ADVENT ACTIVITIES

PART II

Dear Children in Christ,

Thanks for the overwhelming response to the last section. We hope and pray that you have succeeded in the preparing return gifts to our gracious Abba Father, who gifted us His only Beloved Son- Jesus Christ.

We have already stepped into the second week of advent and are eagerly waiting for the coming of the Savior. It’s a time to think about how to decorate the little crib as well as your little heart for the arrival of Baby Jesus.

To welcome Jesus, we need to clean the cobwebs and dust off the traces of jealousy, unwanted desires, laziness etc and make our hearts, our thoughts and ourselves ready for the King of this world.

For all those who took an effort in joining us for the advent activity; have already started penance for their little mischief and wrongdoings.

It would be proper to lend a thought towards our faithfulness in the day to day responsibilities as well as the promises taken before the Lord. Just as we unpack our last year’s box of decorations; let us similarly run our thoughts towards our spiritual growth. How much have I grown spiritually from the last Christmas? What all unwanted habits have I got rid off? Have I prayed daily? Sacrificed my small fancy desires to fulfill the requirements of a needy brother/ sister? Have I learnt to let go so that others too may win at times? What about the habit of destroying things? How about that laziness and disobedience which you had bid goodbye to last Christmas?

Do you feel dejected that you could not stand up to your promises? You tend to fail in your promises when you fail in prayer.

So buckle up!

Its only when you pray and try, that the good Lord will pour His Grace in abundance over you. His grace is a supernatural power that can see victory over all weakness and impossible situations. God’s merciful love overpowers the worldly powers, laziness, unwanted desires granting you strength and pleasantness at all times.

So during this second week of advent, do take some time out with utmost dedication to pray, and gain strength and courage to overcome all habits and bring back the lost hope. Be sure to obey your parents and help them in the festive preparations. As Christmas approaches, at every opportunity do good for your family and friends.

TINY PRAYER TO LITTLE KING JESUS

Infant Jesus, all hail, most holy and most loving and most amiable; all glory, honor and praises to You!

Infant Jesus, humble and obedient grant my petition.

Holy Mary, pray for us!

WORDS OF HOPE

Create a new pure heart in me oh! God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. Psalms 51:10

To whom can the holy God be compared?

Is there anyone else like Him?

Look up at the sky!

Who created the stars you see?

The one who leads them out like an army.

His power is so great-

Not one of them is ever missing!

Israel, why then do you complain

that the Lord doesn’t know your troubles

or care if you suffer injustice?

Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God;

He created all the world.

He never grows tired or weary.

No one understands His thoughts

He strengthens those who are weak

and  tired.

Even those who are young grow weak;

young men can fall exhausted.

But those who trust in the Lord for help

will find their strength renewed.

They will rise on wings like eagles;

They will run and not get weary;

They will walk and not grow weak.

{Isaiah 40: 25-30]

As we advance to the second week of Advent, a week dedicated to the holy sacrament of reconciliation; it is time for us to do a thorough examination of our conscience. We may require healing and deliverance in various stages and areas of life.

In order to correct ourselves it is important to distinguish our actions that leads us to sin, to recognize its burden and consequences and the various sickness, diseases that afflicts and influences us.

So list out all the hook and crooked ways that arise lustful thoughts, activities that lead us to the path of destruction blocking the blessings of our life.

Beginning from our various addictions like drinks, drugs, gluttony, internet, bad films, bad friendships, smoking, job etc..to habituated lies, even white lies, gossip, boasting, spreading rumors, unable to see the goodness and prosperity of others.

The list may also include habits that we tend to seek comfort for e.g. comfort eating, watching television, oversleeping, destroying things, etc…

How about adding those that are lacking too, be it lack of sleep, intake of a proper meal at the dedicated time, lack of desire to groom oneself; lack of happiness; lack of spiritual nourishment etc.

The list is endless as well as varies from person to person. These are walls that are preventing God’s love from entering your life.

