The Week of Love

Light two purple candles: the candle of Hope, and the candle of Preparation. Light the candle of Joy, the pink candle. Light the candle of Love, a purple candle.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.  For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.    Galatians 5:12-15 (NIV)

Read Matthew 12:28-33, Romans 12:9-21

Alphabet PRAISE Start with the letter A. Say a praise for something in your life starting with the letter A. Work your way through the alphabet to the letter Z. If you are not feeling thoroughly blessed by the end, start over again!          Contributed by Collie A.

Christmas Glitter Jar  Take a small size peanut butter jar and fill it with filtered water (tap water will be cloudy). Collect from craft store small Christmas figurines, such as a Christmas tree, a snowman, tiny bulb ornaments, tiny wrapped gift, tiny creche, or tiny pine cone.  Drop them in the jar. Optional: Add large size (about pinkie nail size) glitter to the water. Optional: Tint the water a light pink or blue with a drop of food coloring. Optional: paint and /or decorate the metal cover.  Glue the cover closed tightly to make it air tight, invert.  (Supplies: glass jar, tiny Christmas trinkets, glitter, paint or other decorating supplies, food coloring, glue.)

Lord, please guide us as we share our moments with those family and visitors who may be difficult for us to be with. Let these Advent prayers soften our hearts and allow us to better tolerate the differences we have. Transform our usual responses so we may let others see our faith and be touched by it. Let there be peace and joy in our home for all who enter. In your blessed name, Amen.

“The wealth of a soul is measured by how much it can feel; its poverty by how little.” William R. Alger

Click here to print Advent Fun Page December 22