Happy Christmas.

 

Happy Christmas to all my readers. 

I hope that you receive all the blessings that God has in store for you 

during this blessed season of Christmas- Christmastide.

There is a lot of ponder and contemplate during the Christmas season which starts today on Christmas Day and ends liturgically on Presentation of the Lord ( February 2).  However, most churches end the Christmas season on either solemnity of Epiphany ( when the crib goes away for another year back into storage) or some continue on for another week for Baptism of Our Lord.

Like Advent, Christmastide is a relatively short season.  It can pass with a blink of an eye. 

Why not decide to review your advent goals spiritually and see if any of them need tweeking or decide on a new plan for Christmastide.  In making goals of course, they need to be achievable, so sometimes setting one goal  or perhaps two and working with those goals can be a better course of action.  What ever works for you  in your own unique circumstances is the best course of action.

So perhaps before you go to Mass today or you make some time today plan your Christmastide goals spiritually.   It is such a lovely season and it is this solemnity that we need to hold in our hearts all the year.

My heart goes out to those people in countries where Christmas is not going to be celebrated because of restrictions.  I remembered you in my prayers at Mass today.  I feel your pain.  I remember how I felt when we were in lockdown and could not attend the triduum in person.  It was so very painful spiritually.  I can feel that pain for you not being able attend  Christmas Masses or celebrate Christmas in the way you wish.  

Perhaps for those of us who can celebrate make an effort to do something for our fellow readers who cannot attend church or celebrate at this time.
Suggestions might include:  

• Attend Masses during Christmastide for them.
• Make A visit to Church and pray in front of the crib for them.
• Say a rosary each day in Christmastide.
• Compose a family prayer and say it before meals or sometime during the day with the family to remember people in other countries.  This would be especially important to help children understand that not all children will be playing with toys and having as much fun.  Creating this awareness and helping them think of other people in the world is a great lesson to teach.
• Do something that you wish to do.  

Whether we are near or far, we can always help others in some way.  We all loved to be remembered, to be though of  and be supported.  We can do something for our fellow pilgrims to let them know that God loves them and although they may not be able to celebrate as they wish, we are praying for them and thinking of them.

Personally it was a busy Christmas as I was singing at 3 Masses. It is exhausting too and physically taxing and I felt it a little more this year because my country has had extended lockdown throughout the year.  Obviously I practise regularly singing but it is not quite the same as singing regularly in church every Sunday and attending choir rehearsal weekly.
The voice stays in trim.  However I woke with my usual Christmas eve sore throat.  I was prepared as this happens to me most years.  It makes for a committed effort especially as I was singing O Holy Night as well as a solo.

Anyway,  although the congregation had to wear masks again after a short period of being free of them, it was still good to sing the carols.

May your Christmastide season be truly blessed and 

may we all grow in holiness and love of God who was born for us to save us.

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas

HAPPY CHRISTMAS READERS.

Happy Christmas to all of my readers.  I wish to say thank you for taking an interest in my blog throughout the year.  Knowing that some people are following and reading my posts inspires me to want to write more posts.  So, thank you.  I hope that my posts are on target for your needs.

MANGER AT BETHLEHEM.

My friend was a guide and took a parish group to the Holy Land.  He shared his pilgrimage with his friends on Facebook.  I have his permission to share his photos.  So why am I saying this?

I want to focus our attention now on where it all began- in a stable in Bethlehem.

When I went to the Holy Land back in 2000, I remember being a little shocked actually at the sight of the birth of Christ under the Nativity church. I do not know what I expected, but perhaps i had in my head many crib scenes and somehow expected something similar.  I was initially disappointed when I saw the site.

THE DOOR AT BETHLEHEM

Yet I will never ever forget the experience of going through this little door early in the morning to avoid the crowds and sitting on the stairs waiting for the site to be opened to pilgrims.  I also treasure the Mass we had in St Jerome's chapel early that morning.

I also remember that Christmas and those that have followed- yes, it is nice to have Christmas trees and decorate the house and have lovely presents for everyone.  It is all about showing the importance of Christmas as it is Christ's birthday.  For some people the balance gets out of sync and people go over board.  I remember that first Christmas in 2000 longing for a simpler Christmas and although there was so much going on around me, I tried to keep it simple in my heart and mind by taking myself back to the manger in Bethlehem. The entrance to the manger has no decorations or tinsel.