Let us take note of a woman suffering hemorrhage for twelve long years.

She was aware and of her sickness; with all her attempts to get healed futile she had given up all hope. That’s when she heard about Lord Jesus.

Not wanting to lose even the small chance of healing, she gathered courage from the desire thinking, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured”.  [Mat: 9-21]

In confidence, she touched the tassel of His cloak and behold!  She was healed. Her faith too was celebrated when Lord Jesus said to her, “Courage my daughter your faith has made you well.” At that hour the women was cured [Matthew:9-22]

Let us also wait patiently at the presence of our Lord, seeking Him to reveal what He wants to liberate us from, this week. Spare some time with patience to be still and await His silent reply.

John the Baptist appeared as a preacher in the desert of Judea, said, “Turn away from your sins because the Kingdom of Heaven is here.” God is standing at your side make your heart strong enough to believe that His Kingdom is true and just; and will reach out to you.

As the symbol of second week of Advent light two candles of Advent wreath awaiting His presence. Believe sincerely that the touch of Christ will cure your soul, mind and body.

I recommend you, that if you could spare some time out do visit a Church where the Blessed Sacrament, the Body of Christ dwells as the Most Precious Holy Land making your meditation more suitable and dedicated.

Trust that your effort will bear good fruit and like the unnamed woman, your lives too will be reformed.

PRAYER

God the Father of mercy through the death and resurrection of Your Son deliver me from all sin and habituated vices. Jesus my Master, thank you for having mercy on me. My Lord, I love you above all things with my whole heart and my soul. Lord Jesus like the woman who took the courage to touch You I desire to touch You so that you will console and liberate me.

Holy Spirit help me to grow in holiness. Triune God I adore you, Jesus the way, the truth and the life, I thank you and glorify you for delivering me.

Immaculate heart of the Blessed Mary, assist me always I pray to keep my body pure and my soul holy. Amen. 

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Mary said,” Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to His word.” [Luke 1)

The empire of Sin, in the generation of the wicked had extended its dominion to the utmost limits. The ancient serpent had infected the entire earth with its poison, blinding those who had control over the mortals. Instead of seeking the celestial Supreme God and His will, each set up his own false, misleading laws and finally creating a god according to his likeness, thus leading to further confusion, hatred and severe commotion among mankind. Lucifer the ruler reigned, with pride as his right-hand and fools as the ministers, he sent out proclamation to punish the pure and innocent people.

With days advanced in utter ignorance, errors and scatterbrained, the world in its new laws, blurred and diminished the image and presence of the True God.

God, who was all the more deeply offended, resolved to steer clear the sins of mankind pledging His precious possession, His own dear Son, sun of justice-Christ our Salvation.

It was important to make known to the ignorant mankind the essence of the True God and Heavenly Kingdom.

The right time for the redemption of His Creation, was at hand.

To send his only Beloved Son to the evil reigning earth, God created St. Joachim and St. Anne. While Joachim from Galilee, was a most humble man, leading a life of purity, holy and sincerity, St. Anne with residence in Bethlehem, too lead a life of chastity and humility. She was a beautiful maiden; infused with the knowledge in the Divine Scriptures and the holy sacraments equally excelling in the path with the virtues of faith, hope and love. As the customary tradition, she prayed and awaited the coming of the Messiah: a prayer that was much acceptable to the Lord.

St. Anne prayed fervently for the procurement of a spouse in matrimony, who could continue her to observe all the ancient laws in fulfillment to its percepts. St. Joachim, earnest and incomparably modest and honest to His Provider, too requested the petition of a dutiful spouse.

 Both their prayers were presented at the same time before the Holy Trinity where they were heeded to and fulfilled. 

Thus they both united to marry and became the parents of Her- who was to be the mother of the incarnate God.

In furthermost of this divine decree the archangel Gabriel was sent to pronounce it to both.

