Wishing you all a new year filled with God's love!

Wishing you all a new year filled with God's love!

Two new link categories

It seems I can't get away from adding new links. I'm just destined to have them go on and on into eternity!

I've added two new categories.

First, DIY/Indie/Make it yourself. There are links there for making/redesigning your own clothes, crafts, household items and even technology. I love the idea of being able to adapt what you have (or something that can be gotten for free or cheap). As Gary Larsen said in the Far Side cartoon which was painted on my RA's door in college, "We don't have to be just sheep!"


Speaking of sheep, the second category is one I will leave up well after the Christmas Season ends: Creche/Manger Scene Links. I am thrilled to know that there are groups dedicated to constructing, preserving and enjoying manger scenes. I wish I could leave up my manger scenes all year...

Two new link categories

It seems I can't get away from adding new links. I'm just destined to have them go on and on into eternity!

I've added two new categories.

First, DIY/Indie/Make it yourself. There are links there for making/redesigning your own clothes, crafts, household items and even technology. I love the idea of being able to adapt what you have (or something that can be gotten for free or cheap). As Gary Larsen said in the Far Side cartoon which was painted on my RA's door in college, "We don't have to be just sheep!"


Speaking of sheep, the second category is one I will leave up well after the Christmas Season ends: Creche/Manger Scene Links. I am thrilled to know that there are groups dedicated to constructing, preserving and enjoying manger scenes. I wish I could leave up my manger scenes all year...

Ave Maria for Peace

I've neglected my Ave Maria for Peace posts and thought I should put one up today in light of the tragic assasination of Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan. This Ave Maria is by Angelica Sepe and features footage of Mother Teresa and of India. Please pray for peace in that region of the world.

Ave Maria for Peace

I've neglected my Ave Maria for Peace posts and thought I should put one up today in light of the tragic assasination of Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan. This Ave Maria is by Angelica Sepe and features footage of Mother Teresa and of India. Please pray for peace in that region of the world.

Today's Holy Innocents

Today is the feast of the Holy Innocents--the boys between birth and age 2, slain by King Herod's men in the bible. Herod was threatened by the idea that the Christ Child had been born in Bethlehem, as promised in Scripture, and that He would overthrow Herod and become king.

Today, children, babies, are once again seen as threatening burdens and not the blessings that they are. People are told that sex is a right and a need, whether or not they are married, and that some simple things will take the "risk" out of it and make it "safe".

Contraception is seen as fool proof if used correctly. It is not. There are user and method failures for all types of contraception. What happens then? Abortion becomes the "solution". "No one will know. Its just a blob of cells," women are told.

Women are being fooled into buying the idea that there is such a thing as consequence-free sex. What this really means is that women are becoming *more* clearly sexual objects than they ever were in the past. There is no longer a need for men to commit, either to marriage or even to a career, because sex is now viewed as being a basic need innately without consequences.

It is seen as a fault and weakness if a woman has sex and, *gasp*, manages to conceive a child. Honeymoon babies are seen as tragic "mistakes" and couples who wish to have more than one, or two children at the most, are ridiculed and put down, often by members of their own family.

It is truly counter cultural today to decide that sex belongs within marriage, if for no other reason than that sex tends to produce babies who need a stable environment in which to be raised. In order for men to step up to the plate and care for their children, women need to demand stable, marital commitment from them before sex ever takes place.

So, on this feast of the Holy Innocents, think of just who our "holy innocents" are today: those children who are called "mistakes"--those children who are killed merely because their parents are not brave enough to face the fact that they exist.

Today's Holy Innocents

Today is the feast of the Holy Innocents--the boys between birth and age 2, slain by King Herod's men in the bible. Herod was threatened by the idea that the Christ Child had been born in Bethlehem, as promised in Scripture, and that He would overthrow Herod and become king.

Today, children, babies, are once again seen as threatening burdens and not the blessings that they are. People are told that sex is a right and a need, whether or not they are married, and that some simple things will take the "risk" out of it and make it "safe".

Contraception is seen as fool proof if used correctly. It is not. There are user and method failures for all types of contraception. What happens then? Abortion becomes the "solution". "No one will know. Its just a blob of cells," women are told.

Women are being fooled into buying the idea that there is such a thing as consequence-free sex. What this really means is that women are becoming *more* clearly sexual objects than they ever were in the past. There is no longer a need for men to commit, either to marriage or even to a career, because sex is now viewed as being a basic need innately without consequences.

