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Thursday, December 10, 2009

A Model Life

I've been reflecting on the Holy Family more this Advent than ever before for some reason, and this prayer by Mother Teresa stood out to me the other day. I may have to post this somewhere in our home and say it daily. It is just so...complete! May it bless your family, as well.


Heavenly Father, you have given us a model of life in the Holy Family of Nazareth. Help us, O loving Father, to make our family another Nazareth where love, peace, and joy reign. May it be deeply contemplative, intensely eucharistic, and vibrant with joy.

Help us to stay together in joy and sorrow through family prayer.

Teach us to see Jesus in the members of our family, especially in their distressing disguise.

May the eucharistic heart of Jesus make our hearts meek and humble like his and help us to carry out our family duties in a holy way.

May we love one another as God loves each one of us more and more each day, and forgive each others' faults as you forgive our sins.

Help us, O loving Father, to take whatever you give and to give whatever you take with a big smile.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, cause of our joy, pray for us.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Holy Guardian Angels, be always with us, guide and protect us. Amen.

~ Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Second Thursday of Advent

Listen closely...

http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac1103.asp

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Stations of Christmas


One of the most unique ways I have found to meditate on this season of Advent is the following Stations of Christmas. In the original article, each station is accompanied by a reflection and prayer that helps to draw one into the emotional journey of the Holy Family similar to the Stations of the Cross in Lent.


If you are looking for a special way to help your family focus on the reason for the season, this might be a meaningful addition to your Advent prayers and a great way to remind children of the entire Christmas story. The meditative nature of the stations might also be appropriate for group settings at prayer groups or parishes. Find the full text here at Disciples Now.



1. The Annunciation.

2. The Visitation.

3. Joseph's Vision

4. The Journey

5. Arrival in Bethlehem

6. The Manger

7. The Nativity

8. The Heavenly Choir

9. The Shepherds' Visit

10. The Star

11. The Epiphany





© Liguori Publications

Excerpt from Advent: A Quality Storecupboard. The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.

Second Tuesday of Advent

Acknowledge your sins...

http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac1103.asp