4-Jan-2019 - 11th 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

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eleven Pipers Piping

The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 2:28-33

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

Reflection

Simeon steps up to the young couple and takes the Child in his arms. True joy. He says, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your Word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation.” He had spent years anxiously waiting to see the consolation of Israel, and now the suspense has finally ended. Looking down into the face of the Christ Child, he knows he can live out the rest of his life with this peaceful, joyous memory.

Joseph and Mary both marvel at the things Simeon says about Jesus.  For the first time they learn He has come not only for the people of Israel, but for people of all nations. We, like Simeon, have looked upon the Christ Child, our Lord and Savior and can pass the rest of our days in peace and faith.

Christmas Symbol : 

Yule Log

(Credits: https://thumbs.gfycat.com/HospitableFaithfulAsiaticlesserfreshwaterclam-size_restricted.gif)

A Yule log is a large log which is burned in the hearth as part of traditional Christmas celebrations. Yule, means sun, was a festival in honor of the sun god. Here the Yule log reminds us of the Cross which is made of wood. As the burning log gives light as it “dies,” so the death of Christ on the cross brought our world from the darkness of sin into the light of faith. 

Today we no longer burn yule logs or wood but instead you could bake a cake in a yule log shape and remember this tradition of long ago which got associated with the season of Christmas

Prayer

Lord, You do all things so well. In this pagan symbol, You foreshadowed the sacrifice of Your Son. Lord of Light and Life, may the fire of Your Love illumine my life and make me an apostle for You. Amen.

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

Wisemen still seek Him

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

Quiz Time  

Santa saw your Instagram pictures.  You are getting clothes and a Bible for Christmas..