Advent Customs: The Advent Wreath

Following is an exerpt from a little pamphlet which mysteriously dropped into my hands recently. Funny how those things happen, isn't it?

This is just one of many different ways to celebrate the lighting of the Advent candles. We've used many different versions over the years, but we like this one for its simplicity and connection to the Mass of the season. Our ceremony this evening followed this format except that we never have the children light the candles; they do take turns blowing them out every night, though, starting with the youngest child. Also, we add a much-loved statue of the Child Jesus to the center and are using white candles with the traditional purple and pink represented by ribbons. Though it has started out on the dining room table, our wreath will probably end up being moved over to the buffet nearby, as it just takes up too much room. A lot of living gets done on our table, and we may not be able to avoid smooshing the wreath or knocking down the candles in the course of a day. We'll see how it goes tomorrow...

Advent Customs

by Sr. Mary Laetitia, R.S.M.B

Nihil Obstat: J. Gerald Kealy, D.D.

Imprimatur: Samuel Cardinal Stritch

Archbishop of Chicago, Nov 22, 1955

Advent is the season of lovely expectancy, of holy anticipation, and of intense longing. Especially in the home where the children learn to prepare for the Christ Child's birthday, Advent can be made the most tenderly beautiful season of the year.

In studying the literature of the Church we find that the Advent prayers dramatize joyfully the real meaning of preparation for the great feast. With this thought in mind we will explain through these pages the many customs of the Church which we can observe in the home or in the school to keep this Birthday a vibrant, living expectancy among young and old.

The Advent Wreath

One of the most popular of the ancient customs is the Advent wreath. It is made of evergreens bound to a wire circle. Originally taken from the pagan fire wheel, it represents the cycle of years from Adam to Christ. it bears four candles spaced evenly, one for each week. The wreath is usually suspended from the ceiling by four purple ribbons, but it may be laid on the dining room table or on an end table with the candle kept burning during the evening meal.

The little ones enjoy helping to make the wreath, which can be fashioned from several bunches of laurel leaves bound to a metal barrel hoopp; the laurel, being significant of triumph, reminds us of Christ's victory over sin. One may use fragrant pine or whatever other greens are on hand. Some wreaths are kept fresh in plastic snow; to others a star is lighted for prayers. The advent wreath is especially proper to the home, where the children as well as the parents take their turn in lighting the candle.

The ceremony for use of the Advent wreath is so simple that it may be practiced in the home or the school. It consists primarily of the Collects for the Sundays of Advent.

On the First Sunday

after the family has gathered for the blessing of the wreath, the father begins:

(This first part is repeated each week)

Father: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All: Who made heaven and earth.

Father: O God, by Whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy blessings upon this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, and may receive from Thee abundant graces, through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen. (Father sprinkles the wreath with holy water)

First Week

Father: Stir up Thy might, we beg Thee, O Lord, and come so that we may escape through Thy protection and be saved by Thy help from the dangers that threaten us because of our sins, Who livest and regnest forever and ever.

All: Amen. (One candle is lighted by the youngest child and left burning during the meal)

Second Week

Father: O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds, Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen. (Two candles are lightted by the eldest child and allowed to burn as before)

Third Week

Father: O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thine ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation, through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen. (Three candles are lighted by the mother and allowed to burn as before)

Fourth Week

Father: O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with Thy great might help us, that with the help of Thy grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impeded, through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen. (All four candles are lighted by the father and allowed to burn as before)

At the end of Advent the ribbons may be changed to white and tiny bells added for decoration. The festive wreath may then be hung in the entrance hall to add a touch of gaiety to the home, and to give the family an opportunity to explain the wreath to neighbors or friends who have not seen it previously.

* Coming up, more excerpts from Sr. Mary Laetitia's pamphlet, including customs for the feast of St. Nicholas, The Christmas Crib (or creche), the O Anthems, The Christmas Wreath, The Christmas Candle, and the blessing of the Christmas tree.

Heads Up: Remote Prepping for Advent

It's coming faster than you think!

 First thing to do:

Order your Advent candles if you don't already have them --  right now. I mean, stop what you're doing and get right on it. Due to postal delays associated, I guess, with covid and riot concerns, many companies are warning about delays. And you may find that Hobby Lobby's stock will deplete very quickly! Here are a few places to look online:

Honeycomb Beeswax candles for about $20

Traditional, tall, columnar, beeswax Advent candles under $25

TONS of Advent candles at prices starting at about $6 on Amazon

Second thing to do:

Go down to the basement or out in the barn or wherever you keep your holiday storage, find your wreath, shake it out, fluff up the evergreen boughs, and put it where you can find it in a jiffy. Maybe in your bedroom or hall closet.  If necessary, buy new ribbon decor now and keep it with your wreath. If you're like me, the first Sunday of Advent is going to sneak up on you right when you are busiest. Seriously. It always works that way! Impress your family with how organized you are and have everything you need right at your fingertips! Also, find your copy of the Advent prayers or print them out again and tuck them right in there with your wreath and ribbon. I posted one version here, but there are several acceptable versions.