To St. Anne, he appeared in a visible form while she was engaged in fervent prayer for the coming of the Savior and redeemer of man; concerned and frightened by seeing the most beautiful and holy prints.  Inwardly rejoiced and enlightened, the Holy Maiden prostrated herself in profound humility to reverence, but the Angel prevented and encouraged as she had been destined to be the Arc of the true Manna- Mary Most Holy Mother of God. 

He said to her “The Most High give thee, His blessing, servant of God and be thy Salvation. His Majesty has heard thy petitions and wishes thee to persevere therein and that continue to clamor for the coming of the redeemer. It is His will that thou accept Joachim as thy spouse for he is a man of upright heart and acceptable to the Lord.  In his company thou will be able to persevere in the observance of his Law and in his service.  Continue thy prayers and thy supplications and be not solicitors for anything else.  Walk in the straight path of justice…etc. and the Angel disappeared leaving her enlightened in many mysteries of Holy Scriptures and comforted by renewing her Spirit”

To St. Joachim, the Archangel did not appear in a corpal manner but he spoke to the man of God in his sleep and followed, “Joachim, be thou blessed by the right hand of the Most High! persevere in thy desire and live according to rectitude and perfection . It is the will of the Almighty that thou receive St. Anne as thy spouse for her the Lord had visited with his blessings. Take care of her and esteem her as a pledge of the Most High and give thanks to his Majesty because he has given her into thy charge.  Immediately St. Joachim asked for the hand of the most chaste St. Anne and in most obedience to the divine ordainment they espoused each other.

But they never manifested each other the secret mystery for several years.  They lived to themselves with an undisturbed peace and union of heart without quarrel or a shadow of a grudge. This fortunate couple passed twenty years of their married life without issues.

Being a childless couple they had to bear much disgrace, insult and reproach from their neighbors and Jewish people; yet they continued in most fervent prayers from the bottom of their hearts, mindful of the command from the Most High; they had prepared and vowed to the Lord that If the Most High was willing to answer their supplication they would consecrate him/her to His service in the temple of Jerusalem. The holy man full of shame and confusion he prayed; as he was hastened away from the temple full of sorrow, however he maintained his peace and contentment. They both continued their prayers.

Once again Archangel Gabriel enlightened and consoled both St. Joachim and St. Anne telling them their prayers have come to the Holy presence and their petitions are heard in clemency. Together they gave thanks to the Almighty for His wonderful Blessings and offered special gifts and sacrifices. 

Neither to Joachim nor to anyone did prudent matron Anne ever disclose the secret that her daughter was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. However, in the last moments of his life the Almighty made the secret known to him. 

The most cheerful mother, holy Anne passed the days of her pregnancy spiritualized by the works of the sweet Holy Spirit in all her faculties.

Thus the day most fortunate for the world arrived! Mary was born; pure and stainless, beautiful and full of grace, thereby demonstrating that she was free form the law and the tribute of sin. 

With Loved filled blessings, 

Your Sister in Christ

PSALMS 81

A SONG FOR A FESTIVAL

Shout for joy to God our Defender

Sing praise to the God of Jacob

Start the music and beat the tambourines

Play pleasant music on the harps and lyres.

Blow the trumpets for the festival,

When the moon is new and when the moon is full.

This is the law in Israel, an order from the God of Jacob.

He gave it to the people of Israel,

when He attacked the land of Egypt.

I hear and unknown voice saying,

‘I took the burdens off your backs,

I let you put down your loads of bricks.’

When you were in trouble you called to me

And I saved you.

From my hiding place in the storm I answered you.

I put you to the test at the springs of Meribah.

Listen my people to my warning,

Israel how I wish you would listen to me.

You must never worship another God

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt

Open your mouth and I will feed you.

But my people would not listen to me,

Israel would not obey me.

