Rosary Religious Inspirational Gifts

Nativity and Advent Complement Each Other

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:15:00 +0000

Nativities scenes are one of the most recognizable symbols of Christmas. As November opens the signs of the season start showing up with maybe the most visible are the nativity sets and outlines the manager scenes that are the backdrop to the Christmas story, the story of the birth of Christ.

It is a tradition that as Advent starts not only do you use your advent wreath, but the Nativity scene is incorporated into the family. The nativity scene is set up with familiar farm scene, the holy family the empty manger, and the missing Magi . During the first week of advent often there is a discussion in churches and families about the empty manager and how that ties to the preparatory season of Advent where we as Christians and Catholics should be preparing are hearts to act as that manager. Often families add straw to the manager for each deed they do though the day. This is a great way to teach children what the season of advent means and how it relates to them. As children and adults remember to use the four weeks of Advent to prepare for the arrival of Jesus, their heart, will grow softer, making a much softer place for Jesus, just as extra hay in the manger makes an softer bed for Christ.

There are many similarities of the symbol of the empty manger and the advent wreath. They are both an outward expression of preparing the way for Christ. The empty Nativity scene does serve as a reminder of the coming of Christ. The Advent wreath walks us through our salvation, God's promises and the penitential nature. As we walk our Advent journey each year these symbols remind us of salvation and the promise of things to come.

The Nativity has a long history and a perfect complement to the Season of advent that runs all the way though the arrival of the Wiseman. Children can relate to the Nativity scene and preparing a way for our Lord on Christmas day. It is a great way to help children learn and add to the Christmas traditions families observe. The use of the Nativity and the Advent wreath has been in use for centuries.

Hurricane helps foster Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:05:00 +0000

Well I am finally caught up from our problems from Hurricane Ike. As many of you know The Hurricane hit the Houston area on 9/13 causing vast damage thoughout the Houston Metro area. What was interesting is that as I talked to many of you, most did not realize how hard we were hit and how bad it was down here.

Because of how independent and understanding of the concept of helping your neighbor, the national media quickly lost interest in us. We took care of our own. We looked after our own and that makes for a very boring story I guess.

As the hurricane came and went, it left behind a 70 ft Oak on the roof of my home. As I surveyed the damage to my home that morning, I felt truly privileged because I could actually see the hand of God reaching out to protect us. This very small oak caught the might one leaving in inches from smashing fully into my house which would for sure crushed the upper level and possibly fell to the bottom floor where me and my four dogs were riding out the storm. But this experience wasn't the only reminder I had of God's presence in my life and how truly blessed I am.

The Monday before the storm hit, someone randomly said you do have a generator right? Well infact I did not have one but my first thought was if someone asked me that question, God was trying to tell me something and if I didn't need one I wouldn't find one. I've learned that God speaks to us every day we just have to learn to listen. Or at times accept his answer. So I got on Google looked around for what a generator should cost so I knew what I was looking for and had an expectation. So off to Home Depot I went.

When I got there, I was nicely told they didn't have any because they all had all been shipped to Louisiana. From behind the registered this little kid pokes a head out and says someone had just returned one 10 minutes prior to me getting there and to go speak to customer service. So I get to the customer service desk and there was the generator, but as the clerk explained it was already sold but she was just waiting for the lady to come and pay for it. So we stood there chatting a bit and after about 20 minutes the clerk called to the front desk only to find the woman had left to ask her husband. Now remember how I was saying that I had an idea in my head of what I was suppose to pay for this generator. This one was $400 more than what I thought. But as I stood there I really felt lead to the spot where I was. It was a real God moment because I had to be in the exact time and place to get this unit. So I took it home.

As it turned out this generator was big enough to power 2 hours for the 2 weeks we were without power. It helped with a nebulizer for my neighbors asthmatic son, to refrigerate formula for a baby. And a fan, TV and fridge for my other neighbors across the street. And once the lights came one for me. My parents were still struggling also with their generator so mine moved to help them as well.

What else was amazing was all the people that say as I do, we have been blessed. This hurricane bought out the best in people, the best in our neighbors. When Congressman Culberson was on the radio saying the first responders had no food and water. Restaurant and citizens chipped in to get them hot meals. All over the city the goodness of people was a shining example to what the hand of God can do when we listen to him and act as he would want.

The Soul Longs for God

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 05:04:00 +0000

When you look at the first chapter of the Unites States Catechism for adults, you see that it starts where the quest for the human spirit starts, the longing meaning and for a higher Being, for Christians that's God and Jesus.

What are the questions that people often ask themselves about their. There is a human desire to life the most full life but only in God do we find full truth and happiness. As we were all created in God's image, this gives us mind to search for God. Searching to educate yourself in your faith is often called a journey, but a journey toward what. Ultimately it is a journey that leads to knowing God the father. It's a journey to know God though his Son, Jesus Christ and though the power of the Holy Spirit.

