The Week of Hope
Light the candle of Hope, the purple candle.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:22-25
Lord, let our thoughts and deeds today reflect your love, generosity and grace. We pray that you will grow the spirit of Christmas within us and spread your light to those around us. Amen.
Create a Christmas scrapbook Get a large two-inch binder, page protectors, pretty paper or Christmas stationary. From magazines, newspapers, Christmas cards, or friends, collect meaningful, fun or interesting poems or stories, comics, quotes and quips. Look for items that relate to Christmas, its traditions or its history. Clip and save favorite Christmas card covers or verses and the annual Christmas letter. Continue to collect items throughout the year, and place them in a folder to save for when you pull the scrapbook out with the ornaments each Thanksgiving. Have your kids help you paste in the items. Leave the book on the coffee table; invite visitors to enjoy. (Supplies: sturdy two-inch binder, package of page protectors, Christmas or pretty paper, scissors, tape, glue)
The Traveling Kings Place the three kings from your crèche together in a different part of your house. For each day of Advent, bring them a little closer. On Christmas day, place them back in the crèche.
SING together:
O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Mary Lu Walker, the Advent song
“Every action in our lives touches some chord that will vibrate in eternity.”
Edwin Hubble Chapin, American clergyman, (1814-1880)
A True Christmas 