Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

You Can Make This in Time for Advent 

 Contact Us

Please know that among the MANY things for which I am thankful is YOU! Thank you for staying connected--especially these days

Advent this weekend!

That's right--no sooner do you put away the turkey leftovers 

and it's time to think of Advent

This year, of all years, we want and need to keep a right focus in our homes as we prepare for Christmas. What better way to do that than praying with an Advent Wreath. If you've not had time between pumpkin pies and stuffing, to think of an Advent wreath, here's a tried-tested-and-approved, simple way to make a kid-friendly one at home. 

Years ago, I tired of evergreen branches that browned and littered and candles that burned down before the last one even got lit. Then there's the risk of an open flame on the family dinner table. My solution was simple and I use it still, even as a grown-up! 


In the video below, I show you how to make it and below is a prayer you can use to pray it

Different people can take different roles--even the youngest can ask, "who do we light...?" Another can answer, someone can say the prayer, and of course, yet another can begin it all by lighting the candles. If it's just adults you may want to omit #1.

Week 1, Hope

#1: Why do we light one candle?

#2: We light one candle to remind us of HOPE. We have hope because God promised to send the world a savior.

#3: Christ, you are our hope in world in need of hope. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what is most important. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your coming on Christmas. Amen

.

Week 2, Peace

#1: Why do we light two candle?

 #2: The first candle reminds us of Hope. The second candle reminds us of PEACE because Jesus comes as the Prince of Peace

#3: Christ, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to become the-best-version-of-ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. Amen.

Week 3, Joy

#1: Why do we light three candles?

#2: The first candle reminds us of hope. The second candle reminds us of peace. The third candle reminds us of JOY because of the joy we feel knowing Jesus is coming.  Christ, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.  And why is the candle pink? As a sign of Joy! We are half-way to Christmas. This Sunday is, in fact, known as Gaudete Sunday from the Latin word for joy.  

Week 4, Love

#1: Why do we light four candles? 

#2: The first candle reminds us of hope. The second candle reminds us of peace. The third candle reminds us of joy. The fourth candle reminds us of LOVE because God is love.

#3: Christ, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great love for us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter. Our hearts are open to you, Jesus. Amen.


Remember last week's Vicarious Joy!? It was fun to receive some examples from others of vicarious joy in their own lives:

A lot of that joy comes from children...
There’s a house two doors down and they have three little kids, two boys and a girl, 5, 7, and 8, I think. They’re home these days with school online. Just about four o’clock every afternoon they must finish up and their mother sends them out for exercise. They run down the street past my house as fast as their little legs can carry them. Then they turn around and run on back just the same. I smile every time. - Joe E.

and the memories they trigger....
I was returning from my daily walk, across the street a family was out walking. Their preschooler was riding a tiny bike, with training wheels and singing..."Little bunny Foo Foo, hopping through the forest, scoopin' up the field mice..." And I thought, oh my gosh, kids STILL sing that? With all that's changed, and all the tech they have, this silly little song my siblings and I sang again and again, must have been 50 years ago. Couldn't wait till I got home and could share what I'd heard - just made me happy. - Patty A.

and generations kind of blend together...
Childhood memories of tossing the baseball with my dad and brother bring me joy. So vicariously I find joy when attending young Hannah's softball games at Memorial Park. She is quite the pitcher, winding up and delivering the ball over the plate. Good job, way to go Hannah, great pitch, I cheer. My thoughts go back to my dad's teasing cheer, "Good job but you throw like a girl!" - Robin N.

connecting even if it's virtual...
My joy for the day was a 6 year old memory of my twin grandchildren, Otto and Thora, dancing in the kitchen, posted on Facebook by my son. - Terry S.

animals can have the same effect...
I was blowing leaves and disturbed a tiny chipmunk whose tail shot straight up and he bounded across the yard like a rerun of Chip and Dale. I laughed aloud, as startled as he was. Then I had a flash back to junior high poetry, "wee, sleekit, cowering, timerous beastie, oh what a panic's in thy breastie!" Ended up in an easy chair with a cup of tea re-reading the poetry of Robert Burns. - Maureen M.

And a thought from Kathleen...

This season as we receive greetings via cards, email, phone and text, let us treat each one as an invitation to enter vicariously into the lives of those we love--their joys, their sorrows, their concerns, their hopes. Take a moment to hold their sharing as precious gift. Feel what they have felt and are feeling this year. These are the ties that bind.