Third thing to maybe do: 

A white candle is often used for the center of the wreath, waiting to be lit on Christmas day, but it's not a hard and fast rule to do it that way. Many families (including us) place a small statue in the center. If you like the idea and don't already have one you like for the center of your wreath, now is the time to go hunting and order. 

Find here

Find here

Thanks to the amazing shopping opportunities of the internet (my husband cringes. lol!), we have a world of beautiful images and statuary to inspire devotion for all the seasons of the Liturgical Year. A few years ago, we were gifted a beautiful Advent statue, St. Joseph leading a donkey carrying the Expectant Mother of God, and we just love it. It has a special place in the middle of our Advent wreath until right before Midnight Mass, when I sneak in a statue of the Holy Family, complete with Baby Jesus -- and change all the candles to white. There are a bazillion Holy Family Statues for this purpose available just for the searching. Hobby Lobby has quite a few lovely ones, as well. It's a little harder to find statues of the Expectant Mother, but more now than there used to be. Here are a few links (by the images) to get started if you like the idea.

Find here

Some countries, I understand, do not necessarily use the purple and pink candles, but the meaning behind them is perfect for the season: purple for penitence and waiting, pink for expectation and joy. Penitence Purple is appropriate; we don't party in real life until the baby is actually born, right? And I've always loved the very human "perk" of Laudate and Gaudete Sundays' pink vestments' message to us. The next to last week before Christmas and Easter, the joyous pink is like a little pat on the shoulder, saying: Hang in there! You can do it. We've almost made it; one more week! As for the candles, themselves, they don't have to be anything special, but it's an extra special bonus if' they're beeswax and you have your parish priest  bless them -- and even your Advent wreath. It's a great opportunity to have him over for dinner! (Make sure to mention your desire for the blessing ahead of time so he knows to be prepared to do that for you.)

It's traditional to use an evergreen wreath with the candles. The symbolism is beautiful: the evergreen represents God's providence, the cause for our hope, and the circular shape of the wreath symbolizes eternity, but that said, it's not a hard and fast requirement to use evergreens. Some might have need of a smaller display, and these can be beautifully done. I've seen several examples of candle holders, like the one shown here, that are meaningful all by themselves. The point of all sacramentals is to increase devotion, so whatever produces for your family a holy expectation for the birth of Christ -- that's the way to go.

I expect there are a lot of people who are already ready to lay hands on their Advent things and have already prepared ahead. God bless you! But for those of us who are blind-sided almost every year... Well, I hope this helps a little. You know, I mainly type this up for my own ditzy self! Just good to be reminded if you're me: as of today, there are only thirty days until the First Sunday in Advent! And it's going to go fast!

Three Amazing Things: The Advent Edition

I actually have four amazing and wonderful Advent traditions to list, though the fourth is not so much a tradition per se' as a fact of life. 

1.  The Advent Wreath

When I'm really on the ball, I actually have our wreath up and ready to go before the first Sunday of Advent.  When I'm really behind, I'll get it up before Advent is half-way through.  This year, I'm not quite on the ball, but not completely off it, either;  I actually found the wreath, got the candles and put  the whole thing together this morning with the candle holders (that I had to buy at Michael's last night because I couldn't find the ones we usually use...). So now we're ready to roll.  We'll light the candle/s for each week at dinner time, and pray these prayers each Sunday of Advent

 2.  The St. Andrew Novena

Every November 30th begins the 26 day Nativity Novena.  Every day, we repeat the following prayer fifteen times.  We do five with our morning prayers, five with our prayers before meals at both lunch and dinner.  The words are lovely, I think, and it keeps us perpetually in mind of "the reason for the season." 

Blessed be the hour and the moment in which the Son of God was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold  At that hour, vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayers and grant my petitions, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.  Amen

 
3.  The Advent Calendar

This is not the Advent calendar I had in mind for this year, but it was left over, unused from last year and turned up in our Christmas bins just when we needed it, so I guess it's the one we'll be using.  It has nice, traditional paintings for each daily window, and a corresponding Bible verse, which is nice.  It will suffice.  (Here's the one I really wanted, but it was a little pricey and we already have one, so... =sigh= we'll do without it this time around.) We also have a Victorian Christmas village, where you add a stick-on house or building for each day of the month.  That one hasn't turned up yet, though...  (See #4 to see why...)

4.  The Mess of Preparation

We have a barn full of bins -- and cows and dust...  Our bins are not arranged as systematically and efficiently as I would wish, but are, how shall we say --  a big, humongous jumble of disorder...  So, it is with satisfaction that I can announce that we have, indeed, found the Nativity Set and most of our other decorations.  But, I have yet to be able to go through them and make sense of any of it.  I only have two weeks to get it all together, though --  (Agh!) -- because I'm going to Virginia on the 12th to stay with Paul and Nicole and my new grandbaby (Gavin James!) for a week before I drive back to Colorado with Paul, arriving home only three days before Christmas!  So, folks, I have to have Christmas completely done and organized in 11 days.  Can I do it??  (I really don't know, but I'm gonna try!)

** More Notes on another important Advent activity -- our Nativity Scene -- when I get a chance...  But you can see by the above picture that it might be a couple days until I can get to it.  Please have patience with me as I may be scarce over here for a bit.  I will continue to post the Spiritual Steps to Christmas, though!  I've committed to that one, and have every intention of finishing it through.  (Pray for me!)

