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ADVENT and CHRISTMAS
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THE HOLY SEASON OF
ADVENT
The season of Advent is probably one
of the most loved, and beautiful times of the year for the Christian
family.
Advent, a time of waiting for the Lord, a time of preparing our
hearts and our homes to receive him into our midst at the great
feast of Christmas.
Advent is full of symbolism and meaning.
All celebrations are greatly enhanced by good preparation.
It is all too tempting at this time of year to get caught up in
all the hustle and bustle of shopping, selecting presents, arranging
parties etc etc and all this often at the expense of preparing for
the coming of Jesus among us within our hearts , within our families.
Advent is a time of Hope, expectation, prayer and waiting upon the
coming of God, the coming of God at his Nativity, the coming of
God in Glory, the coming of God in the Eucharist ... a time of waiting,
a time for allowing the life within us, the God-life to grow...
At this time of year more than any other we should be united to
Mary the Mother of the Lord, keeping her company in the expectancy
of new life.
Journey this Advent in the company of Mary, in the company of all
as yet unborn life.
Dwell and reflect upon the life within you ...
The days are short and darkness falls soon, this is a beautiful
time to draw aside and pray to the Lord....
The expectant Saviour, the life within Mary, the life given to mankind
by the coming of the Saviour are all symbolised in the green of
the Advent wreath, Jesus the light of our hearts, the Light of this
world, symbolised by the candles we light.
This is a time of Hope, Waiting, Prayer and growth.
We invite you to join us in the spirit of Advent, to enter into
this blessed time, through the various practical suggestions we
will share on this site and also we would like to invite you to
make the various meditations and reflections your own.
May this Advent be for you and your family a unique experience,
a growing together in the love of Christ.
A Poor Clare Colettine Nun
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After having fulfilled that which your
state of life requires of you for love's sake, and the right order
of your family, or the commitments of your religious life,
prepare your heart to surrender to Gods all abiding presence.
God is always, without fail , ever present, but are you present
to Him?
Indeed, ask yourself to whom or what are you most present during
the course of your day? By present I mean, the person or thing that
most commands your attention, time, energy, and indeed your heart
and love.
Whom or what
claims this space?
Your answer should of course be God; but we all know that so many
things call us away from him.
Prepare your heart and your body to be still, light and candle,
and be still.
Reflect upon this: to whom or what has your first heart- beat of
the day – to whom or what are you laying everything aside and placing
at the centre of your day?
If you cannot truthfully answer is this order:
God,
My Family,
My neighbour,
My work,
My self...
Then your order is disordered, and in this season of Advent you
need to reflect and think about your priorities and what actually
your priorities should be.
God is indeed a Jealous Lover and wants, desires the first place
in our hearts.
If this prime place is myself, my own interests, self indulgent
concerns, computers, television, radio, newspapers , cyberspace,
or perhaps a preoccupation with a woman or a man that God has not
allowed me, then I am in a state of disorder.
Animals and pets can have a very valid place in our lives and can
bring us much joy, but they should never replace, nor occupy the
time and space in our hearts that should be for others
We all need, at times, to re-centre our life and choices
Take the time to reflect on all these things; they are so important
if you want to know happiness and joy.
When God is the very centre of our lives, our families, our religious
communities – all else will fall into its correct place.
Make yourself present to God as He is present to you.
A Poor Clare Colettine
Nun
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The Advent themes that probably most readily come to mind during
this holy season of Advent are that of light and darkness.
Enhanced by the presence of the Advent Wreath, or Advent Calendar,
we are drawn by the flame of the candle to reflect upon the place
of both light and darkness in our lives.
The long dark evenings contribute greatly towards this longing for
light, and the warmth it brings..but remember, light burns up the
darkness...to attain light involves some degree of surrender, letting
go, in a word, it involves, suffering.
Looking at the world around us, the world in which we live it is
so easy to see the contests often being played out within the arena
of human lives, wars, conflicts, divisions, and an ever growing
contest between various satanic cults and Christianity.
But let this also be a time when we not only reflect upon the external
darkness, but also the darkness within our own hearts and souls.
We all have darkness and shadows within us, at times God will allow
us to exist in a state of spiritual darkness, at such times we cannot
pray, focus, in fact God may even be a distasteful quantity to us,
but he is inviting us onwards, he is inviting us to trust, to follow
, even though the path is dark and devoid of consolation. This kind
of darkness God allows us out of His great love for us, he allows
it for our greater spiritual health and growth.
By there is another kind of darkness which we have chosen, that
we have purchased for ourselves, and that is the darkness of sin.
The darkness, this inner darkness may be the result of, a stubborn
adherence or perpetuation of an irregular or sinful relationship,
or a refusal to forgive the wrong another has done to us, even though
we may of felt inner promptings to making steps towards reconciliation.
Our inner darkness may be the fruit of some hidden addiction to
drink, drugs, food, sex, or it may be caused by an ever grow web
of lies that we have woven, or a barrier of half truths that we
have created to hide behind...........
There can be many reasons and causes to our inner darkness, but
this season of Advent invites us, indeed calls us towards the light.
Do not loose hope, what ever you perceive within your heart, no
matter how dark and sinful, Jesus Christ is the light bearer, surrender
your life to him.
Reflect during this Advent upon your own darkness, speak to the
Lord about it, ask Mary, the woman clothed with Light to pray for
you.
This is the time to spend time with God, to allow his Spirit and
truth to penetrate your life, and He invites you, indeed calls you
to change....only Christ can illuminate your darkness, but you have
to give your consent, you have to say, yes to the Lord and his Will.