It is seen as a fault and weakness if a woman has sex and, *gasp*, manages to conceive a child. Honeymoon babies are seen as tragic "mistakes" and couples who wish to have more than one, or two children at the most, are ridiculed and put down, often by members of their own family.

It is truly counter cultural today to decide that sex belongs within marriage, if for no other reason than that sex tends to produce babies who need a stable environment in which to be raised. In order for men to step up to the plate and care for their children, women need to demand stable, marital commitment from them before sex ever takes place.

So, on this feast of the Holy Innocents, think of just who our "holy innocents" are today: those children who are called "mistakes"--those children who are killed merely because their parents are not brave enough to face the fact that they exist.

Does Christmas Depress You?

I came across a post on Unam Sanctuam Catholicam that I think goes a long way towards explaining the common feeling of angst and depression that comes to many during the Christmas Season.

Before I go into anything that Boniface has said, let me point out one thing at the start: Christmas *is* a SEASON (which should be lived year 'round, really). Christmas is NOT a "day." I turn on my Sirius Christmas channel today to hear that they are back to Chopin and away from anything Christmas. That is so sad. No wonder people get depressed at Christmas. It is hyped up by the media from October onward, made into a mad frenzy of consumerism, and tossed away the day after, like every expensive consumable we have worked so hard to purchase that is supposed to bring us happiness.

This lack of lasting happiness is shown in many secular Christmas songs. Boniface, of Unam Sanctam Catholicam points out that many of today's nostalgically favorite secular Christmas songs were written in the post World War II era of the 1940's and '50's, and sing longingly of a past that was beginning to become out of reach for many in those days, and is gone completely for us today. The idea of many generations coming to a family farm for Christmas ("Home for the Holidays") or riding through drifts of snow in a sleigh pulled by horses wearing bells ("Jingle Bells") makes Christmas into nothing more than a nostalgic look back at something that is long gone. Even "White Christmas" assumes that an uncontrollable winter weather event (with apologies to Al Gore) is what *makes* it Christmas. Without Christ, humanity has gone back to seeking joy and happiness where it doesn't exist--in things; in gifts and possessions; in the weather; in lifestyles mostly gone.

I shudder to think what our more "modern" Christmas songs are telling us. "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer"? "Santa Baby"? Christmas, like Christianity in general is now something to be put down and made fun of, like the picked-on kid at school.

As Boniface says, "this secular Christmas music exposes how bankrupt our culture is..."

Oh.

No wonder we're depressed.

If we don't celebrate the birth of Christ, we are forced to celebrate "Blatant Consumer Day", or perhaps, "Depressing Nostalgia Day", by shopping until we drop and then running to the stores the next day to take it all back, because its not what we wanted.

Take a look, in contrast, at Christmas Hymns.

Good Christian Men, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing.

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels. O come, let us adore Him!

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o're the plains. And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis deo!

Hark, the herald angels sing! Glory to the newborn King! Peace on Earth and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled. Joyful all ye nations rise. Join the triumph of the skies. With angelic hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem.

That's what Christmas is all about. That is what brings joy to the heart, no matter what type of nostalgic lifestyle you may or may not be presently practicing.

Joy comes first, through Christ. What we do for others, is an outgrowth of our love for Him, which comes from His love for us.

Does Christmas Depress You?

I came across a post on Unam Sanctuam Catholicam that I think goes a long way towards explaining the common feeling of angst and depression that comes to many during the Christmas Season.

Before I go into anything that Boniface has said, let me point out one thing at the start: Christmas *is* a SEASON (which should be lived year 'round, really). Christmas is NOT a "day." I turn on my Sirius Christmas channel today to hear that they are back to Chopin and away from anything Christmas. That is so sad. No wonder people get depressed at Christmas. It is hyped up by the media from October onward, made into a mad frenzy of consumerism, and tossed away the day after, like every expensive consumable we have worked so hard to purchase that is supposed to bring us happiness.

This lack of lasting happiness is shown in many secular Christmas songs. Boniface, of Unam Sanctam Catholicam points out that many of today's nostalgically favorite secular Christmas songs were written in the post World War II era of the 1940's and '50's, and sing longingly of a past that was beginning to become out of reach for many in those days, and is gone completely for us today. The idea of many generations coming to a family farm for Christmas ("Home for the Holidays") or riding through drifts of snow in a sleigh pulled by horses wearing bells ("Jingle Bells") makes Christmas into nothing more than a nostalgic look back at something that is long gone. Even "White Christmas" assumes that an uncontrollable winter weather event (with apologies to Al Gore) is what *makes* it Christmas. Without Christ, humanity has gone back to seeking joy and happiness where it doesn't exist--in things; in gifts and possessions; in the weather; in lifestyles mostly gone.