Blessed First Wednesday of Advent, Friends!

A Mom's Advent Meditations: St. Andrew

December 1st -- The Feast of St. Andrew*

St. Andrew could well be called the thoughtful Apostle.  Judging by the accounts of him in the Gospels, he seems to have been especially tuned in to the people and events around him.   Remember? Upon first meeting Jesus on the banks of the Jordan, his first thought was to run and find his brother, Peter, and drag him back to introduce him to the Messiah.  It was Andrew who called Our Lord's attention to the boy with the loaves and fishes that ended up feeding 5,000 hungry followers in the desert.

 After the  death and resurrection of Christ, having received the grace of Pentecost, Andrew traveled, preaching and converting thousands through Scythia and Greece, then, after many years, won the martyr's crown in 60 A.D., following his Master to the cross in Achaia.  His death by crucifixion (on an "X" shaped cross) was of the more common sort, though -- long and agonizing, not shortened by the Sabbath. Brave and faithful to the end, St. Andrew lingered for two long days -- and as he died he continued to preach to the people gathered near him; in his agony, his final thoughts were of other souls that he might still save.  His charity was a deeply ingrained habit of life that he practiced to the moment of his death.

+-+-+

So, Saint Andrew. You can't help but like the man he seemed to be: spontaneous, loving, thoughtful, loyal, faithful, humble, courageous...  But, how is it that the Church, in her wisdom chose this apostle for one of the very first meditations of the Advent season?  I'm sure there are many reasons, and I expect The Liturgical Year would be an obvious place to find out for sure, but I've been pondering, myself, on the life of St. Andrew today, and this is what I've learned from this great Apostle:

First, we have to pay attention.  St. Andrew was a master at this.  He noticed what was going on around him, really noticed.  Then, he acted on what he saw.  And, you see how he acted, right? The way he would the rest of his life: he ran to Jesus.  After hearing Him speak, Andrew ran to Our Lord and introduced himself.  Then he looked to see who else he could drag over to meet Jesus. He went and got his brother, Peter, of course!  And with this simple and spontaneous act of love, he changed the world.  Later, when he found what looked like a possible solution to a problem, he ran to Jesus -- who turned Andrew's suggestion into a miracle that fed 5,000 people. All his life, traveling the world, Andrew brought people to Jesus, converting thousands to the Faith. Even hanging on the cross, with his dying breath, he was bringing people to Jesus, and he's doing the same work in heaven today!

 This is what the Advent season is all about; preparing for the coming of the Savior, finding our way to Him, and bringing everyone with us that we possibly can -- just as St. Andrew did.

As we go about our extra busy lives this Advent season, we can pray to St. Andrew to help us focus on what is truly important: to run first to Jesus, to start and end every endeavor with Him.  We can ask St. Andrew to lend us his keen eyes to help us really pay attention to our loved ones, our neighbors, our friends -- the mailman, the kid delivering our pizza, the clerk at Walmart, everyone! -- and by our prayers, our patience, and our charity bring them to Jesus.  And, we can ask St. Andrew, our willing guide, to accompany our souls on the journey through Advent, to pray for us, and to take us close to the manger in Bethlehem this Christmas!

Novena Prayer of St. Andrew

(to be recited 15x a day from the feast of St. Andrew until Christmas)

Blessed be the hour and the moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Blessed Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold.  At that hour, vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayer, and grant my petitions, through merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.  Amen.

* The traditional feast day for St. Andrew is Nov. 30th; because this date fell on the first Sunday of Advent, it is celebrated on Dec. 1st this year.

Tomorrow is the First Sunday of Advent!

Can you believe it? 

Almost no time for a breath between Thanksgiving and the Christmas season this year, and I'm scrambling this morning to feel on top of it all.  There's still a cooler of Thanksgiving day iced tea on my counter and a fridge full of leftovers threatening to avalanche any time the door is open, but instead of working through that mess, I have to hike out to the barn this morning to hunt down our Advent wreath. Agh!  I'm not ready!  So, though I'd like to post some pictures of our Turkey Day and reflect on how full I still am, I really do need to get our Christmas season plans on "paper" first. Here they are, in a nutshell:
(Thanksgiving pictures later!)

* On the Feast of St. Andrew, which is also the first day of Advent this year, we begin:

 The Christmas Novena

“Hail and blessed be the hour and the moment

 when the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary,

at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.

In that hour vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my petitions,

through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen"

We'll repeat this prayer 15 times a day until Christmas for our various special intentions, ending on Christmas Eve.

(Note to self: Print this out and put one copy on end of piano where everyone can see it to pray seven times in morning with morning prayers -- and put one copy near statue of the Blessed Mother to pray the last eight in the evening at rosary time.)

* During the first week of Advent (beginning Monday!), we'll start building our Nativity Scene in the dining room fireplace as always, but this year we want to try to observe more closely the traditional manner and order of constructing the creche.  (Below is a detail of last year's set up, not quite finished.  I'll post pictures as we build this year's edition.)