There are basic questions all humans ask. They are logically who am I?, Why am I here? What are my Goals? Why is it hard to Love? Why is there sickness, death and evil? In that vein what is suffering? Why is there evil, death and sickness? And mostly what happens after we die. These questions ultimately move a person to looking for the divine. These questions move each person towards the conclusion of God's existence.

The quest for education and reading the United States Catechism helps foster that search for God. It becomes and invitation to join in the journey. It is a journey within the church and journey to becoming part of the Body of Christ. In doing this you become a member of the living community of believers that implement their beliefs to make lives better and to honor the dignity of human life. Living that belief states with the quest to understand God and how he exists in our life

Undeniably there is a universal desire for God according to the CCC (27)., "the desire for God is written in the human heart because man is created by God and For God.

Because God put a mark on every human heart there is a hunger and longing for God. According to St. Augustine, on of the doctors of the church, "Our heart is restless until it rests in You." The You of course refers to God.

According to the Catechism there are three ways that God can make himself known to us, Creation, Revelation, the human person themselves. The most essential of the paths is Revelation.

Blending the Jesse Tree and Advent Wreath

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:49:00 +0000

The Jesse Tree and Advent wreath are two very common items Christians have used to mark four week period before Christmas called Advent or the six period that was known as Celtic Advent. In the modern time Advent has become a great way to stay focused on Christ and helping families overcome the commercial hurdles that Christmas represent.

The Jesse Tree is an older customer that was the precursor to the Christmas tree. It includes the creating of ornaments that represent events in the salvation story and within Jesus' family Tree. The focus of the Jesse tree is based in the Old Testament and process though Genesis and ends with the Gospel of John, on the Birth of Christ (John 1:1-18) on Christmas day.

The Celebration of Advent uses the Advent wreath and the family lights the candles each night at their table. They light one Advent candle the first week, two advent candles the second weeks, three the third week and of course all four advent candles get lit for the last week. There are prayers that can be used but also the stories that go with the Jesse Tree are also great readings to be read as the candles are lit and to be discussed as each family has dinner.

From the Creation Story to the Christ himself the biblical figures lead us though our salvation history and a great way for families to reflect on these events each year. The Jesse Tree and Advent Wreath have prefect relationship help us stay rooted in the real meaning of Christmas

Advent Wreath Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:35:00 +0000

The advent wreath is one of those items that help decorate the home for Christmas. It also helps with families by getting them ready and keeping them focused on the coming of Christ. But the advent wreath is something that should be considered for some dangers for children and pets alike.

Hazards for children include choking hazards like small berries that adorn an advent wreath. Also, the material of the wreath in many cases is not made to be put in the mouth. These are just a few items to consider when you put out the advent wreath for your family when there are small children in the house.

Pets also bring special challenges to an advent wreath. It is mostly seen in issues when real evergreen garland is used to make the base of the advent wreath. Usually people use wire which can cut gums if chewed on. Or, the needles themselves as they try get very sharp and can when ingested cause tears or punctures in the intestinal lining of the animal. These holes can cause internal bleeding. Additionally, many animals have an allergic reactions to the needles.

Additionally many fake advent wreaths have artificial berries making it again a choking hazard for the animal as well as a possible cause of an intestinal blockage. However, far worse is the 'real' counterparts. Most typed of Holly and Holly Berries are toxic if swallowed. It also is not advisable to put any type of mistletoe on the wreath but cause that too is toxic to pets. And although not directly related to the advent wreath, poinsettias are massively poisonous to dogs and cats. Never mount a poinsettia flower to your advent wreath.

Last by not least with children and animals, it is always advisable not have candles burning. Tapers are very easy to knock over and should always be watched. Battery operated candles are always a good alternative to a real candle small children or animals are present. Another alternative is a small cloth advent wreath. Its is also a wonderful item to help keep children grounded and they can have it safely in their rooms and not have any hazards.

Catholic Have Moral Choices to Make in Upcoming Election

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:49:00 +0000

I'm posting a link here in hopes it will help some who may be undecided in the Presidential election. As Catholics, we have a responsibility to pick the proper candidate for President. Our obligation to the unborn confounds me how we as Catholics could ever vote for a pro choice candidate. Oddly the bluest states, NY and NJ are also some of the most catholic states.

Its worth the read: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=27992

Celtic Advent Blends Many Early Cultures

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:22:00 +0000

Celtic Advent in the pre Nicene church, early Christianity that pre-dates the Nicene Creed, the roadmap of what Christians, Catholic and Protestants believe. was very different than what we celebrate in the modern time. First Celtic Christianity participated and flourished in this period right up though the middle ages and had its own unique way of celebrating the season of Celtic Advent.

