Celebrate Advent 2008

Tonight marks the end of Advent and the arrival of Christmas. This year I couldn’t quite maintain a daily devotion to the readings that I began at the start of the season, let alone post any reflections on them. But that’s OK. I did spend quiet time in reading, reflection, and prayer. I did spend time in worship and fellowship. I did attempt to help others in need. And I didn’t spend much time or money in the stores shopping.

And now, as at this time every year, the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

little blue book—check
advent wreath—check
introduce the advent wreath to my ccd class—check
introduce saint nicholas to my ccd class—check
next week: reconciliation service

I want to use an Advent Wreath and say the prayers (even though I don’t like mine anymore, I will use it because it is still useable).

Andrew is too young to get involved in the countdown of an Advent Calendar, but I want to buy one for next year if it goes on sale. I love the big cloth kinds with an ornament in each pocket numbered one to 24. Each day an ornament gets hung on the tree.

I stopped at the store today and got 2 packs of Advent Candles! Advent starts next Sunday!! Time to start planning the layout of my sacred space! I will write more about Advent itself once it arrives!

Today I purchased some beautiful purple fabric to assemble a family prayer altar/table…so step 1 accomplished! I will post pictures when I am done!

Purple is the color used to represent anticipation in the Catholic Liturgy, and hence, Purple is used, not only in Advent, but also in Lent, as both are times of anticipation….one to remember the birth of Christ, and one to remember the death.

A home altar really can be personalized to you and even your faith. I know many Protestants who also have something similar, perhaps a prayer corner, closet, or a special table.

What I am thinking of celebrates the Liturgical season, uses beautiful cloths in the appropriate color, has a special place for scripture, a candle, and perhaps one or two other focal points: a picture, something seasonal (leaves or pine cones, for example), or a statue or small decorative sign. Located nearby might be other special things.

All in all it is a visual reminder to pray, and helps provide a sacred space in the home to gather around.

I have my advent wreath, but my next step is to pick up a new set of candles…mine from last year are stubs!