1-Jan-2019 - 8th Day of Christmas

I am grateful to the various sites from where I picked up ideas for the write-ups, images and videos that happened to touch my heart while preparing myself and my children on this Advent journey in faith .. I have tried giving credits where I could.. I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs. My sincere apologies if I have not given due credit in all places. - Sabrina D'Mello

New Year’s Day

Mary Mother Of God

On this day, we honor the role that the Blessed Virgin played in the plan of our salvation.  Her "Be it done to me according to Thy word" made the birth of Jesus possible. It has been called the first Marian feast of the Roman liturgy.

New Year’s Day is an exciting new beginning. If the old year has brought us pain and misery, we can rejoice that it is over, gone, behind us. And in the dawning of a new day, there is the hope that the New Year will be so much better.

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eight Maids A-milking

The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 2:21 - Again

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnkDMQmHeYE)

Reflection

Baby Jesus too will have a new beginning today.  He is now eight days old and according to the Law every male child had to be circumcised. This ceremony makes Jesus a member of God's people Israel.  It also bounds Him to keep the law perfectly.

Circumcision is equivalent to our modern times baptism. Both reminds us of God's blessings on the new born child and cutting off our sinful nature or drowning it.  With baptism God makes us spiritual and we can stand before Him spotless through Jesus Christ.  A nice way to begin the New Year.

Christmas Symbol : 

Tinsel

(Credits: https://thumbs.gfycat.com/OddLawfulCaracal-size_restricted.gif)

Tinsel are thin, metallic strands that are used very often in Christmas decorations.  It had its beginning from the legend, which tells of a poor old woman who was did not have enough money to decorate her Christmas tree in honor of the Christ Child. In the night the spiders came and spun webs all across the tree which ruined its look.  Then the Christ Child, honoring the family's faith, turned the spider's web into silver.  The family was dazzled by the tinsel that shone on their tree.

Today if you want to give your all to Christ, but you think that you have nothing of value, remember God gives immense value to the heartfelt offerings.  Give Christ your all and He will consider it more precious than gold. 

Prayer

Lord, I am a nobody in the world's eyes. But I give myself to You to do whatever You wish with me.  Accept my humble gift for I give it in love. Amen.

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

Auld Lang Sang

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTCryF1J54Y)

Quiz Time  

Christmas is a magical time of the year… I just watched all my money magically disappear.

31-Dec-2018 - 7th Day of Christmas

I am grateful to the various sites from where I picked up ideas for the write-ups, images and videos that happened to touch my heart while preparing myself and my children on this Advent journey in faith .. I have tried giving credits where I could.. I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs. My sincere apologies if I have not given due credit in all places. - Sabrina D'Mello

New Year’s Eve

On the eve of New Year we join in prayer and thanksgiving for the gifts and benefits which God has given us in the past year, and to pray for necessary graces in the forthcoming year. Many make New Year resolutions committing themselves to break a bad habit and to add a good one or even to fulfill a goal.

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Seven Swans A-swimming

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 2:21

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnkDMQmHeYE)

Reflection

Jesus has now completed eight days and religiously Joseph and Mary follow the rituals as was expected of the law. When a male child was eight days old, they were required to be circumcised and receive a name. 

Mary and Joseph have already been told the Name that God has given for His Son. So in obedience they gave Mary’s Child the Name of Jesus. It means “The Lord is salvation” or “The Lord saves.” 

Christmas Symbol : 

Manger

(Credits: https://i.gifer.com/Bnre.gif)

A manger is normally used to hold water or fodder for animals. But the manger in Bethlehem held the little Baby Jesus, the Bread of Life, the Food of our souls. The manger was probably roughly made. No artistic skill went into making a manger and yet it was used to hold the Son of God.

All those who consider themselves as uncultured, can rejoice because our Lord came to dwell in an uncultured place.  He makes us into precious vessels by His Presence. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus come into my heart today. Take away my rough edges, my imperfections, my human preoccupation with myself and fill me with your grace that I may be able to see you in everyone. Let me search the manger until I see within it the Lord of Life. Amen.

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

Away in a Manger

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HNmqt5JRbw)

Quiz Time 

People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas

30-Dec-2018 - 6th Day of Christmas

I am grateful to the various sites from where I picked up ideas for the write-ups, images and videos that happened to touch my heart while preparing myself and my children on this Advent journey in faith .. I have tried giving credits where I could.. I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs. My sincere apologies if I have not given due credit in all places. - Sabrina D'Mello

Feast Of The Holy Family

The devotion to the Holy Family was born in Bethlehem, together with the Baby Jesus.  Jesus showed his love and respect towards his parents by his obedience and humility. Today’s celebration demonstrates Jesus respect to the fourth commandment, whilst also highlighting the loving care that His parents exercised in His keeping. Today lets pray for unity in families.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Six Geese A-laying

The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).

 Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 2:15-20

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnkDMQmHeYE)

Reflection

After the host of angels return to heaven, the shepherds with full faith in what they just heard, decide to hastily leave their flocks behind in search of the Christ Child.  They go to Bethlehem and find Him wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger—just as the angel had said. How incredible was it to look down into the face of the mighty Son of God? The shepherds share the angel’s words with Mary and Joseph and everyone they meet. They turned out to be the first evangelist.  All who hear their words were amazed. They were waiting for the Messiah but they did not expect it to be in this manner. And Mary stores up their words and ponders them deep inside. A "mother" treasures all those things when it comes to her child. Now, years later, she pulls them out of her memory and shares them with Luke, and with us.

 Christmas Symbol : 

Bows and Ribbons

(Credits: http://brockmarie.tripod.com/bows/Red-Silver%20Bow.gif)

Colorful ribbons and bows placed on the gifts remind us of the bond of love. They teach us how everyone is bound together in brotherhood and peace. 

The ribbon symbolizes our Christian commitment to be bound to everlasting goodwill. 

Prayer

Lord, as I wrap gifts this Christmas, let me remember that You have bound us all together in love. We are all called to be united in love especially during this season of Advent. May You be forever praised! Amen.

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

All I want for Christmas

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtLa4nZ6AL8)

Quiz Time 

Always remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.

29-Dec-2018 - 5th Day of Christmas

I am grateful to the various sites from where I picked up ideas for the write-ups, images and videos that happened to touch my heart while preparing myself and my children on this Advent journey in faith .. I have tried giving credits where I could.. I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs. My sincere apologies if I have not given due credit in all places. - Sabrina D'Mello

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Five Gold Rings

The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 2:13-14

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnkDMQmHeYE)

Reflection

That night, the shepherds saw an army of angels.  One angel would not suffice in announcing such a good news.  So a multitude of the heavenly host suddenly appeared celebrating in songs and hymns the praises of God and proclaiming peace.  The world needed peace at that time and even so today. 

They call on all the inhabitants of heaven to give glory to God for keeping His promises and revealing His grace by sending His Son as a man.

Christmas Symbol : 

Carols

(Credits: http://napleswalkingclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/christmas-carolers-animated.gif)

Christmas carols remind us of the angels who announced the birth of Christ by singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth!" Song has been a part of worship since the beginning. Miriam composed and sang a hymn of Thanksgiving when God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians. David composed the Psalms, all of which are to be sung. People use song as an expression of highest emotion. How fitting that we sing about the birth of Christ!

Today make it a point to sing while going about doing your duties. Praise God in song.

Prayer

Lord, whether or not I have a good singing voice or a poor one, help me to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" at this holy time of year! Praise You, Lord, for You have been born among us! Amen.

Let’s sing along with this carol -

Deck the Halls


(Credits:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPCXMTnO2Yw)

Quiz Time 

I left Santa gluten-free cookies and organic soy milk and he put a solar panel in my stocking.

28-Dec-2018 - 4th Day of Christmas

I am grateful to the various sites from where I picked up ideas for the write-ups, images and videos that happened to touch my heart while preparing myself and my children on this Advent journey in faith .. I have tried giving credits where I could.. I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs. My sincere apologies if I have not given due credit in all places. - Sabrina D'Mello

Feast Of The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Today the Church celebrates the memory of the small children of the neighborhood of Bethlehem put to death by Herod. They are the glorious martyrs who died not only for Christ, but in His place. Vestments will be red or purple in mourning, and the Alleluia and Gloria will be suppressed at mass. As to customs, it is the youngest child who "rules the day". The youngest one decides the food, drinks, entertainment etc.

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Four Calling Birds

The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 2:11-12

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnkDMQmHeYE)

Reflection

The angels announce the birth of a Saviour.  We definitely don't need an advisor or a governor or a president, but the people were longing for a Savior. The angel also calls him Christ the Lord.   Even Elizabeth has mentioned Jesus in the womb of Mary as Lord. Remember "Why should the Mother of my Lord come to meet me".  Christ means the anointed. Formerly kings were anointed before they could ascend the throne. Our Lord was anointed with the Holy Spirit as Prophet, Priest and King from his birth. 