We will be praying for you, that you may be able to step outside
the circle of sin into his light and love, in this way you will
truly experience his saving power this Christmas.
We pray from our hearts that with Christ, with Mary, this Advent
you may be victors in the contest between light and darkness, between
death and life.
God bless you.
A Poor Clare Colettine
Nun
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Today millions of people all over the world know of the existence
the Advent wreath, although many probably are not aware of its Christian
symbolism.
Advent wreaths are sold in stores al around the globe, for some
they are simply an attractive table decoration. But this has its
own message, it shows how attractive the human soul actually finds
the presence of Light! How people are drawn to a light, for many,
it is a means of finding their inner centre and focus.
While the use of green wreaths is found in many pagan cultures down
through the ages, often depicting or representing life, the true
Advent wreath, that is placed in Churches, Christian homes, on doors,
is a comparatively modern phenomena. The wreath is made from the
green of Fir, Spruce, or Pine, or indeed any evergreen shrub or
tree.
It holds four candles representing the 4 weeks of preparation (advent)
for the coming of the Christ child at Christmas. And the Red ribbons
that suspend it are the love of God.
The originator of the Advent wreath as we now know it was a man
called , Johann Hinrich Wichern. He was born in Hamburg in April
1808, and from 1828- 1831 he studied Theology in Berlin. As a Sunday
school teacher in Hamburg, he was soon became acquainted with the
appalling conditions, the misery, destitution, of the young children
and youth of the area.
Johann Wichern was a Christian of exemplary Charity towards the
young and being constantly presented with their misery, built in
Horn, Near Hamburg, what was to become known as, "The Rough House".
It housed many orphans, and homeless children. Johann's aim was
to find employment where possible for these children and also to
give them a home while they were apprentices.
Johann Wichern was also deeply aware of the children's spiritual
needs and he made every effort to instruct them in the Christian
faith. He regarded them all as one big family, and a point of meeting
was to gather them all together to offer all their intentions to
God.
One
Advent Johann Wichern decided that the focal point in the great
hall would be a wreath on which lights would be lit for each Childs
intention ... It was a great success, and from this developed what
is our modern day wreath.
It
was born out of charity and concern for the young.
So perhaps whenever you look upon an Advent wreath during this season
of preparation you can remember to say a prayer for all the homeless,
abused children of our times, and seek practical ways of being a
light to the little ones of God.
A Poor Clare Colettine
Nun
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Normally speaking these wreaths are quite inexpensive to buy and
consist of a circle of green, sometimes interspersed with fir cones.
Within the circle 4 red or purple candles are embedded.
It is however more meaningful to make ones own Advent wreath, and
invite children or grandchildren to assist. In addition the symbolism
of the wreath is not lost when natural fir and cones have been used
Things needed to make the wreath:
A quantity of Evergreen Fir/ Spruce or similar.
Wire or some other binding material.
A circle of wire, polystyrene, or an old bicycle or pram wheel as
the base.
4 short candle holders.
4 red or purple candles.
Lengths of red ribbon.
Simply bind the green , covering the circle.
Fix in the 4 candle holders and candles.
Tie at 3 points on the wreath the red ribbon , Leaving sufficient
length to enable you to suspend from a ceiling or alternatively,
stand your wreath on a low table.
The advent wreath should be placed in a suitable central focus position,
possibly a prayer corner, or on a low table, or , if small, on the
table during family meal times.
The Advent wreath will make a wonderful focus for your home.
Please note do not leave candles unattended .
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For the first Sunday of Advent or whenever your wreath is actually
in situ.
Head of the family: Our help is in the Name of the Lord.
All: Who made Heaven and earth.
Head of Family: Let us pray
O God, by your Word all things are sanctified. Pour forth your blessing
upon this wreath and upon us assembled here.
Grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of
Christ
and may receive from you abundant graces.
Who live and reign for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
The head of the family now blesses the wreath and the assembled
with the Holy Water.
Reading: Isaiah 2.3-5
Head of the Family: Let us pray.
All. All powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good
that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us
to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where He lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
All. Amen... (Then the first candle on the wreath is lit)
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We assemble around the table, or in the vicinity of the Advent Wreath,
preferably in a room with subdued lighting.
The four candles on the wreath
represent the four weeks of preparation for the coming of the Lord
into our lives and homes at Christmas.
On the first Sunday of Advent, and for each day of the following
week we light one candle, on the second Sunday of Advent, and for
each day of the following week we light two candles, and so on,
until the final week when all four candles are lit.
(On the first Sunday before ever commencing the celebration, Bless
your wreath with Holy water, the prayers for the blessing of the
wreath are in a separate section on this site)
Light the candle,
and spend a little time contemplating the beauty, the stillness
of the candle and what it represents for you on your Christian journey,
give everyone a chance to relax and enter into the present moment.
Then a member of the family reads the following:
Week
1
"Father in heaven , you are the Father of all light.
You will not leave us in darkness, you have promised to send Jesus
to us.
He will be light for our lives,
Come Lord Jesus !
Spend time quietly together, a scripture reading may be read, or
thoughts shared. ( This could also be a suitable moment to get one
of the children to open the advent calendar)
Conclude with an Advent Hymn or Poem.
Week
2
Light the 2
candles, and
spend a little time contemplating the beauty, the stillness of the
candles and what they represent for you on your Christian journey,
give everyone a chance to relax and enter into the present moment.
Then a member of the family reads the following.
