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)
(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhJEwx9blHk&t=57s)
Reflection
Nine long
months have gone by since Zechariah has spoken a word. Out of
disappointment he last used his voice to blurt out his doubts, regarding the
angel’s promise. Over the months his faith has been restored by the wonderful
things he has seen and experienced, but the echo of his last words still sting
in his mind. But along with that echo are the words of the angel, “You will be
silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place” (Luke
1:20). One by one everything the angel predicted has occurred, and now the last
piece has fallen into place: the child has been named John.
In an
instant God restores his speech. And the first words from Zechariah’s mouth are
words of blessing for the great things God has done. Everyone wondered what
child would this be, who had an extraordinary conception and birth.
Each of
us carries regret in our heart over careless words we have said. Just remember
Jesus Christ came in the manger to win forgiveness for that sin.
Christmas Symbol :
Stockings
By
far, the most commonly reported Christmas stocking story revolves around one of
St. Nicholas’ generous excursions. In those days a young woman's father had to
offer prospective husbands a dowry. Without a dowry, a woman
was unlikely to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were
therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different
occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries.
The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in
stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry.
This led
to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes to await gifts from Saint Nicholas.
Today,
hang your stockings, and as you do, remember that the real reason for the joy
and hope of the season is not in the tinsel, stockings, or Santa Claus, but in
Jesus’ birth—the greatest gift of all!
Prayer
Lord, may
my heart be an empty stocking to be filled by only You. Help me to be thankful
for the “bags of gold” that come my way as you are truly the giver of all
things. Amen.
Let’s sing along with this carol -
So This is Christmas(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M_TEzxu8oE)
If there is no joyous way to give a festive gift, give love away.
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