So I let them go there stubborn ways and do whatever they wanted

How I wish my people would listen to me

How I wish they would obey me

I would quickly defeat their enemies and conquer all their foes

Those who hate me would bow in fear before me

Their punishment would last forever

But I would feed you with the finest wheat

and satisfy you with will honey.

                                                                                                       

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF BARUCH

Jerusalem take off the clothes you have worn in your mourning and put on the eternal splendor of God’s glory.  Put round you the cloak of God’s righteousness.  Place your head the crown of glory of the eternal God.  God will show your splendor to every nation on earth.  Forever He will say to you.  Your security comes from your righteousness and your splendor from your devotion to me. 

Get up, Jerusalem, stand on the mountain top, see where God the holy one is bringing your children together from the east and from the west.  They are rejoicing that God has remembered them.  Jerusalem, your children were led away by their enemies.  They left you on foot but God is bringing them back to you, carried in royal splendor.  God has commanded that the valleys shall be filled and the ground leveled, so that the people of Israel may come safely home in the glory of God.  At the command of God, forests of fragrant trees will spring up to provide shade for the people of Israel.  God will lead Israel home.  They will return with great joy, guided by His mercy and righteousness, surrounded by the light of His glorious presence. (CHAPTER 5 :1 – 9)

This is the Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

GOD LOVED THE WORLD SO MUCH…..

The Lord says, “I am the vine and you are the branches.  Whoever remains in Me and I in Him will bear much fruit, for you can do nothing without Me.” (John 15:15)

PART II

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After their mission we can see that seventy two of them came back, safely, in great joy shouting, “Lord, even demons obeyed us when we gave them a command in your Name!”  Lord Jesus witnessed their mission saying, “I saw satan fall like lightning from heaven.” 

Again Lord Jesus emphasized, “I have given you the authority so that you can walk on snakes and scorpions and overcome all the power of the enemy and nothing will hurt you.” 

A silent advice speaks to us.  Do not be proud or over-boastful, it is His Name, Power and Authority that performs the transformation in the people for the glory of God, we are mere workers.  The Master commands that we are witnesses. 

The more God works through you be more humbly submissive at His strong feet.  When He trims you accept and bear its pain, looking at the Master who is on the Holy Cross.  You will regain your strength since He wants you to grow as well as simply walk in the path of Your Master. 

He continued saying, “Don’t bother about what happened to your enemy.  Rejoice because there are greater things happened in you all.  Your name is written in the Living Book by the Father Almighty.  Exalt Him and enjoy for the Father is pleased with your mission.”

Dear readers of KLWC, I should not forget to mention one of the mysteries of our Lord’s mission which is a lesson to all of us.  They all went empty handed.  Did they complain to the Lord about being unwelcomed in homes, what happened to all of them, whether they were given food, water or shelter, where they went, what kind of reception they received, how long it took, the attitude of people. 

Nothing mattered

We are sure that, the disciples behaved as the Master had instructed them.  They went all over and exercised what they learned in their school.  More freely because the Master was not physically present.  The curtains were not put down. 

At that Lord Jesus was filled with joy by the Holy Spirit and said to the Father, “Lord of Heaven and earth! I thank you! Because you have shown to the unlearned what you have hidden from the wise and learned.  Yes Father, this was how you wanted it to happen.

After offering bouquets of gratitude from His joy-filled meek heart, turning to the disciples, He spoke to them in private!

“How fortunate you are to see the things you see.”

Filled with so much love, He continued, “I will tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see but they could not; and to hear what you hear but they did not.”

Lord Jesus remembered all those ancestors who suffered for Salvation.

Yes dear ones, Lord Jesus rejoiced in all fullness.

“There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His disciples didn’t even have the time to eat. So He said to them, “Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone and you can rest a while.” (Mark 6:31)

The crowds realizing that He was going, began to follow Jesus. Moved by the requests and demand of the people, Jesus stayed with the crowd, while He sent his disciples to rest.