"Father in heaven, your light enables us to see that which is good,
it also enables us to see that which is not so good among us. Sometimes
there are shadows between us,
( Let each family member then reflect what the shadows are)
Come Lord Jesus, we want your light to shine on the shadows that
are between us, where there is darkness, Lord let your light shine
!
Spend time quietly together, a scripture reading may be read, or
thoughts shared. ( This could also be a suitable moment to get one
of the children to open the advent calendar)
Conclude with an Advent Hymn or Poem.
Week
3
Light the 3 candles,
and spend a little time contemplating the beauty, the stillness
of the candles and what they represent for you on your Christian
journey, give everyone a chance to relax and enter into the present
moment.
Then a member of the family reads the following.
" Jesus , you have given light to those in sadness, those in suffering,
those who are alone, those who know fear, there are also such people
in our very neighbourhood "
( Spend some time recalling to mind those in your immediate area
whom you know to be suffering and alone and think of ways in which
during the following week you can cause the light of Christ to shine
upon them)
" Jesus, let us be your light and warmth for others"
Spend time quietly together, a scripture reading may be read, or
thoughts shared. ( This could also be a suitable moment to get one
of the children to open the advent calendar)
Conclude with an Advent Hymn or Poem.
Week
4
Light the 4
candles, and
spend a little time contemplating the beauty, the stillness of the
candles and what they represent for you on your Christian journey,
give everyone a chance to relax and enter into the present moment.
Then a member of the family reads the following.
"Father in heaven, we will soon celebrate the birth of your Son
and our Saviour Jesus Christ, may these four burning candles show
you that our hearts are prepared and longing for his coming, Come
Lord Jesus, and upon all who dwell in the shadow of death, of war,
and in sin. Come Lord Jesus! "
Spend time quietly together, a scripture reading may be read, or
thoughts shared. ( This could also be a suitable moment to get one
of the children to open the advent calendar)
Conclude with an Advent Hymn or Poem.
Ideally the family crib should replace the space occupied by the
advent wreath close to the feast of the Nativity.
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This is a custom which we keep in community during Advent , you
may enjoy to do this with your greater family, or prayer group,
rosary group, etc etc A minimum of 5-6 persons is recommended.
A star is cut out of silver/white cardboard ,( tea plate or dinner
plate, size) , depending on number of persons participating. It
is then cut into the number of pieces according to how many will
share in this exercise. On the reverse side of the card, the name
of each participant is written, and then the whole star reassembled
and displayed face up with the names hidden on a tray or flat surface.
At the beginning of Advent the leader, offers each person to choose
a piece of the star, the name taken is kept secret.
( If by any chance you draw yourself , see your leader and exchange
in secret).
During Advent the name, the person you have chosen is the object
of your specific prayer, and also , one performs as many acts of
charity for the other that one can, without, hopefully being discovered
who you are !!
In community this may consist of leaving flowers at a sisters door,
or pinning a pretty card up in her work place,or doing her share
of the washing up, you will all have your own unique ideas.
Also during Advent you can make some little thing, some little present
for your Star Friend to receive on Christmas morning, or at dinnertime.
We open ours at Christmas Dinner, sometimes an individual star friend
has been "discovered," but more often that not, sisters are taken
by surprise, usually the present tells them who your partner has
been _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
An added bonus to this very loving exercise is the fact that it
focus's on the Star, and Jesus the Light of the World !!!
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The daily opening of the Advent Calendar is an ideal preparation
for Christmas both for children and for adults. Beginning on the
first Sunday of Advent through to Christmas Eve. Each day during
Advent one of the little doors is opened to reveal a text relevant
to this time of preparation for the coming of Jesus.
It is a very practical exercise encouraging child and adult alike
to practise patience, hope, and a willingness to wait ... wait as
Mary did for the birth of her son.
Usually the opening of the calendar takes place in conjunction with
the Advent wreath celebration, but it can of course be quite independent.
Christian Advent Calendars usually have various symbols printed
on them, the expectant Mary, a Rose, St John the Baptist, possibly
even the great O antiphons. It is an easy task to make one at home.
An alternative would be to stick up on the wall, preferably in the
vicinity of the Advent wreath a picture, possibly an old calendar
picture of an expectant Mother, a rose, etc and each day attach
the little advent quote that we have offered to you on this site.
______________________________________________________________
Advent Calendar
Sunday, November 28th:
" Know that the Lord is coming and with him all his saints;
that day will dawn with wonderful light "
November 29th:
"Come and set us free, Lord God of power and might, Let you
face shine upon us and we shall be saved"
Nov. 30th:
"From the root of Jesse a flower will blossom, the glory of
the Lord will fill the earth, and all creation will see the saving
power of God"
December 1st:
"Come Lord Jesus be our light and our salvation, shine upon
us all"
December 2nd:
"Prepare our hearts O Jesus to be your manger"
December 3rd:
"Teach us to love each other, as Christ loved us for Gods glory,
teach us how to love"
December 4th:
"Lord let my heart be a candle held before you this Advent,
may my light give love and warmth to others"
December 5th:
"I am sending my angel before me, to prepare for my coming,
O Jesus help me to listen to the words of your angel"!
December 6th:
"Come Lord Jesus, come to me in prayer, come to all who need
you , come and be our light"
December 7th:
"Come O Lord, you are the door to heaven, open wide the gates
and draw me to yourself"
December 8th:
"Holy Light on Gods horizon, hope to fallen man ...
