GodFamilyCrafts

When I see that Feast of Christ the King has come, I feel a bit of panic.  Every year, I want to make Advent special  for my family.  I struggle with myself to find time to create new projects - meaningful and reverent. Reverent can also be fun of course, because Advent and Christmas are seasons for joy.

Have you noticed that kids learn so much when they are having fun?  Please come back very soon and see what I have posted for Advent — I promise!

In the past, I have created advent calendars with pockets, each containing a slip of paper with an activity, an inspiration, a prayer or another appropriate message.

Also, in the past we have celebrated each night of Advent with a reading of the Jesse Tree devotion.  The Jesse Tree readings trace the story of the people of God from the creation of the world and Adam and Eve to the birth of Christ. 

Both of these projects can take many forms: as mentioned, it can be a wall hanging with pockets, and here are some other suggestions: Tie tiny scrolls containing the messages to a wreath with narrow red ribbon; create a paper chain with one link for each day of Advent.  On each link write the message. Alternate colors: red, green, purple (the season’s liturgical color), white for Sunday’s, Gold for feast days and Christmas.

Return soon for more ideas.  Peace be with you — Happy Thanksgiving; Viva Christo Rey (long live Christ the King), Blessed Advent.

I write a column for a regional newspaper.  It was not surprise when the editor asked columnists to dress our column for Halloween. I listed local events as requested, but since my column is to reflect my personality, I included even more.  This is what I had to say for the issue that will be published a few days before Halloween:

The cultural holiday of Halloween started out as All Hallow’s Eve – the night before All Saints Day. In our everyday observation of the cultural, we sometimes downplay the religious connections for many (if not most) of our holidays. We all know plenty about our current observance of Halloween, but for a moment let me make the other connection.

            The Catholic Church and other Christian churches recognize that the “faithful departed”, those who lived a life of love with God, are now with God in heaven. All Saints day is a day to celebrate the life and afterlife of these heroes of faith. We remember all who are in heaven – those named specifically through canonization, and others whose name we may not know.

            In some circles, celebrations of this day are filled with costumes of the saints and stories of their lives. If you are interested in finding a local All Saint’s celebration, call your local Catholic church.

            Okay, your religion lesson is over for the day.

Since in is a secular newspaper, I chose to give a little background on the All Saints Day aspect of All Hallow’s Eve.  I can’t change the world, but I can witness in my own little way.

Peace to all.