In this week’s breaking open the word, one theme is that we are called to be holy. When we choose not to respond to that call, we are not approaching our father with the attitude of trust he desires. Joseph’s story shows how the Lord is faithful to those who have faith in him. Visit us online, for Scripture discussion questions for your family and some Bible study suggestions.
Testing God and wearying people • Breaking open the word
Pray the O Antiphons with your children
The O Antiphons are seven verses in the Liturgy of the Hours that contain powerful pleas for the coming of the Lord. They are chanted or recited during Vespers on the last seven days of Advent. Find this post online for each days antiphon, and listen to a hymn, O Come Emmanuel.
Not the same old (Christmas) story
Every year around this time, we’re bound to hear a familiar set of narratives in the media. How much we’ll spend. How far we’ll travel. How far behind retail sales are compared to last year. It’s time to put aside the tired stories. Here are three replacement conversations we should be having this Christmas, including talking about how much to give, not how much to spend! Find the conversations online.
Ten ways to keep Christ in Christmas
At Thanksgiving we thank God for many blessings and gifts. At Christmas, we try to imitate God’s generosity by giving gifts ourselves. But Keeping the emphasis on the birth of Jesus during the days before Christmas is difficult for both adults and children, especially as the secular and commercial side of Christmas actually begins even before Thanksgiving Day. Many people are already frantically shopping for those last minute gifts, the stores and schools are decorated to the fullest and sign of Christmas are everywhere! Online you’ll find Ten Ways to help keep Christ in Christmas. The activities cost very little and the rewards are priceless!
Rejoice! • Breaking open the word
In breaking opening the word for the third Sunday of Advent, or Gaudete Sunday, we find it’s a day to rejoice! In fact, Gaudete means rejoice. We’re halfway to Christmas, and that’s nothing to sneeze at! The scripture readings for Guadete Sunday reflect that joy and recall the “jubilee” spirit that Jesus brought with him when he became one of us. Online you’ll find a reflection on the readings, questions to ask your Catholic kids, and Bible study helps.