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee
"
December 9th:
"Jesus show me today someone who needs your smile and joy and
then help me to give it to them "
December 10th:
"As your coming draws nearer O Lord do not let me loose patience,
but give me the grace to persevere in longing for your Nativity"
December 11th:
"With Mary, think of the life of Jesus growing within you and
give thanks"
December 12th
"O Rising sun that never sets, come and shine upon those who
dwell in darkness and the shadow of death"
December 13th:
"God indeed is my Saviour, I am confident and unafraid, My strength
and my courage is the Lord, and he has become my Saviour"
December 14th:
Look the Lord is coming to save his people, his arms outstretched
in blessing, receive him !
December 15th:
Keep company with Mary and Joseph, and when you hear a knocking
at your heart open the door with joy.
December 16th:
"I am coming soon, I shall dwell in your midst, your God and
King"
December 17th:
His name will be called Emmanuel, God is with us.
December 18th:
" Lord guide our feet on the path of peace and use us to bring
others your peace and hope"
December 19th:
Pray for all unborn life, pray for all women expecting a baby, that
they may welcome their child with joy, for in each child, O Jesus,
you are !
December 20th:
May all your preparations for this feast, allow me to rest in
the manger of your heart.
December 21st:
Come O come Emmanuel
Come and take up your dwelling among us, Come O Lord, our need for
you is so great.
December 22nd:
Thank you Lord for the gift of your love, thank you for the
grace I will receive during this feast, thank you for the hearts
that love me.
December 23rd:
O Jesus how we long for you, Come
fill our hearts, our home with your presence bless us and keep us
close to you.
December 24th:
"My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my
saviour, for he that is mighty has done great things for me, holy
is his name."
.
Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world is come!
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If Jesus Christ is to be the focus of our Christmas celebrations,
if we truly want to celebrate the Nativity as Christians, then we
need to take our Advent preparations seriously.
Advent should be a time of prayer and reflection, a time of conception,
a time of nurturing the life within, manifesting itself at Christmas
by a birth, the birth of what we have meditated upon during Advent,
and for the benefit of others, for the family.
It would probably be quite helpful at the very beginning of Advent
to discuss this as a family, or with a few others; the Holy Spirit
is ever at work amongst us all, and if we pray, inspiration will
be given to us. Advent should be the time when we build both interiorly
and externally, our Christmas Crib.
It is all too easy, and often a sterile procedure amidst all the
hustle and bustle of late Advent to get the crib out of the cupboard,
or from under the stairs and on the 23rd of December, somewhat carelessly
set it up , often off centre where no one in fact can see it. This
is not a conception and a birth, it has very little message, and
will in all probability have very little impact.
This is not the way to confirm our faith in the Christmas Mystery
or the way to teach our children or friends about this extraordinary
event, God becoming man.
The making of a crib should take care, effort, and prayer, it should
transmit to those who see it a message if it is to be real and meaningful.
Many of us have family cribs past down from parents to children,
but we can be imaginative as to what kind of setting we place them
in. Some people buy a new crib every year, some place a minute crib
hardly visible to the eyes on top of the television ... who then
is the main focus?
Let Advent be a creative time. For children especially to get the
maximum out of the Nativity they need to be involved in its construction
and making, their participation encouraged and their ideas implemented
where possible, this is after all a child's feast!
There are many modeling mediums available, and a crib can basically
be made out of anything, paper, cardboard, stones, fir cones, tins,
containers, flower pots, the list is endless, but the finished result
needs to speak.
For example, an infant Jesus wrapped in bin bags and rags, placed
in a cardboard box, representing Jesus being born among the poor,
among the street children of this world might be far more meaningful
for youngsters than a gaudy painted full figure set.
Keep in mind that many children living a city life have never seen
shepherds and sheep, they have never known the stillness of quiet
pastures.
Another example would be that of placing the whole crib in the hands
of God,
an illustration of Fatherhood, the hands being cut out of cardboard,
or even gloves stuffed with wool.
Another idea would be to have the Infant Christ laying in the human
heart, the heart could be made in various ways some complex some
easy, the easiest being simply a piece of red material and the child
within it.
The Christ child holding a dove, an illustration of the Prince of
Peace, placed amongst a collage of the war torn areas of our world.
This whole endeavour is to make the Infant Jesus, truly the Emmanuel,
the God who lives among broken mankind.
Such a project will bring much joy to all those involved, no matter
how small a part they may individually play, because it is alive
and has meaning.
In this way by Christmas day you will truly feel that in some way
you have brought Jesus to birth.
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"Happy ...
HOLIDAY ...?" Really!
We have a responsibility
when we select Christmas cards to send to our
family members, co-workers etc. – the responsibility
of witnessing
to Christ, and not of witnessing to worldly values and tastes.
For HEAVEN'S SAKE ... never utter the inanity "HAPPY
HOLIDAYS"! You are not a pagan ... you are a Catholic, a Christian!
It is the birth of Jesus Christ that we rejoice over! Don't sound
like a commercial. Forget your "correctness" for one day of the
year ... if truly you celebrate HIM!
The Christmas Card trade rakes in enormous amounts of money every
year; all too often it has become merely a social custom, and most
often contains a great deal of insincerity and untruthfulness. How
often we are often prompted to send cards simply because someone
has sent us a card!
We scribble
some really meaningless message and that is it! How much
have we really given of ourselves to others in this?
This attitude is an area that needs, in a practical sense, a conversion,
a metanoia, a "rethinking".
Sometimes we are influenced by so called, "political or social
correctness"... we are reluctant to send a card to someone
whom we think has lost Christian values, someone who is lapsed,
or someone who openly opposes God ...
