As we are in the third Sunday of advent- Gaudete Sunday. 'I exult for joy in the Lord', for even if the life is miserable at times. Today on 13th of December, we honour St Lucy, means light, one of the beautiful feast during advent. Prepared some braided rolls and cinnamol rolls for the breakfast by Annu. St Lucy's story was read and it is reminded of how much we should also be light to others in reflecting the true light of Christ. Just planning to go and visit lights today as we were doing in previous years.
Braided roll which made out of ready made soft pastry. Often the privilege of older girls to bring tea and little boys can be star boys. St Lucy day is extremely popular in Sweden....
Along with that baked some cinnamon rolls for the breakfast.
Three strips are cut and braided , added chocolate drops to give a flavour and iced on top. Served hot and yummy. It was great day with so many blessings from above. Reebs n Tijo visited my parents which was a Godsend experience to us during lockdown. There were a few opportunities to share His love in our lives with young children and young couples.
On 12th of Dec, we celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guadulupe- Some of the things did together. There was children's hour as part of advent. Some of the resources borrowed from catholic inspired and sadlier religion. Just went through the beautiful meaning of the Tilma, sun rays behind her, ribbon around her waist, standing on moon, angel is holding her on her shoulder indicating aztec culture of carrying king or queen on shoulder.
Old canvas painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Today 8th of December, celebrating the beautiful feast of Immaculate conception, not to be confused as conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary....Immaculate- spotless/clean /innocent....Conception-conceived. So in other words, the Feast is all about the reminder of Mary is protected from sin even from the very first moments of her conception in her mother's womb..As you look at Liturgical calendar, Mary is conceived in St Anne's womb, following 9 months is Mary's birthday on September 8th.
God prepared Mary's soul to be worthy of being the mother of God.She is often referred as New eve without sin just like Eve was, but Mary was obedient and willing to follow God's will and trusting Him throughout her life.
There are so many beautiful ways to celebrate the day.
1. Attending Holy Mass and say a small prayer , as this is a Solemnity. Light a candle and pray for someone in need today through Mary our mother too. Or to visit a Marian shrine if nearby.
2. If not,attend the virtual mass and a special day to read out a book for children on Mary or for yourself....ie..Story of St Bernadette, Fatima children,Our lady of Guadalupe....Probably say an extra decade or a mystery if you can with your children.
3.Something to do or practice a virtue. Practice learning the word from scriptures...'Rejoice,so highly favoured Lady,..The Lord is with you..'.Luke 1;28.
4. Craft or art can be excellent for this day. Themassbox has a little craft, to make a Marian grotto craft and some word search ,maze....or Catholic icing has a beautiful coloring page explaining Immaculate conception with an amazing illustration.A feltcraft can be made too.
A Christmas ornament to do on this day to hang on your Christmas tree, make sure you have some old Christmas cards ready to cut and stick it using mod podge. Our kids used it a while ago .
..5.Great day to watch CCC movie titled 'Bernadette-The princess of Lourdes'. This kids version is available in FORMED.
6. Every feast day has something to do with a yummy delicious treat to serve or make. Have fun with some white treats. The feast is reminded of sinless/purity of Mary. Enjoy the day with vanilla ice cream or a desert with a puffy cream...which I gonna try later today.
'O Mary who conceived without original sin pray for us who have recourse to you' .
Getting bit lazy in blogging these days. Caught up with my new passion in Homeopathy. Reading, knowing, exploring the new amazing world, got my License to practise as a homeopath, still in learning process. As a family we have been using homeopathy for more than 16 years which we inherited through mummy.
Thought to put down a few words today morning as it is Feast of St Nicholas, which children always enjoy at home with gifts and sweets..I am glad that the churches are open back after one month lock down and looking forward to attend Holy Mass on second Sunday of advent. Kids are lighting the second candle of advent- Peace. I am sure its a privilege for little ones especially for Geo, everything is new in his memories to register. We have our new parish priest joining back today.
Some of the old posts from previous years.. There are some beautiful resources for kids to do. Another beautiful feast which reminds us to serve others, poor and needy. Planning to gather old and good toys with the help of children and to donate when time permits.
Some of our days last a few weeks leading to advent; other feasts and treats over last few weeks. Days in and out. Advent wreath is decorated by Geo and Theresu, coloured with melted crayons, some coniferous foliage from our garden with my collection of cones.