I shudder to think what our more "modern" Christmas songs are telling us. "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer"? "Santa Baby"? Christmas, like Christianity in general is now something to be put down and made fun of, like the picked-on kid at school.

As Boniface says, "this secular Christmas music exposes how bankrupt our culture is..."

Oh.

No wonder we're depressed.

If we don't celebrate the birth of Christ, we are forced to celebrate "Blatant Consumer Day", or perhaps, "Depressing Nostalgia Day", by shopping until we drop and then running to the stores the next day to take it all back, because its not what we wanted.

Take a look, in contrast, at Christmas Hymns.

Good Christian Men, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing.

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels. O come, let us adore Him!

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o're the plains. And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis deo!

Hark, the herald angels sing! Glory to the newborn King! Peace on Earth and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled. Joyful all ye nations rise. Join the triumph of the skies. With angelic hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem.

That's what Christmas is all about. That is what brings joy to the heart, no matter what type of nostalgic lifestyle you may or may not be presently practicing.

Joy comes first, through Christ. What we do for others, is an outgrowth of our love for Him, which comes from His love for us.

What Christmas is all about

Hat tip to Cyg.

What Christmas is all about

Hat tip to Cyg.

Have a Holy Nativity!

Have a Holy Nativity!

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!

Today's O Antiphon is the familiar, O come, O come, Emmanuel of Advent.

“O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The Lord himself will give you this sign: the Virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!

Today's O Antiphon is the familiar, O come, O come, Emmanuel of Advent.

“O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The Lord himself will give you this sign: the Virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.”

O Come, O King of Nations

Today's O Antiphon:

“O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.” Isaiah had prophesied, “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (9:5), and “He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (2:4) .

O Come, O King of Nations

Today's O Antiphon:

“O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.” Isaiah had prophesied, “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (9:5), and “He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (2:4) .

What Holiday Food Are You?

You Are a Trifle

No doubt, you have many intricate layers. But deep down, you're a little squishy.

What Holiday Food Are You?

I didn't know I was that sophisticated! ;)

What Holiday Food Are You?

You Are a Trifle

No doubt, you have many intricate layers. But deep down, you're a little squishy.

What Holiday Food Are You?

I didn't know I was that sophisticated! ;)

O Radiant Dawn

“O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.” (9:1).

Jesus is our Light. Jesus is the Dawn. Jesus is our Hope.
Hat tip for the beautifully haunting video to Catholic Fire.

O Radiant Dawn

“O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.” (9:1).

Jesus is our Light. Jesus is the Dawn. Jesus is our Hope.
Hat tip for the beautifully haunting video to Catholic Fire.

O Come, O Key of David

Today's O Antiphon:

“O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.” Isaiah had prophesied, I will place the Key of the House of David on His shoulder; when he opens, no one will shut, when he shuts, no one will open.” (Isaiah 22:22), and “His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over His kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever.” (9:6).

Jesus fulfills and reflects Isaiah's prophesy by giving Peter "the keys to the kingdom of heaven. What you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven. Whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven." (Matthew 16:19)

O Come, O Key of David

Today's O Antiphon:

“O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.” Isaiah had prophesied, I will place the Key of the House of David on His shoulder; when he opens, no one will shut, when he shuts, no one will open.” (Isaiah 22:22), and “His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over His kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever.” (9:6).

Jesus fulfills and reflects Isaiah's prophesy by giving Peter "the keys to the kingdom of heaven. What you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven. Whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven." (Matthew 16:19)

Christmas Lights!

Ok, it's time for our annual "Christmas Lights and Display Contest." Fittingly, this year's pic (chosen by me after surfing YouTube) is HarrellChristmas' entry from December 20, 2006 set to the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas entitled, "Christmas is Coming." Enjoy!

Christmas Lights!

Ok, it's time for our annual "Christmas Lights and Display Contest." Fittingly, this year's pic (chosen by me after surfing YouTube) is HarrellChristmas' entry from December 20, 2006 set to the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas entitled, "Christmas is Coming." Enjoy!

exhausted and still
in the encroaching darkness--
reaching out to God

Another Christmas Quiz

You Are a Bright Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays are all about fun and seasonal favorites. You are into all things Christmas, even if they're a little tacky.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

Oh yeah! I'd have Christmas stuff up till at least February if I could!