Instead of just going with the flow, would it not be far better
to send
something that the Holy Spirit might just use to re-ignite faith
in the person who has become lost? Do not loose these opportunities
to bring back the light of Christ.
The sending of cards which depict, plum puddings, Robins, even cats
or dogs, have nothing at all to do with the Christian message, and
most probably to the recipient they are also meaningless, as well,
for most people do appreciate a creation of beauty, a poem, a flower
for instance, but
so many of the cards are a complete waste of money.
Christmas, the Nativity, was the celebration of the Mass of Christmas,
a celebration rejoicing in the birth of Jesus Christ Our Saviour,
and when we send greetings to people our cards should in some way
express that. We are rejoicing that Jesus became man to save us!
So when you write Happy Christmas on your cards, reflect what you
are actually saying.
Take the time to pray, that you may discern what you write on your
card; for some, it may be, sadly, the only card they will get, and
it may take a central place on a table or cupboard, so make sure
that it has a message to give !
For those who can,
handmade cards are undoubtedly the better choice,
and it is with computer technology comparatively easy to produce
something, but even a simple drawing executed by one of your children
or grandchildren would make a better card than much of what one
sees.
Personalized cards are always appreciated, cards where the recipient
feels you have really thought of them.
Cards showing the Christ child are cards that show a pro-life choice.
Cards sent to those of different nationalities are greatly appreciated
when they bear the Christmas greeting in their own language, it
shows thoughtfulness and recognition of the others roots.
The following list is to assist you in case you have any such person
living in your neighbourhood, or place of work.
May The Holy Spirit guide you as you now begin to choose your cards
for the festive season.
Afrikaner................Een
Plesierige Kerfees.
Argentine...............Felices Pasquas Y Felices Ano Nuevo
Bohemian...............Vesele Vanoce
Brazilian.................Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo
Bulgarian................Chestita Koleda
Chinease................Kung Hsi Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan.
Croatian.................Sretan Bozic
Danish....................Glaedelig Jul
English....................Happy Christmas
Esperanto...............Gajan Kristnaskon
Esthonian................Roomsaid Joulu Puhi
French....................Joyeux Noel
German..................Froehliche Weihnachten
Holland..................Vrolyk Kerstfeest en Gelukkig Nieuw Jaar
Hungarian...............Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket
Iraquian..................Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Irish........................Nodlaig mhaith chugnat
Italian.....................Buone Festa Natalizie
Jugoslavian.............Cestitamo Bozic
Lettish....................Priecigus Ziemassvetkus
Lithuanian...............linksmu Kalendu
Norwegian.............God Jul Og Godt Nytt Aar
Polish.....................Boze Narodzenie
Portuguese.............Boas festas
Rumanian...............Sarbatori vesele
Serbian..................Hristos se rodi
Slovakian...............Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce
Spanish..................Feliz Navidad
Swedish.................God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nyatt Ar
Turkish...................Noeliniz Ve Yeni yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian................Srozhdestvom Kristovym
Welsh.....................Nadolig Llawen
A Poor Clare Colettine
Nun
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During the season of Advent and in indeed well before Advent even
commences, we see in superstores, gift shops, catalogues, and glossy
magazines, numerous paintings, images, statues, decorations, of
angels on sale for the Christmas celebrations.
Some are well made, and others less so. Most people find them attractive,
colourful and an indispensable part of the Christmas abundance!
But what and why have they really been purchased? artistic merit,
beauty, symbolism, good luck charm, a vague religious thought, floss
on top of everything else?
Ask yourself, what does the presence, the representation of an angel
in Advent through Christmas actually mean and say to you?
Advent is the time to reflect more deeply on the mystery of our
salvation, of God becoming man, and of all the participants in the
drama.
All too often we allow ourselves to regard these images superficially,
we should not then be surprised that when the actual Nativity is
celebrated we greet it with inner emptiness and barrenness. We need
to prepare well for the feast and enter into whatever dimension
of the Nativity that the Holy Spirit will draw us into.
The Angels are messengers and servants of the Most High God, created
by God, they are pure spiritual creatures, with mighty intelligence
and of a powerful will. They are individual, personal, and the angels
once created are immortal, they surpass in perfection and beauty
all visible creatures.
The angels dwell in beauty and in Light for they ever behold the
very face, the very face of God.
We each have a guardian angel, from the moment of our very conception
until our death; the angels task is to guide us, protect us, and
like a shepherd , lead us to eternal life. Our angel
is ever interceding for us before the throne of God ...
Dwell upon this thought,
every child conceived in
the womb, from the very moment of its conception is gifted with
an angelic protector, even though through human sin this Child's
life be terminated, or lost through sickness, its angel has charge
over it in all its ways.
Already here in this life we share in the heavenly life of the angels,
they have one purpose: to bring us to our God. So let us not trivialise,
minimise, the role of our angel guardians, but think about them,
reflect on these truths anew.
We do not worship angels – Jesus Christ
is Lord, and the angels are His, they belong to Him for they were
created through Him, for Him and His will and purposes. But
we honour them and we pray to them.
Mary is the Queen of Angels, they attend her and all that is hers.
The angels serve ... they adore ... let us imitate them, focusing
upon the Godhead and seeking his face. No greater happiness can
ever come to us in this life than that of being totally surrendered
to God and seeking his kingdom.
Give thanks to God, and ask him this Advent to allow you see more
clearly the role of the angels in human existence.
Enjoy the angels that you purchase, display them to their best advantage,
but above all look beneath the surface at what they represent,
listen to the angelic song at the great feast of the Nativity, Glory
to God in the highest ...
