16-Dec-2018 - Third Sunday 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)

Today is known as Gaudete Sunday. 

Rose vestments are worn to emphasize our joy that Christmas is near.

Candle Name : Shepherd’s Candle

Candle Symbolizes : Joy

Reminds Us : The Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus.

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 1:56 

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

Reflection

Three months was perfect for Mary, Elizabeth and Zechariah. They probably would have stayed together longer if they could. The women talked about God’s plans for their sons, and Zechariah listened in. It is a truly wonderful experience to spend time together with people, who share your interests and your fascination with the great things God is doing. 

Of course, just as our Christmas gatherings must eventually come to an end, the time finally came for Mary to return home as well. 

Our Christmas gatherings can be powerful glimpses of the great joy we will be able to enjoy in heaven by our belief in Jesus Christ as Savior. 

  Christmas Symbol : 

Christmas Cards

(Credits: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/18/d9/bf/18d9bf239dec0f247def4fbe9f9f7719--christmas-makes-christmas-fun.jpg)

Christmas cards began when school children drew Christmas greetings for their parents. In 1843, the first director of London's Victoria and Albert Museum commissioned an artist to create the first professional Christmas card so that he could send greetings to his friends. Christmas cards can serve as miniature Gospel tracts, reminding both sender and receiver that Christ was born at Christmas. Many beautiful, religious cards exist that share the true meaning of the Christmas season.

Today let our Christmas cards which we are going to send out during the season also remind us that we, too, ought to be "walking and talking" messages that testify to Christ's love. 

Prayer

Lord, help me to share the message of Christmas through the cards I send. May all that I do show Your love for me. Amen. 

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

O Come All Ye Faithful

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tM5pwvUGMI)

Quiz Time 

From Home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. 
The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.