I always love when Advent arrives. It means that Christmas is just a month away. When I was a child we had an Advent Wreath. We used it in the beginning, but as the season wore on it was forgotten. I guess that’s the price you pay when both parents work. Too much to do in too short of time.
Again, when I married and started my family I had an Advent Wreath. I was in nursing school at the time. After nursing school I began working nights so the practice of lighting the Advent Wreath fell by the way side. Actually, when my children completed 8th grade CCD, I let my faith go by the wayside too. Something I am not proud of.
So this year I treated myself to an Advent Wreath and I am so excited to begin the practice of lighting it at supper time. I had to research the prayers and blessing for it. I was surprised that now a Christ candle has been incorporated into the practice. On Christmas a white center candle is lit. Often a white pillar candle is just added in the center of the wreath, so no new wreath is necessary. As I think about this I see that it is a very appropriate option and one I may include in my new tradition. I have three grandchildren who live close by. I am anxious to teach them about Advent and the importance of the season.
Daily Reflections for Advent & Christmas by Bishop Robert F. Morneau, is a wonderful little annual book that my parish distributes to us. It contains what Scripture versus for each day as well as reflection on them and a concluding prayer. I got mine last night after Mass. I really like how Bishop Morneau uses down to earth reflections bringing God’s word into today’s life. If you have an opportunity to get one, you won’t be disappointed.
I am hoping that during the Advent and Christmas seasons, I will come to better terms with my husband’s death and the consequences he left behind. I miss him and I pray he is with the Lord.
Happy Advent & God Bless!