So as we begin Christmastide in the liturgy ( 12 days of Christmas not the 12 days before Christmas as the shops would lead us to believe), we too need to reflect on what Christmas means to us.  Reflect on each of the characters that the story presents ( perhaps 1 per day even including the animals).  What will each of these characters say to you this year?  You may have done this in the past. You are different than last year or the years before.  Reflect of what Christmas means to you in 2018.  Then think of how your reflection can be carried into the new year.

Christmas is not for a day as the secular world would have us believe or even 12 days as the Church presents it to give us time to reflect on the meaning of the season.  We need to use Christmastide well by reflecting so that we may carry the reflection all year and let the message of Christmas carry forward 365 days.

I was involved in music ministry a a number of Masses, so I had the privilege to hear different reading and different homilies.  As a matter of fact, I heard 2 homilies from  Fr Martin Wallace ( prior at St Dominic's).  I wish to share one with you- one from Christmas Midnight Mass.

HAPPY CHRISTMASTIDE. 

Happy Christmas to you all

Happy Christmas to all of my readers.

Jesus is the reason for the season.  It is a season liturgically until the feast of Epiphany. We can make it our season spiritually as well and in our lives. Christmas is not just one day, but its message must be carried in our hearts all year for 365 days.

Today is the day that Jesus was born- the Word became incarnate is what we say in the Nicene Creed every Sunday.  On this one day of the year, we genuflect on these words. Let us adore in our hearts as we profess with our lips our faith.

As advent has disappeared for another year, and we start Christmastide, we may wish to think about what spiritual progress we made  (or not) and to decide what we will do to progress spiritually during Christmastide.  It is a short season of approx. 12 days depending on how the dates fall. However it is a time not to waste. It is a season to give and receive abundant blessings.

So on this first day of Christmas why not decide on what you will do for the next 12 days? 

I have a tradition of  spending some time each day during these 12 days at the crib at church.  I like to remember parishioners who have helped me during the year, parishioners I need to forgive and past parishioners who can share this precious time with me from Purgatory and Heaven.  I do this because it brings together memories of past Christmases into the present Christmastide.

I also pray for the world and its many needs, those whom I love and treasure and their needs along with those whom I find it hard to forgive. There are many people to think about at the crib.  I gather them all around in my mind and after spending some time in prayer

I give them to Jesus in the crib.

You might like to do this with your family- light a white candle and if you have crib at home then take some moments to spend it together around the crib.

So before Christmas Day ends and the secular world would like to  get caught up in the secular Boxing day sales, cricket, boxing day sailing, tennis and cricket, make a decision to make the most of Christmastide spiritually. 

Remember Jesus is the reason of the season- grow through this wonderful time spiritually.



The Twelve Days of Christmas Series Day 12: Christmas countcown cups and living one day at a time.

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SERIES.

Christmas count down cups.

During Advent, our local supermarket put out their magazine with recipe ideas and of course how we can spend our money at their store in preparation for Christmas. One of their articles the 12 days of Christmas disappointed me because they had used the carol' The Twelve Days of Christmas' and used it to mean the twelve days before Christmas. not the twelve days after Christmas- Christmastide.  Obviously, there is more money to be made before Christmas than after for a supermarket.

In my twelve days of Christmas series, I quote from the article 'Fresh Food Kids' and then add a spiritual connection to help us remain in the season of Christmastide.  Christmas is not just a day as the shops would like us to believe.  Jesus is the reason for the season.

DAY 12 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN CUPS AND ONE DAY AT A TIME

ACTIVITY: TO MAKE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN CUPS

"Hang a length of string so that you can attach the cups. Cut brown paper into twelve pieces big enough to cover 12 plastic tumblers.  Place a length of double-sided tape around the middle of each tumbler.  Roll the paper around each in a cone shape.  Trim top and bottom edges, wavy or pointed.  With a stamp set or glitter markers, label them 1-12.  Attach to the string using Home brand Wooden Pens and fill with your favourite feasts "

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT: ONE DAY AT A TIME

Either before or after the children make their Christmas countdown cups, you may wish to think about living one day at a time and what God says to us about it in Scripture.

 Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?'
For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.
Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day. [ 6:31-34)

This scripture quote is important not just in the Christmastide season when we can enjoy the season one day at a time. By using our countdown cups, we can enjoy the treats we have of the day and look forward to the other days.

