Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

Islam is not the problem
Islam is not the problem Many people on religious paths are lousy advertisements for God. I'm sure that if there were some divine psychometric or behavioural screening mechanism in place, many wouldn't be permitted to be card-carrying...
Meet His Sacrifice
Would Jesus go to through all the suffering of the cross If God's promises were a lie? Do we truly believe the entire Bible is the infallible word of God When we discount it's application to the modern day church? When Jesus said we could do...
Should Christians Judge?
The typical liberal misunderstanding of the Christian religion is that Christians shouldn't judge anybody. This misinterpretation comes from a superficial reading of Rabbi Yashua's (Jesus') teaching where He said: "Judge not, that ye be not...
The Temple of Love Unites Every Religion and Every Country as One
The Temple of Love unites every Religion and every Country as One by tying us all together with our common threads and resolving all of our differences once and for all. We have now reached the point where we are too technologically advanced...
What Kingdom Builders Know ...
(How to Build a Lighthouse) Kingdom builders know that the temple is within each and every one of you who are God's children and that it can only be built by discovering the passions of your soul, listening for the Spirit, then believing God;...
 
Celebrating Advent as a Family

Celebrating Advent as a Family
By Lisa M. Hendey

For families longing to build traditions related to their identity as Roman Catholics, few times of the year hold greater promise than the liturgical season of Advent. The sites and sounds of the holidays fill the air around us, as we communally anticipate the glory and majesty of Christmas. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, Catholic families have the opportunity to share the treasures of our faith with our children in prayer, symbolism and song.

Meredith Gould, author of The Catholic Home: Celebrations and Traditions for Holidays, Feast Days, and Every Day (Doubleday, February 2004, hardcover, 256 pages) writes on the customs and rituals prevalent in Catholic culture. A recent convert to Catholicism, Gould shares the following advice for families looking to truly rejoice in the season of Advent with their loved ones.

Q: Why is it important for Catholic families to observe and celebrate the liturgical season of Advent?

Gould: Advent is not “pre-Christmas,” it’s a separate, distinct, important liturgical season that deserves the same attention and reverence as Lent. Like Lent, it’s a penitential season where we have yet another opportunity to recall, reflect, recollect, and reconcile. During Advent, we do this within the context of watchful waiting for the birth of Jesus, who is not yet our Christ.

We also have an opportunity to contemplate the vast meaning of Mary’s “yes.” I think this is particularly important given our general cultural resistance to obedience, along with our need, as women, to balance saying “yes” with saying “no.”

Advent is a season of discernment. I love it! And I love that living in the northeast means that I get to do this in rhythm with days that are shorter and colder, thus amenable to hibernation.

Q: For families who have no tradition of celebrating Advent, what are some simple traditions and rituals you would recommend?

Gould: Definitely start simple, perhaps adding a new tradition or ritual every year. The easiest one to start with is the Advent wreath, especially because it’s a home-based tradition that everyone can see practiced in church as well. (Gould’s book describes the meaning and significance of the symbolism and colors, enriching the practice.)

The Advent calendar is also very easy to incorporate. Here I make a big deal (read: stink) about finding a calendar that has doors that open onto scripture and religious art. I think Advent calendars with Santa and secular nonsense (e.g., reindeer) are an abomination…and you may quote me!!!

The Jesse Tree is a bit more elaborate and labor intensive, but is a wonderful way to teach salvation history and offset the mania around decorating a Christmas tree within 20 minutes of digesting Thanksgiving turkey n’ trimmings.

Q: What are some of your family's favorite Advent traditions?

Gould: I was raised Jewish, so I have the blessing of being able to come to this season without preconceived notions of what has to happen.

Today, I fill my home with the sights, scents, and sounds (including hefty periods of silence) of the season: Candles, different renditions of “O come, O come, Emmanuel” (O Antiphons!), frankincense & myrrh incense. Whatever wreaths or garland I have is left undecorated until


Christmas Vigil. I move my Mary paraphernalia (icons, etc.) front n’ center in my living room, kitchen, bedroom, and office. I invite friends for a light soup n’ bread supper to craft ornaments. I believe adults are better able to convey wonder and mystery when *we* feel it ourselves.

I also, I confess, have the Three Kings from my Nativity Scene travel from the nether reaches of my home to the crèche. I’m opposed to having the whole thing set up before Christmas Vigil...Mary and baby Jesus should not make an appearance before midnight. Aren’t converts annoying???

I think it’s important for readers to know that we Catholic hail from a religion that celebrates God’s creation and presence in all things, so that décor actually has meaning. As Fr. Andrew Greeley writes in The Catholic Imagination, “As a rule of thumb, if there are no votive candles it, a church really isn’t Catholic.”

Q: How can observing the season of Advent enhance a family's Christmas celebration?

