Hurry up and wait...

There was at least one episode of MASH when the main characters talked about how life in a MASH unit was all "Hurry up and wait"--that there were periods of crazy rushing around surrounded by a lot of sitting and waiting. 

This week at school has been kind of like that for me--moments of utter chaos surrounded by time spent sitting and watching my kids write final exam essays.  There is, of course, that never-ending mom and teacher "to do list"...but in many moments this week I have just sat and done, well, nothing.  I have felt guilty several times and invented things to do(and been interrupted by "emergencies" several other times).

I think that is God's way of reminding me to observe Advent--to wait quietly and listen for "what next".  To remember that sometimes we are to just wait.  What a great reminder in this crazy, busy world...

Now if I could just grade all those essays in a speedy manner.....

Advent

For the past several years, I've attended an event called "Advent by Candlelight" hosted by the mom's group at my kids' Catholic Elementary School.  It is a great way to begin the season, a chance to sit with friends, eat appetizers and desserts, and listen to great music and speakers. The speaker last night said at one point that she appreciated all of us coming to hear her speak, and that she knew that for many of us it will be the last time we sit and relax with friends until the holiday season is long over.

Last night's speaker was fabulous, but as I told IM last night, she, like last year's speaker, was very "intellectual".  A great speaker, very scripturally sound.  She connected the prophesies of Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah, through Matthew and Luke, to Revelation.  It was a great talk, reminding me that Advent isn't just waiting for Christmas, but also waiting for Christ to return again.  As I listened, I thought to myself that I kind of miss the year that a mom of six (seven?) spoke to us, more along the lines of "how to survive the holiday season", it seemed like a much more relevant lesson.  But maybe that's the real message--that sometimes we get so caught up in the moment, in the surviving, that we miss the big picture.  As we move through this season of waiting let's all help each other find ways of not just surviving, but also purposefully waiting and using our wait time for what it was meant for.  For helping others, for spreading God's love here on earth, for making Christmas every day not just one day a year.

Christmas Readings 2015

Thursday, December 24, 2015
Christmas Eve:
Light all four colored candles and the large white candle.
Luke 2:11 A Savior has been born to you;  He is Christ the Lord.
Read your family's favorite version or translation of Jesus's birth together tonight.  Prayer: Christ is born for us!  Come, let us adore Him.  Lord Jesus, in the peace of this season our spirits rejoice with the animals and the angels, with the shepherds and the stars, with Mary and Joseph, we sing God's praise.  By your coming, may the hungry be filled with good things, and may our table and home be blessed.  Glory to God in the highest and peace to God's people on earth!

Friday, December 25, 2015
Christmas--Light all four colored candles and the large white candle.
Luke 1:68  Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.
Christmas is finally here!  Today we light the white candle in t he middle of our wreath to symbolize the purity of Christ.  We should enjoy this day and give thanks to the Lord for giving us the Christ Child.  Prayer: Thank you, God, for the gift of Jesus.  Thank you for the gifts we receive today, for the phone calls and visits of those we love, and for the memories of friends and family who are not with us today.

Advent week 4, 2015

Sunday, December 20, 2015
Fourth Sunday.  This candle is sometimes called the candle of love.  It symbolizes that God loves us so much He sent His Son to save us.  (Light all four candles).  Read one of your family's favorite versions or translations of Jesus's birth.  Prayer:  Now Jesus's birthday is very near.  May his birthday bring joy and happiness to all of us as we try to be more like Jesus.  Help us to show love for others.