However, it is a lesson for the whole year.  We must learn to not worry about what is ahead since God's providence will take of it. It does not mean that we do not have to prepare for the future in our daily lives but that we need to be open at all times to God's providence.

At this point it may be worthwhile for the children to reflect on something they worried about. Did their greatest fear come to fruition? Was their anxiety wasted and did the situation that they worried about turn out better than they expected (God’s providence).

As you light your candles from day 2, you might like to offer the following prayer or a spontaneous one of our own.

Jesus, as we celebrate the 12 days of Christmas,

help us to appreciate the gift of each day.

Help us to use our 'inner countdown cups' during the year

so that we embrace each day with open heart

and a free mind.

Help us to live one day at a time during this year.

The season Christmastide is completed with the Feast of the Solemnity of the Baptism of Our Lord although technically from a liturgical perspective Christmastide continues on until Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple on 2nd February.  So, I now complete this 12 Days of Christmas Series, so that on the Feast of the Solemnity of the Baptism of Our Lord, you may make your own completion to the season of YOUR Christmastide. I hope that this Christmastide has been a joy filled and peaceful one for you and that during this precious season you have grown in the love of God.

The Twelve days of Christmas Series Day 11 Serviette rings and Serving

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SERIES

 Day 11 Serviette rings and Serving

During Advent, our local supermarket put our their magazine with recipe ideas and  of course how we can spend our money at their store in preparation for Christmas. One of their articles the 12 days of Christmas disappointed me because they had used the carol' The Twelve Days of Christmas' and used it to mean the twelve days before Christmas, not the twelve days after Christmas- Christmastide.  Obviously, there is more money to be made before Christmas than after for a supermarket.

In my twelve days of Christmas series, I quote from the article 'Fresh Food Kids' and then add a spiritual connection to help us remain in the season of Christmastide.  Christmas is not just a day as the shops would like us to believe.  Jesus is the reason for the season.

DAY 11 MAKE SERVIETTE RINGS AND SERVING.ACTIVITY: TO MAKE SERVIETTE RINGS

" Cut the leftover roll from a finished roll of paper towel into rings about 4cm wide. Stick Sellotape Double-Sided tape around each ring.  Cut ribbon into lengths and wrap around the rings to complete cover. Secure the end of the ribbon with more tape.  Insert your serviette and place at each place setting at the Christmas table"

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT: SERVING

Either before or after the children make their serviette rings, you may wish to think about what the word serviette means, that is, 'to serve' and what a serviette ring is.  It is a circular band used to hold a particular person's serviette/napkin.

Just as a serviette is complete with a serviette ring, a person who is trying to serve God in his/her vocation also needs other people to help them.  Scripture tells us:
 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?  Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (1 Cor 12:27-30)

Another relevant scripture quote is as follows:

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;  and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one.
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.  To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of  tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
All these are inspired by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (Cor 12:4-11)

You might like to offer the following prayer or a spontaneous one of our own.

Jesus, You give us every person a special purpose in life,

Just as the serviette ring has a function so do we.

We can carry out Your purpose on our own,

but we can also choose to ask others for help and support

so that the journey of serving You in our God's given vocation is enriched.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Series day 10 Place cards and being a child of God

12 Days of Christmas Series

Day 10 Place cards and being a child of God

During Advent, our local supermarket put out their magazine with recipe ideas and of course how we can spend our money at their store in preparation for Christmas. One of their articles the 12 days of Christmas disappointed me because they had used the carol' The Twelve Days of Christmas' and used it to mean the twelve days before Christmas, not the twelve days after Christmas- Christmastide.  Obviously, there is more money to be made before Christmas than after for a supermarket.

In my twelve days of Christmas series, I quote from the article 'Fresh Food Kids' and then add a spiritual connection to help us remain in the season of Christmastide.  Christmas is not just a day as the shops would like us to believe.  Jesus is the reason for the season.

DAY 10 PLACE CARDS AND BEING A CHILD OF GOD.

ACTIVITY: TO MAKE PLACE CARDS

INGREDIENTS
3 cups of plain flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 2 teaspoons of ground Cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, 115g unsalted butter, 3/4 cups golden syrup, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 egg

." 1. Sift flour, baking powders and spices into a medium bowl. Melt butter, golden syrup and brown sugar.  Add to flour mixture with egg and stir until combined.  Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes.
 2. Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Roll out 1 portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut rolled out dough into rectangles 8cm x 5 cm and make a hole in 1 corner using the end of a skewer.  Bake for about 8 minutes then cool and decorate.