To find the roots of Celtic Advent one must look at the early periods of advent have roots back to the Gauls and their Monks who seems to fashion the period to mimic advent. They did not have a Celtic advent wreath but started the period of fasting on Nov 15^th. This season kicked off with a Mass. This was defined as a period of fasting for 40 days and atonement. It was a reflective period that many who were preparing for baptism would use this for purification. The period of time is still observed throughout the eastern orthodox faiths. And in the Roman Catholic Church this period of purification and enlightenment was moved to lent and still observed within the present time as part of the RCIA program that does use the tenants of the early church to bring people into the church. This was restructured this way after Vatican II.

In the 4^th century, Advent, mimicking Lent seems to start to change a bit. Although it still was penitential in nature and was still a fasting period, it also started to become a period of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. This tradition still is with us to this day. As we move though the present season of Advent, we use our advent wreath, we mark our salvation history. We then look to preparing for the Christ Child and then on to Christs second coming. We still have a dedication to prayer and penance in the present church.

Celtic Advent is truly a blending of the two societies and the date of Nov 15-Christmas Eve was a perfect way to add pray and penance and atonement long before Christmas or the commercialism we face in the present day. .

Advent Candles Represent More than Light

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:20:00 +0000

The candles that make up the advent wreath hold a special symbolism. In their color, their composition and just the sheer act of lighting the candle of advent wreath breaths a air of hope into each of the nights that make up the season of Advent.

The first week, a purple candle of Advent the candle is named the Prophecy Candle. The first week of Advent focuses on the prophecies of the Old Testament that speaks of the Savior, Jesus. The Old Testament lays out our salvations

The second week of Advent's Candle, Purple in color, is called the Bethlehem Candle. This candles got its name because of the period of preparation for the coming of Jesus. Thematically preparation is the key. Just as John the Baptist prepared a way for Jesus, Mary Joseph also had a place prepared for them by God in Bethlehem so that the birth of Jesus was a fulfillment of the scripture that was previously prophesized, tying the event to actually the first Advent Candle lit. The prophecy of Bethlehem's involvement in the birth of Jesus was prophesized in Micah 5:2-5, which names Bethlehem by name.

The third week of advent has the Shepherds Candle. This candle deviates from the 2 previous purple this one is rose colored to represent the joy of being half the way though the Advent Season. This candle received its name because of the Shepherds who came to find the tiny King and received great joy in coming to the Lord. Just as in present times when we find the Lord.

The final weeks of advent has the Angels Candle lighting the way. The Angel candle got its name because of because it was of course the angels that announced the birth of Christ. This candle also serves to remind us of God's infinite love. And the gift of his only Son that he gave us.

Celtic Cross and the Advent Wreath

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:00:00 +0000

The advent wreath thought to have originated in Germany and Scandinavia has have deep roots into the early days of Christianity. Often made of evergreen and using candles to add light to the long winters the advent wreath has become a staple in Christian homes.

Often the advent wreath is cut from pewter, brass, or other base metals and has words and design cut into them that more customizes the wreath to the homeowner or the parish. One of the most popular designs is the Celtic Cross Advent Wreath. There has been a surge in popularity of Celtic themed items where as it allows the heritage of the Irish people to come forth in their homes.

The Celtic Cross has the makings of a cross with a circle in the outline of the background of the cross. The cross has come into the fold of Christianity despite its roots that reach back to 5000 BC and believe to be a solar cross and dedicated to the God of Sun Taranis

It is believe that the Celtic people used these crosses and when the converted to Christianity the Celtic Cross came with them into the fold. The Celtic Cross is Very often associated with the Celtic or Irish Christians Church. When one sees the Celtic Cross the automatic thought is of the Irish tradition. There are some legends that attribute the introduction of the Celtic Cross to St. Columba, who was born in Northern Ireland in 521. Although some attribute the introduction of the Celtic cross to St. Patrick as well.

Advent Wreath Packed with Symbols

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 02:17:00 +0000

The symbolism of an Advent Wreaths are the evergreen as it is a perfect symbol to of everlasting life. Holly is often on the advent wreath. The sharp leaves remind us of the crown of thorns. In England it was once believed the cross was made of Holy. Laurel is another item that can be seen on an advent wreath and it signifies victory. The Victory it signals is over persecution or suffering. Of course a circle has no beginning and no end and that is what God is. He has no beginning or end, In addition Christ is the path to everlasting life. Pinecones and other seed sac items are often used to represent life, where as they items are the seeds of life. When you combine the wreath and meditate on its symbolism in its totality, you my see that this wreath helps remind us of the everlasting life are promised by Christ.

