10-Dec-2018 - Second 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

The Countdown to Christmas ...

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

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 1:26-29

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhJEwx9blHk&t=57s)

Reflection

As Mary continues sharing her memories of that first Christmas, she now leaves Zechariah for the moment and remembers six months later when the very same angel Gabriel was sent to her.  Luke likes giving proper details and gives us the indication that John the Baptist is half a year older than Jesus.

She remembers the angel's kind greetings and how God had regarded her as "highly favored" and had chosen her to be the Mother of his only son.  But being humble, she was confused, perplexed and greatly troubled by the highly honored words used for her.

She was engaged to Joseph at that time, who belonged to the lineage of King David.

We as humans are confused in life but thankfully with God there is no confusion.  He has chalked out our life beautifully according to his plan, we have to trust in Him always.

  Christmas Symbol : 

Kwanzaa & Hanukkah 

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

In the month of December, there are two other celebrations going on at some other homes - Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.

Kwanzaa (which began around 1966) honors the African American heritage and culture while Hanukkah (which dates back to 166 BC) is a Jewish celebration.  It evolves around the story of some miraculous oil that kept a set of special candles lit for 8 consecutive nights.

These celebrations may have pagan roots and are not exactly Christian in nature and nor do they acknowledge Jesus as Lord, but they stress on the importance of family heritage which is an important thing.

Today cherish all the traditions that you have learnt from your parents and follow the same in your own homes at Christmas so that it runs in the family for generations to come.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for a family heritage that places Your Word in the forefront in my life. Help me to never forget and live out what I have been taught. Amen.

Let's sing along with this carol - 

Great Day in Bethlehem

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIlURFYMo7o)

Quiz Time 

For Christmas this year, try giving less. 
Start with less attitude. 
There’s more than enough of that in the world as it is – 
and people will usually just give it back anyway!