It's time to prepare

In exactly two weeks from tomorrow Advent will begin and as of right now we are thrity-nine days from Christmas.  It seems daunting, which is why it is so important to begin to prayerfully discern how we want this Advent to look for our family.  Tomorrow at Mass I intend to ask the Lord to inspire my plans to reflect His desire for my family to grow ever closer to Him.

Two weeks is plenty of time to ttake stock of your situation and see what you would like to focus on this Advent with your family.  Some things to consider...

1. If you are pregnant or nursing your time and enery levels are bound to be limited, your Advent should be less hustle and bustle and should reflect your need to rest and take care of your baby. Limit your outings and plan for some fun indoor activities and devotions with the children. 
   
   
2. If you are out of the baby stage this may be the year you can finally get to some of the more time consuming activities that you have had to pass on in year's past. DOn't give into the temptation to do everything you've longed to do, that's a good way to make yourself and anyone else nuts. rather focus on doing one thing really well.  Maybe this is your year to do a Jesse Tree (Michele has printable ornaments) or observe the Ember days or perhaps you will go all out with the O Antiphons, whatever you decide don't overdue. Do one thing really well and enjoy it.
   
   
3. If you have older kids or  kids returning from college this could be a way to draw them further in the practice of their faith. You might be able to commit to daily Mass, a spiritual study of some kind or maybe travel to visit a shrine.  

Whatever your plans become remember that the end goal is an Advent that creates an atmosphere in the home that welcomes the Christ child, one that further's the faith of your children and settles your own mind and heart so as to be prepared to welcome the King of Kings.

 

Join us here at O Night Divine as we journey through Advent together.

 

"Let us some close to the crib. If you
love riches, you will find the gold that the kings brought;
if you are looking for the smoke of honors,
you will find that in the incense;
and if you take delight in the delicacies of the senses,
you will find the delicate perfume of myrrh that pervades the stable.
Be rich in love for this adorable Saviour,
respectful in the familiarity
with which you relate to Him,
and delight in the joy of experiencing in your soul so many inspirations and affections
because you look exclusively to Him." ~ St. Frances de Sales