The advent candles also have much symbolism. There are 4 candles to start representing the 4 weeks of advent. Lore says the reason 4 weeks was selected was that each candle represents 1,000 years. The cumulative 4,000 is to represent the years from Adam to Christ came into the world as a baby. The three purple candles are to remind us of the penance prayer and the season of preparing room for Jesus in our hearts. The 3^rd Sunday is represented by a pink or rose candle and all the vestments and decor of the church changes to the rose color. This is a celebration of the faithful and signals the half way point of Advent. The symbolism of the advent candle lighting in its totality is a way to show commemorate the first coming of Christ and to show we are also hopeful for the second coming.

Again calling to mind the significance of the light and Christ's light in the world, the Advent wreath is one item that in any more should call to mind many aspects of the belief in Christ and help keep families grounded during the secular celebration of Christmas.

The Advent Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 04:56:00 +0000

There are several different manifestations of Calendars these days to help count down the days of Advent and help each family that faithfully observes Advent as a daily celebration.

The first Advent Calendar on record has the year 1851 on it and was handmade. The first ones, dating back to the 19^th century came from Protestant religious, probably Lutheran, and were as simplistic as chalk lines drawn for each day of December.

The candle was also instrumental in the early advent calendars. They were 24 candles mounted in the wreath where as today we use 4. The story of the wreath was that it also helped light the longest winter nights in Germany, where the wreath concept was believed to start. The 24 candles light the night. And function as a calendar for Advent as well. As the nights get longer, the more candles are light. Other early Advent Calendars included the use of pictures being placed on the wall or chalk on the door until Christmas.

In a secular world that we now live, the the thought of how the first advent calendar was distributed might seem a bit alien. In 1904 one of the first printed advent calendar was in printed and inserted into German newspapers as a gift to their loyal readers. There does seem to be some disagreement however where some says that Gerhard Lang published the first one in 1908.

The first German Advent Calendar, also known as a Christmas Calendar or Munich Christmas Calendar was the first to have the little doors that are common in the modern Advent Calendars were given as children or taught with in Catholic School. The original calendars did have little Christmas themed pictures but the Sankt Johannis Printing company was credited with putting the corresponding bible verse behind the little doors.

These calendars now are a great way to keep children focused on the season of Advent, the meaning of Christmas and how it relates to Christ and not the mall.

Advent Traditions

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:48:00 +0000

If you ask any Catholic, they will tell you the season of Advent is a period of penance and preparing their heart for the coming of the Baby Jesus. But although not part of the Holy See's opinion on Advent, the advent wreath, advent season and the family activities helps families stay focused on the real meaning of the season, Jesus, and not the commercialism Christmas has become.

In the Sixth Century, St. Gregory the Great was the first person to tie Advent to Christmas but didn't do it the way was now observe the season. He was suggesting that the period was better served to wait for the second coming as opposed to the annual reemergence of the Christ Child.

The protestant participation in Advent is seeing a rebirth in the last few years. Many are now using Advent within their churches. But what is most last effect of Advent is the focus on Faith. Each day and each week as the candles are lit on the advent wreath when done as a family allows for the focus shifted from gift giving to a daily reminder, pray or story about Jesus, the birth of Jesus, the promise of Jesus from the Old Testament or one of the points from the Jesse Tree stories.

In The Western churches, advent begins four Sundays prior to Christmas Day. If Christmas Eve is on a Sunday that does count for the last Sunday of Advent and the Christmas Seasons starts after 4 p.m when the Services of Christmas start. In the Eastern Orthodox Churches, they begin Advent on Nov 15^th and run for 40 days.

As any family battling to balance Faith in today's culture Advent and the use of an advent wreath gives families the perfect way to keep Christ the focus and centerpiece of Christmas.

Advent Wreaths in the Celtic Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:08:00 +0000

A Celtic Advent Wreath is the prefect vehicle to show the faith as a Christian as well as recalling heritage for your family.

In the original tradition, advent was a period of 40 days and not just four weeks. The four week period was introduced in the middle ages. The Celtic tradition has been one that has with stood time and still is celebrated to the present day. The Celtic advent mirrors the Lenten period before Holy Week and the Resurrection. What is most interesting by extending the period of time; it does put more structure in the Christmas season and allows the proper focus on the Lord and not on the commercial pitfalls of Christmas. More interesting still is that this period starts before the traditional start of the shopping season of Thanksgiving.

There are also Celtic Advent wreaths for the more modern four-week period of Advent. The Irish themed wreaths are perfect for the traditional Irish catholic family. The wreath itself is comprised of the four traditional candle holders to hold the 4 Advent Candles. In most cases the wreaths, although apply being made of evergreen, in the true Celtic tradition they are made of medals, often pewter.