With Jesus as our Savior, all our sins are taken away, and we can be confident we will be able to stand spotless before His judgment seat.

 Christmas Symbol : 

Xmas

(Credits:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f2/ChiRho.gif)

While Xmas is seen by some as a secular way to "cross Christ out of Christmas," the word actually is an abbreviation for Christmas.  In Greek, the "X" comes from the letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Χριστός, which in English is "Christ" The "mas" part is from the Latin-derived Old English word for Mass.

Constantine had a vision that led him to create a military banner emblazoned with the first two letters of Christ on it: chi and rho.   These two letters, then, became a sort of shorthand for Jesus Christ.

Today send out your Xmas messages to your loved ones without feeling the guilt of abbreviating it. 

Prayer

Lord, how can we cross You out of Christmas when the holiday exists because of Your birth? Help us to put You into the center of our celebrations, on Christmas and every day of the year. Amen!.

Let’s sing this Carol -

Silver Bells 

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYIv9IPkxJQ)

Quiz Time 

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, 
and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

27-Dec-2018 - 3rd Day of Christmas

I am grateful to the various sites from where I picked up ideas for the write-ups, images and videos that happened to touch my heart while preparing myself and my children on this Advent journey in faith .. I have tried giving credits where I could.. I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs. My sincere apologies if I have not given due credit in all places. - Sabrina D'Mello

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Three French Hens

The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 2:10

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnkDMQmHeYE)

Reflection

When the shepherds first saw the brightness of the angel, and the surpassing brightness of God’s own glory, they were gripped with fear. But as the angel announced the birth of God’s Son, their great fear gave way to greater joy. The joy which the angel came to announce was a universal joy - to all people. 

The glad tidings of Christmas is that the Son of God has come into the world, as a Son of Man, to be ever with us till the end of time.  Emmanuel, God is with us.

Christmas Symbol : 

Hay

(Credits: https://i1.wp.com/media.giphy.com/media/aS3OpVkmOA9O0/giphy.gif?w=500&ssl=1f)

Hay is either burned or else used for animal bedding. It is the rough stalks of wheat, oats, or barley, left over after the grain is harvested. Grain is food but stalks are inedible. Hence, farmers use hay as bedding for livestock because the animals won't eat it.

Upon His birth, Jesus was placed on a bed of hay. Joseph put hay into the manager because he knew that the animals would not be trying to eat it while Jesus slept.

Today gather some soft material like hay or cotton and make a soft bed for the baby Jesus in your crib remembering that first Christmas.

Prayer

Lord, everything in life has a purpose, and sometimes an unexpected one. Do I feel like I'm in a place where I don't belong, like hay in a manger? Open my spiritual eyes, Lord, so that I can understand that Your plan is at work in this unusual circumstance, even if I don't see how. Amen.

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

Jingle Bells

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7s2VjwQSMw)

Quiz Time 

Probably the reason we all go so haywire at Christmas time with the endless unrestrained and often silly buying of gifts is that we don’t quite know how to put our love into words.

26-Dec-2018 - 2nd Day of Christmas

I am grateful to the various sites from where I picked up ideas for the write-ups, images and videos that happened to touch my heart while preparing myself and my children on this Advent journey in faith .. I have tried giving credits where I could.. I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs. My sincere apologies if I have not given due credit in all places. - Sabrina D'Mello

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Two Turtle Doves

The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 2:9

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnkDMQmHeYE)

Reflection

And once again the angels have made an appearance and have left people terrified.

As usual the Shepherds were hurdled together in the cold night watching their sheep, when all of a sudden a bright light surrounds them.  An angel stands before them in all its glory.  They were terrified as expected from a sinner in presence of holy creatures. Luke wrote in the original Greek, “they feared with great fear.”

Actually, that was the same light the Son of God had been radiating in heaven, before this world was created. But He concealed that glory when He became human.

Christmas Symbol : 

Bells

(Credits: http://www.animatedimages.org/img-animated-christmas-bell-image-0125-134054.htm)

Bells were often used to announce important news or the need to gather all together in one place.  The church too uses bells during their service to draw our attention and those passing by that something holy is happening.  

On Christmas Day you hear the tolling of bells to announce the birth of Christ on earth. 

Today, take some time to listen to a praise song or exciting Christmas music as worship to the Lord Jesus who loves you more than life. 