* Next Sunday, the second week of Advent, happens to also be the Feast of St. Nicholas, and we'll celebrate with goodies in the children's shoes in the morning and a big batch of crockpot peppermint mocha in the afternoon -- after Mass and our parish's St. Nicholas Festival.

(Note to self: Order holy cards and patron saint medals from Aquinas and More now, in order to get them in time for St. Nick's Day!)

* The Eighth of December, the following Tuesday, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Along with Mass that day, we'll decorate and light a Mary Candle:

"The Mary candle: Some families have the custom of decorating the Christ candle with a blue veil on December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this great feast, others place a candle with a blue ribbon before a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, whose “yes” to God enabled our Lord’s coming at Christmas. The candle is lit during meal times to serve as a delightful reminder of Mary’s eager expectation of the “Light of the World.” It can also serve as a reminder to each family member to keep their own light of grace burning as a preparation for Christ’s coming."
(From CERC)

(Note to self: Get Hobby Lobby internet coupon to bring with me to offset cost of pillar candle.)

* On the thirteenth of December, the Third Sunday of Advent, we get to celebrate The Feast of St. Lucy, with all of its special traditions .  The novena to St. Lucy may be begun next Saturday, December 5th, to finish on her feast day.

Novena to St. Lucy

St. Lucy, Your beautiful name signifies light.  By the light of faith which God bestowed upon you, preserve and increase this light in my soul, so that I may avoid evil, be zealous in the performance of good works, and abhor nothing so much as the blindness and the darkness of evil and of sin.  By your intercession with God, obtain for me perfect vision for my bodily eyes and the grace to use them for God's greater honor and glory and the salvation of all men.  St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions.  Amen.

(Note to self: Get copy of Lucia, Saint of Light!)

* Advent Embertide comes around again, on Wednesday, Friday, and in the third week of Advent (December December 16th, 18th, and 19th).
 
* Later on, during the last octave of Advent, beginning December 18th,  we'll pray the O Antiphons,

* But tomorrow, we'll set up our Advent Wreath to begin the First Sunday of Advent prayers on Sunday.

* And, in addition to the Christmas Novena, we'll start the Christmas Crib Prayers on Sunday. 

We had copies of this and prayed it for years until we lost the prayers during some move or another.  But we found it again last year, reprinted by the lovely lady at House and Hold ! Wahoo! We all love this devotion.  Here it is in its entirety:

A Spiritual Christmas Crib

The following directions show you how to build a spiritual crib in your heart for Christ. Use it to put Christ into your Christmas in a real, living way.

Start on December 1. Read the thought indicated about Christ's first crib.

Practice it during the day.

Do this daily during December and make your heart a worthy crib for Christ on Christmas Day.

DEC. 1 - THE STABLE

Frequently during the day offer your heart to the little Infant Jesus. Ask Him to make it His home.

--Sweet Jesus, take my heart and make it meek and pure.

DEC. 2 - THE ROOF

See that the roof of the stable is in good condition, so that the Infant Jesus is protected from rain and snow. This you will do by carefully avoiding every uncharitable remark.

--Jesus, teach me to love my neighbor as myself.

DEC. 3 - CREVICES

Carefully stop every crevice in the walls of the stable, so that the wind and cold may not enter there. Guard your senses against temptations. Guard especially your ears against sinful conversations.

--Jesus, help me to keep temptations out of my heart.

DEC. 4 - COBWEBS

Clean the cobwebs from your spiritual crib. Diligently remove from your heart every inordinate desire of being praised. Renew this intention at least three times today.

--My Jesus, I want to please You in all I do today.

DEC. 5 - FENCE

Build a fence about the crib of your heart by keeping a strict watch over your eyes, especially at prayer.

--Sweet Jesus, I long to see You.

DEC. 6 - MANGER

Fix the best and warmest corner of your heart for the manger of Jesus. You will do so by abstaining from what you like most in the line of comfort and amusement.

--Dear Mother Mary, use these sacrifices to prepare my heart for Jesus in Holy Communion.

DEC. 7 - HAY

Supply the manger of your heart with hay, by overcoming all feelings of pride, anger or envy.

--Jesus, teach me to know and correct my greatest sins.

DEC. 8 - SOFT STRAW

Also provide your manger with soft straw by performing little acts of mortification; for instance, bear the cold without complaints; or sit and stand erect.

--Dear Jesus, Who suffered so much for me, let me suffer for love of You.

DEC. 9 - SWADDLING CLOTHES

Prepare these for the Divine Infant by folding your hands when you pray, and praying slowly and thoughtfully.

--Jesus, help me love you more and more.

DEC. 10 - BLANKETS

Provide the manger of your crib with soft warm blankets. Avoid harsh and angry words; be kind and gentle to all.

--Jesus, help me to be meek and humble like You.

DEC. 11 - FUEL

Bring fuel to the crib of Jesus. Give up your own will; obey your superiors cheerfully and promptly.

--Jesus, help me do Your will in all things.

DEC. 12 - WATER

Bring fresh, clean water to the crib. Avoid every untruthful word and every deceitful act.

--Dearest Mary, obtain for me true contrition for my sins.

DEC. 13 - PROVISIONS

Bring a supply of food to the crib. Deprive yourself of some food at mealtime or candy as a treat.

--Jesus, be my strength and nourishment.