They are braided in some cases to show a old Irish braid. The twisted rope design makes the base of the advent wreath. Often the Celtic knot is used to decorate the place where the candle sits. A Celtic knot has roots in the third and fourth century. The Celtic knot first showed up in art as an interlaced knot pattern making one mater pattern. Some are spirals or patterns form complex interwoven cords. In the Advent wreath reproduction of these knots forms the base.

Often our Celtic Home décor items and sacramental and seasonal items are very popular among the Irish. The Celtic art Form had become a national identify type identity for the Irish, Welch and Scottish. This provides each of our families to reinforce their family heritage as well as their religious heritage. Whether our families observe the traditional full 40 days and or the more modern four week period, the Celtic advent wreath provides a lasting tradition for families, regardless of their nationality and binds in their faith.

St. Joseph In a Depressed Home Market

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:40:00 +0000

If I'm sitting wondering how to sell my house, you may have thought to try everything from open houses to dropping the price. But did you know the St. Joseph statues has a long tradition of helping home owners sell homes.

Religious Jewelry show faith

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:56:00 +0000

There are many categories and uses for Jewelry. One of the most prolific is the use of Jewelry for Religious nature. There are many different types of religious jewelry. Most often when you think of Religious jewelry you might think of a cross or crucifix pendant. Most Christians wear their crosses to show they are a Christian and to remind them of their faith. Catholic often have them Blessed and wear their blessed crosses.

Other types of religious Jewelry are rosary bracelets. This is a more recent invention. Rosary Bracelets span all type price ranges and usually are one decade of the rosary linked together to form a bracelet. What would be considered the center of the rosary usually dangles like a charm. The bracelets can be made from glass or semi precious medal beads and may use base metal, which is lower cost or the more expensive sterling or gold metals for the links the cross or the center.

Patron Saint Medals is another form of religious jewelry that people often ware. They wear this small medallions on their necks generally. The saint the person chooses to wear may have some significance to the person's life. Patron Saint Jewelry often is a reminder to the person wearing. Patron Saint Medals are often called sacramental. Base Metal pendants make great gifts for church groups. For example church groups often give St. Cecilia Medals, where she is the patron saint of musicians.

Lapel pins are another form of Religious Jewelry. Often Holy Spirit Jewelry can be a lapel pin. There are many symbols that you may see worn on a lapel. Also a Monstrance pin is a great gift for staff and church members in groups like RCIA sponsors, Catechism teacher.

Rings are often worn as reminders to the cross. There are rings designed as cross but one of the most popular religious rings is a claddagh ring. It is an Irish wedding and depicts a heart and a cross. Also the religious wear rings or are given rings at their ordinations. Even the Pope has a ring, as many already know.

The Cross is an Outward Symbol

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:25:00 +0000

When you see a cross you automatically think of Christ based religions. But, where did the use of the cross come from as a symbol of Christianity. In the 3^rd century, was banded by one church father because of the crosses roots to paganism as with many of the early church rituals that were blended from paganism to draw the pagans to the church in early church history. The First depiction of the corpus, or body of Christ in the Vatican was as late as the 5^th century.

The original cross was also set to represent a tau, which is the letter T. Some theorize that the use of the T started with the Druids who had a God named Tau, They often used two trees to form a cross for crucifixion purposes . It is also believed that St. Phillip was crucified on a tau cross in Phrygia. He was crucified on the pagan holiday which was later associated with St. Phillip. This cross is thought to predate the Roman Cross and maybe even the basis for it.

Because of translations though time, the crucifixion of Jesus has long been discussed from the earliest days of the church. The actually way Jesus was crucified is at the pinnacle of the argument. History tells us that Romans who were notorious for crucifying people actually used a stake. They did evolve to a Tau Cross and then evolved again to the Roman Cross. The scholars that argue it was a single pole and not a cross site the Bible itself as one of the proof sources that It was a pole and not a cross. There are references in Act (5:30) where it is said they hung Jesus on a tree. And in 1 Peter there is reference as well to Jesus hanging on a tree. But many scholars cannot find the use of the cross prior to Constantine, who notoriously melded the pagan traditions with Christianity when he declared that the Roman Empire was Christian. In the present time the scholars are now coming to the conclusion that the cross was born out of art making a better more palatable story as to what happened to Jesus during the crucifixion. The use of a stake was for more gruesome.

The Advent Wreath Lights the way to Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 28 May 2008 04:27:00 +0000

Beyond the circle of garland Advent wreaths have really step out in the modern time being made from sterling silver and sometimes pewter. But despite all the different materials that are now used to make Advent wreaths, from the beginning the branches of evergreen formed a circle that is eternity, with no beginning and no end. Historically there were 4 candles, and now sometimes you will see 5 candles mounted to the circle of branches or precious medals.