We can have no happiness apart from God ... all else will pass ..
.
Seek the things above, not the things of earth.
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On
November 27th the beautiful season of Advent will begin, when
the Church will celebrate in her liturgy the first Sunday of
Advent.
Spend some time today in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide
you through this very special time of grace, ask the Holy Spirit
to lead you in prayer, and to place within your heart some seed
of the story of salvation.
What the Spirit gives you carry within you all this Advent,
nurture it with love, with reading, with prayer so that by the
time the Nativity arrives it will of been brought to fullness
within you.
It may be that you will like to meditate more deeply on the
joyful mysteries of the Rosary in union with Mary, it maybe
that you will feel drawn to reflect on the daily readings at
Mass, or even from the Divine Office, or it maybe to concentrate
on the various Advent themes of Light and the coming of the
Lord.
Whatever inspiration the Lord gives you strive to be faithful
to it during this Advent, because that, for YOU, is the way
you are being led by God.
Ideally today is also the day when you will gather your branches
and make your Advent wreath, or set up an Advent Candle or Calendar
in your home.
Pray that Jesus will come more fully into your life, into your
family, and into our world.
A Blessed and fruitful Advent to you all!
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December 4th
The Feast of Saint Barbara falls on December 4th, during the first
week of Advent.
The day before her feast we collect bunches of suitable twigs/branches
from various trees and bushes, namely, Pear, Apple, Chestnut, Poplar,
Birch, Forsythia etc, bind 4 -5 branches together and place in individual
jam jars filled with water.
These so called, " Barbara branches" are distributed the following
day on her feast, after the Legend of Saint Barbara has been read.
If the twigs are placed in a warm room, everyone hopes that, her
branches will the the first to burst into leaf on Christmas day,
thus celebrating the birthday of life, Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Children of all ages would enjoy this, and it is another good object
lesson of having to wait patiently until its, "Time has come".......until
the branches burst into leaf and life.
Perhaps you would like to read the legend of Saint Barbara, celebrate
this feast as a family or within a prayer group context, or even
just with a friend.
The
Legend of Saint Barbara
A long, long time ago in Syria there lived a rich merchant who had
a very beautiful daughter called Barbara. The Merchants name was
Diokurus. He lived alone in a magnificent house with his daughter.
He was fiercely protective and possessive of his daughter Barbara,
and no one was allowed to speak to her, communicate with her, without
his prior permission. He organised her meal times, her daily life,
and bought all her clothing.
One day he made it known that he had to go on a long business journey,
and as he was wont to do, in his absence Barbara was led and bidden
to exist in a very great tower, her accommodation was on the very
top floor, only Barbara and Diokurus possessed a key for the tower.
The room had two windows out of which Barbara could contemplate
the view.
" Barbara", he said, " This time I will be away longer than usual,
but you will be quite safe, time will pass and I will bring you
something back from my travels which will bring you joy for the
rest of your life".
" What is it Father?", enquired Barbara. But Diokurus only laughed.
But as it so happened one day, Barbara heard the good News of Christ
Jesus being preached in the market place below, she quickly learnt
of the birth of Jesus, his wonders, his suffering , death and his
return to his Father in heaven.
Barbara was secretly baptised into the Christian faith. And because
she always wanted to have the Holy Trinity before her eyes, she
had an additional window set in her flat at the top of the tower.
So that whenever the light broke through the window she gave praise
and thanks to the Trinity.
After some time her father returned from his journey, and on seeing
the alterations and the addition of the third window his face fell,
who had been in the tower in his absence and what was the meaning
of the third window ?
Diokurus was furious when he heard that Barbara was a Christian
and adoring the Blessed Trinity. He fell into a rage and commanded
her to end such nonsense and that she was to marry the suitor that
he had brought back with him, and with that he locked the door,
imprisoning her in the tower.
Diokurus thought quite wrongly that his beautiful daughter would
change her mind, but Barbara remained fast in her choice.
For four weeks her father held her a prisoner in the tower allowing
her only bread and water, demanding that she abandon Christ and
promising her all the riches and blessings of the world. Barbara
refused.
Outraged the father had Barbara thrown into prison, he handed her
over into the power of the executioner. The Executioner tried with
sweet words of persuasion to win Barbara back to her fathers will,
but she would not yield.
One day within the precincts of the prison, Barbara's dress became
entangled around a little pear tree and a small twig caught in her
dress, on returning to her cell, she placed the twig in a container
of water, then after some days the twig developed buds, and a little
longer still, it blossomed. Barbara was overjoyed she clasped the
twig in her hands and exclaimed, " I thought you were a dead twig,
but out of your wood new life has sprung ".
On this very day, Barbara was dragged out by the executioner and
beheaded by the sword.
We know in faith that the appearance and the reality were something
different, she appeared dead, but in reality her soul had flown
before the throne of God, for she had been faithful to Christ until
the end.
So make plans now, locate the trees from which you will be able
to obtain your branches, and share this beautiful feast with us
all.
ex corde - a Poor Clare Nun
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December
6th
Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra
The feast of Saint
Nicholas is really a feast for children. In many countries Christmas
proper is reserved as a religious festival, the Feast of Saint
Nicholas being the day when children receive gifts of oranges,
sweets, nuts and other surprises.
The feast is regarded
as one of enjoyment, entertainment, laughter and general merry
making after which the whole family get down to the more serious
preparations of Advent.
We always enjoy
this feast, traditionally in the Community Saint Nicholas, accompanied
by his secretary arrive on the evening of the Feast, one of
the sisters being dressed as the good Bishop, Saint Nicholas.