In our busy schedule, running to capture the crowd of this world, let us not forget the Lord’s word of warning: “I am the vine and you are the branches.  Whoever remains in Me and I in Him will bear much fruit, for you can do nothing without Me.” (John 15:15)

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ 

GOD LOVED THE WORLD SO MUCH…..

The Lord says, “I am the vine and you are the branches.  Whoever remains in Me and I in Him will bear much fruit, for you can do nothing without Me.” (John 15:15)

The Sovereign Lord chose and preserved Blessed Mary, His beloved daughter to be the Mother of His Son, Jesus Christ.  She conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and gave birth to Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. Little Jesus lived in Nazareth obedient to His mother and foster father St. Joseph.  He lived a quite life, grew both in body and wisdom gaining favor with God and men.  At the appropriate time of the Almighty Father for His mission, John the Baptist was appointed by God to prepare the straight path for the Lord to introduce Jesus Christ to the people saying, “There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

In the past God spoke to our ancestors many times and in many ways through prophets, but in these last days He has been vocal to us through His beloved Son Jesus Christ. 

You are acquainted with the message He sent to the people of Israel proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ who is the Lord of all.  Beginning in Galilee, the great event took place throughout the land of Israel.  He went everywhere doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil. 

The Evangelist St. Luke beautifully narrates that Jesus went through the towns and villages of Jerusalem teaching and preaching the Good News. (Luke 13)

Meanwhile, He called and gathered His disciples and taught them.  The moment they heard the call, they left all their belongings and joined Jesus Christ.  Let us look at the Lord’s academy in the true light of scripture - they were sent two by two to the world ahead of Him to every place and town where He Himself was to go.  Just as mothers instruct their children when sending them to school, so also Jesus gave some instructions and advises to his disciples. 

Dear ones in Christ, I wish to drawn your attention to His instructions. 

Let us imagine seventy two of His disciples marching out two by two in different direction – the sight brings us immense joy which is inexpressible. 

Lord Jesus must have been so content and from the depth of His heart glorified Sovereign God the Father.  Both might have saluted each other and the Father may have applauded His Son’s hands. 

The third person, the innocent Dove must have flapped His wings and danced around Them. 

What a heartfelt vision!

 Truly tears of victory overflows.  May the Name above all names; the Supreme Lord Jesus be praised, honored, glorified by all people from every tribe, language, nation and race.  Alleluia!  Amen!

The Gospel is not describing why He sent His disciples two by two, together.  But as you go through His teachings one of the main reason for this is in line with His Promise, “Whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in Heaven.”  (Matthew 18:19). 

So also God our Father created woman because He found that it was not good for one to be alone.  Two is the minimum number to avoid being unaccompanied and lonely. 

He said to His disciples, “Be wise and careful.  I am sending you like lambs among the wolves.”  Thus it can also be for the protection for each other in case of danger. 

He further warned them, “Don’t take a purse, a beggar’s bag or shoes.  Don’t look here and there or don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.”  The extreme simplicity of His Mission gives us firm confidence of His Word of God. “Seek His Kingdom, rest all will be added!”

Yes, dear ones, little water or some bites in a bag are not a luxury.  It shows the perfect submissiveness and refuge the Teacher has in His Perfect Father and the disciples were to gain the same refuge through obedience.

Lord Jesus permitted them to carry only bare minimum essential things - a pair of sandals to walk,  a staff to defend oneself against dangerous animals, a garment that could be put on at the time of departure. 

Then again the Master advised them, “Listen, whenever you go into a house, first say, “Peace be with this house.”  If a peace loving man lives there let your greeting of peace remain on him.”  Welcoming a person to your home, greeting each other is the entry of Lord Jesus – the King of Peace. 

As per your faith and behavior, His peace will transform your home.  He is the true way to your prosperity.  Lord Jesus did not send His disciples to synagogues, to kings or leaders or to towns.  He sent them to ordinary people’s home – to all homes, none were excluded, except those who rejected them. 

