23-Dec-2018 - Fourth 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)

Candle Name : Angel’s Candle

Candle Symbolizes : Peace

Reminds Us : The message of angels: Peace on Earth, Good Will towards Men

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 2:1-5

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

Reflection

It came to pass in those days... We must remind ourselves that the Bible records history and real events.  This is not "once upon a time" fanciful stories.

As Mary remembers her Son’s birth, she recalls a long and difficult Christmas journey of her own. That journey was set in motion by a command for a census from the Roman emperor.  But standing behind the mightiest man in the world—Caesar Augustus—stood God, the ultimate Ruler, moving His Son’s chosen mother to the exact place where long ago He had announced His Son would be born. In Micah 5:2 we read, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”

 Christmas Symbol : 

Stable

(Credits: https://i.gifer.com/6Bnv.gif)

When people thought of a stable, they thought of cows, donkeys, and hay. Only after the Gospel was proclaimed around the world did the term "stable" evoke an image of the Infant Christ. Our perception changed because God entered the picture. In our lives, we encounter countless familiar people, situations, and objects. Our perception of them is often stereotyped. Suppose we allowed God to enter the picture. How would our perception change?

Today when you look at the stable in your crib set up at home, ponder upon that first Christmas.

Prayer

Lord, open my spiritual eyes to see Your Presence in every person and situation in my life. Help me to learn the lessons You wish to teach me through the objects I see and use. Grant me the grace to find Your Presence today in the ordinariness of my life. Amen.

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

Frosty the Snowman

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0QqQNIpeiw)

Quiz Time 



May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!

22-Dec-2018 - Third Saturday 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)

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 1:80

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

Reflection

Luke concludes the account of John’s birth with an interesting footnote and a reminder: John “grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.” We have no idea of the 30 odd years that followed in John's life... His education, religious observance, death of his parents as they were already old when he was born .. or his retirement from the world to the desert.

We only know the grown up John who lived in the wilderness, awaiting the moment the Spirit of God would stir him to begin his work, preparing the people of Israel for their Savior.

In the meantime, as our Christmas devotions continue, we rejoin Mary as she remembers the birth of her special baby Jesus.

  

Christmas Symbol : 

Ornaments

(Credits: https://media.giphy.com/media/7xzdmvNn2Lkpq/giphy.gif)

Ornaments began appearing on the Christmas Tree scene in the early 16th century in the form of fruits and nuts as yet another symbol that all hope is not lost. It was also called the Paradise Tree.  Soon foil-type decorations were added as representative of how we are vessels that reflect Christ’s love. In 1800s, glass ornaments were made.

Today, ornaments represent family history and important times in the life of a family. An ornament in the shape of a baby may represent the birth of a new member of the family or a key, the purchase of a new home.

Today get creative, gather your craft supplies and create a new ornament to place on the tree. Take special care to think of how this ornament can represent you or your family this year.

Prayer

Lord, make me an ornament that reflects Christ’s love to others. Thank you for my family that loves me and helps me to live for you. Amen.

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

Santa Clause is Coming to Town

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSmsq2iq4bQ)

Quiz Time 



Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree.  

In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.

21-Dec-2018 - Third Friday 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)

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 1:76-79

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

Reflection

In Zechariah’s words of praise to God, he now turns to speak of his son John and the great work God would accomplish through him as Jesus’ great prophet and forerunner. He would open the way by repentance and obtaining forgiveness. But now he turns back to Jesus’ far greater work.

He describes Jesus as the sun that comes to us from heaven. Jesus comes to those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, who have no power or hope, because have given up the fight. Raising us to our feet by faith, He sets us moving toward heaven again. 

Christmas Symbol : 

Christmas Tree

(Credits: https://www.picgifs.com/thumbs/graphics/c/christmas-trees/graphics-christmas-trees-404052.gif)

Saint Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, demolished the Oak of Thor, the mighty sacred tree worshipped by the Saxons. From its roots grew a fir tree which Boniface took as a sign of the Christian faith. 11th century portrayed the tree of Paradise, decorated with red apples. Martin Luther, inspired by a snow covered fir tree, brought a small tree indoors and decorated it with candles in honor of Christ’s birth. By the 18th century, the custom of decorating a Christmas tree was well established in France, Germany, and Austria.

Because it is green year-round, the evergreen tree represents hope. Its needles and its narrow crest point upward, turning our thoughts to heaven. Because the tree is cut down and then erected again, it is a symbol of Christ’s resurrection.

Prayer

Lord, may I see Christmas trees as a sign of hope. I thank You, Lord, for turning the tree of Adam and Eve’s sin into the tree of life through the cross of Christ.  We praise you forever. Amen.

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

It's About the Cross

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOOAUrUg5k0)

Quiz Time 

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas 
if you stop opening presents and listen.

20-Dec-2018 - Third Thursday 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)

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 1:71-75

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

Reflection

Among our Christmas memories are dark clouds. Several Christmases see sickness and death in our families. That terrible situation cast a shadow over everything, attempting to swallow up our joy, peace and light.  And to add the nagging problems of poor health, strained relationships or financial struggles are more than enough.

Zechariah carried that same thought, as he praised God for sending His Son to visit and redeem His people, “that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.”

The truth is we do have great and powerful enemies who are out to get us - spiritual as well as temporal, invisible as well as visible. Satan tempted our first parents to sin. But God did not abandon us to their heartless hands. He sent His own all-powerful Son to rescue us.