Prayer

Lord, today as we hear the joyful ringing of the bells, we praise and thank You for the gift of Your Son. Only Your great mercy and justice could conceive of such a gift to us. Amen!

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

Carol of the Bells

(Credits:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7nSKqfBk6k)

Quiz Time  

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.

25-Dec-2018 - Christmas

I am grateful to the various sites from where I picked up ideas for the write-ups, images and videos that happened to touch my heart while preparing myself and my children on this Advent journey in faith .. I have tried giving credits where I could.. I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs. My sincere apologies if I have not given due credit in all places. - Sabrina D'Mello

Christmas Day

Today the Church celebrates the Birth of Jesus Christ. White vestments reappear in our churches as a sign of joy. The Christ Candle (the white candle in the Advent wreath) is lit today.  Mass is obligatory on Christmas, and this can be fulfilled by going to any one of the three Masses:

- Mass of Midnight called the "Angels Mass"

- Mass on Christmas morning called the "Shepherds Mass

- Mass on Christmas Day called the "Kings Mass".

Enjoy and celebrate but remember to keep Christ as the focus.

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A Partridge in a Pear Tree 

The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . ." (Luke 13:34)

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 2:8

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnkDMQmHeYE)

Reflection

Jesus is born and God sends out the announcement to let the world know.  Interestingly though, He does not choose the rich, prominent and influential people to hear the glad tidings, instead he chose the poor, lowly shepherds who were grazing out in the open fields. 

In time Jesus would show the greatest honor to shepherds, taking that title as His own and calling Himself the Good Shepherd. Like these shepherds, Jesus was willing to lay down His life to protect His sheep. 

Christmas Symbol : 

Baby Jesus

(Credits: https://themancalledkenny.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/christmasbabyjesus.gif)

This is the moment everyone had been waiting for—the arrival of the Savior. The Jewish people had waited hundreds of years for this fulfillment of prophecy. Today is the day you’ve been waiting for too—Christmas! Christmas is such a joyous time. It’s time for friends and family members to gather and time to exchange gifts. It’s a time of fun and food, presents and gifts, joy and laughter.

Today as you celebrate with your family take time to remember the best gift ever given—Jesus!

Don’t forget to eat His birthday cake today, and be sure to give thanks to Him as well as He is the true reason for the season. Merry Christmas! 

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the gift of your Son, the best gift of all. Happy Birthday Jesus! Amen.

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

Happy Birthday Jesus

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhrpIWV_7hU)

Quiz Time 

Merry Christmas from my family to yours..

Love came down at Christmas,  Love all lovely, Love Divine;  
Love was born at Christmas; Star and angels gave the sign. 

24-Dec-2018 - Fourth Monday of Advent

I am grateful to the various sites from where I picked up ideas for the write-ups, images and videos that happened to touch my heart while preparing myself and my children on this Advent journey in faith .. I have tried giving credits where I could.. I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs. My sincere apologies if I have not given due credit in all places. - Sabrina D'Mello

Countdown to Christmas ...

(Credits : https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html)

Christmas Eve

In the General Roman Calendar, this date is the last day of Advent, Christmas Eve, and also (beginning with the vigil Mass) is the first day of Christmas time. There is much joyous expectation. Most families have their own observances, customs that should be preserved from generation to generation.

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 2:6-7

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnkDMQmHeYE)

Reflection

We don’t know what time of year Jesus was born. Mary certainly knew, but either she never mentioned it to Luke or Luke didn’t consider it important enough to record. But whatever time of the year it was, Joseph and Mary had to lay their Child in a stable where no one would ever want to put a newborn—out in the cold, with only a basic shelter for His protection.

Do you have a manger scene set up in your home? If so, spend a few minutes there tonight.

Christmas Symbol : 

Candle

(Credits: https://i.gifer.com/6Bnv.gif)

The tradition of lighting birthday candles on a cake began years ago beginning with the Greeks. It was believed that the blowing out of candles represented one's prayers being sent up to God—prayers for a fruitful year to come and thankfulness for the year past.

Today bake a birthday cake for Jesus and light a candle in honor of Christ’s birth. As you blow out your candle, send a prayer of thanksgiving with it as you thank God for Jesus and His birthday. 

Prayer

Lord, thank you for sending your Son to be born so long ago in Bethlehem. Let us never forget to celebrate your birthday—truly the most important birthday of all. Amen.

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

Feliz Navidad

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTQQgoD2Nikw)

Quiz Time 

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  is

the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.