DEC. 14 - LIGHT

See that the crib has sufficient light. Be neat and orderly about your person; keep everything in its place in your room.

--Jesus, be the life and light of my soul.

DEC. 15 - FIRE

Take care to have the crib of your heart warmed by a cozy fire. Be grateful to God for the love He has shown us in becoming man; behave with grateful respect towards your parents and relatives.

--Jesus, how can I return Your love; how can I show my gratitude to You?

DEC. 16 - THE OX

Lead the ox to the crib. Obey cheerfully without making excuses and without asking "why."

--I will obey for love of You, Jesus.

DEC. 17 - THE DONKEY

Bring the donkey to the crib. Offer to the Divine Infant your bodily strength; use it in the service of others.

--Jesus, accept my service of love; I offer it for those who do not love You.

DEC. 18 - GIFTS

Gather some presents for the Divine Infant and His Blessed Mother. Give alms for the poor and say an extra decade of the rosary.

--Come, Jesus, to accept my gifts and to take possession of my heart.

DEC. 19 - LAMBS

Strive to bring some little lambs, meek and patient. Do not murmur or complain.

--Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine.

DEC. 20 - SHEPHERDS

Invite the shepherds to pay homage to our newborn King. Imitate their watchfulness; stress in your speech and thoughts the idea that Christmas is important because Jesus will be born again in you.

--Jesus, teach me to love You above all things.

DEC. 21 - THE KEY

Provide the stable with a key to keep out thieves. Exclude from your heart every sinful thought, every rash judgment.

-- Dear Jesus, close my heart to all that hurts You.

DEC. 22 - ANGELS

Invite the angels to adore God with you. Cheerfully obey the inspirations of your guardian angel and of your conscience.

--Holy Guardian Angel, never let me forget that you are with me always.

DEC. 23 - ST. JOSEPH

Accompany Saint Joseph from door to door. Learn from him silently and patiently to bear refusals and disappointments. Open wide your heart and beg him to enter with the Blessed Virgin Mary.

--Saint Joseph, help me to prepare for a worthy Christmas Communion.

DEC. 24 - THE BLESSED VIRGIN

Go meet your Blessed Mother. Lead her to the manger of your heart and beg her to lay the Divine Infant in it. Shorten your chats and telephone conversations and spend more time today thinking of Jesus and Mary and Joseph.

--Come, dear Jesus, Come; my heart belongs to You."

**From: Devotions in Preparation for the Coming of the Christchild, and at the Crib, from Christmas to Purification" by Rev. Frederic Nelson, published by Marian House, Powers Lake, ND 58773

*** Christmas Crib prayers reprinted from last year -- First five comments are last year's, as well...  (Long story why they reprinted.  &:o) 

What I'm thinking...

It's a most unusual afternoon here at my house. My wonderful , devoted, long-suffering husband has taken all the children ~ nine of our own, and four borrowed ~ to a football game. After the game, they'll go over to a family gathering, so it'll be a long afternoon outing for the whole gang. And here I am, alone, in the quiet of our home.

Ah, blessed peace.

Of course, the house is a mess. No, I mean a MESS. My plea to my husband was that I really would like the time to clean up the disarray and catch up on the mountain of laundry before Sunday's rest. But, I have to admit, having the house to myself to leisurely clean and cook and change over laundry is the dearest rest I could possibly ask for.

===sigh===

The blessed quiet...

Except for I do have Enya's newest cd playing. It's called And Winter Came and it is absolutely beautiful. What we've come to expect from Enya, but better, because this one is a Christmas album! She has recorded a hauntingly beautiful version of O Come O Come Emmanuel in Latin, for instance, that is our new standard for Advent. And among other new music, she sings a song called Journey of the Angels. The words go like this:

Somewhere in a winter night
the angels begin their flight

dark skies with miles to go

no footsteps to be lost in snow.

They fly to You

Oh, new-born King,

They fly to You

Oh angels sing.

One is sorrow,

One is peace,

One will come

To give You sleep.

One is comfort,

One is grief,

One will take

The tears You weep.

New star

In a midnight sky,

In heaven all the angels fly.

Soft wings so true

And all things they will give to You.

Somewhere in a winter night

The angels begin their flight

Tonight all sing.

Oh angels,

A new-born King.

Tonight all sing,

Oh, angels,

A new-born King.

Aren't the words lovely? We highly recommend this album. If you're an Enya fan, especially, it's a must-have!

So, anyway, here I am. Beautiful music playing, the snow falling outside. I've got a fire in the woodstove and turkey soup starting on the stove. I'm getting set to go down-cellar and look for our Advent wreath. By the time the children come home, I'd like to have the Autumn decorations down and the Advent Wreath up and ready for tomorrow.

Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the first day of the new Church year! How are you preparing?

Besides getting our Advent Wreath started, we like to start the new Liturgical Year by making resolutions, much like most people do on January 1st. Unlike our New Years' promises, which tend to be of a saecular nature, like resolving to lose weight or keep the cellar clean, our Liturgical Year promises are of a purely spiritual nature. We've already decided on a family resolution, regarding the number of rosaries we plan to say in the year, and how we're going to record our intentions from the rosaries for spiritual bouquets. But, each of us makes individual resolutions, too.