  

Christmas Symbol : 

Reindeer

(Credits: https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/austinally/images/e/e3/Santa_in_his_sleigh.gif/revision/latest?cb=20121222014341)

The story of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, was a 1939 creation of Robert May who wrote Rudolph's story as a Christmas comic book for a Montgomery Ward department store. Today, reindeer provides an interesting example of how God uses secular symbols to prepare people to accept the Divine. Just as Rudolph was rejected by his fellow reindeer, Christ was rejected by his people. In addition, just as Rudolph provided a light for Santa’s path, Christ provides the spiritual light for the way to the Father.

Today, give a bright smile and say a kind word to those who come to deliver the mail, or maybe even your house helpers. Unlike the reindeer who only deliver presents once a year, your helpers must work through rain or shine 6 days a week, all year long. They will appreciate your extra thoughtfulness.

Prayer

Lord, “as the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God.” Reveal yourself to me new every morning and help me to be the ever devoted deliverer of your message to those around me. Amen..

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQpP9Ippfps)

Quiz Time 

When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time.  
Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?

19-Dec-2018 - Third Wednesday 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)

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 1:67-70

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

Reflection

Zechariah has been silent for nine months, and now he has his speech back. If it was you, what is the first thing you would talk about? Wouldn’t it be your child you had waited and prayed for so long?  But we know that this is truly Spirit inspired prophecy because the focus is on the unborn Jesus and not his new born son John. Zechariah finally expresses the pent-up thoughts of the long months of silence and shares his amazement at how God had come to visit him. 

Zechariah doesn't even know Jesus, yet he praises Him.  We know so much about Jesus then why this coldness of our heart.  Let us gloriously rejoice for love has been born and we too cannot keep that excitement within us for too long.  Let's show the world our joyfulness.

  

Christmas Symbol : 

Elves

(Credits: http://www.animatedimages.org/img-animated-santa-claus-image-0043-85507.htm)

Elves are known to be tiny, dwarf-like creatures, with pointed ears. They are youthful but immortal, have magical powers that can control what you see and experience and are often mischievous in nature. The Scandinavians are the ones who created the association between Santa Claus and the elves. They are known as Santa’s little helpers who help Santa to design toys, process toy requests, take care of Santa's reindeer and so on. 

Today, have fun pretending to be Santa’s little elves as you wrap Christmas presents. You may even want to create your own wrapping paper by coloring or sponge painting large sheets of butcher paper for a personal effect. 

Prayer

Lord, giver of all things, let me give cheerfully this year, not as the world gives, but as You would have me give, not expecting anything in return. Amen.

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

That's Christmas to me

(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XQ75Ak61c0)

Quiz Time 


Hey Santa, if I am good at being naughty which list do I go on ?.

18-Dec-2018 - Third Tuesday 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)

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 1:64-66

(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

(Credits: http://www.animatedimages.org/img-animated-christmas-sock-image-0056-136740.htm)

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)

Quiz Time 

If there is no joyous way to give a festive gift, give love away.

Happy Birthday Pope Francis !

(Credits : https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZYekUwREcm8v-n5bBBJR2ld39kwerNSsjeZJ2xJBakjJi73e1Z-ycOeJQyDOCtx1J1ENtaRvTO_2s6j_dZoXJuQvlpsmg60v_JG2wc7-uPAeCrzHXFvNLu9D2fsIzufdczAIHADSoxSo/s1600/pope-francis1.jpg)

17-Dec-2018 - Third Monday 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)

Let’s watch the Scriptures Luke 1:57-63

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

Reflection

Finally God's promise was fulfilled and Elizabeth gave birth to a son.  And all the neighbors and relatives rejoiced with her.  It is a duty of humanity or brotherly love, which requires us with sincerity to rejoice in the welfare and happiness of our neighbours.

Eight days later, as was customary during those days, the child had to be circumcized and given a name. Baptism has been substituted for circumcision, and should not be neglected as it is a token of spiritual grace. The neighbours and family wanted to name him after his father as it was traditional. But Elizabeth refused.  Remembering the words of the angel to Zechariah, she said that his name would be John. For her, this baby was not just a gift to the family but to the whole world. Then the neighbors asked Zechariah what name he wanted to give the child.  Zechariah immediately got his writing tablet and with total faith wrote, “His name is John.”

What a difference from nine months ago. Then he was filled with doubt, skepticism and hopelessness. The time John was growing in Elizabeth’s womb, and those three months with Mary and her special Child were more than enough to renew Zechariah’s flagging faith. Now with great confidence and boldness, Zechariah gives his son the name the angel had said.

  Christmas Symbol : 

Poinsettia

(Credits: https://www.komsucicek.com/common/img/komsucicek-93.jpg)

The Poinsettia is known as the “Christmas star” or the "Christmas flower." In 1826, while serving as the first US Ambassador to Mexico, Poinsett noticed the poinsettia by the side of a road in Southern Mexico. Fascinated by the leaves, Poinsett brought it back to his greenhouse in South Carolina. Later the Mexicans converted to Christianity as a result of the work of missionaries and became the first to celebrate the poinsettia's Christian meaning. They saw the poinsettia's red leaves as symbols of a deep love for Jesus.

Today choose and pray for a missionary somewhere around the world. They love to know that they are being prayed for and thought about. 

Prayer

Lord, thank you so much for the missionaries around the world who have devoted their lives to sharing the Good News with those who have not heard. Please protect them and give them strength, guide their words and guard their families so that you may use them to the fullest. Give me the boldness to also do the same. Amen. 

Let’s sing along with this carol - 

What Child is This 

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

Quiz Time 

Snowflakes are kisses from Heaven.