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)
(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhJEwx9blHk&t=57s)
REFLECTION
Mary recalled how priests, from a particular lineage only, could serve in the temple. And since there were so many priests belonging to this clan, it was customary each afternoon for the priest to cast lots to see who would burn incense at the altar of the Lord. It was prestigious and an honor to be allotted this task.
Mary remembers this particular incidence when the lot had fallen on Zechariah. Two priests along with him entered the temple. One set burning coals on the altar and the other arranged incense on it. Then the two priests leave and Zechariah was left all alone in the holy place. It was as though God was beckoning him into His presence. He was carried away by the sweet fragrance rising up to Heaven and he knew it was a sign that God was pleased with the offerings and prayers of His people. Outside, hundreds of people, bowed and spread their hands out in silent prayer.
God invites us all the time into his house - the Church. We do not have to wait for our turn which is decided on lots as in Zechariah's time. What a great privilege and honor we have to sit in God's presence and listen to His word. Make an effort to go to Church more often.
CHRISTMAS SYMBOL : SHEPHERDS & SHEEP
Mary remembers this particular incidence when the lot had fallen on Zechariah. Two priests along with him entered the temple. One set burning coals on the altar and the other arranged incense on it. Then the two priests leave and Zechariah was left all alone in the holy place. It was as though God was beckoning him into His presence. He was carried away by the sweet fragrance rising up to Heaven and he knew it was a sign that God was pleased with the offerings and prayers of His people. Outside, hundreds of people, bowed and spread their hands out in silent prayer.
God invites us all the time into his house - the Church. We do not have to wait for our turn which is decided on lots as in Zechariah's time. What a great privilege and honor we have to sit in God's presence and listen to His word. Make an effort to go to Church more often.
CHRISTMAS SYMBOL : SHEPHERDS & SHEEP
Shepherds were known to be the poorest in the society and notorious too. They were hired by the affluent to tend, feed and guard the sheep as they grazed in the pasture land. Yet, God chose these people to be the first to see and hear about Jesus's birth. So that everyone would know that they can come to Him, the Great Shepherd, whether rich or poor.
And they in turn, were so excited, that they told everyone what they saw and heard. Our very first evangelists.
Today share your favourite Christmas memories just as the shepherds shared their memories of seeing Baby Jesus in a manger.
PRAYER
And they in turn, were so excited, that they told everyone what they saw and heard. Our very first evangelists.
Today share your favourite Christmas memories just as the shepherds shared their memories of seeing Baby Jesus in a manger.
PRAYER
Lord, there are so many wonderful things that you have bestowed on all of us in our lives. Please give me the opportunities and strength to share what you have done in my life, so that others may see Jesus through me. Amen.
Let's sing along with this carol -
Let's sing along with this carol -
(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8amHW-xdbzE)
Christmas isn’t a season it is a feeling.
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