I've been thinking I'd like to take the year to concentrate on one of the three Divine Virtues. I'd like to investigate all the avenues leading to and from either Faith, Hope, or Charity, and by learning, find how best to grow in this virtue. I haven't been able to decide which one I want to do yet, though I've pretty much eliminated Hope for the time being. Being generally sanguine in nature, I haven't had a whole lot of problem with the virtue of Hope, though I know that I probably underestimate its implications in the other virtues.

I expect that I can benefit greatly from a study on Charity, as that's traditionally one most of us (women, especially) struggle with. And of the virtues, St. Paul tells us "...the greatest of these is charity..." Concentrating on Charity would also work beautifully with Advent preparations. But, then, I can't help but think that Faith is the foundation of all the virtues, and would be wonderful to meditate on....

Decisions, decisions. And I've only got a few hours to come up with something!

And a million things yet to do...

So, I'm off

to make an Advent Wreath,

and cut some onions for my turkey soup

and change over a load of laundry

while I think about it some more...

I hope everyone is having a blessed and peaceful day!

Post Script: Hurray for the Olathe Pirates, the home town team of our dear friends at St. Joseph's parish! I just got a text from my husband, from the stands ~ amid a cheering crowd, to be sure. The Pirates just won the AA Football State Championship, 22-21! Wahoo! What a game that must have been! I know I'll be hearing about it from all sides as soon as the troops return this afternoon. &:o) I can't wait to hear how dear, tiny Olathe, Colorado will be celebrating this week!

A Catholic Mom's Trying-To-Remember-It-All Advent Calendar

Can you believe it? 

THREE days until Thanksgiving, which means only SIX days 'til Advent! Are you ready?  I'm sure not! It seems like we only just got through All Saints and All Souls Day, took a breath, and here we are!  We've been working this past week to deep clean the garage and barn, so I at least know where the Advent wreath is, which is an improvement over some years, anyway! But I can't say I've wrapped my brain around the season quite yet.  So, in an effort to get myself organized, I came over to the old blog to dig out my Advent spirit. Here  is the listing of Advent prayers and activities I posted many moons ago for anyone else looking to corral ideas and devotions.


NOVEMBER 28th

*We'll set up the Advent Wreath to be ready for the first Sunday of Advent . 

Note to self: Print out the Advent prayers and have handy to pray on Sunday.

NOVEMBER 30th
* On the Feast of St. Andrew, which is on a Monday this year, we begin:

 The Christmas Novena

The most common Christmas novenas
in a nutshel. 

“Hail and blessed be the hour and the moment

 when the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.

In that hour vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my petitions,

through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen"

We'll repeat this prayer 15 times a day until Christmas for our various special intentions, ending on Christmas Eve. It doesn't matter how it's done; you can say all fifteen repetitions at once, or split them up during the day, whichever is easiest for you. We tend to do a little of both methods, intending to split them up at mealtimes, five prayers three times a day -- but often enough, missing out and having to bunch them all together at bedtime prayers.  It doesn't matter, though, so long as you get them all in there!  Many many intentions, personal, and general to include in our Christmas novena this year so we don't want to blow it!

A beautiful "click and print" card to post somewhere obvious where we won't forget!

NOVEMBER 30th -- DECEMBER 25th
(Ongoing)
* During the first week of Advent (beginning Monday!), we'll start building our Nativity Scene -- though we're not sure where we'll build it this year in the new "forever"house! The process will continue all the way up until Christmas.  We're going to try to observe more closely the traditional manner and order of constructing the creche than we usually do, adding the traditional prayers and ceremonies you can find at the link.

Note to self:  Find the littlest critters first this year (the ones that don't specifically belong to the Nativity set) and have the children add only one critter a day, then make a bigger production out of the placing of the "official" animals (the sheep, dogs, donkey, and cow) and shepherds on the 18th, and the Holy Family and Shepherds when everyone is together the week before Christmas.  Perhaps have Father over to bless the Creche?

Here's Dominic next to last year's Nativity Scene. He's been the Creche
mastermind for several years now, and not like we're helpless without him...
but we're grateful that he'll be here this weekend to consult with us!

DECEMBER 1st
* In addition to the Christmas Novena, we'll start the daily Christmas Crib Prayers on Tuesday, the 1st.

We found copies of this sweet little devotion when our big grown up boys were tots and prayed it for years until we lost the prayers during some move or another.  But we found it again a couple years ago, reprinted by the lovely lady at House and Hold ! We were all so pleased; we love this simple devotion. It's especially good for families with little ones.
* See below for the entire read-out.

Note to self: Make some more copies and have available for everyone! 


DECEMBER 5th
* On Saturday, begin Novena to St. Lucy (see below)! St. Lucy is the patroness of: the blind or those with eye problems, martyrs, epidemics, salesmen, throat infections and writers!

DECEMBER 6th

*  On the second Sunday of Advent this year, we come to the Feast of St. Nicholas, which  of course we'll celebrate with goodies in the children's shoes in the morning (but no nibbling on any of it until we get back from morning Mass!) and  then a big batch of crockpot peppermint mocha in the afternoon.