Monday, December 21, 2015
Luke 2:19  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
This season is a time for memories and reflection.  Mary ,the mother of Jesus, might have felt pleased at all the fuss made over her special child.  She knew that her child was the Son of God, but rejoiced in knowing so many other people heard the same message from God's angels.What memories Mary would have all her life of this special time!  Prayers:  Thank you, God, for our memories of special times. Please be with people who are lonely this season and help their memories bring them comfort.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015
1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
One of the most popular holiday traditions if to bake and decorate cookies.  A long time ago, these treats were hung on Christmas trees.  Now people make them for parties and to share with friends and family.  When we make these treats, we should thrink about the people who we will share them with.  How can we glorify God, even in our simple cookie making?  Prayer:  God, help us to use our holiday treats to spread your love to other people.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Matthew 25:40 The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me"
The tradition of giving gifts on Christmas is very old.  The ancient Romans exchanged gifts on New Year's Day.  When the apostles brought the Gospels to Rome, the Romans learned about the Wise Men's gifts to Jesus.  As Christianity spread, the gift giving custom changed to imitate the Three Wise Men and gifts were given on Christmas instead of New Year's. Sometimes we become so focused on giving perfect gifts that we forget why we give them.  What gifts can we give that don't cost money?  Prayer?  God, thank you for the best gift of all, Your Son, Jesus.  Help us give gifts that show our love for others.

Advent week 3, 2015

Sunday, December 13, 2015
Third Sunday:  The Third Sunday of Advent is soetimes known as the cndle of Joy. This pink candle also reminds us that we have reached the mid-point of the Advent Season.  Christmas is coming soon! Light three candles, two purple and one pink.  Read one of your family's favorite versions or translations of Jesus's birth.  Prayer:  Now Jesus's birthday is nearer.  As we choose gifts for our family and friends, we stop to say:  "Thank you, God, for Jesus, your gift that brings joy to us.".

Monday, December 14, 2015
Luke 2:30, 32:  For my eyes have seen your salvation,...the light for reveelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people, Israel.
Typically the Christmas story ends with the visit of the wise men from the East.  But the story of Christ continues through the New Testament.  When we read the Bible, especially Luke 2, we can learn about people other than the wise men who had waited a long time to see Jesus.  Simeon and Anna were two of these people who spend most of their lives praying for the Christ Child's coming.  When they met him, they praised God.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for sending us Jesus.  Help us to remember the real reason for Christmas during this busy season.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Luke 2:20  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for al the things they had heard and seen"
Imagine the excitement the shepherds felt when the entire sky lit up with angels.  The shepherds were probably scared, but an angel told them wonderful news--Christ has been born!  The shpherds immediatley jumped up and went to find the baby Jesus.  What a happy occasion--the long-awaited King had finally arrived!  Christmas is a wonderful time to tell others about Christ.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for your gift of Jesus.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Acts 20:35: Lord Jesus himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive"
During this season we can become focused on giving and receiving gifts.  We can also become more aware  of people in need.  Not everyone lives in a warm house with three meals a day.  During this busy season we should take time to share what we have with others.  What are some ways we can do this?  Prayer: Thank you, God, for all the comforts we have.  Help us to be a comfort to others.

Thursday, December 17, 2015
Matthew 2:2  We saw his star in the East and have come to worship him.
There has been lots of confusion about the men who came to visit Jesus.  Were they kings?  Wise Scholarly men?  Did they visit Jesus on the night he was born or when he was a toddler?  We do know that they watched the night skies and a new star appeared when Christ was born.  This star led them to Jesus.  They worshipped Jesus, and then went home by a different path to protect him from King Herod. Prayer: Thank you, God, for the example of the Wise Men.  Help us choose gifts for Jesus and for others that are meaningful.

Friday, December 18, 2015
Matthew 2:11  Then they opened their trasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and myrrh.
Do you ever think that the gifts that the Wise Men brought to Jesus were strange gifts for a child?  What gifts would you bring ot Jesus?  The gifts remind us that Jsus was a king, even when he was a tiny baby.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to live like us.  Help us remember to be thankful for gifts we receive.

Saturday, December 19, 2015
Song of Songs 2:12  Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come.
Most Christmas decorations have meaning behind them.  For example, legend has it that when a poor family couldn't affort to decorate their tree a spider came to spin beautful webs on the trees to remind the family of the miracle of Christ's birth.  Today was use tinsel to remember the legend.  According to another legend, a boy and his sister had nothing to give Jesus for his birthday.  On the way to church on Christmas Eve, they picked some weeds to place on the manager as a gift.  As they prayed at church, the green leaves near the top of the weeds turned to bright red petals, we call this a poinsettia today.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for all the wonderful reminders of your love for us.