Gould: I encourage people to observe Advent as a way to heighten their appreciation for Christmas. Watchful waiting gives way to delighted awe at the birth of Jesus. I think it’s also a great way to instill (in children and adults) an appreciation for the value of cultivating patience. We move way too fast in this society. We’re too often ahead of ourselves. Even Catholics need to learn how to “be here now” and Advent is a pretty powerful “now.”

Q: What recommendations would you give for parents who would like to emphasize the spiritual celebration of the holiday season over material celebrations?

Gould: Well, the forces of culture are so strong it’s a major challenge for parents to push this back. But I think key to this is having parents understand the true nature of Advent. I think this is a necessary first step. I also think parents ought to reestablish their authority within the domestic church. I’m truly shocked by the ways parents cave in to their children’s’ demands. (Easy for me to say? I guess.)

Basically, my recommendations boiled down to: 1) Make sure *you* understand the spiritual nature of the season so you can convey that to your kids; 2) Make sure your kids understand that *you* are in charge of the home/domestic church.

With the beginning of Advent, we welcome a new liturgical year. Why not begin this new Church year with the resolution to grasp hold of each occasion to share your Catholicity with your children? By building family traditions related to the season of Advent, we teach them what is truly special about Christmas, ensuring precious memories they will one day share with their own children.

For additional information on The Catholic Home visit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385509928/catholicmomcom

For activities, crafts and devotions related to the season of Advent, visit http://www.catholicmom.com/advent.htm

Lisa M. Hendey is a mother of two sons, webmaster of numerous web sites, including http://www.catholicmom.com and http://www.christiancoloring.com, and an avid reader of Catholic fiction and non-fiction.



About the Author

Lisa M. Hendey is a mother of two sons, webmaster of numerous web sites, including http://www.catholicmom.com and http://www.christiancoloring.com, and an avid reader of Catholic fiction and non-fiction.

 

Religion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Religion may be defined as the presence of a belief in the sacred or the holy. ... The development of religion is therefore the course of religions aligning ...
en.wikipedia.org
 
religion online
Full texts by religious scholars. Topics include Bible, Theology, Ethics, Church and Society, Communication, Cultural Studies, Homiletics, Missions, ...
www.religion-online.org
 
Religion and Spirituality in the Yahoo! Directory
Yahoo! reviewed these sites and found them related to Religion and Spirituality.
dir.yahoo.com
 
Yahoo! - Document Not Found
Document Not Found. The document you requested was not found. The category you are trying to reach may have moved. To find a relocated category, ...
dir.yahoo.com
 
Virtual Religion Index
has moved! It is now located at. http://virtualreligion.net/vri/. Note the change of domain & Please notify the source of the link that landed you here. ...
religion.rutgers.edu
 
Religious News and Information
The latest news and coverage from the world of religion. From across the globe to here in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Time covers the most pertinent news ...
www.latimes.com
 
World Religions Religion Statistics Geography Church Statistics
Resources for research into world religions, large and (very) small. Includes links to websites, research papers, statistics, and specialized search ...
www.adherents.com
 
BBC - Religion & Ethics
News, features and weekly summary about religion in the UK. Includes information about religions, ethics issues, and BBC religious TV and radio programming.
www.bbc.co.uk
 
BBC - Religion & Ethics - Religions
An introduction to many of the religions of the world. Includes Jainism, Shinto, Sikhism, Rastafari, Paganism, and many others.
www.bbc.co.uk
 
Open Directory - Society: Religion and Spirituality
Kids and Teens: People and Society: Religion and Spirituality (307) ... World Religions and 101 Cults - Contains descriptions and personal commentary of ...
dmoz.org
 
Google Directory - Society > Religion and Spirituality
Kids and Teens > People and Society > Religion and Spirituality (347) ... Contains descriptions and personal commentary of religions, cults, sects, ...
www.google.com
 
Promoting religious understanding, tolerance and freedom.
Conflicts, evolution, science & religion evaluating each other ... "Study of the world's religions will lead to an understanding of religious diversity; ...
www.religioustolerance.org
 
Religious Studies Page
Gene Thursby's extensive collection of information and links for the study and interpretation of religions. Categories include religious traditions, ...
www.clas.ufl.edu
 
Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Religion
Religion blog: DMN writers and editors explore issues of faith, spirituality and values ... Religion links: Alphabetical list of religious and spiritual ...
www.dallasnews.com
 
Free Religion Ecards, Religion Greeting Cards, Religion Greetings ...
More of Religion ... Home : Religion Greetings ... Food And Drink | Gifts | Invitations | Kids | Love | Music | Pets | Religion | Specials | Sports | Stay ...
cards.123greetings.com
 
Religion -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Most evangelicals now live in China, South Korea, India, Africa and Latin America, where they are transforming their religion. In various ways, they are ...
www.philly.com
 
