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