"Among creatures, no one knows Christ better than Mary; no one can introduce us to a profound knowledge of his mystery better than his Mother." -St. John Paul II
Growing up Mary has been more a mystery then someone I should show any devotion to, but as I have learned and grown in my faith I have begun to recognize the reverence to the Holy Family. It is not the intensity of worship and equality with God, but they do deserve our piety and affection.
Unfortunately, I was unable to give them the devotion they were due, but I took the time to listen to the Ave Maria and simple thought reflection. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us.
"There's something about a Christmas sweater that will always make me laugh." -Kristen Wiig
Christmas sweaters are great and hilarious! My oldest has been wearing hers every day since December started. We finished up our church Christmas party and pulled out the Christmas movies, but sadly haven't had time to watch any yet. But they are a comfort. Excited time of year!
"Think and imagine a world when love is the way...Because when love is the way, we actually treat each other like we are family. When love is the way, we know that God is the source of us all." -The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Episcopal Church
Right before the coast down the hill to Christmas I don't have as much time to be generous or loving because I am often rushing around getting ready for my youngest child's birthday party. At least I don't feel exceptionally loving with a moody, grumpy newly seven year-old who thinks that if I wake her without her waking up first is the most tragic and scream worthy time. But I have kept my voice steady and even. I have surely tried to be a loving mom.
Lucy was born on December 6, 2011. She was the baby everyone warned me about. She has a stubborn streak and also a loving nature but it is usually a guess as to which one I will meet at any given hour of day. But we do know this about her. Her favorite color is yellow. When she lit up from seeing the yellow candy canes on St. Nicholas Day, it made me soften up. Christmas- the time when we try to give extra joy and cheer and love to family, friends, and even ourselves.
"Patience is not simply the ability to wait-- it's how we behave while we're waiting." -Joyce Meyer, author
I don't mind the waiting for Christmas. It is the shopping and pressure of gift giving and keeping the house clean that makes me crazy. But even when I know it is coming I keep having a couple of freak outs. I have not been behaving well lately.
This is just a nice reminder to slow down. That is exactly what I will be doing this coming week.
We waited for Saint Nicholas this year for the first time. I am glad to finally get a tiny bit on time for this Christmas season.
But don't just sit with folded hands and become blind
'Cause even when there is no star in sight
You'll always be my only guiding light."
-Mumford & Sons, "Guiding Light"
Dear Lord Jesus Christ,
You have given us Yourself. You are our guiding light. When I am stressed because I have had my expectations dashed, let me look to the light. When I reach the bottom of my bank account, let me look to the light. When the dark night of winter closes in around me, let me look to the light. When fear of illness rears its ugly head, let me look to the light. This is my simple prayer for this Advent season. I pray for the worry, fear, and stress to be burned away by the light of the candle and the salvation You bring because You are the light of the world.
Amen
We are about to entering the biggest hump before rushing down the hill toward Christmas. I already had about 3 freak outs- you can ask my husband. There are lots of reasons the Christmas season doesn't bring out my best, but Advent is the time I cling to get to through the rough time. I keep letting stupid things get to me: will they like this gift? why don't we have enough money? did I waste money? why does everything get lost or broken? It just all rambles and rattles inside of my head until I am weary. So I sit here. I take a deep breathe and pray. I give these feelings to someone who can handle them. I hope you don't have to do that. You are probably much more organized and on top of things than I am. But in case your not- then I encourage you to pray.
"Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God's own love and concern." -St. Teresa of Calcutta
We don't usually have a regular Advent Calendar with the little chocolates or doors but we do have this snowman who helps us keep track. So far he has made it through all our family Christmases and I don't even remember where he came from but we are so glad he hasn't torn or gotten excessively dirty which seems to happen to all our ornaments or decorations.
I did decide to try and pair our Advent theme this year with some simple ornaments to put on a little tree before we put up our Christmas tree. I still haven't found all the spare hooks but I am sure they will turn up and if they don't to the Dollar Tree I go. I have attempted a Jesse Tree in the past but for whatever reason it hasn't really worked out even though I am sure I have made the ornaments and I am waiting to see if those will show up while I am cleaning and searching through the Christmas boxes- you can see how organized I am- hahahaha!
We have just started so we haven't actually completed a project yet but we have the prompts ready for the week. I am not expecting some revelation of love and goodwill between my girls- in fact I am expecting grumbling and complaining but maybe I will be surprised. I will try go keep you posted as to what will happen with these if any thing. I might forget- that would be the most likely scenario.
Any way, we try right? I am glad to have this extra time to sleep in today and "try" to put my kitchen back together. Happy Adventide!
"Optimism and hope are radically different attitudes. Optimism is the expectation that things-- the weather, human relationship, the economy, the political situation, and so on--will get better. Hope is trust that God will fulfill God's promises to us in a way that leads us to true freedom." -Henri Nouwen
Advent- that precious time of waiting in expectation. It has arrived and I am in such need of this stillness, this patience, and especially the first week of hope. I may not always have everything planned and ready to go. I may still bug out and go into temporary shock when I see how much money we spend during this season, but I have the Advent candles waiting for me at the end of the day. It is the most calming and reflective feeling to gather around the table, light the candle, and just open the Word.
This year our Advent focus is Knowing Him by Name and it will be beautiful. I am looking forward to talks and coloring with the girls. The devotional also gives us some prompts on how to serve during Advent. I can't wait to share with all of you how the journey will culminate.
I pray you too will have a wonderful Advent season. I promise I wouldn't try to over do it and I will try my super hard to stay healthy this time.