Religion | The WWW Virtual Library
Religions and belief systems (ancient and contemporary), religious history, mythology, ethics and humanism. this resource in English is indexed under: ...
vlib.org
 
Religion - washingtonpost.com
We explore matters of faith and religion on the first Sunday of each month. ... Religion Online Chats. Thursday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. ET: Faiths Condemn Gay Sex ...
www.washingtonpost.com
 
allAfrica.com: Religion
All over Africa, religion is big business. In East Africa, I am particularly impressed by the rate of its growth in Uganda. Uganda is also the country in ...
allafrica.com
 
Error: Invalid story key (C3,20061205,,612040318,AR).
Obituaries · -- Death Notices · Schools · Detroit History. Nation/World. Nation/World · Politics/Gov · -- Election · Health · Religion · Technology. Sports ...
detnews.com
 
 

 
Content Menu
  • 7 words americans should stop using until further investigation

  • abandon religion

  • abaris rabbi the druid

  • about basic teachings of christian faith christians

  • about being a christian

  • about the mark of the beast

  • abraham the dreamer an erotic and sacred love story explores turbulent love triangle

  • african arab muslims teach abraham was black

  • all the same

  • amos and social justice part 2

  • antichrist and the gog magog war

  • an account of jesus temptation

  • an opportunity to turn

  • are you building your own cistern

  • are you where god is

  • ask your angels for help prospering

  • astrology and vedic yajnas rituals in hindu religion

  • as america turns against god

  • author examines complexities of the holy land from a personal perspective

  • awe perfect

  • a commonsense guide to exorcism

  • a common sense approach to religious freedom

  • a house of prayer for all peoples

  • a little bit of something

  • a man of his word

  • a motivating factor

  • a promise fulfilled

  • a psychic confesses

  • a spiritual solution

  • a storm is coming

  • a time for every season

  • baby steps

  • bang

  • bang bang your dead

  • beauty and ecumenicism

  • behold the prince of persia get ready for war with iran

  • believing in jesus is not a religion and god is not a christian

  • between hevan and hell pt 2

  • blessings and lessons of life

  • born to bear witness

  • call no man father

  • can you walk the walk

  • captives of a concept anatomy of an illusion

  • celebrating advent as a family

  • checking our foundation

  • chicken soup with chopsticks excerpts from chapter one

  • christians barred from praying upon jerusalems temple mount

  • christians the minority

  • christmas

  • christ and culture part 1

  • christ in you means no degrees to spirituality

  • come as you are

  • come home

  • comparative religion 101 what they wont tell you in that class

  • consequences

  • conspiracy theorist

  • contemplation

  • controversial role of religious scholars in pakistan

  • counting them happy

  • dating a non christian

  • david ben ariel faces the aryan nations

  • dealing with heart disease

  • dear satan

  • did you inherit your religion

  • does belief in god better your health

  • do angels have names

  • do people see visions anymore

  • esthers zeal the feast of purim

  • expect persecution for speaking the plain truth

  • fall of a nation

  • fornication

  • freedom of access to israel

  • freedom of religion

  • from defeat to victory

  • from orphans to royalty

  • fundamental church failures

  • genuine islam

  • giving credit where credit is due

  • gnosis the secret of solomons temple revealed

  • godless britain

  • gods church must warn the world

  • gods festivals

  • gods one government has two branches

  • god beings in the making

  • god first

  • god in america rip

  • god is not mocked

  • grace for grace

  • hair of women

  • hang on

  • hasten to fast

  • hermeneutics

  • hinduism is source of spiritual energy

  • hindus and their satanic religion

  • history of palestine

  • hitlers positive christianity

  • hitler was a catholic

  • holding onto your peace

  • holy terror

  • hoomana hawaiian gods

  • hypocrites enjoying the freedom of religion

  • if i were called

  • if jesus never came

  • index

  • intelligent design has god turned the tables on evolution

  • intercessory prayer for the pentagon and employees

  • interfaith wedding ceremony ideas

  • in everything you do

  • in the worst of all places

  • islamic world domination

  • islam as a religion of tolerance and moderation

  • islam in the workplace suggested practice for hr personnel

  • islam is not the problem

  • islam religion defines character trait

  • israel work history worldwide church of god

  • is buddhism a religion

  • is christianity losing america

  • is god prejudiced

  • is your life significant

  • its time to retire the christ killer charge

  • jain religion as a world religion

  • jain religion is not to follow

  • jesus and the gnostic cathars

  • jesus christ one can reach god only through him is this statement correct

  • jesus pbuh the pharisee

  • jihad

  • john paul the honest

  • john tetzel scaring the hell out of christians

  • joshian theism i e superultramodern theism

  • knowing them by their fruit

  • kundalini awakening definition and the path

  • law vs liberty

  • legalism

  • lessons from james