Advent Week 2, 2015

The outdoor lights have been up for a week--most of the indoor decorations is out...We continue through Advent, looking ahead to an elementary school program this week.

Sunday, December 6, 2015
Second Sunday of Advent.   Today is the second Sunday of Advent and Saint Nicholas Day.  The second Sunday of Advent is a continued time of preparation.  This second purple candle is sometimes called the candle of preparation.(Light two purple candles).    Today, on Saint Nicholas Day, we remember that he is the saint of travelers.  We remember that Mary and Joseph were travelers, far from home.  Prayer:  Dear God, Thank you for our warm, safe house. As we decorate and prepare our home for Christmas help us to remember and care for people who need shelter today.

Monday, December 7, 2015
Luke 2:7 "....there was no room for them in the inn".
 It would have been a long trip between nazareth and Bethlehem.  It would have taken them about 10 days to travel the 90 miles.  Think about a time when your family took a long trip.  How did you feel at the end of the long journey?  Were you tired?  Hungry?  Cold?  Mary and Joseph were probably all of these when they reached Bethlehem.  They may have felt scared, too, since Mary was about to have a baby and they couldn't find a place to stay.  So many people had traveled to Bethlehem for the census that there was no room for them.  They must have been thankful when they found a place to stay in the stable.  Prayer:  Dear God, help us to show love and kindness to each other as we prepare to celebrate Christmas

Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Isaiah 9:6  For to us a child is born...
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception honors Mary's life.  She was chosen to be the Mother of God before she was born--What an amazing thought! We are reminded that God has a plan for all of us, just like he did for Mary.  We may not always know or understand God's plan, but if we listen carefully to his directions, we can do what he wants us to do. Dear God, help us to listen to you and follow your plan for us.  Thank you for your guidance.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Proverbs 8:30-31 I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
During this season we remember that God sent His Son because He loves everyone in the world.  This is a time of year when we try to think of others, both family and friends and others around the world.  It is a time to rejoice, but also to be thankful and to share what we can.
Prayer:  Thank you, God, for sending Jesus.  Help us to be generous and kind during this season.

Thursday, December 10, 2015
Luke 2:7  She ....placed him in a manger.
After their long journey and search for a place to stay, finally Mary and Joseph had a dy shelter.  There were no beds, no clean sheets, and no blankets to keep them warm, probably only straw.  Cows and donkeys, and maybe sheep shared the stable with them. Not much of a place for a baby to be born, was it?  When Jesus was born, Mary wrapped him in strips of cloth to keep him warm and dry.  Prayer: God, thank you for our beds, our blankets, and that we have a safe, warm place to sleep.  Please be with those tonight who do not have these things.

Friday, December 11, 2015.
Luke 2:12  You will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger.
Nativity scenes are an important tradition for many of us during Advent.  They remind us that Jesus's beginnings were very humble. Each of the characters has an important part in the story.  They each teach us something and remind us of the meaning of Christmas.  Who are some of the characters in our nativity set? What can we learn from them?  Prayer: Thank you, God for reminding us of the real reason for Christmas.  Help us to remember while we prepare.

Saturday, December 12, 2015
Luke 2:8  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
Sheep need a lot of care.  The Bible says, "the shepherds were watching over their sheep.".  Why would the shepherds need to stay in their fields at night to watch the sheep?  Jesus sometimes calls himself a shepherd.  Just like shepherds take care of their sheep, Jesus takes care of us.  Shepherds use staffs to guide and protect their sheep.  Candy canes are a symbol to help us remember this.  The shape of candy canes reminds us of a shepherd's staff and that Jesus is our shepherd.  When we hold a candy cane upside down, it looks like a "J" for "Jesus".  The red color reminds us of Christ's sacrifice and the white symbolizes His holiness and purity.  Prayer.  Dear God, help us to remember that you are taking care of us.  Thank you for being our shepherd.