He reads out to each sister a summary of what she has been doing
during the past year, and thanks her for some specific services
to the community, and then gives her a bag of goodies!!! After
the Bishop's visit, the community enjoy a party collation. It
is always much fun and greatly enjoyed by all the sisters.
The celebration
of the visit of Bishop Nicholas could easily be transferred
to a family or group situation. Saint Nicolas could read
amusing events in the life of the individual family members
over the past year, and rewarding them with sweets, chocolates,
nuts and oranges.
The
real Saint Nicholas was an early Christian Bishop who
presided over Myra, a city in Asia Minor
. Because
of his truly remarkable childhood and his selection while still
a youth as a high church official, he has become known as the
boy bishop. Because of his great love for children and his wonderful
relationships with them, and because of his selfless generosity,
many chapels
and churches have been dedicated to his memory.
Russia took him
as a patron Saint and so did Greece. More churches have been
named after him than any of the apostles- three hundred
in Belgium, sixty in Rome, and four hundred in England.
Dutch seamen are supposed to have first carried reports of Saint
Nicholas's generosity to Europe, as a result of which
children in Holland receive special gifts on December 6th.
Let us pray on
this feast day for all children of whatever age they may be.
A Poor Clare Colettine
Nun
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We can always find gems of great beauty within the daily liturgy
of the Church, so many of her prayers, readings, and prefaces in
the Holy Mass can be potentially so enriching, if we do but take
time to reflect upon them. God has provided so much for us to feed
our souls upon in his Word and in the liturgy.
Such is the alternative opening prayer of the
Feast of the Immaculate
Conception
that we are celebrating today.
'Father the
image of the Virgin is found in the Church.
Mary had a faith that your Spirit prepared
and a love that never knew sin,
for you kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception.
Trace in our actions the lines of her love,
in our hearts her readiness of faith.
Prepare once again a world for your Son
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever. Amen.'
A love that never knew sin!
What
a tremendous, magnificent, beautiful statement! Take time to ponder
this truth in your heart! A love that never knew sin. Mary Our Mother,
Our Queen, Our Sister, Our Companion, Mary, the Beloved of our souls,
was, is, that love which has never known sin. She loves perfectly,
totally utterly, you, me ... all of Creation and all God's children,
with a love that never knew sin.
Mary is the embodiment of Saint Paul's image of love,
"Love bears
all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
The love of Mary, for her God, for her children, for you, for m,e
is perfect. It has never been tainted by any shadow or sin, her
love is possessed of no judgment, a love which carries us and loves
us in all our weakness and fragility, a love that can see to the
very depths of our being – and still loves us; a love that knows
the plans that God has for us, a love that can see what we can become
and will become by Gods grace, a love that calls us ever onwards
and upwards to do better, to be better; a love that will stand fast
and faithful to us in all our sufferings, a love that will never
desert us.
We are so loved by Our Heavenly Mother
...!
Trace in our actions the lines of her love.
Today let us pray that we may see anew the beauty, the tenderness,
the great love of Mary, for her God and for us, and that we too
may aim for the higher gifts ... for the greatest of these is love.
Let us keep Mary before our eyes, as an icon of perfect love, imitating
her life of love and service, prayer, and inner pondering of the
Word of God.
A grace filled Feast you to all of you!
Your Loving Sisters
Poor Clare Colettine
Nuns
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a Feast of Light
On the 13th of December we celebrate the feast of Saint Lucy (Lucia).
Lucia means , light, and so it is fitting to celebrate this beautiful
feast on a winter evening.
Traditionally in community, a sister is chosen to be Saint Lucy,
she is dressed in a long white dress, and upon her head she wears
a simple crown on to which 4 long candles are fixed. She is the
" Queen of the Night", light over darkness.
Her task is to call us all into the light of Christ.
Late in the day, all the electric lights are extinguished, and each
sister goes to her cell in the dormitory , having been given an
unlighted candle.
Soon Lucy appears, bearing a lighted taper and a lantern, she sings
as she comes, " The Light of Christ is coming into the world...
Lucy knocks at each sister's door, ignites the sister's candle from
her own, and then beckons the sister to follow her in the ever growing
procession downstairs into the cloister, where a beautiful song
is sung by all. Lucy then leads us into the refectory where we have
our evening meal all by candlelight.... It is always such a beautiful
celebration.... it prefigures, as it were, the fullness of light
that will come at Christmas.
Of course, the principle of this could be applied in a family home
too, and perhaps the reading of the following legend of Saint Lucy
will give you further inspiration of your own.
The Legend of the Lucia Queen
This
is a feast traditional to Sweden but has now become world wide.
Saint Lucy was a Christian maiden who lived many years ago in Rome.
Because she refused to give up her religion she was burnt at the
stake by the order of the Emperor Diocletian.
Her Saint's Day falls on Dec 13th, a day that was actually already
celebrated in pre-Christian Sweden as the beginning of the festival
of light- the Winter solstice, the day when the sun was said to
stand still. Because Saint Lucy's feast coincided with the time
of year when daylight was at its minimum, she was especially loved
by the peoples living in lands that had long winter nights.
In Swedish homes, usually the youngest daughter is chosen to be
the Lucy Queen. On Christmas morning wearing a white gown and a
crown of lighted candles, she brings breakfast and a Christmas song
to all the family assembled.
For us, our Christmas day is usually already full, but you might
like to think of ways of creating a Lucy celebration of your own
on her actual feast.