He reminds them about those who reject them, to have the dust from their feet wiped off against them.  What does this mean?

 It emphasizes silently, “We don’t have anything in common with you.” 

God’s chosen disciples are the reflection of Lord Jesus.  Outwardly they may not be attractive or you may find no qualities of this world such as extra smartness, but they are kept separate to get detached of all worldly ways but inwardly they are like sunshine.

As per the instructions of their Master, they were finally sent, after being given authority to heal the sick and drive out the devil.  They went out and preached that people should turn away from their sins.

                                                                                                            ( to be continued…..)

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ 

CHRISTEEN SECTION

ADVENT ACTIVITIES

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for He has visited and redeemed His people….

We have already stepped into the concluding month of the year and are eagerly waiting Christmas. It’s that time of the year when you offer a small but the best place of your home for the Nativity.

This week we recommend that you vacate the area meant for the Holy Crib; after cleaning and making it spotless, place a basket or a hang a stocking.

You must be wondering why a basket or a stocking and not the crib?

Let us remind ourselves that our small home, our family and neighborhood are all to welcome the King of the World; So our preparations to are to greet and match His Royal Highness.

Sitting at the selected area, let us recite a small prayer: Abba Father, Creator of the earth we offer bouquets of Thanksgiving for this beautiful place to recreate the Nativity Scene in our humble home.

Now be seated near the basket and make a note of all your needs for this Christmas. It could vary from your personal shopping list, decorations, to small gifts for your friends, cousins, for the lonely neighbor. Now make a list of all those whom you would like to gift but are far away; make small prayers asking God to reach to them on your behalf. Let us also not forget those who have lost their near and dear ones and are in mourning during this season. Note down small prayers for all those who love you and also for those who dislike you.

Subsequently,  make a list of good deeds that you wish to do; it could be as small as sharing your belongings to those who are in need, or to forgo  yourself from all fancy desires or a small penance to make up for those times when disobedience and laziness overtook you. 

Through these acts of kindness, we would be preparing an infant set for all little new born girls and boys and offer it as a gift to our King, so that our generous Lord can distribute it to them throughout the world.

Dear children, can you imagine how many warm clothes would be required? There are so many needy ones in this world that only the Holy Lord can see through His generous Eyes and His Holy hands wish to gift and embrace them!

So start preparing yourself to weave and wrap as many as infant sets to gift the Royal King. 

Let us help you to get started:

NO	LIST OF REQUIREMENT	PRAYERS TO FULFILL
1	A Basket of warm clothes	Come Lord Jesus, Come and be born in my heart. Help me to make a basket of warm clothes.
2	Bathing Products	Come Lord Jesus, Come and be born in my heart. Help me to make a basket of bathing products
3	Feeding Sets	Come Lord Jesus, Come and be born in my heart. Help me to make a basket of feeding sets.
4	Toys	Come Lord Jesus, Come and be born in my heart. Help me to make a basket of toys.
5	Soothing, Harmony Music	Come Lord Jesus, Come and be born in my heart. Help me to make  music
6	Wisdom for parents	Come Lord Jesus, Come and be born in my heart. Grant your Divine wisdom for parents
7	Guidance and health for the Nanny	Come Lord Jesus, Come and be born in my heart. Grant your divine guidance to the Nanny

Dear Lord Send many guardian angels to provide light, comfort, joy and peace to every newborn’s home.

Conclude the prayer with One Our Father, Hail Mary and a Glory Be.

Thank you Abba Father for this Joyous occasion- Christmas.

Thank you Mother Mary and St. Joseph for this beautiful gift of Christmas.

Little King Jesus, Prince of peace, we thank you; praise You; We worship You. Amen!

With love filled blessings,

Your sister in Christ

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Jesus spoke sternly to them, “Don’t tell this to anyone!” (Matthew 9:30)

Those who try to hide their plans from the Lord are doomed! They carry out their schemes in secret and think no one will see them or know what they are doing. They will turn everything upside down. Which is more important, the potter or the clay? Can something you have made say, “You didn’t make me?” or can it say, “You don’t know what you are doing?”