The candles play an important part of the Advent Wreath. The colors of the candles are also significant. The first Sunday is marked with a purple candle. The week makes the remembrance of the Old Testament. The profits are called and there are some that have called this candle the profit candle, with Isaiah being the one who foretold of the coming of Jesus and his birth. There is great hope for the future with the excitement of the coming of Jesus.

As the season proceeds, additional candles are lit. The second Sunday also has a second Purple candle and historically this has been tied to love and repentance. It also has been called the Bethlehem candle.

The Third Sunday of Advent has a pink candle and this is a phase of transition in the season as we shift from the past and penitential season to the joy of the upcoming event and focusing on the joy of the season. There is a clear delineation in the transitions between looking back and looking forward.

For the fourth candle we shift back to purple and it is the peace of the season. Often this 4^th candle can be called an Angel candle.

The fifth candle which has only now come into being in the later times, is lit on Christmas eve. It as whit candle and is in the center of the Advent wreath. It is to remind us that Christ has entered the circle, the world. The white also represents the purity of the season.

The Advent Wreath is a wonderful why to help keep focus on Christ in a very material society.

Jesse Tree and Advent

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:48:00 +0000

Jesse Tree and Advent are tied together where as the Jesse Tree has biblical root. Some parishes defer the use of a Christmas tree to a Jesse Tree in the Altar or sanctuary area. Of course some of the Christmas Tree roots do go back to Pagan believes around the time of Constantine, who added some of the pagan tradition into Christianity as a conversion point. The use of a Jesse Tree and now the variation the Jesse Tree Advent Wreath provide solutions for those with concerns. The Jesse Tree is steeped in Jewish tradition and henceforth Christian tradition.

Running in parallel with the Advent wreath each week ornaments are placed on the Jesse Tree. But these ornaments are not the frosty little snowmen, or Santas they ornament well thought out to show the evolution up through the birth of Christ. In some places the ornaments are placed daily and there is a coinciding Old Testament passage to be read each day that highlight a person who contributed to moving God's word forward.

Churches may do this weekly and make it coincide with the lighting of each of the advent wreath candles. They selected Joseph, David (son of Jesse), John the Baptist and Jesus as the Sunday persons that the ornaments are to be based on. For Joseph, the ornament should be a Sack of Grain or a Coat. For David's representation it should be a Shepherd's Crook or a Harp and for John the Baptist, a Scallop Shell. And for Jesus, the ornament prescribed is a manger.

As parents struggle to keep Christmas about Jesus, the use of the Jesse Tree, especially if the parish is using one, is the reason that a Jesse tree advent wreath may be a perfect addition to the home. The scenes are displayed around the wreath to make a circle. The daily practice of speaking about Biblical Figures helps shift the focus from commercialism and the chorus of "I want" when it comes to toys.

Advent can be a season used not only as a penitential season but it can also be used to strengthen the core of the family. The Jesse Tree is sometimes called an Advent Tree because it functions throughout Advent, foretelling of the good news that is coming, the birth of our Savior.

Early Shopping Save Money on Christmas Gift Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 16 May 2008 05:03:00 +0000

Oh I can hear the groans as I say this, Christmas is coming and we should start looking at looking and ways to afford Christmas in a time when disposable income is in short supply. We here are putting together a set of tips of how to survive the Christmas Gift Season and expensive food and gas prices.

First is its never to early to buy Christmas gifts. If its May, June or July, it's not too early. Let's face it, the more pressed for time you are the more apt you are to spend more on the gift, not find it on sale and pay extra for shipping so that its there on time. June 1 will see some already starting to buy the Christmas gifts. Buy starting now you can take advantage of online sales and free shipping offers and that will help save money

By starting in the early summer you spread the cost for Christmas gifts out over 6 months. There are great bargins and sales all year long. Clearance sales to make room in stores are a great way to find a gift at a great price and all you need to have is a small corner of a closet to store the gift until Christmas time. As you walk though stores looking for flowers for your spring garden, look for items that are clearance that will make great Christmas presents.

And lastly but most importantly, Christmas is far more than Christmas gifts. It is a religious holiday and should be a celebration of the birth of our Lord. We need to remind our children the story of the nativity. We need to remind our children why we have the season and why we have Christmas gifts. In doing this you will have a wonderful Christmas and more importantly a less stressful or financially strapped Christmas Season.

Anatomy of the Catechism

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:21:00 +0000

In 2000, The United States Bishops took the Catechism of the Catholic church and developed a version exclusively for the individual Catholic Person in the United States. The book is very readable and is set up like a text book so that its easy to use follow and learn from format. The books appropriately is called United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.