Another Christmas Quiz

You Are a Bright Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays are all about fun and seasonal favorites. You are into all things Christmas, even if they're a little tacky.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

Oh yeah! I'd have Christmas stuff up till at least February if I could!

Bishop Sheen

In honor of my mom and all of her generation who sat around the tv set watching Bishop Sheen. He is now on the way to being declared a saint.

Bishop Sheen

In honor of my mom and all of her generation who sat around the tv set watching Bishop Sheen. He is now on the way to being declared a saint.

O Come, O Flower of Jesse's Stem

Today's O Antiphon:

“O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.” Isaiah had prophesied, “But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” (11:1), and A On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.” (11:10). Remember also that Jesse was the father of King David, and Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be of the house and lineage of David and be born in David’s city, Bethlehem (Micah 5:1).

O Come, O Flower of Jesse's Stem

Today's O Antiphon:

“O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.” Isaiah had prophesied, “But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” (11:1), and A On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.” (11:10). Remember also that Jesse was the father of King David, and Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be of the house and lineage of David and be born in David’s city, Bethlehem (Micah 5:1).

O Come, O Lord of Might

Today's O Antiphon talks about the Lord giving the tablets of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

“O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.” Isaiah had prophesied, “But He shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.” (11:4-5); and “Indeed the Lord will be there with us, majestic; yes the Lord our judge, the Lord our lawgiver, the Lord our king, he it is who will save us.” (33:22).

Jesus said, Do not think I have come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. (Matthew 5:17)

O Come, O Lord of Might

Today's O Antiphon talks about the Lord giving the tablets of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

“O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.” Isaiah had prophesied, “But He shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.” (11:4-5); and “Indeed the Lord will be there with us, majestic; yes the Lord our judge, the Lord our lawgiver, the Lord our king, he it is who will save us.” (33:22).

Jesus said, Do not think I have come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. (Matthew 5:17)

O Come, O Wisdom From On High

Today is the start of the traditional O Antiphons, short verses recited or sung before the Magnificat during Vespers (Evening Prayer). The O Antiphons cover the special preparation period known as the octave before Christmas.

O Antiphon for December 17

“O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.” (11:2-3), and “Wonderful is His counsel and great is His wisdom.” (28:29).

O Come, O Wisdom From On High

Today is the start of the traditional O Antiphons, short verses recited or sung before the Magnificat during Vespers (Evening Prayer). The O Antiphons cover the special preparation period known as the octave before Christmas.

O Antiphon for December 17

“O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.” (11:2-3), and “Wonderful is His counsel and great is His wisdom.” (28:29).

RIP Dan Fogelberg

Dan Fogelberg, '70's musician, lost his battle with prostate cancer on Sunday.

He died at his home in Maine.

He was 56.

May he rest in peace.

RIP Dan Fogelberg

Dan Fogelberg, '70's musician, lost his battle with prostate cancer on Sunday.

He died at his home in Maine.

He was 56.

May he rest in peace.

Gaudete Sunday--in a cappella

Today's weather here this morning was icy on the trees, but the streets were passable, so we went to church as usual.

When we got in church we realized that there was no electricity. That meant no organ. We quickly chose alternative chant-like hymns in place of the ones that were rather organ-dependent that we thought we were going to sing.

Father comes to church, lights candles and we sing the Mass. It wasn't as obviously "upbeat" as one might expect for Gaudete Sunday, but, after all, it *is* still Advent. It was quietly joyful, like Our Lady must have been in anticipating the Birth of her Savior.

I thought it was wonderful, frankly. Even my husband, the organist, admits that "we should do this on purpose every once in a while."

Gaudete Sunday--in a cappella

Today's weather here this morning was icy on the trees, but the streets were passable, so we went to church as usual.

When we got in church we realized that there was no electricity. That meant no organ. We quickly chose alternative chant-like hymns in place of the ones that were rather organ-dependent that we thought we were going to sing.

Father comes to church, lights candles and we sing the Mass. It wasn't as obviously "upbeat" as one might expect for Gaudete Sunday, but, after all, it *is* still Advent. It was quietly joyful, like Our Lady must have been in anticipating the Birth of her Savior.

I thought it was wonderful, frankly. Even my husband, the organist, admits that "we should do this on purpose every once in a while."

Which movie is your Christmas most like?

