkey? Yet, Christmas music is snuffed out the moment midnight chimes on Christmas Day. Try [...]

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Day 2: The Story of the Advent Calendar

November 28, 2011

You see them in gift shops and book stores. Some are in cardboard frames with pieces of chocolate behind each colorful door. Others are flannel or quilted, with little pockets holding puffy decorations. Whether rectangular, shaped like a Christmas tree, or die-cut as a gingerbread house, the Advent Calendar provides a tangible way for a [...]

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Day 1: The First Day of Advent

November 27, 2011

Today is the first Sunday in Advent, and it is traditionally marked with the lighting of the first candle of the Advent Wreath. The Advent Wreath, a tradition shared by Western Christians, both Protestant and Catholic, goes back to the Middle Ages. The wreath is made of evergreens signifying enduring life. Within it are three [...]

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Traveling in Europe

October 22, 2011

Professor Carol is in Europe with her husband Hank where they are collecting more materials on history and culture.  Paul Bass of The Homeschool Channel is traveling with them this time, adding  his film-making expertise to the project. The first few days have resulted in some great video, including performances of Bach’s music, an in-depth look at Bach’s life [...]

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To Applaud Or Not To Applaud

October 6, 2011

That is the question.  You are at a concert.  It certainly seems like the piece is over, and it was amazing, so you enthusiastically applaud . . . alone.  Since recent posts have explored where to find concerts and performances which your family might enjoy, here are some tips on how to figure out when [...]

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Finding Great Seats

September 24, 2011

In a previous post, I shared the thinking behind our purchase of season tickets to a symphony orchestra.  Maybe you liked the idea but would rather not commit in advance for either scheduling or financial reasons.  You still have lots of great options!  While all performances are not likely to be neatly compiled in one [...]

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A False Chain of Necessity

September 1, 2011

Are the arts really at the “end of the chain of necessity”? Charles C. W. Cooke at National Review Online argues that they are. His underlying concern is a legitimate one: too few students studying the sciences.  And he points to John Adams’ writings for support. I must study politics and war that my sons [...]

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