Advent 2015, week 1

When I was a kid we had an Advent book that we read nightly--I honestly can't remember much about it--maybe it was just Daily Guideposts--but I remember that it was always special and meaningful to read and light the candles together.  When the kids were little, we started reading our own books--several different ones, but never just one that I loved. I spent time every night picking the reading that would work best for us from several choices, leaving a pile of books on the table.  When they were little, Mr. IM or I read, but the last several years we've had to create a complicated system of which child gets to read each night and who lights the candle(s) and so forth... (or doesn't have to, depending on mood...)

In 2008 I spent weeks (yes, weeks) putting together our own family Advent readings--cross referencing calendars to set it up for all of Advent (not just December 1-25) and Epiphany from 2008 through 2020....egads.  I also made sure that there was a reading for every day for every year--since Advent is a different number of days each year... It was several computers ago, so the digital file is "gone" I think.  I made copies of the book for many family members, I'm curious if anyone else still has theirs and/or uses it.  It includes photos of the kids and art by them. I pulled ideas, readings, and partial daily activities from our favorite books and resources--mostly so we wouldn't have to grab the stack and decide which one we like best--here are my sources--I definitely want to note that this is a compilation, I didn't write this, I just put it all together...

*An Advent of Ideas:  Chistmas Sharing, Product concept, Inc.  Printed in Mexico (out of print?)
*Advent Christmas and Epiphany in the Domestic Church:  Activities to celebrate Catholic Liturgical Seasons.  Catherine and Peter Fournier. Ignatius Press:  San Francisco. 2001 ISBN 0-90870-859-1  Revised and reprinted 2013  (our version seems to be out of print)
*"Celebrate Advent!" By L'Tishia Suk. Focus on the Family Magazine.  December 2000 (not available on the internet that I can find...but cited by several others)
Pamphlet. Copyright 1998, Archdiocese of Chicago:  Liturgy Training Publicans, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622-1101;  1-800-933-1800 website www.ltp.org Design by Roslyn Broder. (Looks like they are still in business, but I  can't find the pamphlet we have on their site)
*Holy Bible, New International Version, 1983

 Now that the kids are older, we're adding a new book this year (in addition to our family one)--Not Yet Christmas: It's Time for Advent by J.D. Walt.  I bought both the Kindle and paperback editions--I like holding the paperback.

Anyway, because tomorrow is the first day of Advent, here are this week's readings, in case anyone is interested!

Sunday, November 29, 2015
First Sunday of Advent:  Today Advent begins.  It is a time of preparation and waiting, just as God's people waited for Jesus, the Messiah.  Our Advent wreath has three purple candles, one pink candle, and a white candle in the middle.  The three purple candles symbolize royalty and remind us that Jesus is the King of Kings.  Today we light the first purple candle.  The first candle is often called the candle of hope.  we have hope because God is faithful and will keep His promises to us.  (Light one purple candle.  If you would like to, read a favorite version or translation of the Christmas story or another meaningful Christmas story).  Prayer:  Dear God, bless this wreath.  Help our family to remember that Advent is a time of hope.  Help us prepare for your coming.  Thank you for your faithfulness ot our family.  Amen.

Monday, November 30, 2015
Isaiah 40:1-5:  Comfort, comfort, my people says your God.  Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
 Advent is a time to prepare for Jesus's birthday. What are some ways our family prepares for Christmas?  What are some ways we can prepare and help others in our community prepare?  (discuss) Advent is also a time to remember that Jesus paid for our sins and that we are forgiven.  What a wonderful way for God to show his love to us!  Prayer: Thank you, God, for giving us Advent as a time to remember your love and to prepare for Christmas.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Read Micah 5:2: But you, Bethlehem,...out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel..
Bethlehem was a small town.  Even though it was the home city of King David, people in the region probably didn't expect greatness to come from there.  God chose Bethlehem to remind us that Jesus was a person, just like us, but without sin.  His choice to come to earth as a baby reminds us that we don't have to be big or powerful to make big changes in the world.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for letting even the smallest of us give great gifts.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Isaiah 52:7-10:  How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns! Listen!  you watchmen lift up your voices, together they shout for joy!"
During the Christmas season we sing special songs about the birth of Jesus.  Christmas songs glorify God and remind us of Jesus's birth.  What is your favorite Christmas song?  What does it tell us about Jesus's birth?  For the prayer, choose your favorite song about Jesus's birth and sing it together.