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Each year, you really get into the spirit of Christmas. Which is much more important to you than nifty presents.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Which movie is your Christmas most like?

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Each year, you really get into the spirit of Christmas. Which is much more important to you than nifty presents.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Comfort food

Today we went to a local diner, The Avenue. I had an unusual dish called Cincinnati Chili which consisted of spaghetti topped with chili topped with cheddar cheese topped with bacon. Mmmmmm!

Next time I'll try the deep fried dill pickles!

Comfort food

Today we went to a local diner, The Avenue. I had an unusual dish called Cincinnati Chili which consisted of spaghetti topped with chili topped with cheddar cheese topped with bacon. Mmmmmm!

Next time I'll try the deep fried dill pickles!

Be not afraid

In a homily during Advent of 2003, John Paul II, reiterated the importance of hoping and not fearing.

"Fear not, I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13). God's promise, echoed by the Prophet was entirely fulfilled in the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem. For this reason, we need not fear. The season we are living of Advent encourages us to hope."

The editor of Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Pope John Paul II, suggests that we "identify what it is that (we) most fear" and "give it to the Christ Child today."

We can humbly approach the manger and ask the Christ Child to protect us as He was protected in all His poverty and need.

Be not afraid

In a homily during Advent of 2003, John Paul II, reiterated the importance of hoping and not fearing.

"Fear not, I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13). God's promise, echoed by the Prophet was entirely fulfilled in the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem. For this reason, we need not fear. The season we are living of Advent encourages us to hope."

The editor of Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Pope John Paul II, suggests that we "identify what it is that (we) most fear" and "give it to the Christ Child today."

We can humbly approach the manger and ask the Christ Child to protect us as He was protected in all His poverty and need.

The Second Week in Advent

Today, the readings talk about peace. Isaiah says that when the Messiah comes,

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair. ~Isaiah 11

Paul prays for the the Roman believers to be at peace with each other.

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another. ~Romans 15

Lest we get discouraged about the apparent lack of peace among Christians, the Gospel bluntly tells us how this is to be achieved. John the Baptist warns us to,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" and "produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance." ~Matthew 3

That's it. Unless we actually repent and turn away from our sinful human nature, there will *be* no peace.

The Second Week in Advent

Today, the readings talk about peace. Isaiah says that when the Messiah comes,

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair. ~Isaiah 11

Paul prays for the the Roman believers to be at peace with each other.

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another. ~Romans 15

Lest we get discouraged about the apparent lack of peace among Christians, the Gospel bluntly tells us how this is to be achieved. John the Baptist warns us to,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" and "produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance." ~Matthew 3

That's it. Unless we actually repent and turn away from our sinful human nature, there will *be* no peace.

The Immaculate Conception

Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which refers to the fact that Mary, Mother of Christ, was preserved from any stain of sin from the moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, Anne.

Many might ask if this means that the Catholic Church holds that Mary was never in need of, or indeed, received, salvation. Mary, like all of humanity, was in need of salvation by Jesus Christ, through no work of her own. Catholics, like all Christians, believe that "by grace are you saved, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8).

Mary had faith from the very beginning. Mary's "yes" was the means through which God the Father chose to send His Son into the World. Unlike us, God is outside of time. He has always known that this young girl from Nazareth would (and from His divine perspective, already did) accept Christ, not only into her soul, but into her very body as well. How could Mary *not* be saved?

Mary's acknowledgement of God as her savior is preserved for all time in the Magnificat prayer from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 46-55.

My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud
in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.

The Immaculate Conception

Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which refers to the fact that Mary, Mother of Christ, was preserved from any stain of sin from the moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, Anne.

Many might ask if this means that the Catholic Church holds that Mary was never in need of, or indeed, received, salvation. Mary, like all of humanity, was in need of salvation by Jesus Christ, through no work of her own. Catholics, like all Christians, believe that "by grace are you saved, through faith" (Ephesians 2:8).

Mary had faith from the very beginning. Mary's "yes" was the means through which God the Father chose to send His Son into the World. Unlike us, God is outside of time. He has always known that this young girl from Nazareth would (and from His divine perspective, already did) accept Christ, not only into her soul, but into her very body as well. How could Mary *not* be saved?

Mary's acknowledgement of God as her savior is preserved for all time in the Magnificat prayer from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 46-55.

My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud
in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.

Christmas Meme

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gift bags or pre-decorated boxes. I am a notoriously sloppy wrapper.