 3. Decorate with melted milk chocolate, milk and white chocolate melts, milk and white choc bits and raspberries sweets."

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT: BEING A CHILD OF GOD.

Either before or after the children make their place cards, you may wish to think about the decoration on the place card so that it reflects the person and his/her personality. What is unique about this person? What are his/her gifts and talents? Why is this person special to you? Why is this person so special to God?

Scripture tells us " Beloved, we are God's children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears. we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2).

You might like to help your children to explain to them that everyone on earth is a work in progress. We do not necessary like everyone, but we try our best to love them for God's sake, since God made them in His own likeness.  They, like us are a work in progress. Just as we want others to see the best in us, we need to look with God's eyes when we are with other people. God lives in each person since He made them and God loves each person equally.

You might like to offer the following prayer or a spontaneous one of our own.

Loving God, I am Your child since You made me in Your own likeness.
I thank you for Your creation of me and for loving me.
Give me Your eyes to see the people for whom I have made the place cards,
To value their uniqueness, talents and gifts
and to remember that You are living in them as You live in me.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Series: Day 9 Cupcake wreath and the figure 12

12 Days of Christmas Series: 

Christmas Scene.

Day 9 Cupcake wreath and the figure 12

During Advent, our local supermarket put out their magazine with recipe ideas and of course how we can spend our money at their store in preparation for Christmas. One of their articles the 12 days of Christmas disappointed me because they had used the carol' The Twelve Days of Christmas' and used it to mean the twelve days before Christmas. Not the twelve days after Christmas- Christmastide.  Obviously, there is more money to be made before Christmas than after for a supermarket.

In my twelve days of Christmas series, I quote from the article 'Fresh Food Kids' and then add a spiritual connection to help us remain in the season of Christmastide.  Christmas is not just a day as the shops would like us to believe.  Jesus is the reason for the season.

DAY 9 CUPCAKE WREATH AND THE FIGURE 12.

ACTIVITY: TO MAKE CUPCAKE WREATH

"Prepare a 400g packet Woolworths Select Vanilla Cupcake Mix and bake as per packet instructions. When cool, decorate with icing mixture provided.  Arrange Mini M& M's on top of each cake numbering them from 1-12 to represent the twelve days of Christmas."

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT: THE FIGURE TWELVE.

Either before or after the children make their cupcakes, you may wish to think about the decoration on the cake representing the 12 days of Christmas could also represent the twelve Disciples.  Scripture tells us the names of the 12 disciples as follows:

'The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zeb'edee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mat 10:2-4)

You might like to help your children learn something about each of the disciples and find a scripture quote and/or story that they can associate with that apostle.

2. The figure 12 could also be used to recall one special moment to each family member during these 12 days of Christmas. You might like to sing the carol the twelve days of Christmas

3. The figure 12 could also represent each month of the year.  You may decide as an individual and/or family one resolution that you will aim for and achieve towards your spiritual growth during 2011.

You might like to offer the following prayer or a spontaneous one of our own.

Jesus,  You gave us 12 months in a year
12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles 
and 12 days of Christmas.
Let us be like Peter-enthusiastic to know and serve You,
When we fail, let us not despair like Judas Iscariot,
but learn to be humble and repent.
Help us to make use of each day of the 12 days of Christmas to grow closer to you
To be like the 12 apostles who followed You.

Let each month of this year be a journey of discovery,
and a journey of love for You.

The Twelve Days of Christmas series: Day 8 Wings and Messengers of God

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SERIES:

 

Christmas Scene: 12 Days of Christmas series icon.

Day 8 Wings and Messengers of God

During Advent, our local supermarket put out their magazine with recipe ideas and of course how we can spend our money at their store in preparation for Christmas. One of their articles the 12 days of Christmas disappointed me because they had used the carol' The Twelve Days of Christmas' and used it to mean the twelve days before Christmas. Not the twelve days after Christmas- Christmastide.  Obviously, there is more money to be made before Christmas than after for a supermarket.

In my twelve days of Christmas series, I quote from the article 'Fresh Food Kids' and then add a spiritual connection to help us remain in the season of Christmastide.  Christmas is not just a day as the shops would like us to believe.  Jesus is the reason for the season.