(Note to self: Order holy cards and patron saint medals from Aquinas and More or now, in order to get them in time for St. Nick's Day!)

December 8th
* The Eighth of December,  which falls on Tuesday, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. (And our grandson, Gavin's, birthday, lucky guy!) It's not a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States, but is a great feast of the Blessed Mother, and we wouldn't miss greeting her on this day for anything!  We'll get flowers to decorate our Blesed Mother shrine, and along with Mass that day, we'll decorate and light a Mary Candle:

"The Mary candle: Some families have the custom of decorating a Christ candle with a blue veil on December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this great feast, others place a candle with a blue ribbon before a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, whose “yes” to God enabled our Lord’s coming at Christmas. The candle is lit during meal times to serve as a delightful reminder of Mary’s eager expectation of the “Light of the World.” It can also serve as a reminder to each family member to keep their own light of grace burning as a preparation for Christ’s coming."
(From CERC)


(Note to self: Get Hobby Lobby coupon to bring with me to offset cost of pillar candle.)

DECEMBER 10th
* The feast of Our Lady of Loreto. This feast commemorates the miraculous translation of Our Blessed Mother's home in Nazareth to Loreto, Italy, almost 1300 years after her assumption into heaven.  Read the wondrous story here!  In honor of Our Blessed Mother who is the glory of home life, and the perfect example of holy homemaking, we'll be giving the house some good "spit and polish" today.  We'll also take special care to dust and care for all of our holy images: statues, crucifixes, and hanging pictures. And we'll pray the Litany of Loreto in addition to our rosary in Our Lady's honor.

DECEMBER 13th
* On Sunday, the thirteenth of December and the third Sunday of Advent, we get to celebrate The Feast of St. Lucy, with all of its special traditions .  The novena to St. Lucy may be begun on Monday, December 5th, if you like, to finish on her feast day.

Novena to St. Lucy

St. Lucy, Your beautiful name signifies light.  By the light of faith which God bestowed upon you, preserve and increase this light in my soul, so that I may avoid evil, be zealous in the performance of good works, and abhor nothing so much as the blindness and the darkness of evil and of sin.  By your intercession with God, obtain for me perfect vision for my bodily eyes and the grace to use them for God's greater honor and glory and the salvation of all men.  St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions.  Amen.

(Note to self: Get copy of Lucia, Saint of Light!)

* We won't make our oldest daughter (or the oldest daughter still at home, which would be Theresa...)  bring everyone breakfast while balancing lit candles on her head. She'd do it, mind you!  But I'd be a nervous wreck.  (I'm still a little traumatized by her First Holy Communion Day eleven years ago, when she caught her hair on fire) I think instead, we'll  let her be the one to decorate and hang up the Mistletoe on this day, though. (History and customs of  mistletoe, here.)

December 16th, 18th, and 19th
* Advent Embertide comes around again, on Wednesday, Friday in the third week of Advent (December December 16th, 18th, and 19th). Adults between the ages of 21 and 59 must fast on all three days, abstain completely on Friday (as usual), and partially abstain on Wednesday and Saturday. Ember days are a particular time to pray for our priests, and are traditionally set aside as well, for prayers for safety from natural disaster, and expecting mothers. These are also days when the Church remembers the poor and suffering.  This would be a good time to make Christmas donations to the needy! 

DECEMBER 16th
* Today, Ember Wednesday, we can begin the Christmas Novena to finish on Christmas Eve. To finish on Christmas day, start on December 17th. There are several novenas from which to choose:  One here, which is lengthy, involves the entire family and corresponds with the O Antiphons; and another one here, which is shorter and less complicated. (And certainly many more upon a google search!)

DECEMBER 18th  
* This day marks the feast of the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, exactly an octave until the birth of Our Lord.   Originating as early as the 7th century and widely celebrated in the Spanish Church, this feast was called the feast of "St. Maria de la O," because on this day the clerics in the choir after Vespers used to utter a loud and protracted "O," to express the longing of the universe for the coming of the Redeemer.  As a mother, myself, I love this day for contemplating  Mary, the Mother of God, herself: her faith, her hope, her love -- the Christ Child kicking in her womb -- the wonder and joy of it. The expectation!  

Today, as we have since the beginning of the month, we pray our St. Andrew Novena, and meditate on our little Christmas Crib devotion. If we choose to do a nine day novena for Christmas, we will have started that already, too -- But now we ramp things up a bit more even as we approach the big day, adding the O antiphons to our bedtime prayers.  

(Incidentally, today is also the day we introduce the sheep, shepherds, cows and donkey to the stable in our Nativity scene -- a big day for the children.)

 O Antiphons
* And, last, but not least, we begin the  O Antiphons on Friday, the 18th. These are the prayers taken from the Breviary's Vespers during the last octave before the Birth of the Savior, wherein each "stanza" begins with "O." It's this fact that names the O Antiphons. They are correctly prayed in the evening and can also be sung.

* A Spiritual Christmas Crib

The following directions show you how to build a spiritual crib in your heart for Christ. Use it to put Christ into your Christmas in a real, living way.

Start on December 1. Read the thought indicated about Christ's first crib.

Practice it during the day.

Do this daily during December and make your heart a worthy crib for Christ on Christmas Day.