Lucy is the source of much beautiful imagery, not least in Dante's
"Purgatory", where she wanders through purgatory bearing a light
for those sojourning there. A beautiful touch from a great poet.
Enjoy
your feast of Light with Queen Lucia.
ex corde - a Poor Clare Nun
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Far
off it seemed, and half a fantasy,
that moment when time ceased, and she had been
alive with joy, a swift sweet answering
to that deep love which once had waked the world.
No dream it was indeed, for well she knew
the burden that now she bore within
her solitary darkness was of Him - Its life
had cast a silent shadow on her day,
which fell between her and the one she loved
of all men on earth. She sensed
what people thought, and what they said, and how
they stopped when she came near, and turned to stare -
knew how he tried to smile, but could not hide
the hurt behind his eyes, the pain
to think that they must part, whose ways
were ever one, whose hearts had shared one dream.
She walked in quietness, still a wordless prayer
of waiting on God's will, at peace despite
the rush of furtive whisperings round her name.
Now he knew all, and what had seemed to bring
a sundering as sharp as death, was changed, become
their greatest bond, a future child of joy.
And she too saw that they had not been lost,
those long heart-aching months of sorrowing,
for only through them was she shaped to be
herself the cradle compassing that love
which heals a broken world.
The path was dark, and yet they trusted that
the One who first had formed in her
this strange new life which grew
each day towards its hour, its so longed-for hour,
would bring it to its birth. And so,
slowly, in the fullness of her time,
sharing one faith, hearts holding to one hope,
they took the unknown road to Bethlehem
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The air is cold, and round about us lies
the vastness of the night,
while overhead the stars shine true and clear
and bright with hope.
From far-off come the city's sounds,
confused and distant,
there where the crowds are met, where all the world
is gathering for the enrolment.
Laughter and anger, merriment, abuse,
song and speculation mingle in
the icy winter of the wind.
Inside the stable all is dark,
save for the lanterns glowing,
shining softly, warm and welcoming.
Many are there.
I saw shepherds enter.
They came excitedly with wonder in their eyes,
their voices hushed to tiptoe at the door.
And now they kneel inside,
joyful welcome shining in their eyes,
hearts stirred with hope
and strange sweet exultation.
And I stand here. I too would go with them,
would enter in to greet the child of peace -
Yet here I stand.
Hesitation clutches at my heart
and bids me stay.
The city lies behind - it does not call me back,
for I have seen and know
my life is here - and yet....
Have mercy on me, Lord, on all
who stand without, afraid to enter in,
daunted by dread of love so great, so near,
fearing the freedom of the sons of God.
Have mercy on us now - compel us in.
Lord, let me know the joy of giving all,
surrendering to a child's defenceless love,
grace answering his grace
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Chill
blows the winter wind:
men's hearts are dark within,
faith has grown cold and dim --
yet here is light.
Here, in the mother bending
in silent love, her babe attending,
here there is peace unending,
though it is night.
The world's expectation,
joy of all nations,
the Lord of creation,
born as a child -
Born as our brother,
a maiden his mother,
her heart, as none other,
by sin undefiled.
For souls unheeding,
God's pity needing,
in silence pleading
lies here the Word;
here with us dwelling
in love beyond telling
all our fears quelling,
all sorrows heard.
Cold in the straw he lies,
born like us to die,
Lord and King of paradise,
might with mercy blending.
Mary, gentle mother, hear us -
ever, with your child be near us,
with his love and blessing cheer us
till our journey's ending.
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Child
of our longing, born in a stable,
King of high haven, yet poverty's guest:
Mary of Nazareth, his maiden mother;
God in a manger, laid to rest.
Our lost hearts are seeking the home of the homeless,
the child of God's mercy, who knows not man's sin -
In need of his presence, the light to our darkness,
beggars we come to our beggar-king;
and low we stoop at the stable door,
for only the poor may enter in.
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Forgive
me, Lord, my words,
The world waits hungrily some sound of God --
I cast them to it --Hollowly they fall.
They shrink to emptiness,
an echo fading far, its meaning lost,
a mocking shadow of reality.
They come too easily these words of mine,
too simply, phantoms of the truth.
They do not know
the sharing of man's sorrow, blood and pain.
his haunting fears, his questionings
of life cut short by death's dark wall of night.
They are not the words of life, clear-ringing, strong,
summoning man back from drifting dreams
to Yahweh, He who is.
How can I speak of You, Lord?
A child am I, whose stutterings
but blur Your image, mar and mark your light.
Yet he is here, Your Word made flesh,
in silence swathed,
before whom earth and heaven itself
are hushed in adoration.
These words of mine, poor though they be,
a beggar's alms, I give to Him, the child,
God's Word engraved in flesh --
praying He may touch them with His power,
transforming them to words of hallowing,
of consecrating love,
so that, through them, this world of pain and laughter
may all become Himself, the Word of Life.
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That
God is great, we know,
for men may see 'tis so --
He spoke his Word of Power, and flung
a million whirling worlds afar,
and straightway hung
a throng of shining stars in space,
all for His praise.
But that love could bend so low,
with such great grace,
such tininess, that He should take
enclosed in flesh, nine months to shape
a human form,
our lives to share through joy and care --
it is most strange,
surpassing human thought,
to come, not as He ought,
the one true living Lord
beyond all time and change.
Mary,Mother, may we see
in our flesh his,
eternity;
such silent love so helpless lies;
its weakness all our pride defies -
that we may kneel His love to head,
beg Him to heal our sorry need,
mend what's amiss, and bring is bliss,
and on this day be born indeed
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ex corde - a Poor Clare Nun
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