Thursday, December 3, 2015
John 8:12  Jesus...said, "I am the light of the world".
We use many symbols during Advent to remember special things about God.  We remember that Jesus is the light of the world by decorating with candles and lights.  The lights also remind us to be a light of God, to share his good news with others.  Prayer:  Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to be our light.  Help us to be lights for others.

Friday, December 4, 2015
Psalm 132:11  The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke:  One of your own descendants I will place on your throne.
Jesus was born a king!  The Bible says that Jesus was born into the house of King David, showing that Christ came from a long line of kings.  The first chapter of matthew lists Jesus's genealogy proving he was born a king.  This was important because it fulfilled God's promise that a descendent of David would return to the throne.  Even though Christ was born a king, he didn't act like one.  Jesus didn't take advantage of his power to get what he wanted, only to help others.  Prayer:  God, thank you for keeping your promises.  Help us to use our gifts and powers to help others.

Saturday, December 5, 2015
Matthew 2:1-2  After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him".
Tomorrow is Saint Nicholas Day.  Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of seafarers, scholars, bankers, pawnbrokers, jurists, brewers, coopers, travelers, perfumers, unmarried girls, brides, schoolboys, and robbers.  (a list worth discussing and pondering)  He is most famous for being the special patron of children.  St. Nicholas was probably a native of Patara , in Lycia, in Asia Minor.  There are many legends about his good deeds.  His best known virtue was love and charity for the poor.  In Holland and other places around the world (including our house), children leave their wooden (or other) shoes outside their door on December 5, in hopes of receiving a small gift of candy, cookies, apples, or nuts from Saint Nicholas.  When Saint Nicholas leaves these gifts, we are reminded of his kindness and of the Wise Men's visit and gifts to Jesus.  Prayer:  Thank you God for your gifts to us.  Help us show kindness to the people around us and to share what we are given freely.

Advent at the Ranch

Mr Ranch says it is a dumb "rule", but I don't like to get a Christmas tree until after The Boy's birthday and his party...partially because I don't want the party guests messing with the tree.  But I do like to start decorating when Advent begins.  We try to light our advent wreath every night and read from an Advent calendar.  Several years ago I couldn't find one that we really liked so I created our own compilation-

complete with family pictures and drawings by the kids!

I also put out the nativities--The Veggie-Little People hybrid and the others--

 This one, from Mr. Ranch's mom--she bought one piece a year for years and gave it to us to use when she moved into a smaller apartment.  I added the stable, I bought it several years ago to use with a nativity I bought at a garage sale.

 My "naughty angels"--made by and a favorite of my Grandmothers--the one on the left is holding a sling shot behind her back, the one on the right has a dolly tucked in her belt, and the one in front has "lost" her halo.  They are becoming more delicate each year, so some years I don't put them out.  You can also see a gold angel candle holder made by the same grandmother and an angel playing a violin that belonged to my other grandmother.

 My grandmother also made the last two nativities--the one on the left she had at her house for many years.
The nativity below is using the stable that Mr. Ranch's mom bought for her set (above)...I switched them because they just seem to fit better this way.
A few years ago I found a nativity identical to this one, although not missing as much paint, and not as well made, at a garage sale.  Two years ago, my mom gave the original to me for Christmas. My mom used to say that all the paint is rubbed off because I liked to (from a young age) move all the participants around so they were in the "right" places.  The garage sale one is now in a box, waiting for one of the children to want it, I suppose.








I did add the donkey on the far right--he usually lives in my china cabinet, but I thought he should have a chance to see daylight.  He is stamped with "West Point", so he also came from my grandparent's house.

 This sheep is in the right location--facing Baby Jesus--you can see he is missing a lot of paint from being moved (and petted).