DAY 8 WINGS AND MESSENGERS OF GOD

ACTIVITY: TO MAKE WINGS

"You need 2 pieces of cardboard cut-out into tear drop shapes for the wings. Glue silver crepe paper or paint cotton wool balls and silver ribbon. Using a glue stick, cover one side of each wings with glue.  Open I sheet of crepe paper and place over one wing, covering entire shape, then press down.  Do not worry about the creases, they are part of the look. cutting around the wing get rid of the excess paper.  Repeat this with the second wings.  stick cotton balls along the edge of each wing.  Punch holes along the inside of the wing.  Make sure they match up to the other wing.  Then thread through silver ribbon to hold wings together."

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT: MESSENGERS OF GOD

Either before or after the children make their wings, you may wish to reflect being a messenger of God to others.  There is almost 100 references to angels throughout the bible. Here are 3 important references

·                     The Scene of the Annunciation- Angel Gabriel coming on God's behalf to ask Mary to be the mother of Jesus.

·                     The scene of the Nativity-the angels announces the birth of Jesus-'Gloria in Excelcis Deo'

·                     The Scene of the Resurrection: The angels tell the women that Christ is risen.

Can you think of other key events in the life of Jesus where the angels play an important role? Why not look in your bible to find some other references.

We too can announce good news to others, help and support others in need and at times give a tough message when it is required. We can be messengers of God to others every day. We can be an angel to others every time we assist them because we bring them good news.  We can also ask our own guardian angel to help us to be the person God wants us to be. If you do not know the prayer to the guardian angel why not learn it.

You might like to offer the following prayer or a spontaneous one of our own.

Jesus, help us to be like the angels,
bringing good news to others,
walking beside them in their tough times,
and leading them to You.
During this year, let us be aware of our own guardian angel,
and ask Him to help us in our daily life.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Series: Day 7 Placemats and Called by Name

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SERIES.

During Advent, our local supermarket put out their magazine with recipe ideas and of course how we can spend our money at their store in preparation for Christmas. One of their articles the 12 days of Christmas disappointed me because they had used the carol' The Twelve Days of Christmas' and used it to mean the twelve days before Christmas. Not the twelve days after Christmas- Christmastide.  Obviously, there is more money to be made before Christmas than after for a supermarket.

In my twelve days of Christmas series, I quote from the article 'Fresh Food Kids' and then add a spiritual connection to help us remain in the season of Christmastide.  Christmas is not just a day as the shops would like us to believe.  Jesus is the reason for the season.

DAY 6: PLACE-MATS AND BEING CALLED BY NAME

ACTIVITY: TO MAKE PLACE-MATS

"To make a place-mat for a Christmas Day table setting, cover an A4 drawing canvas with brown paper. Cut out an image from wrapping paper or your own drawing and stick onto the place-mat with glue. Decorate with ribbon, buttons, stickers or gift tags. Stamp or write the name of the person who will be sitting at that place-mat."

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT: BEING CALLED BY NAME.

Either before or after the children make their place-mat setting, you may wish to reflect on the following scripture.

' But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:  "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine'. [Isa 43:1]

When people are invited for dinner and the table is set, they become for that meal, part of the family who invited them.  When the table is set and the place-mats are named, they are no longer just place-mats, but they take on the identity of the person who is named. At God's table He has set each of us a place with our own name. He invites us to His banquet every week on Sunday for Mass and also every day during the week.  Let us remember how special and how unique we are in the sight of God and how He knows each of us by name.

You might like to offer the following prayer or a spontaneous one of our own.

Jesus, You know and love me by my name,

You consider me to be special and unique in Your sight.

Help me to treasure the dignity of being a child of God

and being made in Your own likeness.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Series: Day 6-Letter and commitment to God

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SERIES:

The Christmas scene: The 12 Days of Christmas series icon.

During Advent, our local supermarket put out their magazine with recipe ideas and of course how we can spend our money at their store in preparation for Christmas. One of their articles the 12 days of Christmas disappointed me because they had used the carol' The Twelve Days of Christmas' and used it to mean the twelve days before Christmas. Not the twelve days after Christmas- Christmastide.  Obviously, there is more money to be made before Christmas than after for a supermarket.

In my twelve days of Christmas series, I quote from the article 'Fresh Food Kids' and then add a spiritual connection to help us remain in the season of Christmastide.  Christmas is not just a day as the shops would like us to believe.  Jesus is the reason for the season.