The main focus of the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults is the four Pillars of Catholicism; The Creed, or what we believe, the sacraments; Catholic Morality, which includes the 10 Commandments; and then Catholic Pray. The Bishops were very mindful to keep that same structure. And it mimics the main catechism.

The first thing they did was put every chapter in out there with the life story of a saint or an important person in the Catholic faith and they tried to use Americans. Saints like Elizabeth Anne Seton and noted Catholics of importance, Dorothy Day. Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI was also notable non American figures mentioned.

The next thing they did was transition into the teachings of the material to be covered. By example Dorothy Day lead the chapter that was on the 5^th Commandment, Murder. Her story is an incredible one, going from having an abortion to working with poverty and understanding the needs of the poor. Her story was a great one to go with the 5^th commandment because she personified the understanding of the dignity of the person as the chapter covered not only abortion, but Stem Cell Research, Partial Birth Abortion, Euthanasia, and War.

While reading the though the discussion and the summary type presentation of the tenants of the church's teaching on the 5^th commandment, the actual applicable lines from the CCC are introduced, via a side bar, an area of the page that is set off from the rest of the text as it contains different information. It is the raw text from the Vatican that help form the chapter.

The book then lists from discussion questions if the book is being used by a group. Individuals are also challenged with those questions and should open up the door for some though.

Lastly and maybe most importantly, is pray and mediation and there a section to foster that as well. The Bishops took their time and produced a readable book for Catholics to better learn their faith, educating our children and being able to know and answer questions about our faith with a much greater knowledge.

Evolution of the Catechism in the Modern Era

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:42:00 +0000

The need for a catechism for adults is something that was sorely lacking for years within the Catholic Church. In 1992, Pope John Paul II commissioned the official Catechism of the Catholic Church. He with the help with Joseph Ratzinger, now know as Pope Benedict XVI, put together a comprehensive encyclopedia type reference book aimed at bishops, Pastors and catechists. It was not designed for the individual to use, even though it has been purchased by many Catholics globally..

After the release of the Catechism, the Vatican challenged the Bishops of each country to form their own catechism that addressed not only the concepts in the main Catechism of the Catholic Church, but also the social situations in their own countries. For example Countries such as the Netherlands has far bigger moral issues than does the United States, even though there is some cross over. They again urged that their reference book was not to be used as a textbook and thus why they wanted this to be done.

With this task in mind the United States Bishops set about the task of writing a Catechism that was based on the main Catechism of the Catholic Church but also addressed the social issues in the United States, making it uniquely germane to the United States. The Bishops took that challenge set before them very seriously and put together the U nited States Catechism of the Catholic Church. It took them six years to produce the book we now have in front of us.

The book from the beginning was so perfect to what the Vatican wanted the Bishops to do it only took them three revisions to get the Vatican's seal of approval. The understanding was their revisions were very small and it did not deviate from the original meaning and this book holds very true to the encyclopedia version of the catechism. The extra time and effort the bishops took put forth a valuable and extremely well written text book for the American Catholic Church to use.

Serenity Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 11 May 2008 16:01:00 +0000

The Serenity Prayer has gained in popularity though the years and is often used by groups that deal with addictions such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The origins of the prayer have divergent roots back into the early 20^thcentury but others say it goes back to the 1700s It is believed that Reinhold Niebuhr wrote the prayer and maybe as part of a sermon. Controversy arose on this and he said the prayer may have been around for years but he really felt he had written it.

The actual text of the prayer is as follows:

"God, give us the grace to accept with the serenity the things that cannot by changed, courage to change the things that should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other"

The prayer was included in a book by Reinhold called the "The Essential Reinhold Niebuhr: Selected Essays and Addresses "Additionally the prayer also appeared in Niebuhr's Daughter in her book appropriated named ?The Serenity Pray, Faith and politics in Times of Peace and War."

The prayer was, as reported by Niebuhr, made its way through the Federal Council of Churches and later made it into the United States Military during World War II. The prayer has always appeared as one sentence although its always been listed as three separate lines.

However, although Niebuhr wanted to claim the prayer, maybe believe it actually was penned in the 1700s by a German named Friedrich Christoph Oetinger who was a know Theosophy, a person who worked with religious philosophy, The words Oetinger wrote were a bit different than Niebuhr, but it can be argued that is it as paraphrase of the Oetinger's Serenity prayer:

"God, give me the detachment to accept those things I cannot alter, the courage to alter those things I can alter and the wisdom to distinguish the one thing from the other."

The prayer was found on a plaque in the wall in an German army training center and was held up as a code of conduct for those German Soldiers prior to the control of Nazi German. It is interesting side note that the prayer was handing to the US troops as they fought Nazi German in World War II.