As the saying goes, before long the dense forest will become farmland, and the farmland will go back to forest.

When that day comes, the deaf will be able to hear a book being read aloud, and the blind, who have been living in darkness, will open their eyes and see. Poor and humble people will once again find the happiness which the Lord, the holy God of Israel, gives. It will be the end of those who oppress others and show contempt for God. Every sinner will be destroyed.

God will destroy those who slander others, those who prevent the punishment of criminals, and those who tell lies to keep honest people from getting justice.

So now the Lord, the God of Israel, who rescued Abraham from trouble, says, “My people, you will not be disgraced any longer, and your faces will no longer be pale with shame. When you see the children that I will give you, then you will acknowledge that I am the Holy God of Israel.  You will honor me and stand in awe of Me. Foolish people will learn to understand, and those who are always grumbling will be glad to be taught. (Isaiah 29:15-24)

As the prophet predicted, Jesus Christ performed incredible feats of healing on those who approached Him with their illness. After the Lord cured the blind man, He sternly instructed him not to tell anyone.

·       But who can keep quiet after being the recipient of the wonderful works of the Lord?

·       How can one suppress these joyous incidents?

·       What is the blessing granted to you by God that overfilled your heart with joy and changed the course of your life?

So let us spend five minute in absolute silence to meditate and think about the Mighty Blessings received from God!

For the second day of advent, we suggest you to communicate to a friend about your experience when God’s love touched your life; and spread your happiness.

With love filled blessings, 

Your Sister in Christ

WAITING IN ANTICIPATION

 Mary said “I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it happen to me as You have said” [Luke 1:38]

The liturgical year begins with the Advent season. May this season of Advent enable us to enrich our lives as we remember, celebrate and believe in the coming of the Savior.

This is also the time to prepare spiritually for ways that Jesus can be born to us, each and every moment of each day. It is also an occasion to revisit the Nativity scene that taught us how the word was made flesh so as to be among us, to save us and educate us to live in love with eyes fixed on God our Father.

Though the season is filled with love, joy and cheer; Advent implicates arrival; that also reminds us to await Jesus the King who will come again to take us to our Eternal Home.

Unlike the lent season which is devoted to repentance, penance and the Sorrowful Passion of our Lord, the advent breezes in with  joyous preparation, expectation and some sweet, small sacrifices of desires that brightens the arrival of the Baby Jesus.

Advent activities can be encouraged by elders for children spreading more zeal and diversion in their busy schedule.  Reminiscing about our own religious experience, our childhood Christmas’ makes them delighted and a new hope filled with anticipation looking forward to welcoming our Savior.

We recommend you not to burden the little hearts of the children by imposing strict rituals that have been blindly followed for years; rather enable them to enjoy while partaking in the family preparations. Our actions are a child’s best teacher. They keenly observe, learn and repeat what we tend to do and even when we fail to reach our limits.

So, as we step into the season of Advent today, let us entrust ourselves to be more spiritually committed and our minds always active, to make the days holy and more family oriented. Let us today take the first step to clear our own spirit, so we are able to present ourselves to others in a better conduct and to share and spread the grace that we have received.

This year of advent, let us like the Holy Mother Mary who obeyed God’s Word, bear in our heart God’s declaration which can pierce you and change you into a new being.

Let us begin this sweet journey of advent in ways and deeds that are pleasing to God, with a sprinkle of our sacrifice to enhance the season’s taste and lighting the first candle which reminds us that we are preparing for the arrival of Jesus, the light of the world.

On the first day let us begin it by visiting our sick neighbor, or by providing a meal for a person…in our own little ways we can offer these little deeds of ours thus bringing contentment and joy for ourselves and the others.

With love filled blessings, 

Your Sister in Christ