DAY 6: LETTER AND COMMITMENT TO GOD

ACTIVITY: TO WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA

"Write a wish list to Santa. Cut out a sheet of paper, you can make the edges wavy or straight. Glue onto cardboard, slighter bigger than the paper. Decorate with Christmas scatters and write your wish list to Santa with glitter markers."

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT: 'WRITE A LETTER OF COMMITMENT TO GOD.

Either before or after the children write their letter, you may wish to suggest that they write a letter to God outlining their desire to be a better child of God during 2011.  You may wish to tell them  that the bible is God's love letter to each of us, so it is important to read and learn what God desires of us.

As the children discuss their wish list for Santa, they may wish to share their commitment letter to God. Setting a commitment is vital if we desire to grow spiritually, but we must also learn how we will achieve the commitment/goal. What steps are possible and what steps are realistic without being lazy or wanting second best effort?

For example: giving a commitment to say the 20 decades of rosary every day during 2011 is wonderful. However, if this is really not possible, then would it not be better to say 5 decades, or even one decade said with intention and meaning.

On the other hand, you may wish to try to say the whole rosary and find that perhaps there is more time in your day than you think- for example- if you travel to work by public transport, it may be easy to pull out the earphones and say a decade or two as you travel or you might prefer to put the earphones in and get a recording of the rosary.

Everyone must have their own commitment to God, just as we all have our own wish list to Santa whether we are children (or adults).

 Make 2011 a year of commitment to spiritual growth and to becoming closer to God. Surely this is God's wish for you. If you desire it, then God, with our efforts, will bring it to completion.

You might like to offer the following prayer or a spontaneous one of our own on  our commitment to God' during this year.

Jesus, help us to write a commitment letter 
which shows our love for You.
Help our commitment to be practical to our vocation in life
and yet require effort to achieve the spiritual growth we desire.

The Twelve Days of Christmas series Day 5 Decorations -Put on love.

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SERIES

THE CHRISTMAS SCENE: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS  ICON.

Day 5 Decorations -Put on love.

During Advent, our local supermarket put out their magazine with recipe ideas and of course how we can spend our money at their store in preparation for Christmas. One of their articles the 12 days of Christmas disappointed me because they had used the carol' The Twelve Days of Christmas' and used it to mean the twelve days before Christmas. Not the twelve days after Christmas- Christmastide.  Obviously, there is more money to be made before Christmas than after for a supermarket.
 
In my twelve days of Christmas series, I quote from the article 'Fresh Food Kids' and then add a spiritual connection to help us remain in the season of Christmastide.  Christmas is not just a day as the shops would like us to believe.  Jesus is the reason for the season.

DAY 5: DECORATIONS AND 'PUT ON LOVE'.

ACTIVITY: TO MAKE DECORATIONS

"Preparation time= 10 minutes.  Makes about 36.

Sift 5 and half cups pure icing sugar into a large bowl and stir in 4 cups Home Brand Desiccated Coconut. Pour in a 395grams can sweetened condensed milk and I teaspoon of vanilla essence. Divide mixture in half and add a a few drops red food colouring to one portion and mix until combined Roll into balls.
To decorate, tie each with ribbon to resemble a tree decoration or wrap 6 balls in cellophane and tie with ribbon. These can be hung on the tree and given as gifts"
The article notes that you can simply add the food colouring of your choice to the mixture and knead until smooth.

 

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT: 'PUT ON LOVE'

Either before or after the children make their coconut ice baubles decorations, you may wish to reflect on scripture Colossians 3:12-14
'Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
And above all these put-on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony"

The verses before and after this are also applicable and could also be read.

As the children listen and discuss this scripture, they might like to learn this scripture by heart. You may also wish to link it with what they have learnt about the virtues from Day 4.  Just as there are ingredients of the coconut ice mixture which need to be kneaded, there are ingredients in growing closer to God which need to be kneaded into our lives. Just as the coconut ice needs to be rolled into balls, we too knead our spiritual ingredients as scripture tells us 'put on love'.

However, we do not make our 'spiritual coconut ice decorations' for ourselves, we tie them together and give them as decorations and presents for others to see and to give thanks to God. You might like to offer the following prayer or a spontaneous one of our own on  how we may 'put on love' during this year.

Jesus, just as coconut ice is made up of ingredients,
we need to learn to knead into our lives the spiritual ingredients.
Help us to learn how to knead these ingredients
roll them and tie them together as we 'put on love' 
so that all whom we meet may give You the glory.