  • let there be peace

  • listen for their voices

  • love never fails

  • l ron hubbard jr blows the whistle

  • mahavira 24th tirthankara of jainism his teachings and essence

  • make not my fathers house a house of merchandise

  • making things harder

  • meditation a great catholic bonus

  • meeting jesus in meditation

  • meet his sacrifice

  • meet jesus sacrifice

  • mohammad

  • moslem america

  • moslem america conclusion

  • moslem america part 2

  • navigating the catechism

  • octopussy

  • old world perishes in flood

  • one day at a time

  • one of satans tricks

  • only two paths

  • onward christian soldiers

  • operation save israel

  • pass it on a rule for good bible interpretation

  • pope to sweep europe off its feet

  • poster boy john kerry

  • predestination

  • prioritize your life for success

  • prophecies of the end times

  • pure religion

  • race matters

  • real leadership stability in a sea of change

  • reconstructionism dominionism warfare theology

  • reforming the state church solutions for the church inc 501c3 problem

  • religion

  • religion and disasters

  • religion and science

  • religion and spirituality what differentiates religion from spirituality

  • religion and techology

  • religion as a method of explanation

  • religion is ignorance

  • religion politics the landmark ruling of justice moore vs the united states

  • religion s hes wrong im right

  • religion there it is

  • religious dating traditions and values

  • revelations a study conclusion

  • revelations a study section 13

  • revelations a study section 6

  • rotator

  • salvation army not just a religion a charity worth giving to

  • sammy davis junior found religion

  • scientology the new cult of lies

  • second coming of jesus christ revalation

  • seek god

  • self realization how it can be achieved within ones life time

  • seven truths perceiving this war differently

  • sheik palazzi and the apostle paul

  • should christians judge

  • smartville

  • spiritualisms tools and the last days

  • spirituality vs religion

  • spirituality vs technology a war of ideals

  • spirituality what it truly means to you

  • spiritual belief

  • spiritual prosperity

  • spiritual skepticisms

  • state favors result in state control of the church

  • stop defending your faith

  • superultramodern religion sr

  • swimming upstream

  • terror the lost war

  • then what is the real holy spirit

  • theology hollywood style

  • the amazing destructive power of tradition

  • the angel metatron

  • the apolitic nature of revelations pt 2

  • the apolitic nature of revelations pt 3

  • the apolitic nature of the revelations pt 1

  • the athiests enigma

  • the black pope part one

  • the blind village and the elephant

  • the christian muslim conflict from scripture to religions

  • the church choir

  • the covenant gods relationship to jews israelites and gentiles

  • the crucifixion and escapism theories of karl marx and mircea eliade

  • the de mystified logos john 1 as it was meant to be read

  • the essence of worship part 2

  • the fear of death

  • the god in islam

  • the good and the bad

  • the green cross

  • the holy land as a human shape

  • the kolbrin ancient warnings of modern threats

  • the late great planet earth pt 1

  • the lost pt 2

  • the new age movement

  • the oracles of god

  • the origin of religions

  • the passion of the christ who really killed jesus

  • the pendant of phenice

  • the pharisees

  • the plain truth about the lost ten tribes and why you need to know

  • the plight of pew warmers

  • the power of love

  • the rise and fall of babylon

  • the satanic verses of bhagavad gita

  • the simple enormity of catholicism

  • the story of one soul so far

  • the taxation of religion

  • the temple of love unites every religion and every country as one

  • the truth about jehovah and the madness of organized religions

  • the two most important commandments love

  • the united states of europe is a joke

  • the use of mysticism in the song of songs

  • the zodiac signs of the end times events

  • think about it

  • thomas paine jefferson

  • thou shalt not

  • three stages of soul

  • tommy said intelligent design in school today

  • to the highest bidder part 2

  • to the unknown god

  • two kinds of religions

  • two thousand years later the passion of the christ

  • two witnesses to testify in jerusalem against europe

  • t e n interview with god

  • u n resolution 181 blueprint of the beast

  • viewing the journey as the reward in sports and spirituality

  • walking in dark places

  • we are made to resist

  • what are angels

  • what is islam part 2

  • what is islam part 4

  • what is the spiritual path

  • what is truth

  • what kingdom builders know

  • what that 70s show taught me about christianity

  • when a good man becomes a god man

  • when compassion leaves

  • where have all the disciples gone

  • where to start

  • who made god

  • why hinduism is terrorism

  • why i dont speak in tongues part ii

  • why muslims are losing ground

  • why the extremes

  • winners and losers

  • witchcraft christianity

  • womens place in islam

  • works works or works

  • your endless journey to more abundant life

  • zimbabwe land of tears

  • zombies of the christian reich