DEC. 1 - THE STABLE

Frequently during the day offer your heart to the little Infant Jesus. Ask Him to make it His home.

--Sweet Jesus, take my heart and make it meek and pure.

DEC. 2 - THE ROOF

See that the roof of the stable is in good condition, so that the Infant Jesus is protected from rain and snow. This you will do by carefully avoiding every uncharitable remark.

--Jesus, teach me to love my neighbor as myself.

DEC. 3 - CREVICES

Carefully stop every crevice in the walls of the stable, so that the wind and cold may not enter there. Guard your senses against temptations. Guard especially your ears against sinful conversations.

--Jesus, help me to keep temptations out of my heart.

DEC. 4 - COBWEBS

Clean the cobwebs from your spiritual crib. Diligently remove from your heart every inordinate desire of being praised. Renew this intention at least three times today.

--My Jesus, I want to please You in all I do today.

DEC. 5 - FENCE

Build a fence about the crib of your heart by keeping a strict watch over your eyes, especially at prayer.

--Sweet Jesus, I long to see You.

DEC. 6 - MANGER

Fix the best and warmest corner of your heart for the manger of Jesus. You will do so by abstaining from what you like most in the line of comfort and amusement.

--Dear Mother Mary, use these sacrifices to prepare my heart for Jesus in Holy Communion.

DEC. 7 - HAY

Supply the manger of your heart with hay, by overcoming all feelings of pride, anger or envy.

--Jesus, teach me to know and correct my greatest sins.

DEC. 8 - SOFT STRAW

Also provide your manger with soft straw by performing little acts of mortification; for instance, bear the cold without complaints; or sit and stand erect.

--Dear Jesus, Who suffered so much for me, let me suffer for love of You.

DEC. 9 - SWADDLING CLOTHES

Prepare these for the Divine Infant by folding your hands when you pray, and praying slowly and thoughtfully.

--Jesus, help me love you more and more.

DEC. 10 - BLANKETS

Provide the manger of your crib with soft warm blankets. Avoid harsh and angry words; be kind and gentle to all.

--Jesus, help me to be meek and humble like You.

DEC. 11 - FUEL

Bring fuel to the crib of Jesus. Give up your own will; obey your superiors cheerfully and promptly.

--Jesus, help me do Your will in all things.

DEC. 12 - WATER

Bring fresh, clean water to the crib. Avoid every untruthful word and every deceitful act.

--Dearest Mary, obtain for me true contrition for my sins.

DEC. 13 - PROVISIONS

Bring a supply of food to the crib. Deprive yourself of some food at mealtime or candy as a treat.

--Jesus, be my strength and nourishment.

DEC. 14 - LIGHT

See that the crib has sufficient light. Be neat and orderly about your person; keep everything in its place in your room.

--Jesus, be the life and light of my soul.

DEC. 15 - FIRE

Take care to have the crib of your heart warmed by a cozy fire. Be grateful to God for the love He has shown us in becoming man; behave with grateful respect towards your parents and relatives.

--Jesus, how can I return Your love; how can I show my gratitude to You?

DEC. 16 - THE OX

Lead the ox to the crib. Obey cheerfully without making excuses and without asking "why."

--I will obey for love of You, Jesus.

DEC. 17 - THE DONKEY

Bring the donkey to the crib. Offer to the Divine Infant your bodily strength; use it in the service of others.

--Jesus, accept my service of love; I offer it for those who do not love You.

DEC. 18 - GIFTS

Gather some presents for the Divine Infant and His Blessed Mother. Give alms for the poor and say an extra decade of the rosary.

--Come, Jesus, to accept my gifts and to take possession of my heart.

DEC. 19 - LAMBS

Strive to bring some little lambs, meek and patient. Do not murmur or complain.

--Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine.

DEC. 20 - SHEPHERDS

Invite the shepherds to pay homage to our newborn King. Imitate their watchfulness; stress in your speech and thoughts the idea that Christmas is important because Jesus will be born again in you.

--Jesus, teach me to love You above all things.

DEC. 21 - THE KEY

Provide the stable with a key to keep out thieves. Exclude from your heart every sinful thought, every rash judgment.

-- Dear Jesus, close my heart to all that hurts You.

DEC. 22 - ANGELS

Invite the angels to adore God with you. Cheerfully obey the inspirations of your guardian angel and of your conscience.

--Holy Guardian Angel, never let me forget that you are with me always.

DEC. 23 - ST. JOSEPH

Accompany Saint Joseph from door to door. Learn from him silently and patiently to bear refusals and disappointments. Open wide your heart and beg him to enter with the Blessed Virgin Mary.

--Saint Joseph, help me to prepare for a worthy Christmas Communion.

DEC. 24 - THE BLESSED VIRGIN

Go meet your Blessed Mother. Lead her to the manger of your heart and beg her to lay the Divine Infant in it. Shorten your chats and telephone conversations and spend more time today thinking of Jesus and Mary and Joseph.

--Come, dear Jesus, Come; my heart belongs to You."

**From: Devotions in Preparation for the Coming of the Christchild, and at the Crib, from Christmas to Purification" by Rev. Frederic Nelson, published by Marian House, Powers Lake, ND 58773