_Don't miss this FREE event happening this weekend, for children and adults of all ages!
Your friendly neighborhood Catholic Church invites to see and hear:
The Nativity Story
Check with your local parish for times and "showings"
 
 
For Personal use ONLY
 
 
_
The Night Before Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sister St. Thomas, B.N.D. de N

A more spiritual version of the famous Christmas story

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town,
St. Joseph was searching, walking up roads and down;
Our Lady was waiting, so meek and so mild,
While Joseph was seeking a place for the Child;


The children were nestled, each snug in their beds,
The grown-ups wouldn’t bother, there’s no room they said;
When even the innkeeper sent them away,
Joseph was wondering, where they would stay;


He thought of the caves in the side of the hills,
Lets go there said Mary, it’s silent and still;
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Made pathways of light for their tired feet to go;


And there in a cave, in a cradle of hay,
Our Savior was born on that first Christmas Day!
The Father was watching in heaven above,
He sent for His angels, His couriers of love;


More rapid than eagles God’s bright angels came;
Rejoicing and eager as each heard his name;
Come Power, Come Cherubs, Come Virtues, Come Raphael,
Come Thrones and Dominions, come Michael and Gabriel;


Now fly to the Earth, where My poor people live,
Announce the glad tiding My Son comes to give;
The Shepherds were watching their flocks on this night,
And saw in the heavens and unearthly light;


The Angels assured them, they’d nothing to fear,
It’s Christmas they said, the Savior is here!
They hastened to find Him, and stood at the door,
Till Mary invited them in to adore;


He was swaddled in bands from His head to His feet,
Never did the Shepherds see a baby so sweet!
He spoke not a word, but the shepherds all knew,
He was telling them secrets and blessing them too;


Then softly they left Him, The Babe in the hay,
And rejoiced with great joy on that first Christmas Day;
Mary heard them exclaim as they walked up the hill,
Glory to God in the Highest, Peace to men of good will!


 
 
Here is a small selection from our Advent and Christmas books collection

Did I mention I collect Little House books :)

The book on the left is about 40 years old and passed from Oma down to me.
Right: I have several issues,  buy this one is my favorite

Head on over to Shower of Roses for more book collections!

 
 
Sorry Santa, but here is the official symbol of CHRISTmas
 
 

I made this wreath 10 years ago, still holding up well, just needs the
occasional hot glue fix.

This wreath only cost $4 to make, wreath was on sale for $1.99, ribbon 25 cents/roll and the bow 99 cents

Wreath mad for my Teen Daughter door

Saint Nicholas
Feast Day December 6th

 
 
_Dear God, two thousand years ago, you brought your son, Jesus into this world to teach us the power of love and sacrifice. As we raise this tree, we remember his birth and the meaning of his life for us. Bless this tree as a symbol of our celebration of Jesus' birth and our gratitude for his sacrifice. May the joy this tree brings and the gifts we place under it remind us of the many gifts you have given us. We ask your blessings upon our loved ones, this day and always.
Amen.
 
 
I_s new necessary or better? I think some people go overboard with the amount they spend on gifts and the number of gifts, especially when it comes to younger children.
I admit our Teen daughter gets all new gifts for Christmas, but she does not get a ridiculous number of presents nor do they require months of paying off credit cards.
Many years ago we started a Christmas fund, back then it was an empty coffee tin, now we have a separate bank account just for Christmas purchases, to include charitable purchases.
We contribute every month via transfer and by taking our change jar to the bank at least twice a month (to avoid the temptation of spending  it).
okay back to topic lol
Our little one loves blocks, I found these Mega Blocks including wagon at a thrift store for $5, I don't think my 2-year old will notice/mind that I did not pay $30 at a store.
That leaves an extra $25 to use on groceries and donations.

 
 
From the site: This ebook will lead you and your children on your own experience through the Christmas Story. You’ll take a few minutes each day in reading the Christmas Story directly from the Bible, making a fun ornament craft and talking about it together.

Give your kids a few minutes for the first 24 days of December. You might find your kids giving themselves to Jesus in return!

To purchase the e-book ($4.99) click the image above!

 
 
Blessing for the Advent Wreath
O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth thy blessing upon this wreath and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the Coming of Christ, and may receive from thee abundant graces.

Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.