Pray Garden to Start the Day right

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 11 May 2008 04:51:00 +0000

As the sun comes up, the air is cool, sometimes even crisp as the steam rises from a fresh cup of coffee. It is a perfect time of day for meditation and quiet. It's a perfect time for scripture or books of prayer. Many people don't think of how to make their backyard a perfect retreat place that you can go to any morning you choose.

For some, there is no better way to hear the voice of God than to listen to the early morning. As you sit there in the quiet of a day that has not really started it s a wonderful way to get close to God and got get a great perspective and set the day on a good tone. One way to make your yard more conducive is to work on putting a prayer garden.

You may decide on the statue first because it may dictate how you fill in your garden. You may opt for a resin Blessed Mother statue that is painted or just an unpainted one. Some have a more weathered appearance. Depending on the base of your statue you may need a small cement slab to help keep the statue from tipping or you can permanently affix the statue to the ground by placing it in wet cement that will help set it. You can from there cover the statue with mulch or dirt to plant flowers at the base of it.

Another popular Saint for prayer gardens are St. Francis Statues because he is associated with wild animals and are often depicted with them circling around him. He is often a popular figured on bird baths as well. The birdbath can be coupled with Blessed Mother statue. Other items may include a bird feeder too that will help bring the wild birds to the yard in the early morning.

One last amenity you may want to choose for your prayer garden is a prayer bench, or even a regular park bench that you can place in the garden area itself and surrounding yourself with the peace of nature. It is a way to start a day that helps keep your day full of good things. It may help reduce the stresses of the day and help you better to find Jesus in the people you meet.

Need to Sell Your home, Ask St. Joseph

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:49:00 +0000

As anyone who has ever sold a house knows, it is one of the most difficult processes and you need all the help you can get. You have people come tell you what colors to paint your rooms, if to change you carpet but what they don't tell you is maybe one of the best things you can do is buy a St. Joseph Home Seller Kit bury a St Joseph Statue in your yard.

Many homeowners turn to St. Joseph, earthly guardian of Jesus. In a tradition that may date back to the Middle Ages, many people claim that by burying a Statue of St. Joseph in your back yard will help your home sell faster. The exact date of when this started seems to be a bit blurred but it is thought that there were some Nuns who buried a medal of St. Joseph asking for his intercession as they looked for a convent.

Other stories of its origin can be traced to Germany when homebuilders placed St. Joseph in the foundation of the houses they were building, praying to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. And others still believe this originated in Montreal when a Religious Brother wanted to by land on Mount Royal for a small chapel. After burying some St. Joseph Medals, he was granted the property in 1896.

In the US the custom started to take hold in the 80s and by the 90s, realtors were putting St. Joseph on all the properties they were selling. When the house sells, the tradition calls for the statue to be dug up and taken to the new house. However many of these realtors forgot where they placed the statues and left them saying they would protect the property however some believe the statue will cause the property to keep selling.

There are numerous people with stories of houses that have sat on the market not selling and then out of desperation, buried the statue and in weeks and some cases days saw the house sell. And of course there was one story of the guy who buried St. Joseph in the yard and after a few days he when his house hadn't sold, he threw it away. A few days later he opened his local paper to find a notice that his local garbage dumb had been sold.

The believers are so many in numbers that religious stores and website sell many of these statues a week. But it would seem it all comes down to faith. And if you think its silly but your house isn't selling what do you have to lose, $9? Get your St. Joseph Home Seller Kit

Inspirational Tapestries

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:16:00 +0000

One of the most unique home décor items available are woven Inspirational tapestries. They often are scenes that reflect historical events or historical figures. They are a textile art that uses a vertical loom and hand knits strands of wool to create that picture or painting. Tapestries can be traced back to the 4^th Century BC but really didn't come into favor until the middle ages or the 14^th century.

In the middle ages the art form that is the making of the tapestries became perfected. This art form originated in Switzerland and crept into Germany and then spread its way to the east in the form of Holland and France. Finally France became the tapestry capital of the world. Unfortunately the French revolution and the violence of it saw many homes burned and many of the tapestries went right along with them.

There are several ways to work with the threads. When the warp threads are hidden, it makes a perfect wall tapestry. In a normal cloth weaving, you see the weft threads. The weft is a horizontal thread weaves over and under the warp threads. The main job of a weft thread is to fell in the space that are in the warp threads The warp threads are the main stay of the weave. It is the long thread that run vertically and tied to the looms and the weft threads run over them.

By adding all these different thread types the ability to make more intricate the tapestry became. It was very common to walk into a medieval church and find tapestries depicting the Annunciation, the Resurrection, and the Last Supper The rich history of tapestry is a perfect home décor item. It adds old world charm to any home or church. And an added benefit is in public display it does call attention to itself that reminds us of the religious events that help form the tapestry of our faith.