2. Real tree or artificial? Small artificial with fiber-optic lights. Easy, pretty. One bulb.

3. When do you put up the tree? I usually put up the tree sometime around "Gaudete Sunday"--the third Sunday in Advent--the "rose" Sunday.

4. When do you take the tree down? It stays up until at least Epiphany. I'd keep it up longer if DH wouldn't fuss so much about it.

5. Do you like eggnog? As long as it doesn't have alcohol in it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmmm....I don't know about "favorite", but I do remember one year when my sister and I got matching "twin" dolls, which was fun. Also, one year we got Crissy and Velvet dolls whose hair would lengthen if you pushed a button on their tummy and pulled out their pony tails!

7. Do you have a Nativity scene? Yes, we have a couple nativity scenes. We have one from DiGiovanni (see picture) but with a larger, handmade stable and a larger angel, one from St. Croix that is made of clay and breaks every year (Christmas time = glue-gun time!) and a plastic one I got ds when he was little.

8. Hardest person to buy for? I think guys are hard to buy for.

9. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmmm...I'm not sure I want to go there.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Snail mail, although the number of cards I receive gets smaller by the year. I'm starting to think the whole thing will die out in a few years. Kind of makes me sad.

11. Favorite Christmas Movie? "A Christmas Carol," 1951 version will ALWAYS be the best. I also like "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Both of those were made back when Christmas specials could actually talk a little about...shhhh.....Christ!!!!!

12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Sometimes I start to shop in the fall, if I see things I think people will like.

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I'm sure I have sometime. I may even this year.

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? That's a good question. I like Christmas cookies and candy canes.

15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored, fiber-optic, that twinkle. DH likes "blinkies". I always thought that blinky lights were reserved for the doctor's office, which we spent quite a bit of time in during Christmas when I was a kid.

16. Favorite Christmas song. "Lo, How a Rose 'Er Blooming." It's even nice in German.

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Well, we travel for the Christmas season. Sometimes it's on Christmas Day proper and sometimes it's not.

18. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer. Yep.

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel. Always an angel.

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Normally Christmas morning, but sometimes DH remembers that his family opened one on Christmas Eve and we do that too.

21. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Spending money. The materialism. Ungrateful people.

Christmas Meme

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gift bags or pre-decorated boxes. I am a notoriously sloppy wrapper.

2. Real tree or artificial? Small artificial with fiber-optic lights. Easy, pretty. One bulb.

3. When do you put up the tree? I usually put up the tree sometime around "Gaudete Sunday"--the third Sunday in Advent--the "rose" Sunday.

4. When do you take the tree down? It stays up until at least Epiphany. I'd keep it up longer if DH wouldn't fuss so much about it.

5. Do you like eggnog? As long as it doesn't have alcohol in it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmmm....I don't know about "favorite", but I do remember one year when my sister and I got matching "twin" dolls, which was fun. Also, one year we got Crissy and Velvet dolls whose hair would lengthen if you pushed a button on their tummy and pulled out their pony tails!

7. Do you have a Nativity scene? Yes, we have a couple nativity scenes. We have one from DiGiovanni (see picture) but with a larger, handmade stable and a larger angel, one from St. Croix that is made of clay and breaks every year (Christmas time = glue-gun time!) and a plastic one I got ds when he was little.

8. Hardest person to buy for? I think guys are hard to buy for.

9. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmmm...I'm not sure I want to go there.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Snail mail, although the number of cards I receive gets smaller by the year. I'm starting to think the whole thing will die out in a few years. Kind of makes me sad.

11. Favorite Christmas Movie? "A Christmas Carol," 1951 version will ALWAYS be the best. I also like "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Both of those were made back when Christmas specials could actually talk a little about...shhhh.....Christ!!!!!

12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Sometimes I start to shop in the fall, if I see things I think people will like.

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I'm sure I have sometime. I may even this year.

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? That's a good question. I like Christmas cookies and candy canes.

15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored, fiber-optic, that twinkle. DH likes "blinkies". I always thought that blinky lights were reserved for the doctor's office, which we spent quite a bit of time in during Christmas when I was a kid.

16. Favorite Christmas song. "Lo, How a Rose 'Er Blooming." It's even nice in German.

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Well, we travel for the Christmas season. Sometimes it's on Christmas Day proper and sometimes it's not.

18. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer. Yep.

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel. Always an angel.

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Normally Christmas morning, but sometimes DH remembers that his family opened one on Christmas Eve and we do that too.

21. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Spending money. The materialism. Ungrateful people.